morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-15
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

Start: High Top Hut - 889.5End: Big Meadows Campground - 909.9The rain has finally stopped but our socks and boots are soaked. I have worn through the leather on both toes and have a split in the side of one boot. I have tried epoxy and duct tape but it does not last. Dry socks just get wet in about 10 minutes from the boots.We stopped @ the camp store @ Lewis Mtn for snacks and hot coffee @ lunch time. Then it was on to dinner @ the Big Meadows wayside where they called down to the campsite and asked the ranger to hold us a tent site. We were lucky to get one of the last few spots and were close to the showers and laundry. It was good to wash off the mud and have dry clothes and socks again. Unfortunately the site next to us had 3 guys who showed up late and drank and talked until 3:00 am.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Start: Big Meadows - 909.9End: Pass Mtn Hut - 928.7After a great breakfast @ Big Mtn Lodge we hit the trail. Buffalo Bobby and I seem to hike the same pace and are of like minds on when to rest and where to camp.I was able to hang my tent on a line during breakfast so everything is now finally dry. Even though the trail surface is excellent through the park there are still a number of steep climbs. It was very hot today with thunder in the afternoon but no rain. All the wayside restaurants in the park let us carry less food and lighter packs which is a real treat. We also had a fabulous lunch @ the Skyland wayside of turkey pot pie follwed by blackberry ice cream.
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Stealth Camped 
Miles today: 23.3

Start: Pass Mtn Hut - 928.7End: Stealth Camped - 948.0The trail was easier today with lunch @ the last of the waysides and the largest milk shake yet made by the grill man who does not normally make shakes. He handed it to me in a large soda cup and said "They will have my union card for this one."We wound up stealth camping with the water we had left in our packs when no one could find the spring that was listed in our books. We were lucky to find a spot after looking for a few miles. Spock joined us about dark after searching for a site as well.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Stealth Camped 

To: Front Royal Scottish Inn
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 75Start: Camp - 948.0End: Front Royal Scottish Inn - 955.2A short day in for rest and resupply. Water is becoming an issue on the trail with a lot of springs going dry in the heat wave that has gripped the area.The outfitters is closed on Monday so new boots will have to wait until tomorrow. Bobby and I met our friend Peter (I have named POSH) for dinner @ a little 50's style grille. The afternoon was taken up with chores and laundry.Mac made a return visit on his way back to Montana.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Front Royal Scottish Inn

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Start: Front Royal - 955.2End: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter - 960.4It was a short day after a late start trying to buy boots at the outfitters. With a limited selection, they had nothing my size. Mac gave us a ride to the trail head and we hiked with Peter to the shelter and stopped for a break since we had full packs after resupply. While there heavy thunder showers moved in and continued throughout the afternoon so we finally decided to stay there.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Start: Jim & Molly Denton - 960.4End: Rod Hollow Shelter - 978.7Ran into Mac at Ashby Gap while he was slack packing Buttercup and Shiver. We were planning lunch @ a BBQ place just off the trail but there was a notice that they had just moved 4 miles east. Mac played trail angel again and drove us out to lunch and back to the trail.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Rod Hollow Shelter - 978.7End: Bear Den Hostel - 988.6Today we stayed at one of the "jewels" of the AT. An old stone mansion owned by the PATC and run as a hostel. The hiker special is a bunk, hot showers, laundry, a large Tombstone pizza, a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, soda, and a pancake breakfast for $25. The hostel is run by "Queen Diva" who is also a trail minister and is being helped by "Snack Break," a thru-hiker who has stopped to helpout for a few weeks.We camped last night with a church group of boys and Pastor Scott from Indiana who are here tonight as well.I cooked the pancakes for everyone in the morning which was great. I miss being in a kitchen.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Blackburn Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Bear Den Hostel - 988.6End: Blackburn Center - 996.5A short day over the famous "Roller Coaster" - a series of short but very steep hills to stay at another "jewel" of the AT. "Hopeful", a former thru-hiker, and her husband are the hosts with their daughter, "Hikelet". Her husband was away so I helped prepare a spaghetti dinner for the hikers. Hopeful appreciated the help and asked if I would be interested in staying a few weeks to help out. A nice idea but I really miss my family and need to keep moving.Trail Boss (Chris) who maintains the Roller Coaster, his wife, and Junker, a ridge runner were there for a late dinner as well. I spent some more time in another great kitchen.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Blackburn Center

To: Harper's Ferry 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: clear sky

Start: Blackburn Center - 996.5End: Harper's Ferry 1009.1Woke up @ 5:30 am and hit the trail by 6:05 to get to the post office by noon. Once there I found they had lost one of my bounce boxes with food and camera battery charger.We hit town @ 11:15 and had our pictures taken at the ATC headquarters. I was hiker 374 to sign in out of the 1200 hikers that started. I got new boots from the outfitters and did a tour of the museums. Then back to Bear Den Hostel for dinner and a evening of folk music. We got a ride back with Pastor Scott and the boys in the church bus. What a great evening. Thanks Queen Diva and all.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: broken clouds

Start: Harper's Ferry - 1009.1End: Ed Garvey Shelter - 1015.5Day Miles: A late start after a great dinner last night @ the Bear's Den with the church groups. I got to cook pancakes for about 30 people and then we went to a Bapist Church service @ Queen Diva's church. Then we went out to lunch at an AYCE Chinese Buffet. A trail minister (Hopeful as well) picked up the check as trail magic for 6 of us thru-hikers. Thanks Hopeful and crew. Queen Diva let us use her car to get back to Harper's Ferry with Chuck Norris & Tigger, Little Thinker & Spider Girl, and Bobby & me. Hopeful and his friend followed us there and brought the car back.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 18.2

Start: Ed Garvey Shelter - 1015.5End: Annapolis Rocks - 1033.7Moved past Pine Knob Shelter since it seemed damp, dark, depressing, and rodent infested. Hiked up and stayed @ Annapolis Rocks. The tent sites were pretty unlevel but the place was empty so we stayed in a group site.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: PA16 - Diner
Miles today: 19.0

Start: Annapolis Rocks - 1033.7End: PA16 - DinerA long day and we were hungry and low on food so we hitched into a small town area and ate @ the diner. We asked the owner and he let us camp on the lawn in back. We picked up groceries @ the store and did laundry @ the laundrymat across the street. We were also able to get a great breakfast @ the diner in the morning and then hitch a ride back to the trail. It was extremely hot today and water was scarce. I got dehydrated during the day and started getting severe back and leg cramps.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: PA16 - Diner

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Start: PA16 Diner - 1052.7End: Caledonia State Park - 1068.4Another extremely hot day and water is hard to find. I just cannot drink enough. Still dehydrated and having severe cramping in the shoulders and back. Made it to Caledonia State Park and found a cooler of cold drinks by a road crossing just before the park. There was a note on the cooler saying it was provided by the Appalachian Trail Ministries (a church group from Illinois) and they were also providing free tent sites and food to thru-hikers. After stopping for a very expensive milkshake @ the park concession stand we made our way to the campsite. What a treat! Huge coolers of cold drinks, a huge dinner, ice cream for dessert and the best sausage & biscuits and grits for breakfast. The ATM and Pastor Scott (different then the Pastor Scott @ Bear's Den) and all of his group were just great. Thanks so much!!!!
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Iron Master's Hostel 
Miles today: 19.5

Start: Caledonia State Park - 1068.4End: Iron Master's Hostel - 1087.9Somewhat recovered after the great care by the ATM, we made our way to Pine Grove Furnace for the 1/2 gallon challenge just before a cold front moved in bringing thunder storms. The 1/2 gallon challenge is an attempt to eat a half gallon of ice cream to commemorate reaching the exact halfway point on our journey. I had not looked at the log book but started in on a 1/2 gallon of vanilla. When I finished in 24 minutes and 11 seconds, I was informed that I was the current season record holder. I am sure that is a record that will not stand long since I had not even rushed through that mere snack for a thru-hiker. I finished off with a 20 oz rootbeer just for the extra calories.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Iron Master's Hostel 

To: Alec Kennedy
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Iron Master's - 1087.9End: Alec Kennedy - 1103.4A day of rain but cooler weather. The rain ended mid-day and the trail was wide and well maintained so we did not get too wet. The new boots with no holes really helped keep the feet dry.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Alec Kennedy

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Start: Alec Kennedy Shelter - 1103.4End: Darlington Shelter - 1121.6Walked through Boiling Springs, PA today. A beautiful small town. Stopped at the AT office and weighed our packs, over 30 pounds with water, no surprise.Picked up snacks and ate ice cream outside the store with some locals. Several thru-hikers were in the store and a man came in with his young daughter. Kids are so honest. The girls blurted out, "Daddy, something in this store stinks!" The store owner was mortified so I explained to the girl that we were hiking and we were what smelled so bad.Went to the Post Office looking for my lost bounce box with camera charager and other stuff of value. No luck. I sent forwarding tags to every post office from Front Royal, where it was bounced, to Boiling Springs with my home address. I am done chasing it.We crossed the Cumberland Valley today which was just loaded with berries. We ate so many our hands turned a redish purple. I looked at Bobby and his chin was purple. It was a pretty level walk after entering the valley but the climb out was pretty good.The shelter is really nice with a privy the size of a small cottage. We are staging here for a short hike into Duncannon, PA and a stay @ the famous Doyle Hotel. The hotel was built by Anhieser Bush and has seen better days but it caters to thru-hikers with great food, cheap rooms, and 22 oz Yuenglings for $2.25. Spock is here tonight as well as a few other hikers.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Start: Darlington Shelter - 1121.6End: Doyle - 1132.9Arrived @ the Doyle @ noon. Had a hot shower and a great lunch. We did laundry and resupplied @ a market that sends a shuttle for hikers. Hung out with the other thru-hikers in between chores. We also caught up to Sven & Uff-da who have been here a few days. Sven has been sick and they think it may be Lyme disease. He is seeing a doctor in the morning.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Doyle

To: Clark's Creek 
Miles today: 19.3

Start: Doyle - 1132.9End: Clark's Creek - 1150.2Hauled a huge load of food out of Duncannon (12 lbs). I guess I over bought but we ran empty food bags for the last 10 days. A big climb out of town but my back held out until the last few miles. Bobby decided to try a short cut trail by following a trail along the river and then cutting up the power lines. I lent him my map so he could plot his way while I hiked the trail solo. Just after the last road crossing I ran into Peter who was slack packing south bound for the day. Someone had given him a cold beer and he does not drink but Bobby told him he would see me on the trail so he saved it.Bobby had gotten terribly lost as the alternate trail disappeared and he wound up bushwacking along the river until he came to a road. A district ranger happened by and gave him a ride up the mountain to the trailhead so he was ahead of me.It was a big day with a heavy load and we were glad to find a camp spot.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Clark's Creek 

To: Past Swatara Gap
Miles today: 18.8

Start: Clark's Creek - 1150.2End: Past Swatara Gap - 1169.0The trail was long and tedious and even though we made good time it seemed to take forever to get anywhere. Even though I was ready to quit for the day the Rausch Gap Shelter was very depressing and the spring was not even flowing. We decided to push on to the gap to camp. We had a hard time finding a place to camp and all the good areas were posted no camping. We finally pumped water from the creek and had to climb up the steep trail out of the gap to find a place to camp.We are in the doldrums. The weather is hot and it winds in and out of civilization but there are no stores or places to eat. Land is posted, views are scarce, and the terrian has its challenges. This part of the hike is the mental challenge. You need to keep focused. I have been hiking for around 3 months and there is still a long way to go. The infamous "Rocks" of PA lay ahead of us.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Past Swatara Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Start: Past Swatara Gap - 1169.0End: 501 Shelter - 1179.2Took a short day with rain coming into the 501 shelter which is a fully enclosed cabin. You can also phone in a pizza delivery but everything was closed for the 4th of July. There was trail magic on the trail when 2 people setup a "salad bar" near William Penn Shelter. Thanks Rick & Eric. There was more trail magic @ the shelter in the form of cold sodas on ice. Thanks "Step and a Half". The 501 shelter is nice on a cold rainy night. The rain came in about an hour after we arrived. Circadian came in late almost out of food. Bobby and I made donations from our food bags.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

Start: 50w Shelter - 1179.2End: Eagle Nest Shelter - 1194.33 months on the trail today. A heavy rain last night. It was like a machine gun on the tin roof and the lightening lit the shelter up through the big hexagonal skylight.We hit the trail in a heavy fog but the rain had stopped. The trail is still very rocky and they are slick from the rain.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Eagle Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: few clouds

Start: Eagle Nest Shelter - 1194.3End: Port Clinton - 1202.9A short day into Port Clinton for resupply @ Ye Old Backpacker which runs a free hostel and charges for shuttles to the grocery and laundry. I tried to rebend the backstay of my pack and it broke. The outfitter had promised he could make a replacement with the bar stock he had, but actually had nothing in stock. I tried buying copper tubing at the hardware store so I had something. The copper pipe looked good but bent under weight.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

Start: Port Clinton - 1209.9End: Eckville Shelter - 1218.1Mountain Squid drove us to Cabella's yesterday and met us for breakfast today @ the diner where the outfitter had dropped us off. He drove a load of hikers to the trail head. A lot more rocks today and then trail magic @ the shelter in the form of cold beer from Jason and then our host Mick. Thanks Guys.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Eckville Shelter

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

Start: Eckville Shelter 1218.1End: Bake Oven Shelter - 1235.5Another very hot day on really bad rocks. The springs are dry and water is hard to find. Thankfully trail angels are leaving gallons of spring water by the road crossings.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Bake Oven Shelter 

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 7.7

Start: Bake Oven Shelter - 1235.5End: Palmerton - 1243.2Short day into town for resupply, showers, etc. We stayed in a great hostel in the basement of town hall. A great dinner at Bert's (a great diner) with great milkshakes. Temperature hit 100 degrees in town.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Start: Palmerton - 1243.2End: Leroy Smith Shelter - 1259.0Hot day and very humid climbing out of Lehigh Gap. It was a steep climb and there is news that a hiker fell from the rocks last week and is in a coma. It was a long day along a treeless ridge which is a result of industrial pollution. All the springs but one are dry today.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Start: Leroy Smith Shelter - 1259.0End: Kirkridge Shelter - 1272.8Forgive me for whining. The rocks of PA are far worse than expected and the 90 degree plus days make me whine. But hey I am still having fun and living my dream.
Date: 2007-07-12
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: few clouds

Start: Kirkridge Shelter - 1272.8End: Delaware Water Gap - 1279.2A short day into the church hostel for a little R&R. We are now learning the rocks extend another 40 miles into New Jersey. I had a pack strap fail but Gregory is sending me a loaner pack to the wonderful folks @ Edge of the Woods Outfitters.
Date: 2007-07-13
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A Zero DayFriday the 13th. Go figure.Bobby's family has come to visit so I went into town on the shuttle run by the Pack Shack. These guys are NOT hiker friendly. The van left 30-40 minutes late. Then the driver refused to drop us @ the main shopping plaza and told us we had to walk the 3/4+ mile (each way) over the bridge. Then he had the audacity to ask if we wanted to tip now or later.Since we wound up having to wait for the shuttle, two of us decided to stop @ a little bar called Kay's near the laundry mat for a cold beer. I paid for my beer and never left my stool. When I went to pay for a second beer, I found my wallet was stolen with all my money and identification, license, credit cards, medical cards, my whole life. We called the police to file a report. The officer who came questioned a patron who had outstanding warrants. He searched the individual but no luck. Thank goodness my wife was home and was able to cancel everything and order new cards. Without my wife it could have been the end of my hike.
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Center
Miles today: 10.5

Start: Delaware Water Gap - 1279.2End: Mohican Center - 1289.7Got on the trail around 7:00 after a stressful day yesterday. It is already hot and the rocks seem worse than PA. Somewhere after Sun Fish Pond I slipped off a rock and either sprained or fractured my right foot. We are in the hardest part of the trip right now. There is not a lot of great scenery and the long days of trail that look just like the day before wears on you mentally. I cannot wait to get to New England.Bridlegs is camped with us tonight.
Date: 2007-07-15
From: Mohican Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Start: Mohican Center - 1289.7End: Brink Road Shelter - 1304.0High heat, bad rocks, and the foot is very painful. Water is still hard to find. Regardless of my complaints I would do this all again. The hardship quickly fades and the camaraderie and good memories last forever. There is something incredible to see every day on the trail. I need to start writing more during the day instead of waiting until I am feeling beat down @ night. I write in my book and then enter in batch into my pocketmail.I have been way behind so there are about 10 more days before you get to see the new, more upbeat me. So please hang in there or check back. A few notes of encouragement could really help.
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: broken clouds

Start: Brink Road Shelter - 1304.0End: High Point Shelter - 1323.6A long day. The rocks are supposed to end @ High Point so I had to push this far just to make sure. This was my lowest day on the trail. I have had thoughts of getting off when I cross the Hudson and reach the spot where I finished section hiking. At that point I will have hiked the entire AT but would still not have completed a thru-hike (end-to-end in a single season).I do not think my foot can handle another day of the rocks. Each step is agony but I must go on. The pain has worn me down and we arrived at the shelter close to dark. If it were not for my good friend and hiking partner, Buffalo Bobby, I am not sure I could have made it through the past few days.On a sad note we heard today that our friend Why-not has decided to quit and headed off the trail today. Spock from Texas came in right at dark and set up near us. There is a huge camp crowd in the shelter that is loud and somewhat rude. There is another camp group in tents that are very quiet and organized. What a contrast.
Date: 2007-07-17
From: High Point Shelter

To: Jim Murray Property & NJ 284 
Miles today: 8.1

Start: High Point Shelter - 1323.6End: Jim Murray Property & NJ 284 - 1331.7Today is my 25th wedding aniversary. My thoughts are with my wife who has supported and enabled me in this endeavor.We have indeed finally cleared the infamous rocks.When Buffalo Bobby and I stopped @ the secret shelter on the Jim Murray property our plan was to grab a shower and move on.When we arrived Jim was just driving Splendora, Snack Break, and Bird Legs into town. We dropped our packs and hitched a ride in for a second breakfast. Over bagels and coffee, the girls convinced us to stop for the day and recover. It was not too hard to sell us on the idea, since the shelter was so great and they were taking a zero there. We were both beat and the rest seemed like a great idea.While in town (Unionville, NY) we met the Mayor's sidekick, Butch, and he gave us a ride back to the shelter. He later made a pizza run for us and the Mayor joined us for cocktails @ the shelter and invited us to breakfast @ his house in the morning. Butch offered to pick us up for breakfast so we decided to hike an additional 2.8 miles tonight to complete the section of trail between here and the Mayor's house. It was dark by the time we finished.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Jim Murray Property & NJ 284 

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 10.8

Start: NJ 284 - 1331.7End: Vernon, NJ - 1342.5The day started with a fabulous breakfast at the Mayor's house and then a short hike today to the church hostel in Vernon, NJ for hot showers and resupply.This is a great hostel with a full professional kitchen. We made spaghetti and garlic bread for dinner and pancakes for breakfast.