morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Porters Field Campsite

To: Devils Backbone Brewery
Miles today: 21.0

Day 59. The Priest and Three Ridges were on the menu for today. Another hot one with those pesky flies. Fortunately the flies were not at lower elevations. This was good because we found a perfect spot to swim and eat lunch at the Tye River. Spent an hour and a half there swimming and eating and enjoying the beautiful day. Sysifus mentioned the Devils Backbone Brewery in the guide allows backpackers to camp on their grounds. Grasshopper and I look at each other....plans instantly changed....how could you pass up an opportunity for a cheeseburger and beer at a brew pub and then camp there? This would add 2 miles to the hike, but real food and beer! So "The Priest" was real rocky and had a long descent. At The Priest Shelter people confess their sins in the shelter journal. Pretty funny entries. Three Ridges was harder. A lot of rocky sections and a big climb with 2200 ft elevation gain. The thought of food and beer motivated me. Made it to Reeds Gap and hitched a ride for the 5 miles to Devils Backbone Brewery. Thank you to the Menonite Home Repair folks that gave us a ride. The manager at DB Brewery was awesome! He treated us like royalty, got us food, showed us where to camp and was a great host. It started to rain just as we ordered food. It soon stopped and after our fill we camped on the back porch of one of the buildings at the brewery. What an awesome finish to a hot 21 mile day!
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Devils Backbone Brewery

To: Waynesboro, Va
Miles today: 19.2

Day 60. Slept great on the porch of the brewery. Hitched back to the trail and got a ride from a local man who was going to an auction. Thank you Sir! Both hitches were quick on this road. Easier trail was ahead of us today. No big climbs, but still rocky in many parts. Made quick work of the 19.2 miles to Rockfish Gap where we hitched a ride into Waynesboro. Staying the night and zeroing ma±ana. While hiking today I met two guys who recommended eating at the Green Leaf Grill in Waynesboro. Sounded good, so Grasshopper and I went there for dinner. Real nice place and packed with people. Graduation weekend. We sat at the bar and ate there. When I asked for the tab, the bartender told me it had been taken care of by the couple sitting next to us at the bar. These most awesome Trail Angels just paid for Grasshopper's and my dinner and drinks! Wow! Thank you folks for making my day so awesome! That was extremely generous of y'all. What an end to a great day!
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Waynesboro, Va

To: waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 61. Zero day. Hung around Waynesboro and did laundry, showered, shopped and ate. Went to the outfitter and picked up a mail drop and bought a couple of items. I have over 850 miles on my Brooks Cascadias so I got a new pair along with green Superfeet. I called the outfitter in advance to see if they had Brooks, but they didn't so I ordered a pair online and had them shipped to me. They held up surprisingly well and still looked good, but I could tell they needed to be replaced. Also had to replace the 64oz Sawyer Squeeze bag as it started to leak by the spout. Replaced it with a platypus 2 liter bag. Picked up some Deet for the bugs. In addition, I mailed home a lot of winter clothing items and charger power pack so my backpack is a bit lighter now. Nice! It was hot today and instead of hiking it was the Chinese Buffet for me.
Date: 2014-05-12
From: waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hur
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 62. Today we entered the Shenandoahs. You fill out a free permit upon entry at a little kiosk in the woods and affix it to your pack. Hiked 20.5 miles to Blackrock Hut shelter. Nice hiking until about mile 14 when the rain, thunder and lightning struck. Of course we were up on a ridge so I forged ahead hoping the trail would descend. It finally did, but it was scary hiking up there for a while. The wind was blowing the trees all around and I hoped none would fall. The rain soon stopped. Earlier in the day Grasshopper asked if I had just seen a bear. I say no and he said it was just up a different trail at an intersection I passed. I was in front of him by about 25 yards, but the bear must have been just off the trail when I came by. Missed it! Lots of folks at the shelter including Twizzler, Shakespeare, The Machine, Dinosaur, Short Stop, Gram Cracker and others. The shelter log says there is a big rat living here. I didn't plan on hiking 20 miles today, so an easy day tomorrow. The trail here traverses Skyline Drive quite often. Skyline replaces the Blue Ridge Pkwy at Waynesboro exit. At one spot where the trail crossed Skyline, Cheese It and Ramen Shaman pulled up in a car with a cooler of Cokes, water and other goodies. Thanks you guys!
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Blackrock Hur

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 63. So last night in the shelter a huge mouse/rat mutant came out of its nest and ran across Shakespeare. He freaked and left the shelter to tent. Well everyone got a good look at the beast and soon everyone left the shelter to tent except Grasshopper and I. It was hilarious watching 7 people freak out and runout of the shelter. It was about the size of a Guinea Pig. I slept fine with plenty of elbow room. It was hot today and I was sweating after the first climb. The trail goes right by the Loft Mountain Campground and store. Cold drinks and some chips tasted real good! Later the trail passes a "wayside" where a cheeseburger and sweet potato fries and cold drinks were demolished. Hiked 13.2 miles today and staying in the Pinefield Hut. They call the shelters " huts" in the Shenandoahs. A little thunder, but no rain so far tonight. The biting flies are still a pain.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hur
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 64. BEAR! 1st one....whooo Hooo! I had just caught up to Princess, Rocketman and Ranger when I saw movement to the left. Medium sized bear and hung around a little. It was on the backside of Baldface Mountain about mile 909. Also broke 900 miles today. Hiked with Grasshopper until Elkton where he got off trail to attend Trail Days in Damascus, Va. Trails days is basically Hiker Mardi Gras with a bit of trade show. I hope to see him up the trail. Pretty cool hiking today at lower elevations where it was basically in a cloud. Cool air, slight mist, trees dripping and foggy. Perfect for hiking. Higher elevations it was above the clouds and it was sunny, hot and humid. Got to go through several of these valleys. Hiked 20.6 miles today to Bearfence Mountain Hut. A lot of people saw snakes and bears today. Saw an Eagle, grouse, deer and a BEAR!
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Bearfence Mountain Hur

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

Day 65. People in the shelter got up while it was still dark outside. Everyone else got up soon after. It's going to rain later. Cloudy, cool and very windy. I heard several loud crashes of trees and branches coming down throughout the day. It's hard to look up and not trip. Nice trail to start the day, but it got progressively rockier as the day wore on. Passed a campground with soda machine, but I didn't have small bills or change. Bummer! Ended up passing Skyland Restaurant so had a cheeseburger, fries and a couple of beers. Score! So I almost beat the rain, but just as I was 2 miles from Byrds Nest #3 Hut the rain, thunder and distant lightening hit. Where was I? Going over a 3700 ft peak called The Pinnacle. Yeah...not a good spot. I did some backpack running today. Made it to the shelter and am the only one here right now. Several bailed to the Skyland Resort. In dry clothes and about to make salmon and spaghetti.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Luray, Va
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 66. One heck of a storm last night! Made it into Luray and their stream was flowing hard. The wind was blowing rain into the shelter. Luckily this shelter has a large foyer between the overhang and sleeping platform. Still got a little spray every now and then. Hitched a ride and a regular Trail Angel, Mystery Lady, picked me up and dropped me off at Appalachian Outdoors Adventure. She had just dropped off a hiker here from Waynesboro. I picked up my summer sleeping bag that my wife sent. Got a breakfast burrito at Uncle Bucks so now I feel better. Resupply and laundry are next. Post office to send home winter bag after that. In the shelter last night were Santa, Fresh, The Priest and I. The Priest is hiking the AT and then going to seminary in NY. Luray, Va is a good town to stop at. The Appalachian Outdoors Adventures were wonderful! It fit perfectly into my gear and food resupply.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Luray, Va

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 67. The shelters and water sources don't line up in this section to do much more than 14.3 miles today, so that's what I did. Staying at Gravel Springs Hut with Princess, Ranger and Rocketman. Saw my second bear today and it was a tiny little cub. I was walking down the trail and all of a sudden there it is about 10 ft away. I didn't wait around for Mama and hightailed it outta there. Luckily the cub kept silent. Full shelter and tent sites here as it was the weekend and the weather was nice and cool. Lots of section and weekend hikers mixed with the thru hikers.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Day 68. Beautiful day and relatively easy hiking made for a quick 18.6 miles to the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Hiked out of the Shenandoahs today. Got up early because of 3 people getting up before light again. Started hiking early because of it and the day went by quickly. The Machine, 3 guys from Jersey and a section hiker are here. Real nice shelter with cold shower, deck, covered pavilion over picnic table and a new privy. Trix, H2O, Senator and a couple of others also arrived. Took a cold shower and felt good after it. Gathered firewood and had a nice fire! Ahhh!
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 69. Saw a rabbit just past the shelter and saw a deer later in the day. Today's hike consisted of rolling hills and some muddy spots. The rains have made the springs and streams flow pretty high. Came through Sky Meadows State Park. It was beautiful! Just as the name suggests, it has beautiful meadows at the top of a hill about 1800 ft high. I received trail magic from Stretch's Dad. He was slack packing Stretch and friends and was at the road when I came up and I made a turkey and cheese sandwich and had a Coke. He gave me an apple to go! Thank you kind Sir! Hiked 18.4 miles to Rod Hollow Shelter. 6 Section Hikers and 4 Thru Hikers are here.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser
Miles today: 21.1

Day 70. Today's milestones...1000 MILES...Another state W.V.....Hiked over the "Roller Coaster". The Roller Coaster is mountains in a row in which you go up and then down one after another all day long. They are very rocky too which hurts your feet. Saw a black snake and he was moving pretty fast. Stopped at Bears Den Hostel for a soda and ate my lunch there. Nice place! Hiked 21.1 miles to David Lesser Shelter. Tough day as it was a little warm and humid. It was 1/4 mile downhill to water here and worse...1/4 mile back up carrying water!
Date: 2014-05-21
From: David Lesser

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 71. Made quick work of the 9.3 miles into Harpers Ferry, WV. Logged in as thru hiker #180 at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Ate pizza and went downtown where I ran into Stretch, Gandalf, The Machine, Pint Size, Survivorman, Princess, Rocketman and Ranger. This town is considered the "psychological" halfway point. While hiking today there were Lots of inchworm caterpillars chewing the leaves and their droppings covered the forest floor. It sounded like it was raining, but it was their droppings. They were also hanging from their silk rappel lines into the trail causing you to wipe your face often. Cloudy day today. Picked up my food drop sent by my wife. Thank you Honey!
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 72. Went by the Firehouse on my way out of Harpers Ferry and crossed the Potomac into my 6th state...Maryland. The trail follows the C&O Canal Towpath for a while before climbing up out of the valley. You never know what you will see out here. I rounded a corner and there by the trail was a Goat. Just a normal bearded goat in the middle of the woods. He wasn't afraid either. Made it 15.4 miles to the Rocky Run Shelter. Nice day until 2 miles before the shelter we had a thunderstorm. I put on my packcover and broke the shock cord. When I got to the shelter I snaked a zip tie through the channel on the cover with the shock cord taped to it and fixed it. Elusive, Survivorman and a few section hikers are here.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Falls Creek Campsite
Miles today: 26.1

Day 73. Sitting by a brook where I'm tenting tonight. Looks great and I planned to get water here, but a sign posted by the foot bridge says there was a recent waste water spill. I'll make due with what I have until the next source. Hiked 26.1 miles today. The terrain was somewhat rocky, but not too difficult. I went to the Washington Monument, 1st one in Maryland, and I was the only one there. Perfect hiking weather today! Sunny, dry and cool. Saw Annapolis Rocks, Black Rocks and Raven Rock. The trail goes through Pen Mar County park and I was able to have a pizza and two liter of Sprite delivered there right at 6:00. Set up at a tent site at mile mark 1061.1. Oh, another state...I'm in Pennsylvania now. Or as some hikers call it, Rocksylvania! Crossed the Mason-Dixon Line just before the camp site.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Falls Creek Campsite

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 74. Food motivated me today as there will be an Italian restaurant near the trail. It was about mile 17 and I ate there and got a sub to go. I hiked about 3 more to Quarry Gap Shelters. This place was pristine as there is a shelter caretaker that really takes pride in his work. Stayed in the shelter with Gandalf. Pooh Bear, Five Star, Two Braids also here along with day and section hikers. Fairly easy terrain, but some rocky sections. Ate the sub for dinner and hit the sack. Nice with a bubbling spring nearby.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry Shelter Campsites
Miles today: 25.5

Day 75. HALFWAY through! Broke through the halfway point today. There is a little country store at Pine Grove Furnace State Park where thru hikers celebrate the halfway mark by eating a half gallon of ice cream. I didn't participate. I did drink about a half gallon of cold drinks and had a cheeseburger and sub sandwich to boot. The Appalachian Trail Museum was right next door. Very cool place! The hiking wasn't too difficult today, but it was hotter than the last few days. Some rocky sections and a lot of day hikers, weekend hikers and a couple of Boy Scout troops. One adult leader gave us donuts at a road crossing where they were dropping off the Scouts. Hiked 25.5 miles today and am tenting by a stream near James Fry Shelter, which is more than .2 E! Trademark got to go to a Bluegrass Festival along with several other hikers. His buddy drove down from NYC and picked him up at the road crossing.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: James Fry Shelter Campsites

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 76. Hiked 12 miles to Boiling Springs and another Italian Restaurant. Chicken Parm sub and chicken tenders and a Pepsi. Now to hike another 14 miles to Darlington Shelter. You can't camp in the Cumberland valley here, so big mile day. Wolf Tracks and Karen stopped by to chat at the outfitters, which was closed. Went into the ATC, filled water bottles and hit the trail. This section of trail was the easiest section so far. Rolling hills of farmland. The trail goes through corn, wheat and other crop fields for what seems like miles. There is just a 10-15ft section of path meandering through the fields.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Day 77. Hiked 11.3 miles into Duncannon, Pa. And am staying at the Doyle Hotel. It was built in like 1905. Cool old building complete with bar and food. Room is perfect for hikers. Town chores to do. Lots of thru hikers here today. Met Dune, another from Austin, as well as Banter and G-walker last night at the shelter and again today at The Doyle. Stretch hiked off into the rain, Cheese-it and Ramen Shaman waited until the showers blew through and headed out! Cowgirl and Cooper came in late. Also here are Gandalf, Twizzler, Hyperbole and Sassafras.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Day 78. The trail starts by leaving Duncannon and crosses the Susquehanna River. As I was crossing the bridge over the river, two Peregrine Falcons started to dive bomb me. Obviously I was too close to a nest. It was pretty cool watching them up close. Trail magic from Ron and Priscilla Jersy Girl. Pepsi and a ginger ale at a road crossing which was perfect timing as I was breaking for lunch. I left town a little late today and only hiked 11 miles to Peters Mountain Shelter. Lots of folks here. Trail up and out of Duncannon was steep and rocky and wet. It stormed last night and rained this morning. The bugs are out too.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 79. The trail was wet today, but it didn't rain too hard, just a little drizzle from time to time. Hiked 18 miles to Rausch Gap Shelter where I met three folks section hiking. One guy is in Command College, he just promoted to col in the Army. Who came walking up, Napoleon! Hadn't seen him since Wise Shelter in Grayson Highlands H2O and Senator also came into camp. The hiking was relatively easy and I got into camp early.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 80. There is a long stretch of trail without water today. I had carried enough, but others ran out and were glad to see the spring by William Penn Shelter. Some rocky sections today, but overall good hiking conditions. A Gardner snake scared me as I hiked past him today! Also saw deer, lizards and butterflies. All day long I was thinking of pizza as you can have pizza delivered to the trail at 501 shelter. I ate a medium pie with meatball and also got a cold sub for tomorrow. Now with belly full, hiked another 5.6 miles to Hertline Campsite. Total today was 22.1 miles. Had a big fire at camp and two women from Pa hiked in box wine and joined Senator, H2O, Napoleon and I. They were dubbed Mint and Julep.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

Day 81. Saw a big snake that was rattling its tail at me today. I backed off and let it slither away into the rocks. Rattlesnakes are a good reason not to hike with headphones on! Had my sub for breakfast...mmm..sure beat Poptarts. Beautiful hiking today and made quick work of the 18 miles into Port Clinton. Once there a car comes by honking and pointing at me. Former thru-hiker, ZZ Topless, gets out and hands me a pizza, beer and soda. His girlfriend was with him. Gotta love the trail magic and it seems to come when you least expect it. Thank you guys! Napoleon, H2O and Senator were there also. We all ate and drank and ZZ Topless gave me a ride to Cabelas, where my friend Lori picked me up for a rest and zero day in Allentown! Lori cooked steaks on the grill and they were awesome! Day of rest and then back to the trail.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Port Clinton

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 83. Had a great time in Allentown! Went to car museum and caught a few songs played by a symphony in a park. Went to out to eat and just relaxed. Got dropped off bright and early back at Port Clinton. Thanks Lori and Julia! Hiked up with five days of food and a lot of rocky trail today. Put in 22.2 miles to the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. Ranger, Tech, Raven and Bogey were here. I miscalculated and have too much food as usual!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton - Jail House Hostel
Miles today: 18.0

Day 84. Started pretty early this morning and it was a hot and humid day. Pretty rocky, but long stretches without rocks and relatively level terrain made the 18 miles into Palmerton go by pretty quickly. I decided to stay at the Jail House Hostel due to it starting to rain just as I got to the road. The hostel is in the basement of an old building, Borough Hall and includes a shower. It was never actually used as a jail. It is free too! 7 of us are here. I hitched a ride into town and stayed pretty dry. Would have gone further, but the next shelter is 16 miles away and that would be 33.5 miles total...not gonna happen. Bear Bait, Raven, Twizzler, Kamikaze, CV and one other are here so far. All in all a good day.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Palmerton - Jail House Hostel

To: Wind Gap - Beer Stein
Miles today: 20.1

Day 85. Rocky trail today and hiked through a Superfund site. No water for a while on this stretch so carry enough and camel up. Saw two rattlesnakes today as well as a black snake. The terrain was fairly level after the big climb out of Palmerton. Sunny and nice today. Hiked 20.1 miles to the town of Wind Gap. Went to a restaurant called Beer Stein and ate with Twizzler, Raven, Kamikaze. I'm camping in a RV trailer behind the restaurant for 10 bucks. I saw rain in the forecast and sure enough it stormed last night and is still raining. Nice and dry in this trailer! Delaware Water Gap is my next stop and after that I'll enter my 8th state, NJ! Supposedly lots of bears in NJ. Pulled off about 50 wood ticks today! Everyone was getting covered in them in the tall grass going through the superfund site.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Wind Gap - Beer Stein

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6

Day 86. Started hiking late today after letting the rain stop. Hit the trail about 10:30A, but only had 15.6 miles to Delaware Water Gap. Just as I was approaching the town of DWG, Twizzler was on the trail pointing to a bear. My 3rd bear and he was pretty large. Watched him for a while and then headed into The Church of the Mountain Hostel. Very nice hostel that advertises free hot dog dinner on Thursdays. I picked up a mail drop of food my wife sent me at the Edge of Woods outfitter. Good outfitter and I got replacement carbide tips for my poles because one tip broke on the rocks. Went back to the hostel and dinner was served promptly at 6. Wow what a dinner!!! The church members were there and there was a ton of food. This was a potluck and there were hot dogs, but a lot more. By far the best meal on the trail so far and I ate a lot! There were about 12 hikers at the hostel. Entering NJ tomorrow.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: BrinkRoad Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 87. Good bye Rocksylvania, hello New Jersey! Crossed the Delaware River and hiked 24.8 miles to the Brink Road Shelter. Passed the 1300 mile mark today. Tech, Low Gear and Pacman are at the shelter. Made chicken teriyaki for dinner and now is time to relax. There are actually two shelters here. One old and a new one built last year. Nice site, but mosquitos are appearing. Very nice day for hiking and glad to be in another state. When crossing the Delaware River you walk across an Interstate Hwy bridge on a sidewalk right next to the road. When the trucks go by the bridge bounces pretty good, enough to make walking interesting because you are going up and down while walking and looking at the river below.