morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Paul C Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 22.0

Got out around 7:15, ready for a 3 mile climb. 5 minutes out of camp I had to cross a small stream. 4 flat good size rocks were available for use, one step, two step, splash, jump! The third rock flipped on me and that boot hit the bottom about 10-12 inches deep. Not the best way to start a 22 mile hike with one totally soaked boot.I met over 20 trail maintenance people today. So many questions. I ate lunch with several at the first shelter. They gave me eggs, doritoes, and a cheese and pepperoni sandwich. Sweet! But I stayed too long talking, still had 16 miles to go.After another 4 miles, I met 3 guys waiting for a friend. We talked a bit and then I moved on. 6 miles later I met up with them again. They were helping their friend slack pack.This was a long Day, luckily the terrain got easier the last 5 miles. Not much elevation change today, after the first 3 miles, but it was very rocky which is hard on the feet. I got to a major stream before the shelter, I couldn't see a safe way to cross, so off with the boots and on with the crocs. The current was very strong and almost knock me over when I was in about 2 feet of water.I finally dragged my tired butt to the shelter, only to find those 3 guys that I had met earlier. They offered to give me a ride to Waynesboro in the morning since their car was parked at Rockfish Gap. SWEET!
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 5.0

We all woke up early. I had visions of pancakes dancing in my head. At the gap was trail magic in the form of poptarts. Couldn't help but eat a pack. The guys arrived and gave me a ride to Weasies. A very busy small town restaurant. They had wonderful breakfast specials - 2 huge blueberry pancakes, eggs and 4 sausage links. So Good!Then I headed to the YMCA to find that they don't open until 1pm. Went back to the park for a nap on the grass like a homeless person. Met Screaming Steven and Spiderman on the way. At 1pm, I took a shower and weighed myself at the YMCA. Horror! I have lost 22 pounds. I am down to 158. Yikes! What to do?? -- All you can eat Chinese Buffet of course to stuff myself silly.   The Ming Garden Buffet was so good. Best buffet ever. Did I mention coconut shrimp!!! I was so full I didn't know what to do. Couldn't sit, lay down, or walk, so I did all three. I've never been so full.After 30 minutes or so, I slowly walked half a mile to McDonald's to wait for my wife. She is going to meet me here and then we will drive to Massanutten to stay the week to celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I had to spend about 3 hours at McDonalds so I eventually got hungry again and ate some hamburgers.I was so happy to see my wife, but she thought I was a homeless vagrant. Luckily we had a short drive to the resort. Love that women of mine!
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Massanutten

To: Turk Gap
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I slack packed southbound today. My wife is helping me get some miles in this week. I wore my new Keen Targhee II boots to get them broke in before I hit the trail with my full pack. Same boots I had for the first 1000 miles. They fit like a glove.I passed about 13 people today, most were just out for a few days. I was surprised to see Whiskey Bill, Chamomile and Coley hiking together. They all left the trail at different times and places, but somehow came back together. I gave them all the mini snickers I was carrying to hand out to thru hikers.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Doyles River Overlook

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 20.4

Got started early around 7:30. Planned for a 20 mile day. Walking along I noticed a huge pile of what looked like bear crap. I'm thinking to myself there must be a really big bear around here. I pass a large fallen tree to find the bear. Oh Crap! The bear was within touching distance of me, just sitting behind a dead tree. He is almost my height while sitting (I'm 6 feet tall). I look at him and he looks at me, and all I can think to do is start walking slowly past him. I don't look back until I've gone about 20 yards away, but I'm listening to hear if he's following me. No sign of him. I am going to live! I really don't know if it was a male or female. I'm just glad there weren't any cubs around.I saw another bear an hour later, but this one was at a comfortable distance.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Massanutten

To: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

I said goodbye to my sweet, sweet wife. I sure will miss her. My pack with 5 days of food felt too heavy for the first 2 miles. It got somewhat easier after that. I did see another bear on the way to the shelter for lunch.After lunch it got crazy. It was like Disneyland. So many people because it was Memorial day weekend. Staying at a full shelter tonight. Several hikers I met recently showed up like Oops, Pryo, and Zachsquatch. The water source is very far away with several turns. I almost turned back to the shelter.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Byrds Nest #3 Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Started early at 7am. My pack no longer felt heavy. I was able to see four bears today. One right at camp. The Repel permethrin really works. I watched a tick climb on my boot about 2 inches, then spasmed and died. SWEET! All the hikers in the shelter from last night hung out at the wayside (Park restaurant in the Shenandoah). I got a cheeseburger, 2 beers, and a set of small donuts. The beers were only $1.15 each! The last 6 miles to the shelter were a little tough. I setup my tent about 20 feet directly below the shelter. While I was cooking at the shelter a hiker yells that there is a bear at my tent. He just poked his head inside my tent a few times, then left. He stuck around the camping areas all evening. This should be interesting. He apparently didn't smell anything good, because he walked away from my tent. I didn't sleep with earplugs tonight. I wanted to be able to hear him if he came back.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Got going early today, around 6:30am. It started out hot and just got hotter. I saw 3 bears today. This is my last night in the Shenandoahs. Later I saw a mother bear with a cub. Three young day hikers were waiting for the mama to move off the trail. I didn't see the cub at first so I just banged my poles together and asked her to move. She did move about 20 yards off the trail. Then I saw the cub as I walked past. Not my brightest move.The final part of the day was 2.5 miles uphill, very tiring. i got to the shelter partially wet. Three older hikers are staying with me at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

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

Had a large oatmeal breakfast and got out around 7am. I was dragging all morning. Pack felt heavy and uphills very hard. Took an extra long lunch with coffee and felt much better afterwards. But then the thunderstorms started up. It was so hot and humid, I just walked in the pouring rain without my rain gear on. It rained on and off until I got to the shelter.It didn't rain at all after that. Pretty full shelter with many tenters. No thru-hikers except for me. I plan a big 21 mile day tomorrow. We will see.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: moderate rain

The day started out with a light rain all morning. I was getting a little wet. I keep getting a shooting pain in my right thigh. Around noon it started to pour down. All my clothes, except my sleeping clothes, are now wet, so I decide to stay at Bears Den Hostel. Only a 10 mile day, but after three 18 mile days, I'm fine with it.Fantastic hostel with $6 Tombstone Pizza and 50c cokes. And the best part is all you can eat pancakes in the morning. Delicious!
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

I headed out late around 8:30 after eating 3 large pancakes. It was raining even though it was only a 10% chance of rain today. I was going to do a 12 mile day and end up at the David Lesser Shelter, but when I got there, I met Joe & 50/50. They told me about a store with a deli that was only 3 more miles away. 50/50 offered to buy me a belated birthday dinner. They didn't have to twist my arm, I was in! Oh Yeah!It was a pretty easy 3 miles, except for the death defying road walk. Ugh! The cars like to come too close to the hikers, I wonder if it is on purpose?Got a nice chicken sandwich and fries. Joe offered to buy beer, so we each got a 25oz Fosters to drink later at the campsite. Another 2 miles and we were at the campsite, where Cornwall and Cowboy were already set up. We stuffed our tents into the area, since they already had a fire going. Drinking the Fosters was pretty nice after a fairly long day.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Campsite

To: Gathland State Park
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

50/50 and I made breakfast and headed out early. No one else had even gotten up yet. This was town day!! It was an easy walk to the ATC Center at Harper's Ferry. Got there before they opened at 9am. I got my resupply box and then came back for the Midway picture. This is the psychological half way point, so it's a big deal. They had a great hiker lodge with snacks and free coffee. Spiderman and Fritz were there. Fritz has a stress fracture and is now off the trail. He is from Germany and was hiling with Pyro. I said goodbye to 50/50, but expect to see him in the future. He ruptured a tendon last year and had to quit at Front Royal. He started from there this year and we walk about the same speed for now.After packing up my resupply box in the lounge, Oops showed up with gatorade and donuts. Thanks Oops!! I left town to stay at the hostel in Maryland, but missed the shortcut and decided to just push on.Only 2 mistakes today. Forgot to get a new fuel canister and a crew cut. Oh well, maybe at the next town. I saw a weird little green snake today. Don't have any idea what it could be. Also saw a weird Asian man singing Opera and walking on the trail barefoot. Strange! When I get to the state park there was trail magic. A couple had snacks and drinks. Sweet!Oh by the way, I was the 325th thru-hiker to sign in at Harper's Ferry. Spiderman and I stealth camped in the state park, I am becoming an outlaw.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Gathland State Park

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: clear sky

I woke up really early, before 5am. It was already starting to get light outside. Tried to go back to sleep, but couldn't. Then watched a tick climb on my tent and decided to pack up. My tent was soaked from the morning dew, so I hung it over a picnic table when I ate breakfast. Didn't actually leave camp until after 7am. Slow start, since I woke up so early.Easy day for the most part. Lots of people out day hiking. Stopped by a restaurant since it was only .1 mile from the trail. Wasn't hungry enough to spend $18 for brunch, so I moved on. Ouch!Met a 73 year old man near the end of the day. He had 2 walking crutches and was going up the steepest climb of the day. He does this 4 times a week because his left leg was paralyzed from an accident. Each time he climbs he tries to beat the previous time's record. He will probably live to be 100 or more!I was alone tonight. The campsite has a nice fire pit and a Privy. But the tent sites are not very level. I'll be sliding downward all night. No sign of Spiderman all day. Hope he wasn't arrested for illegal camping. He was still sleeping when I left this morning.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Falls Creek Campsite
Miles today: 14.9

Spiderman set up his tent sometime after I went to bed. I was gone again before he woke up. Passed a 3 foot black snake on the trail today. Passed through some very rocky terrain today. Decided to go into Smithsburg, MD to get some camp fuel and lunch. Only had to wait about 15 minutes for a nice older man to pick me up in his truck. He even let me ride inside. He brought me right to ACE Hardware and showed me where a subway was. He even offered to drive me back to the trail if I was walking on the road when he was ready to head back. But that wasn't necessary. As I was passing a gas station, a couple asked me if I needed a ride back to the trail. Sweet! It so much nicer going to town when you don't have to walk there and back. It's even better when you can eat your dinner on a picnic table at your campsite.I'm in Pennsylvania now!!!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Falls Creek Campsite

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in a little this morning, but still got out by 7:15. I was joined last night by Studabaker, Young Gandolf, Cowboy and Cornwall. The last 2 guys just finished the 4 state challenge (VA, WV, MD, PA)of 43 miles in a 24 hour period. They started at midnight and finished at 7pm. They were exhausted.The creek by this campsite has poisoned water. The sign says to not even wash your hands with it. The town accidentally dumped some bad stuff into it The terrain is still pretty level and it's not very rocky. I'm planning another short day tomorrow, since my resupply box won't be at the hostel until Thursday.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was all alone last night at Rocky Mountain Shelters. They had two small shelters there, but no one came by. Another easy day with only a few rock scrambles. Came across my first turtle today.Spiderman finally caught up to me tonight, but he decided to push on. He had been invited to climb rocks for the last 2 days. I'm in a big shelter tonight with Branden, who is only out for the week and Black Panther a thru-hiker. I just met them both tonight. Also met Mobius, who moved on. It rained all night from the moment I went to sleep until just before daylight.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Iron Master Mansion
Miles today: 9.9

A very easy walk today. Not very muddy even with all the rain last night. I passed the 2013 and 2014 halfway points. It kind of depressed me since it seems like I've walked farther. The idea of having to walk that much farther is daunting. At least I've walked more miles per day now. I averaged around 12 per day in the beginning. I expect an average of 15 per day for the second half. We will see.I got to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park around 11am. I was able to get a hamburger sub, and a sausage dog. Several hikers are hanging out here at the general store. A nice couple came by and offered us a hikers feast. Sweet! They even gave me a crew cut.The Ironmaster's Mansion is very nice. Almost a bed & Breakfast, except for sleeping in a bunk room. Definitely a 5 star hostel!They have an A.T. museum here. Its pretty cool.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Iron Master Mansion

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept great in their soft bunk. Breakfast was 2 eggs, OJ, coffee, and Grape Nut Cereal. The couple that run this place are super nice people. Got out around 7:20am. I passed Studabaker and Young Gandolf laying around their campsite around 9am.Later in the day I passed several women out for a day hike. They said Flapjack would have trail magic. Two days in a row for hotdogs. he had jalapeno hot dogs which were great! Also lots of donuts since it was national donut day.It was a fairly easy day. Had to go through what they described as rock mazes. Pretty tough, but it was something different and not very long. I'm camping near the shelter tonight. Rouge and Trillium just passed by. They also stayed at the mansion last night. In the last 3 hours over 20 hikers have come through, most are going to the shelter. So I'm glad I tented here, it must be crazy up there.Today is my third month out here in the woods! I'm feeling I want to git-r-done and get home to my wife.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

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

Woke up a little after 5am, too early so I tried to sleep some more. Woke up again around 6am so I got up. Dragging today, didn't get out of camp until 7:30. Easy walk to Boiling Springs. They has a founders day Arts & Crafts festival going on. Tons of people. I was going to eat breakfast at the cafe, but the line was way too long. Settled for a muffin at the gas station, then I left this mad house.A lot of pasture walks today. Easy walking but I'm having a problem with my left arch. Lots of people at the shelter tonight. I only knew Trillium and Rouge, everyone else is new to me.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up before 6 and started hiking by 7am. I was the first one out so I was on web clearing duty - with my face. Ugh! Everyone except Rouge & Trilium passed me before making it to Duncannon. I stopped and ordered a large pizza in town. Ate all but two pieces, which I saved for the shelter.The last 4 miles up to the shelter were very hard. I ran out of water half way up, about 2 miles. So happy to down a liter of water as soon as I got to the spring.I know I'm in Pennsylvania now. The rocks on the trail have begun. No worse than some sections of Maryland or Virginia, but they went on for longer periods. My feet are sore tonight. I'm alone in the shelter tonight. Two girls, Lions an Tatiana decided to tent. It is raining on and off right now. Glad I'm in the shelter. Nothing worse than packing up a wet tent in the morning.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Campsite - near Stony Mtn
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained all night. Very damp with 99% humidity. I got a late start at 7:30. There are a bunch of rocks in PA, but so far they are not as bad as I imagined. I could see how they would tear up trail running shoes. But my Keen boots are holding up pretty good. Did a terrific split today, Back foot stuck between two rocks, while my front foot slipped on a flat rock off the edge. Ouch! I'm no Jean-Claude Van Damme. Luckily I didn't hurt anything, but it did take me a minute to get free and situated!I ran across a 4 foot feisty black snake. He didn't move, so I helped him along a bit. He didn't like being rushed, and struck at my pole several times before finally moving on. He rattled his tail like a rattlesnake, but he didn't have a rattle at the end of his tail. Weird.I was going to camp after getting water from a spring but the water was orange. Not a good sign, I don't care how good your water filter is, it ain't going to fix orange water. Moved on about another mile and found a better spring and a nice little one person campsite.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Campsite - near Stony Mtn

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0

It rained hard all night. So hard that when it hit the water puddles around my tent it splashed into my tent. It got a lot of my things wet. My tent was a wet muddy mess. Ugh! I hiked out early and just .1 mile farther was a perfect pine tree covered campsite. Darn, if only I had know that last night.I ate breakfast at another campsite, since mine was a muddy mess. I saw 21 orange salamanders today. Usually I only see one per day. The trail was a muddy mess with rivers crossings just to change things up.I was feeling good going on 16 miles, when I took a wrong path twice using 2013 instructions. I found the original plan took me over a closed bridge. Duh! Went back to where I saw a white blaze and tried again. About 20 feet up on a pillar supporting I-81, was a sign with directions for the AT. Ugh!. Really, they had to put the darn sign 20 feet high! I had to climb a rocky embankment. Two miles of wasted walking back and forth. A lot of cuss words were used to express my frustration!I found a nice campsite, but I only had enough water left for dinner. In the morning I will have to walk to the next shelter in order to get water and cook my breakfast.As I was putting the rainfly on my tent before bed, I found hundreds of baby spiders crawling outside the opening of my tent. Yikes. I tried knocking them away with a seat cushion. But I was a little creeped out and hoped they would stay outside.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up to a thunderstorm at 5am. Decided to stay in my tent until it stopped raining. It finally stopped around 7am. As I was packing up my wet tent, I found another hundred or so baby spiders at the bottom of my tent again. I was able to knock most of them off, but there was no way to get them all. I felt like spiders were crawling on me all day.I only hiked 8 miles. I caught a ride with Ron who was helping his wife slack pack. Got my resupply box in Pine Grove and more bug spray! But could not find a place that sold fuel for my stove. I don't think I have more than 3 days of fuel left. Hopefully I can get some in another town in the next few days.While I was washing my clothes I went and ordered a small stromboli. Yes, I ordered a small, but it was huge! I don't think I am losing any more weight, but I don't know for sure.I'm staying at an enclosed shelter with doors and bunkbeds. Only Joehawk and I were settled in around 6pm, but 6 more showed up later. There was plenty of room for more.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

It was hard to leave the 501 Shelter and hike in the fog and drizzle. It was foggy all day long. Made it to the shelter at 4pm. It started to pour down rain around 5pm. The shelter soon filled up with soggy hikers. It poured down hard all night.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

So wet today. Started off with a mile walk in a flooded trail. Got to Port Clinton and ran into Ron again. He was waiting for his wife Jersey girl. he gave me a ride into Hamburg to get some stove fuel. He also took Puddn and Flounder to a hotel. After getting back to the trail, a thunderstorm came through and I got soaked. It was a long hard 15 miles today. So glad to stay in a dry shelter.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out early by 7:15 before the others even woke up. The first 4 miles were uphill and rocky, then 5 miles of easy walking. Ran into Ron again. He gave me a pepsi, apples, and kit kats. Then 7 more miles to the shelter. The first 2 were up, up, up and the last 4 were very rocky.A boy scout troop was camping nearby. One of the leaders brought by some turkey and stuffing, pepperoni and cheese. Lots of trail magic today. It's very cool tonight. Suppose to get down below 50.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Jail House Hostel, Palmerton PA
Miles today: 17.7

Got out early again around 7:15 to a bright dry day, Yeah! Many rocks today, with a few nice paths thrown in. Got trail magic in the form of a bin. Inside were lots of treats like: poptarts, donuts, figs, sardines, bread, and crackers. I passed on the cans of sardines. Later I met Jim and Marcy. They were out for a day hike. When we parted after talking for a while they said they should be at the road around 6pm and would take me into Palmerton. Almost perfect timing, as I was about to try and hitchhike when they drove by. So nice of them to help me out. Finally got a shower and washed my clothes at a really inexpensive laundry. Didn't get town food, since I have a lot of extra trail food. Looks like 5 people here, but I only have seen 4.They call it the Jail House hostel because it is the former town jail, below City Hall,and has been converted into a hostel for Appalachian Trail thru-hikers. They lock the doors at night, but said that we could prop it open if we needed to leave.