morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Well today was different...We all got on the trail early (about 7:15) because 9 short miles from here is a swimming pool! We made it Caledonia State park in record time and spent all day at the pool...what a great change of pace. After eating and swimming all day, we hiked a couple more miles up to the shelter. This shelter is probably the nicest I have seen yet...with a food box, a covered breezeway, and even some tent pads!
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

These last few days I have really had a lot of energy and have really been enjoying hiking the trail. The weather has been good, the trail been nice...I'm just in a great mood about everything! I crossed the actual mileage half-way point today (1,088.1 miles)...nice to really be halfway done! Most consider Harpers Ferry the "emotional" half-way point, but to be actually half done is such a huge mental milestone.One of the AT traditions is to eat a half gallon of ice cream at the Pine Grove Furnace store. I never even considered even trying this crazy challenge, but I felt so good after 17 miles and have been enjoying being back on the trail that I thought, "what the hell?!". I talked Pacer into trying it with me, and another thru-hiker named Bird Bath joined us in too. Now, up until this point on the trail, I have not eaten more than a few scoops of ice cream at any one time...sort of pathetic really...but some how, some way, I dug deep and after 46 minutes I finished my half gallon! I couldn't believe it! The glory was short lived though, because my stomach was killing me the rest of the night...but I earned the wooden spoon!! Congrats to Pacer and Bird Bath who also joined the exclusive club.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

A record early start today...Pete and I were on the trail by 5:45...with Pacer shortly behind us. My stomach is still not happy about what I did to it yesterday...I crossed the old half-way point marker that a former thru-hiker put up a 1985. The actual mileage of the AT changes every year, but it is a cool monument for hikers to see. Me, Pete, Pacer and Chief all grabbed a nice lunch at a deli at about 10 in the morning, and then we pushed on into Boiling Springs. Upon arriving in the town, there was literally nothing open except a pizza place! I stayed at one of only 2 places to stay in this small town and really wish I had just walked right through this town! They charged us double what they had listed in the Companion and both Pete and I felt so unwelcome at this B&B...I think they just don't really care to put up hikers i guess. I can't wait to get out of here.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: US-11
Miles today: 8.5

Yes that mileage is right...but there is a reason! Despite the terrible experience in Boiling Springs, my attitude is still great. We have dropped down into the Cumberland Valley, a 16 mile stretch of really flat terrain through farmland. Pete and I ran into Amanda and Shauna and hiked with them for a bit...they are really nice and fun to hike with. So now to why we only hiked 8 miles. The original plan was to stop at US-11 and grab some lunch at a diner that was half a mile off the trail. On the way to the diner, we crossed a hotel that had a pool...and it was hot...and the US Open playoff was on TV today...and well...we ate lunch, and justified calling it a day. So I checked in to the hotel and watch the freakin' sweetest round of golf...yeh that's what we did!! I also cooled off in the pool too! That night Pete and I had a couple of beers and I schooled him at game of pool...and then he schooled me at Golden Tee...we are really roughing it!
Date: 2008-06-17
From: US-11

To: Duncannon, PA (The Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

I got a great start to the day with a huge breakfast at the diner and hit the trail by 6:15. A storm blew through last night and it is so cool today...almost chilly! IT IS AWESOME!! The high today is supposed to 75...crazy! Just before I finished the valley stretch there was a part of the trail that was through grass up to my shoulders...just imagining how many ticks are in this mess is scary!! After the long flat stretch, we climbed back up onto the ridge line for most of the day. I got my first glimpses of the Susquehanna River from Hawk Rock. Finally, I dropped down into Duncannon, PA and the Doyle Hotel. This place is another hiker tradition, and just a fun place to stay and hang out with other hikers and grab a few beers. The place was completely full and the bar was a happening place tonight. Forest Gimp has been here for like 3 days so it was cool to get to hang out with her before she jumps ahead! I also met a lot of new people here and had a blast hanging out in the bar and having some drinks with all the new hikers and some of the friends I haven't seen in a bit.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Duncannon, PA (The Doyle Hotel)

To: PA 325
Miles today: 17.9

So after having so much fun at the Doyle, Pete, Pacer and I decided a slack pack might be in order...so we did! Trail Angel Mary gave us a ride and we got to sign the top of her car...very cool to see all the hikers she has given rides to. We got dropped off about 18 miles north of Duncannon and hiked back south to the Doyle for one more night! The trail was pretty overgrown and rocky in parts which made the going a little slower than usual, but nothing too bad. I cruised back into town about 6 and grabbed some dinner and another beer and hit the sack pretty early tonight.
Date: 2008-06-19
From: PA 325

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

We got out of the Doyle kind of late, but had a nice relaxing morning. Saw Jackaroo, Recurve, and Mountain Mic as they cruised into town. The weather has been so cool that hiking is just a joy. Because today was a short one, it was relaxing hike. There are a bunch a people here at the shelter...the biggest group in a while...but lots of fun. I met Lotus, Thinker, Dee & J; and Chief, RJ, the Turtles, Creek Diver, Shelter Monkey, and Shauna are all here tonight! We came up with a trail name for Shawna today...Snake whisperer...hopefully she'll take to it! After dinner, in "tent city" we hung out and talked, laughed, and had a good 'ol time talking about what tomorrow may hold...being "hike naked day" and all.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

So thankfully no naked hikers today! The trail is starting to get rocky...which PA is known for. The rocks are really tearing up the shoes and the feet...but I knew it was coming! I saw some cool ruins in Rausch Gap from the old mining town that use to be in this area. However, to look around here, you have to stop walking before you look up or you'll trip and fall! I think I stubbed my toes 50 times today...not too much fun! I saw a couple of copperheads today and finally got a picture of one. The shelter is a nice fully enclosed shelter that you can have pizza delivered to...so you better believe we order lots of pizzas! The large group from last night all made it here and it was fun hanging out with everyone again. As nice as the shelter is, I think more people joined us in tenting than stayed in the shelter...mostly because the weather is still so nice.
Date: 2008-06-21
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

A long day into town...but not too bad. After about 9 miles of really rocky trail, we hit a Forest Service road and hikes the road for about 12 miles. I think the road was easier than the trail, but it was exposed to the hot sun and was pretty hot. We stopped at every tree and cooled off in the shade! When we finally got back on the trail, there was a steep drop into the toen of Port Clinton...a quite small town with not much going on. Pacer's Mom and sister met him here and offered to put us up for the night and feed us!! Jackpot!! We feasted on steaks and all the fixin's and had a few Lagers...what a great end to hard day!
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Exeter, PA
Miles today: 0.0

So Pacer offered for me to stay a few more days...and that seems like an offer I can't refuse. I am going to take a few days off here and hit the trail on Wednesday. Bring on the relaxation!I have pretty much trashed my hiking boots, so I am going to have to buy some new shoes...but at least this pair lasted about 1,000 miles...I guess I got my money' worth from them!
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Port Clinton, PA

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

So after 3 days of relaxtion and real food, I am back on the trail. Thanks so much to Kim and Tom for their hospitality...everything was great! The first few miles of the trail today I was joined by Pacer and his entourage from the the Reading Eagle newspaper...felt like a celebrity! PA is just rocky...real rocky, and today was no different. They are the kind of rocks that destroy your feet...and the new shoes I just bought are not real tough...so I just trudge on and try not to think about it! I got some great views from Pulpit Rock and saw a lot of hawks at the Pinnacle...just cruising through the air. Pete and Amanda are a few days ahead, so I hope to catch them in DWG in a few days. The shelter her has a caretaker and there is clean water and a flush toilet...woo-hoo!
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Eckville Shelter

To: PA 309
Miles today: 11.5

More rocks...so is life on the PA trail. To add to the fun, it is drizzling and the rocks are wet! The trail is literally a pile of rocks the size of grapefruits and bigger...really slows a hiker down! The day was a short one...made shorter by my stop at the diner at PA 309. I ran into Dee and Jay, Captain Jack, Time Cop, Danger Snake, and Butters all having lunch here too. My original plan was to have lunch here and then push on a few more miles, but I ended up hanging out for several hours and having dinner there too! Plus, they had Murphy's on tap...how can I say no to that! The owners let me, Dee & Jay, and Capt Jack camp behind their place, so we just hung out the rest of the day! I had a great time getting to know some new people on the trail.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: PA 309

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 15.6

I got a nice early start today...and then proceeded to walk on the wrong trail for about 10 minutes...nice! I realized my mistake and backtracked a bit to get back on the AT. You would think with white blazes to follow it would be impossible to get lost...but hey it happens to the best of us! The trail was probably the toughest yet. Rocks...and the Knife's Edge...which is just like what it sounds like! The trail goes up to the top of a huge pile of rocks and boulders, and then follows the crest of this pile for what seems like a half mile! On either side of me...a nice fall into more rocks...but a great view! I think this kind of rock scramble would be more fun without the big pack and trekking poles...but I survived and enjoyed the change of pace the scrambling offered. After the Knife's Edge, I hiked up over Bake Oven Knob...another challenging rocky mountain...but the great views from the top offered a nice place to break and let my feet rest a bit. Just before I dropped into Lehigh Gap, I got a nice treat...wild blueberries. So I picked a couple of handfuls and had a great snack. After the long rocky day I was ready to be done for the day, however I had a 2 mile roadwalk into Palmerton, which I made longer by missing the turn into town...twice in one day...I am struggling! I did finally make it into Palmerton and stayed at the free hostel in the City Burough Hall. I nice place. Pacer made it into town too, and we grabbed a couple of beers and dinner.
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The first part of today was really cool (well, after the 2 mile walk back to the trail)...a climb up the north side of Lehigh Gap. This area was destroyed by zinc mining up until the 80's...and there is nothing but rocks and dead trees on the mountain...really sad, but at the same time it was nice to hike through such a different landscape. It really looks like a wasteland. The EPA had been trying to get stuff to grow here for 20 years...and only a few trees are struggling to survive. The climb up was a lot of fun, again scrambling up boulders is a nice change of pace. Eventually though, the typical rocky trail returned to tear up my feet...I am really starting to hate the rocks...they seem endless, they hurt, and they make hiking so slow! About 6 miles short of the gap, the sky opened up and rain just poured down...it was crazy. I have never seen it rain so hard...I was literally soaked all the way through in a matter of minutes! The one thing about the rain though is it cools me off, so I just focus on that...After about an hour of hiking in the rain it stops and me and Pacer make it into Wind Gap. Luckily there is a motel right near the trail, so I get a room and try to dry out some!
Date: 2008-06-29
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: moderate rain

So, have I mentioned rocks in PA yet? No?...Well they are here, lots of them and today was no different. After the first 9 miles I got a nice surprise...trail magic! I haven't seen this in some time and it was great. Focus and his wife Jan cooked us ham steak sandwiches and had sodas and snacks. What a great lunch. Focus thru-hiked in 2007 and was out returning the favor to us thru-hikers...just awesome! Hot wheels, Shutterbug (and Corley), Grits, Timeless, TimeCop, and Danger Snake are all here too enjoying the great food...and we all hung out and visited for a bit. The trail seeems to have gotten better just north of where the trail magic was, so that was awesome too...finally I can walk normal for awhile! Pacer had a friend that met us in DWG and drove us around to find a place to stay...and we ended up at the DWG country club...I know really roughing it right?!? Well, after all those rocks, I need to treat myself, so I did! I had dinner at the outdoor bar and was treated to a sweet view of the valley and a nice sunset.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I decided to have a short day today so I took it easy this morning. I got to talk to Mom and Dad this morning and that was nice. I also got some nice care packages from Court and Angela...thank you guys so much! I was glad you guys sent food, because there was really nowhere to re-supply in this small town! You two are the best!! On the way out of town, Pacer, Bound and I stopped off at the Sycamore Grille for some lunch...and some beers. I enjoyed getting to know Bound...she's doing a flip flop hike and started in VA...cool chica. After a couple of beers, Pacer and I hit the trail! Today I say good-bye to PA and hello to Jersey. They hike started with crossing the Delaware river and heading back up into the mountains. My right knee is hurting quite a bit today...not sure if it was the rocks or the new shoes or what, but I am going to try and walk it off. Just before I got to the MOC, Pacer spots a bear just walking along near the trail...great! NJ is known for a large population of bears, so I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Instead of camping, I got a bunk in the bunkhouse for the night...really a nice place to stay. I met a couple of new hikers, Rock steady and Magellan here too. I realized today that I have some poison ivy on my leg, so I got that going for me too!
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 17.9

My knee has been bothering me the last few days and today was no different...I guess the rocks and the bad shoes I have know are to blame, but I should get new shoes soon and the rocks eventually have to end right?! Well, not today they didn't. The trail today was through the DWG recreation area and Worthington State park. I got caught in another afternoon downpour about 25 minutes away from a shelter so I was soaked again! Once I arrived, there was a motorcycle and 2 Russian tourists in the shelter...very starnge to see that out here! I guess they didn't get the memo about no vehicles on the trail. I waited out the rest of the storm and got back out shortly after. Branchville, NJ is right on the trail so Pacer and I hit Gyps Tavern for some beers and food...and eventually a ride from the bartender to a motel to dry out and rest.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Culvers Gap

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 23.1

Well this morning was a lazy one. My knee and feet were killing me this morning, so I thought I would take it easy. I had a great breakfast at the Yellow Cottage Deli, and it turns out that a friend from the trail Amy (Snow Plow) use to work there...what a small world! They staff was very friendly to us and we talked about all our Amy stories with them. Eventually one of the ladies that worked there volunteered to give us a ride back to the trail, and that was great because we didn't want to add any miles to the day! Pacer and I are trying to catch up with Pete and Amanda and they are going to be in Unionville tonight. So...we yellow blazed a bit a got a ride to High Point State Park and got on the trail there. Finally after a couple of miles the rocks are starting to fade away...sweet!! My feet are shredded. We heard that the Mayor of Unionville lets hikers stay at his house and Pete and Amanda were there, so that is were we headed. The Mayor is such a great guy, he and Butch welcomed us into the house, fed us great burgers and hotdogs, and plenty of Lager...it was freakin' awesome. I finally got caught up with Pete and Amanda, along with Shelter Monkey, Snake Whisperer and Trout Bum...I had a great night. The mayor even played his favorite piece of music for us...it was cool to share that experience...he really gets into the song.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 11.8

After a great breakfast cooked by the Mayor, Butch and Bill, and a ride back to the trail, we all started hiking again..the gang all together. Amanda has been on the trail now for about a week and loving it...and hiking faster than I am!! It was fun to be back in a group again. There was only one big mountain today, Pochuck Mt., and it was pretty steep...but not too bad. At the road into Vernon, we all stopped at a Garden center that sells ice cream... first time since the half gallon challenge that it even sounded good to me!! We hitched in to Vernon and stayed at the St. Thomas church hostel in town, run by a very nice lady. I got to meet up with some cousins, Tricia and Andy and had dinner with them...it was great to see them and they bought me a great dinner at the Vernon Inn. Back at the hostel, we relaxed and watched Dazed and Confused.
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

So, its the 4th of July...we gotta celebrate! The group decided it was a zero day and there just happens to be a huge water park in Vernon, so...we went to check it out. After a short 1 mile walk there, we spent the day going on all these crazy water rides..it was a nice break. After a long hard day of water park we hit the Vernon Inn for some food and refreshments. Happy Fourth everyone!
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Vernon, NJ

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 15.0

I got a later start today, and a big mountain to climb right away. It is crazy humid today even in the morning, so I was soaked by the time I finally made it all the way up. There were also a few boulder scrambles today which are always fun. At the road there was the Bellvale creamery, so more ice cream was in order...and it was good. Tricia and Andy picked us up there and took us back to their house in Warwick and put up the whole group for the night...it was so great of them. We envaded there nice home and they fed us so much good food, let us do our laundry, and clean up...I felt so lucky to show off my great family to my friends from the trail. They all really appreciated the hospitatlity as did I. Thank you so much Tricia and Andy!!
Date: 2008-07-06
From: NY 17A

To: Harriman, NY
Miles today: 12.0

Well, I said goodbye to Tricia and Andy and they dropped us all off back at the trail. Today I start the New York portion of the trail. New York is a lot of steep ups and downs...all day, and that combined with the humidity makes for a tiring day, even with shorter mileage. I got some views from the top of Mombasha and Buchannon mountains, but no views of NYC. I continued my streak of not camping out by getting a hotel near the trail in Harriman, NY...so weak! Flamethrower did a crazy 30 mile day to catch up with us today...so Team Discovery is back again too.
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Harriman, NY

To: Bear Mtn., NY
Miles today: 18.6

So today I turn 30...holy crap! Thanks to all my friends and family who sent messages, well wishes, and packages, especially my Mom and Dad, Court, and Duck..thanks guys!! We said goodbye to Amanda who is heading home...sad to see her go! I had originally planned to do 30 miles on my 30th b-day, but the humidity and the NY terrain are just not going to allow that, so how about 118.6? Anyway, today was hiking through Harriman State Park, a really cool area of New York that was a lot of fun to hike and quite challenging in parts. The first challenge of the day was the Lemmon Squeezer, which is literally 2 giant boulders with about 30" between them, and before you make jokes about it, yes I made it through! Just after that was a climb that actually required my to take my pack off to make it...first time for that. After that, just about when the heat was kicking in, I hit West Mtn. What a doozy this one was! I made it, but barely! Then, just after that is Bear Mtn...back to back! I was almost out of water so I took a short blue blaze trail that skirts the top of the mountain. Cheating? Maybe if you are a purist, but as you know, I am not...but I was drained and out of H2O. Since it is my B-day, we went into Ft. Montgomery...yes another town night!! I celebrated with some Jameson from Pacer and Pete and enjoyed the A/C!
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Bear Mtn., NY

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 6.4

Just a half day today...the humidity is crazy today. The local weather report described today as a "steam bath". I started off the day by walking through a small private zoo called Bear Mountain. I really just wanted to see the bears, so it was a short visit. Right after that, I crossed the Hudson river on a huge suspension bridge between the two mountains. The climb up just after the bridge was steep and the heat/humidity made it much more difficult than in should have been. Pete is trying to do his "push" to be finished for a wedding...so not sure if I will see him anytime soon...I have no desire to do 20 mile days the rest of the way to Maine! So it's just me, Pacer, and Flamethrower for now.