morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter 

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Thunder storm passed through last evening with hard rain that continued overnight. Rain had stopped by the time I started out at 630. Did have a few showers up thru mid afternoon. Achieved a major milestone today as I passed the midpoint of 1093 miles. As my brother(actually my brother) said "it's all downhill now". We'll see if that's accurate. Spending the nite at Ironmasters Mansion Hostel in Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The mansion was built in 1829 and housed many of the Pine Grove Furnace owners. One of those was Frederick Watts,the "Father of Penn State University". Another was Jay Cooke,leading financier for the Union in the Civil War. The mansion is also thought to be a site on the Underground Railroad. The furnace was built around 1770 and among other things produced Revolutionary War cannonballs.Phi 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

To: Boiling Springs 
Miles today: 19.6

Rain early and windy most of the day. Never did see the sun. As I was walking beside Children's Lake in Boiling Springs stopped to chat with a father and son, the son probably 11-12. As I was walking away the father called to me and said his son would like a picture with me as he would one day like to hike the AT and that the picture would be an inspiration. I was probably more inspired than the son. Stopped in at the ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office to sign the register. One of the fellows in the office volunteered to give me a ride to the Allenberry where I spent the nite. Daughter Shannon drove up to visit and took Smooth and I to dinner and drove us to a couple of stores for resupply. Quite a good day on the trail.Col. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: Boiling Springs 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Loaded up at the breakfast buffet at the Allenberry,certainly worth the price. First half of the day walked around and through farm fields and across several highways including the PA Turnpike,US11,and I81. Around lunch time headed into the woods and followed Conodoquinet Creek for a while. Easy hike today with very little elevation change.Col.3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Campsite 

To: Duncannon,Doyle Hotel 
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: few clouds

Arrived in Duncannon around 10:30,with the thought that I would have the obligatory beverage and burger at the Doyle. Didn't open till noon and thought about moving on,but stopped to chat with Sam the ridgerunner for this section of the trail. It is his first week on the job. By the time I returned from getting resupply it was noon. Was having such a good time talking with the other hikers I decided to get a room for the nite. Not sure I'd spend the nite here with the family,actually the family wouldn't stay here,but works for hikers. Shower,laundry and walk up the street for ice cream. What the life.1 Thes. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: Duncannon,Doyle Hotel 

To: PA325,Clarks Creek campsite 
Miles today: 18.0

Started Memorial Day with a big breakfast at Goodies and was joined by Snowfrog,Pilot and Greenie. Photo at the Doyle and headed out of town on High St. Crossed the Juniata and Susquehanna rivers then up into the woods. Great trail magic at the Fogarty cabin just a few steps from the trail on Peters Mt. Thru hikers were invited to their Memorial Day Picnic. It was quite the treat with plenty of food and drink. It was very gracious of the four Fogarty brothers to invite us in. At Kinter View saw my first and second rattlesnakes. I'll be ok if I don't see anymore. Ran into a trail maintainer north of Shikellimy Trail painting white blazes on trees which mark the Appalachian Trail. Nice camping spot along Clarks Creek,five tents here tonite:Snowfrog,Pilot,Greenie,Darth Vader and Dog Whisperer(father/son from Nashville) and myself.1 Thes. 3-5.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: PA325,Clarks Creek campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

Woke up this morning to the pitter patter of rain on my tent. Rain was fairly steady most of the morning. Stopped at Rausch Gap Shelter around 11 to dry out. Ended up getting in my sleeping bag and took a nap. Seven of us in our bags drying out and warming up. Woke up at 2pm,the rain had stopped and I decided to pack up and move on. Hoping the sun is out tomorrow so my clothes and gear can dry out.2 Thes. 1-3.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-29
From: Campsite 

To: Hertline Campsite 
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

The morning started foggy,damp and high humidity. Sun finally broke threw lat morning. Crossed underneath I81 this morning,4th time on my hike I have crossed 81. Also saw my first gobbler this morning. Stopped at the 501 Shelter at lunchtime and ordered pizza,soda and a sub for dinner. They delivered to within 0.1 miles of the shelter. Shared the lunch with Dirty Bird who I had not seen since before the Shenandoahs. Also crossed paths with Joe the Hiker and Can't Wait. Hiked for about five miles this afternoon with Floyd out for his first overnight backpacking trip. Another milestone today, under 1000 miles left in my trip. Only 991 miles to go.1 Tim. 1-2.It's another glorious day
Date: 2013-05-30
From: Hertline Campsite 

To: Port Clinton - Port Clinton Hotel 
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Expected it to be hot today and it was. On the trail by 6:15 to beat the heat. Not much elevation change other than descending to the Schuylkill River. Rolled into Port Clinton around 2:30. Checked into the hotel and had a couple cold beverages,burger and HUGE serving of fries. Went next door to The Peanut Shop,an old style candy store,and loaded up on nuts and sweets. Several other hikers are spending the night. Once you come in to the air-conditioning just to hard to leave. Shower and laundry and to bed. 1 Tim. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Port Clinton - Port Clinton Hotel 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 1.6

Not much hiking today,took it pretty easy. Walked 0.3 mile from Port Clinton to PA61 then down 61 about a mile to a shopping area north of Hamburg. Stopped for breakfast at McDonalds then Dunkin Donut for breakfast #2. Wandered around Cabelas for a couple of hours. Lunch #1 at Red Robin. Resupply at WalMart and a late lunch #2 returning to McDonalds. Met my long,longtime friends Larry and Sandy from West Chester. Larry,trail name tag-a-long, is joining me for a few days on the trail. We hiked about a mile this evening and called it a day. I'm glad I was not hiking much today as it was another warm one.1 Tim. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-01
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hiked with Tag-a-long today. Lot of hikers out this Saturday. Pulpit Rock and Pinnacle are popular spots. At Pulpit Rock ran into Passin Thru who I had not seen since Hiawassee. At Pulpit Rock is the Lehigh Valley Amateur Society Park. Tented near Panther Spring...boy are the bugs bad. In our tents early.2 Tim. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 17.2

Noticed that cicadas making music this morning and saw a couple on the trail. Hope to get past them before they get to crazy. Said goodbye to Tag-a-long this morning as he needed to get back to the real world. More rocks today and this is probably hard to believe,even more bugs.2 Tim. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: light rain

Highlight of the day was the climb up from Lehigh Gap,900ft over 1.2 miles. Hand climbing up and over rocks some. The payoff at the summit was the view back to the Lehigh River. Also got to walk through the deforested ridge due zinc smelting in Palmerton from the late 1800's to about 1980. The AT "detoured" around the Palmerton Superfund Site...wonder how much the environmental recovery has cost us.Titus 1-3.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Campsite 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 17.5

Woke up at 5:15 was kinda cool and my sleeping bag felt good this morning unlike the warm and muggy last couple of days. Walked into Wind Gap,PA to do laundry and have lunch. As Laundromats go,I have to say the Wind Gap Laundry is the nicest I have patronized. Both restaurants I had thought about going to were closed. Go figure a restaurant closed at lunch time. Turkey Hill Minit Mrkt got my lunch business. As I was leaving Turkey Hill two gals stopped and gave me a ride back up to the trail. One of the gals boyfriend had thru-hiked the AT in 2011. I seem to get rides quicker just walking than hitchhiking. There does not seem to be a lack of folks willing to give backpackers a ride around towns close to the trail.Philemon.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Campsite 

To: Camp Road - Mohican Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 16.6

Rolled into Delaware Water Gap this morning for breakfast(2) and the outfitter. I needed a new rain jacket and a couple of other items. Leaving town the AT crosses the Delaware River on the I-80 bridge. Quite the treat with 18 wheelers zipping by just a few feet away. Another milestone today,the battle with the infamous PA rocks is over and I prevailed. I'm in New Jersey. Seven states down(GA,NC,TN,VA,WV,MD,PA) and seven to go(NJ,NY,CT,MA,VT,NH,ME). Staying at the Mohican Outdoor Center,operated by the AMC. Boy was the hot shower great.Heb. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: Camp Road - Mohican Outdoor Center 

To: Gren Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Not many hikers on the trail today. Did see Geezer Hiker from Baltimore this morning and chatted for a few minutes. Stopped in Branchville for a late lunch at Gyps Tavern. Trail angel at the bar offered a ride to the grocery store and took me back to the trailhead. I believe Snoorer was his name. I'm continuing amazed at the generosity to hikers. When he dropped me off gave me hand sanitizer and a beverage to go. At the Culver Fire Tower notice large tents and tarps setup. Stopped to check it out. Seems this weekend is some huge radio transmission event. Talked to the fellows a while. It was nice to be under a tarp as it started to rain. Walked another mile or so to the shelter. A ridge runner and two gals from Swarthmore are also here for the nite. Raining hard it's good to be in a shelter.Heb. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Gren Anderson Shelter 

To: Gren Anderson Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0

Still raining when I woke up this morning. Calling for heavy rain later and overnight so decided to take a zero here at the shelter. Pretty quiet day. Couple of hikers stopped in for a break. Early evening Buddy, his mom and her friend came in out of the rain to spend the nite. Buddy is 5 and on a thru hike, if he completes his hike he will have the record as the youngest thru hiker. Later in the evening Steve,Katherine & Ben walked up from the nearby road and offered to take us to their home and sleep on their enclosed porch as the storm is to bring very heavy rain. Myself and 2 brothers renting took them up on their offer. Katherine also fixed a meatloaf dinner for us. Amazing. Woke up a couple of times and it was pouring,nice to be on the porch.Heb. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Gren Anderson Shelter 

To: Lott Rd,Unionville 
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Steve and Ben took us back to the trail this morning and stopped for bagels for breakfast on the way. Trail was very wet from the heavy rains in many places it was a stream. The swampy areas were very swampy. Ran into a Ridgerunner who mentioned that Unionville allowed renting in the park behind the village office building. Setup my tent and went to the nearby grocery to resupply and as it turned out I was also able to sign in for the camping permit. At dinner was talking with a fellow who invited me to his house for the nite. Returned took my tent down and went for a shower and a real bed. The trail magic just keeps coming. Heb. 7-8.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Lott Rd,Unionville 

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 28.9

The downside of my staying in a house last nite was the fellow had to be at work at 5am. I was on the trail at 4:30. Hiked in the dark for the first time for a bit. Stopped at Wawayanda State Park for lunch. Popular park as there was a steady stream of cars lining up to pay the entrance fee. Another milestone today crossed into New York,8 states down and 6 to go.Heb. 9-10.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: William Brein Memorial Shelter 
Miles today: 19.6

Up and down NY hills and over piles of rocks. Rain most of the day and aching feet,not a good combo. Shelter back was a rockface with streams of water running down,not one of the best shelters. Did enjoy the company at the shelter tonite:Dirty Bird,Gummi,Ned and"C".Heb. 11-12.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: William Brein Memorial Shelter 

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 
Miles today: 16.5

No rain today but cloudy in the morning. At Bear Mountain on a clear day you can see the NYC skyline,but not clear enough today. At Bear Mountain Recreation Area we had a picnic provided by Wally Gator a 2003 thru hiker and friend of Dirty Bird. We said goodbye to her today as she has decided to go home. We will miss seeing her on the trail. The AT goes thru the Trailside Museum and zoo. Saw my first bear on the trail, but it was in the zoo. Crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. Tented tonite at the ball field of the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center a Franciscan monastery.Heb. 13.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center 

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

More up and down NY hills today. Passed through Clarence Fahnestock State Park and stopped to talk with a couple out for a day hike. They couldn't comprehend thru hiking the AT. We talked quite a while about what it is like. James 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Shenandoah Tenting Area

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 
Miles today: 18.1

Rain,rain,rain this morning. Stopped at Mountaintop Market Deli for breakfast and resupply,boy did the egg,sausage,and cheese bagels hit the spot. Gummi also stopped. Passed by Nuclear Lake which was named by United Nuclear Corp. They operated a private research facility along the shore which was licensed by the government to experiment with bomb-grade uranium and plutonium from 1958-1973. The rain stopped for a bit but started again about the time I made it to the shelter. Full shelter tonite with Gummi,Mot,Punkin Pie,Ned and Logan.James 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter 

To: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite 
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

Seemed to rain all nite long and hard at times. Because of all the rain the trail was either a flowing stream or a quagmire. Quite the mess. Passed the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station near Hurd Corners. The train stops here on weekends with service to NYC. Passed in and out of NY and Connecticut a couple of times,finally leaving NY behind. Nine states down,five to go. I have completed 2/3 of the trail today. Joined at the campsite this evening by Mot and Punkin Pie.James 5.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Schaghticoke Mountain Campsite 

To: Schaghticoke Rd, Kent
Miles today: 3.3

Short hike today to the road into Kent,Conn. Ellen and Sandra are on the way up from MD to pick me up and spend Fathers Day with family. They arrived in Kent around noon, had lunch then back to Maryland. It will be nice to rest a couple of days.1Peter 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Shannon's home 

To: Ct 4, Cornwall Bridge 
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Back to the trail. Arrived in Kent around noon, started hiking about 2:30. Slackpacked to Cornwall Bridge. Met Howdy Man and stopped to chat a while he also shared his oranges with me. Walked the .9 miles to the hotel. Ran into Smooth who is staying at the same motel. My main squeeze is going to be here through Saturday morning. Oh joy. 2 John.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Ct 4, Cornwall Bridge 

To: US 44
Miles today: 21.6

Gave Smooth a ride to the trail. We decided to wade across Guinea Brook rather than take the high water bypass. First time I've needed to ford a stream. Ran into Howdy Man again today along with Samson who I had not seen since Virginia. Bit of a tough hike today hot and humid with many hungry mosquitoes. Crossed the Housatonic River twice today. The Housatonic flows 150 miles from western Mass through the Berkshires and western Connecticut before emptying into Long Island Sound. Going to stay several nights in Great Barrington while I slackpack this week. Great Barrington is a neat town settled in 1725. WEB DuBois active in the civil rights movement and social justice issues was born and spent his younger years here. Arlo Guthrie's Alice's Restaurant was inspired by an incident in Great Barrington.3 John.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: US 44

To: Shays Rebellion Monument 
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another hot and humid one today with very hungry mosquitoes. Went over Bear Mountain,the highest peak I Connecticut at about 2,300 ft. Also the trail crossed into Massachusetts. Four states to go and 670 miles. Ended the day at the Shays Rebellion Monument. The rebellion started in 1786 over financial pressures brought on by an economic depression,a credit squeeze and harsh govt policies. This monument near Sheffield,MA marks the spot of the final battle.Jude.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Shays Rebellion Monument 

To: MA 23
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Short day today. Hiked in the am to escape the heat,humidity and bugs. Crossed the Housatonic River again. In the afternoon drove up to Stockbridge and visited the Norman Rockwell Museum. Quite nice. Also went to EMS looking for new shoes/boots but no luck.Rev. 1-2.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: MA 23

To: US 20, Lee,MA
Miles today: 20.7

Temperature more comfortable today,but still humid. Passed by several ponds and swampy areas with healthy mosquitoes populations. There was some relief at the higher elevations. Interesting that's higher elevation in Mass is less than 2000 ft. Passed along side Goose Pond for 0.5 mile or so and was tempted to take a dip with others but passed as I did not want to keep Ellie waiting at the trail head. Crossed over the Mass Turnpike at the end of the day.Rev. 3-4.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: US 20, Lee,MA

To: US 20, Lee,MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero here in Great Barrington. Main squeeze will drop me off at the trail tomorrow morning and head back to Virginia. I will not see her again until I reach Baxter State Park. I'll miss her.Rev. 5-6.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: US 20, Lee,MA

To: Dalton,MA
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Not as warm today but still humid with plenty of hungry mosquitoes. Fairly easy hike with little elevation change. Tenting in Thomas Levardi's backyard with 5 others. He allows hikers to get water from his spigot and the use of front porch and back yard for renting.Rev. 7-8.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Dalton,MA

To: Mt Greylock,Bascom Lodge
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Attended church this morning at Dalton UMC. Folks were very welcoming to a scruffy stinky hiker. The sermon topic was spiritual warfare. Stopped in Chesire for lunch. Staying this evening at Bascom Lodge on Mt Greylock the highest peak in Massachusetts at 3,491 ft. Decided to have dinner at the lodge and was certainly a good decision. Assigned seating at dinner and was fortunate to dine with Harry,Marsha and An. Thoroughly enjoyed dinner and our conversation. Mentioned that is was my birthday. My desert was brought with a candle and folks sang happy birthday. Great birthday would only have been better if Ellie was here. Thanks Harry for your generosity. Nice ending to my day.Rev. 9-10.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Mt Greylock,Bascom Lodge

To: Seth Warner Shelter 
Miles today: 13.2

Nice to have breakfast with An this morning. In the fog/clouds leaving the lodge. Tough slog today with rain off and on. Walked thru mud and muck much of the day with all the rain recently the trail has become a bit of a challenge. Crossed from Massachusetts into Vermont,three states to go. The Vermont border is the southern end of the Long Trail. The AT and LT are one and the same for the next 105 mikes. Four folks in the shelter and several tents with both AT any LT hikers.Rev. 11-12.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Campsite 

To: Black Brook 
Miles today: 15.4

Woke up to rain and decided to stay in my tent until the rain stopped. Went back to sleep and woke up again about 7. More mud and muck,but at least the mosquitoes are not as intense. Lots of folks out on the trail most hiking the LT. Sun came out this morning and was a nice change. Found a nice campsite along Black Brook. Cutting back on miles as my feet are causing problems again. Pain with almost every step. Not sure how long I can go on with my feet like this. In my tent early as the mosquitoes have found me.Rev. 15-16.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Black Brook 

To: Spruce Peak Shelter 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: light rain

Crossed over Stratton Mt the summit on which Benton MacKaye came up with the idea of the AT. Sun today and a bit of a breeze which is drying out the trail a bit...maybe. Stopped at Stratton Pond for a break and cooled my feet in the water. Met a father/son hiking for a couple of days and they took a swim in the pond. Took the side trail to Prospect Rock with a nice view of Manchester and Manchester Center. When I arrived at my campsite called Ellie and I've decided to go home for now. I don't think I can go another day on these feet. I'll go to my Dr next week then Ellie and I will decide what's next. Rev. 17-18.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Spruce Peak Shelter 

To: Vt 11 & 30,Manchester Center
Miles today: 2.8
Weather: light rain

Hitched a ride into Manchester Center. Got a ride from a very nice lady who was taking her daughter to swim team practice. Ellie and Brother Dick,aka Camera Man,are driving up to Manchester Center to get me today. Had my traditional two breakfasts when in town. Bought the book eaarth by Bill McKibben and spent the day in the park by Mill Pond reading,relaxing and pondering my future. Update next week after my Dr visit on my plans. Rev. 19-20.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Home 

To: Rutland, Vt
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Well after 40 days at home it is time to hit the trail and hopefully finish this time. During the time at home my feet healed,church and church activities, my Dr. twice,urologist twice,attended two weddings,a grandson's birthday party,vacation at the beach,another grandsons baseball tournament,and completed a couple of repairs around the house. It was important to do all those things. Bazinga is joining me the remaining 530 miles to Mount Katahdin. Yesterday evening we drove to Sandra's house from VA. Ellen took us to the Amtrak station at BWI for the train to Rutland. Arrived in Rutland around 9:30 or so and after a short walk arrived at the Yellow Deli Hikers Hostel. Full house here tonite they had to get two cots and squeeze them. Kinda noisy both inside and out on the street but I sleep well anyway.Rev. 21-22.It's another glorious day.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Rutland, Vt

To: Lost Pond Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8

Got up early for breakfast at 6am and catch the 6:30 bus to Manchester Center to pick up where I left off in July. From Manchester to the trail is about 6 miles. Hitched a ride from Steve and his son Steve Jr. Felt good to get back to the trail where life is pretty simple...walk,eat and find a place to sleep; then repeat.Psalm 1.It's another glorious day.