morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Free State Hiker Hostel to Raven Rock Shelter

To: Raven Rock shelter to Rocky Mountain shelter
Miles today: 0.0

What an insane night of rain! A steady torrential downpour from 7pm to 7am. I mean, it did not let up for a second! And with the rain pelting with all it's might against the tin roof of the trail's best shelter, it was a mighty and loud storm. I couldn't help but to be so truly grateful for a place to stay safe and dry as the thought of being in a tent or hammock was extremely humbling. Even as Bubba and I talked about the rain while packing up this morning, we didn't fully realize the magnitude of the storm until we stepped foot on the trail. Well, you could call it a trail, but it much more closely resembled a creek bed! There was water rushing down the trail as there was simply no other way for it to get down the water logged mountain. As soon as I saw the river-trail, I just committed to having wet feet for the day and actually enjoyed stomping through all the water. It reminded me of the family trips we used to take to the mountains where we'd find cool streams to play in for the afternoon. We stopped at High Rock and, surprisingly, had a wonderful view of the valley. We spoke with a local for a moment who told us that both of his rain gauges showed 5 inches of rain and that there was substantial flooding in the town! Certainly a night we won't be forgetting anytime soon. The day remained beautiful as all of the rain had already passed through. We reached Pen Mar State Park, the Mason- Dixon Line, and ultimately our shelter destination for the day. After the 20 miles, we scarfed down dinner and then settled into our bags for what we hope to be a good nights rest. No rain predicted until next Wednesday so hopefully we can get back to some "regular ol' hiking" (as Bubba calls it).
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Raven Rock shelter to Rocky Mountain shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter to Toms Run Shelter 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another beautiful day of hiking with fantastic weather. Granted there was still plenty of water on the trail today. In fact, as we reached Caledonia State Park, we had to detour around the overflowing river that runs through the park. Unfortunately, we didn't quite get the best directions from the trail maintainer and ended up hiking an extra 2 miles up a campsite access road and back around to the park. By the time Bubba and I found the AT again, we were not happy campers. We powered up the mountain and didn't regain our smiles until after we stopped to laugh about how cranky we were. Other than a momentary lack of amusement, we felt great and decided to try for another big mile day. Before long, we reached Quarry Run Shelter- a wonderfully maintained double shelter complete with a sundial, hanging potted plants, and an assortment of games. We stopped there for a quick break before heading to Birch Run Shelter, which was full of Boy Scouts. Another 6.2 miles and we hit our resting point of Toms Run Shelter but not before crossing the actual half-way point on this years officially recognized Appalachian trail!! I kid you not, I began singing "Ohhhhhhhhh, we're halfway therrrreeeeee! Ohhhhh-oooooo! Living on a prayer!" Repeatedly. How exciting to finally be halfway done with my journey. I feel renewed and energized as I know that some of the biggest challenges and most glorious views are ahead. I am looking forward to every step of the rest of my hike. Finally the homesickness and lack of motivation have been replaced with joy and anticipation. I now feel like this hike is not only do-able, but that I am in high enough spirits to make the most of it. Today has been a great day. And if it wasn't supreme enough- Longstep is rejoining us tomorrow at Pine Grove State Park! It just keeps getting better and better.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter to Toms Run Shelter 

To: Toms Run Shelter to Alec Kennedy 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One of the all time best days on the trail today!! Bubba and I hiked into Pine Grove Furnace State Park and filled our bellies with burgers from the general store while chatting with some other hikers and their two dogs. As I was on my second lunch, Longstep hollered from across the street! I was so happy to see him again! Longstep, back on the trail. Before long, Moaglee arrived, and we all enjoyed catching up and celebrating being back together again. We hung out a bit longer and were sure to check out the Appalachian Trial museum there at the park (a very cool and humbling tribute to those original trail blazers who poured their hearts and souls into making the AT a reality) before hauling to Alec Kennedy shelter 15 miles past the park. Aside from some sloshy hiking in the morning, the trail had begun to dry out, making the hike that much more enjoyable. And with all of us hiking together, we knocked out the miles in no time. Bubba has been such a champ with three twenty mile days in a row. With all of us feeling strong and ready for miles, we'll see how far tomorrow takes us after a quick stop in Boiling Springs to pick up a resupply package at the post office!
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Toms Run Shelter to Alec Kennedy 

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter to Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

We arrived in Duncannon on Tuesday after hiking the 11.3 miles from Darlington Shelter. (The 15 miles coming out of Boiling Springs to Darlington was simply beautiful- flattest terrain of the whole trail, and the air smelled sweet as we passed alongside all the fields of the Cumberland Valley.) We did indeed experience a change in the trail conditions as the infamous Pennsylvania rocks made their way onto the trail leading into the old town. We arrived at the Doyle and decided we had to stay. I mean, when you hear rumors of a dilapidated old hotel open to hikers, you just gotta check it out! Well, the Doyle is certainly old, and it shows. But it was a nice enough place to lay our heads for the night- a clean bed and shower go a long way. We ate delicious chili burgers for a late lunch and had pizza just a few hours later before settling down for the night. The next morning, we woke up to rain. It didn't take long to decide to just zero as none of us are on any particular deadline. And as Bubba's knees and ankles were bothering him, this slight change in plans worked out well. We enjoyed the easy day- Happy and I checked out the Old Sled Works antique warehouse complete with old school arcade games and bottled soda while Moaglee and Bubba took naps. Later in the afternoon, we finally got in touch with Trail Angel Mary, and she agreed to take us to see a movie in the next town over. (Godzilla was a little less epic than we'd hoped it would be, but nice to see a movie all the same.) In exchange for the ride, we helped Mary unload her van from Trail Days and rearrange a few tables around her house. Ultimately though, we were the ones to benefit most as she welcomed us into her home and treated us like family. Despite wanting to go ahead and hike out in an effort to put in some miles, I just didn't want to leave. Mary is a very cool lady with such a giving soul. She let is watch a documentary called Trail Angels that included a part about her and her experience with AT hikers. Afterwards, we helped her mod podge some pictures and stickers onto a table as a fun AT themes craft project. I could've stayed much longer, as I'm sure Mary wouldn't have minded, but I was itching to hike. After a brief stop at the pub for a game of pool with the boys, I hiked out if Duncannon. Unfortunately Bubba wasn't quite feeling up to hiking and since my parents are coming up tomorrow, it worked out fine for him to stay behind. I only walked ten or so miles to Peter Mountain Shelter where I've been enjoying the company of two section hikers (one a former thru hiker from 2009 and another who is considering a thru hike). Hopefully the 22 miles tomorrow to the road crossing will go well so that I can see my fantastic parents soon!
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Eagles Nest to Eckville Shelter

To: Eckville to Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Despite my best intentions of getting up early to attempt a 25 mile day into Palmerton, I slept in til 7:30 AM and didn't leave the shelter til 8. By the time I had stopped to wash out a pair of socks and unders near a stream, it was nearly 9. I finally began moving on up the trail but was just about as slow as the turtle I came across parked in the footpath. It was very nice to see him since just yesterday I was thinking about how I had yet to see a turtle on the trail. I also saw a bunny, several deer, two snakes (neither of which was a rattler), some toads, and of course all kinds of bugs! When I reached the well-kept Allentown Hiking Club Shelter, I made the decision to only press on the additional 10 miles to the Bake Oven Knob Shelter. If I'd only known then what I know now. Thankfully, much of this stretch was an old dirt road, very flat and with few rocks. However, I did end up going over Knifes Edge and Bake Oven Knob, both of which were very scary as foot placement took a lot of trial and error. They were nothing but the biggest, baddest boulder fields and rock ledges I've seen yet. As the thunderstorm began rolling through around 4:30, I got nervous about slipping on the wet rocks. In making my way over Knifes Edge, I said outloud (with no one around to hear me), "I'm really scared." By the time I got to Bake Oven Knob, the rain was really coming down, and the rocks were mostly slanted. I took a pretty bad tumble, but thankfully didn't break anything. Unfortunately though, my ankle did not fair so well, and I'm afraid I may need to hike a half day in to Palmerton tomorrow and then take a zero. But one of the most sound words of wisdom I received before coming out here was that it was not the fastest or strongest who reach Katahdin, but rather those who are the best managers. So as I lay in one of the filthiest shelters I've encountered on the trail listening to the locals up on the Knob firing guns and hollering, I'm trying to keep my spirits up and know that this too shall pass. I'll get out of Pennsylvania eventually, and hopefully all in one piece!
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Eckville to Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob to Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I got up and started moving as soon as it was light enough to see as I was hoping to beat the swarms of bugs whole packing up. By the time I found the water source and refilled the water bottle, the bugs were in full swing. I knew I only had 10 or so miles to get into the town of Palmerton but they were a miserable 10. Not because of the terrain, which was actually relatively nice except for a few short-distance boulder fields, but rather because of the blood-thirst mosquitos. I suppose the rain the afternoon before was a contributing factor as this was the first real day of hiking in which I noticed their ceaseless presence. And with the humidity quite high, I was soon covered in sticky bug guts and sweat. No amount of (non-deet) bug spray or swatting could keep them at bay. Despite trying to remain calm, I felt my sanity quickly slipping away. I thought that the summer I spent working on a golf course in Key Largo had prepared me for any level of mosquitos, but I was wrong. By the time I made it to the shelter just before Palmerton, I could've cried! I am sweet meat, and always have been. And unlike some folks, my bug bites swell and itch and last for days. Well, let's just say that the free shower at the Palmerton Jail House Hostel was a welcome relief. With strong enough water pressure to take down a horse, I was able to wash away the smushed bugs and feel a renewed sense of cleanliness and calm. I then went to the laundromat to wash my soaking wet sweaty clothes and had an enjoyable conversation with one of the locals while I waited on my wash. By mid afternoon, I was ready for a beer and headed over to the Palmerton Hotel grill for a cold drink and deliciously juicy burger. After the daytime cook got done with his shift, he joined me at the bar and we talked for a couple of hours. One of my favorite things about being out on the trail is meeting so many different types of people and listening to their stories, experiences, and points of view. The interaction with others not only teaches me more about different parts of the country and/or world but also constantly challenges my own views and ways of thinking. It's through meeting and talking with the locals that I'm able to gain a sense of what it must be like to live in that particular town, and I have to say, Palmerton is a nice and friendly little place.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Bake Oven Knob to Palmerton, PA

To: Palmerton to Wind Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I left Palmerton by 9 AM after eating a very tasty breakfast at Bert's Steakhouse, a darling little diner that played the same oldies tunes I used to listen to in the car all the time growing up. The skies seemed to want to rain, but held off, and instead made for a nice and cool, bug-free day. After getting turned around a few times with the Superfund detour (the mountains are in the process of recovering from deforestation caused by zinc smelting back in the day), I managed to make decent enough time to go past the first shelter out of Palmerton and push the twenty plus miles to the town of Wind Gap. I ordinarily wouldn't do such big miles just to end up right back in town, but the Beer Stein Restaurant offered a good place to refill on water while also allowing hikers to camp just behind the bar. (The promise of wings and a cold beer were a tempting offer as well!) I thought that surely I'd be the only hiker there, but as I walked in and saw two other packs by the door, I was immediately glad to have made the decision to end my day there. I met two fellow through hikers, Birdman and Yo Teach, and enjoyed hanging out with them after eating a yummy supper. Again, I was fortunate enough to chat with some cool locals and gain a better sense of their day to day lives. One fellow (who works at the park as an outdoor educator) and I talked about our shared love of nature and it's ability to connect people of all ages and walks of life. After a long day, a nice meal, and great company, I ended my day on a much more positive note, which always means the day was a success.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Palmerton to Wind Gap

To: Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I left Wind Gap nice and early, knowing I only had 15.5 miles until I reached Delaware Water Gap. The forest was beautiful and the morning remained fairly cool. I enjoyed scrambling over Wolf Rocks, the last of the boulder fields in Pennsylvania, knowing that I was almost done with another state. With New Jersey and New York coming up, I'll be knocking out more states in no time! As I got to the Church of the Mountain hostel, I was excited to see several hikers already there. It's always nice to be in good company. I planned on zeroing in an effort to let the boys (Happy and Moaglee) catch up as well as to rest my poor knees and ankles. In the meantime, I got to hang out with a nice group of hikers, including a very cool woman named Phoenix. I hadn't planned on taking two zeros in a row, but as the boys were still a day back, I opted to wait another day since hiking with folks is oftentimes a bit more fun than hiking alone. After all, it's about the smiles, not the miles. As the church bells rang out Amazing Grace, I decided I'd join the congregation for their Sunday Service which was a real treat as it was their first Sunday with their new Pastor, Sherry. She delivered a great message on living life to the fullest as a celebration of the Glory of God and how it it through putting ourselves out there and becoming vulnerable that we are able to experience love and life. After the service, I talked to several of the church members and got the chance to thank them for their hospitality. Delaware Water Gap has definitely been one of my favorite trail towns- very friendly and darling. But after taking some time off the trail, I'm certainly looking forward to hiking!
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap

To: DWG to Branchville, NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Delaware Water Gap and crossed the heavily trafficked bridge into New Jersey! After taking two zeros, it felt nice to return to the trail in the woods. However, we didn't have many miles to go since we only hiked to the Sunfish Pond, just 7 or 8 miles outside of DWG. Moaglee and I found a beautiful spot to camp (thanks to the advice of some locals) up on a grassy cliff overlooking the pond. As soon as I got to our sunny spot, I half inflated my air mattress and hopped into the refreshingly cool water. With a floatie to kick around on and the sun keeping me warm, I stayed in the water for quite awhile. Eventually, the rest of the group showed up and all went for a swim before setting up tents and settling down for the night. Thankfully the Nee Jersey Bears that we've heard so much about did not come to bother us. The next morning, I got up before everyone else and was the last to leave our campsite. The view looking out over the water with the morning sun was just gorgeous, and I didn't want to leave. Ultimately though, I began to make my way down the trail, seeing two snakes (one copperhead and one black rat snake) within only a few minutes of walking. About four miles in, I reached the Mohican Outdoor Center where I picked up a mail drop full of my yummy resupply. With a nice and full pack, I walked the rest of the way to the shelter where we intended to stay for the night. However, as an afternoon thunderstorm caught us in a heavy downpour, I began rethinking the shelter stop. Once I found out that the boys had headed the extra 3.5 miles into town to get a room for the night, I decided to follow suit. And man, was it worth those extra miles just to be able to shower, dry out my wet cloths and shoes and enjoy a bug free zone for the night. The next morning, we tried to hitch back to the trail. After nearly thirty minutes of holding out my thumb and giving passing cars my best smile, we started walking back towards the trail. Moaglee had to stop in the market for a little resupply and afterwards we ate all-you-can-eat pizza slices next door. There, we were able to talk with a gentleman who was willing to give us a ride back to the trail. But I gotta say- it has become rather evident that we are no longer in the welcoming and hospitable South.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Branchville to Unionville, NY

To: Unionville Hospitality
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again, my first impression was wrong and I was too quick to judge. In Unionville, NY, I received the most welcoming and warmest hospitality I have yet to encounter along the trail. After meeting Sunshine and chatting with her a little, she invited us to come camp in her backyard for the night. Her husband was so kind and allowed three dirty, stinky hikers to come stay, despite the fact that this type of thing is not his particular cup of tea. We were so grateful for a nice place to camp that we didn't expect a thing more! Yet we were invited in to share some morning coffee followed by a hot breakfast of eggs (laid by the hens out back), hash browns, and cereal. They then offered to do our disgusting laundry. Then, they said we were welcome to shower! Their kindness and graciousness in sharing their home and time with us was unbelievable. And I do believe this was their very first time extending such hospitality to hikers. Sunshine and George were such fantastic people, and I am so thankful to have gotten to know them. So as I continue moving northward, I have a new appreciation for the kindness of strangers (who never seem to stay strangers for long). I severely misjudged the wonderful folks who live up here in beautiful New Jersey and New York, offering hospitality to hikers like me. There are great people everywhere in this world, and I'm happy to have met two more.
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Unionville to Greenwood Lake, NY

To: New York City
Miles today: 0.0

I'm am in a bus that, for $14.75 each, will take me and five other amazing hikers into New York City!! Some very kind parents of a cool hiker called Pedro are extremely gracious and are providing us with a hotel room at the Hilton in New York City's Time Square! What a cool day! We were planning on either hiking up to 16 miles today, or going to the local winery to hear some live music, but when Pedro offered to let us hang with him in the city, we all jumped at the chance. I have been having such a beautiful and amazing time on the trail lately. And as I was telling Mama just this morning, these are the good days that I kept hiking for when I was having a tough time back in Virginia. The trail provides. For every bad day, there is a good one; and some days just turn out to be banner days all around. I am so blessed to have met such neat people. The kindness and openness of fellow hikers is motivating and inspiring. Life is a very beautiful experience. I am happy to be right where I am at this exact moment with an even better group of people. Just like the message from the sermon from last Sunday at the Church of the Mountain said, the best celebration of life is to live it to the fullest.