morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

After two lousy days of hiking today went real well. I got a good early start from the Bears Den Hostel and was done with the Roller Coaster by 8am so I stopped for breakfast at the one and only view spot I had all day. Shortly after I got back on the trail it began to rain and that lasted the rest of the day. It wasn't a cold rain but at times it was quite hard. Of course, there were rocky and slippery sections, but it wouldn't be the AT otherwise. I got to the AT Trail Conservancy office in Harpers Ferry about 4:15pm to sign in and get my picture taken. It was a record day for thru-hikers with 49 today. I am number 528 for this year. Next up was finding a restaurant before heading over to the Teahorse Hostel. Based on the hikers I saw today plus the ones that stayed another day at the Bear Den Hostel I think tomorrow will be an even bigger crowd. There are just 4 thru-hikers here tonight. It is a very nice and clean place. They also provide coffee, fruit, and waffles in the morning at 6:30am sharp. I'm taking tomorrow off for sure to do some sightseeing and rest up for the next leg north. I have finished Virginia and now in West Virginia. Four states down, ten to go.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another fine breakfast of waffles and fruit and on the trail by 7:30am. The trail crossed the Potomac River almost at the confluence with the Shenandoah River. I can add West Virginia to my list of states completed and now in the state of Maryland. This is my third time on the C & O Towpath in this area. The JFK 50 mile run uses this section. The only part I vaguely remember is the 12 miles in Maryland along the Weverton Cliffs. The trail had a lot of ups and downs but not real long so the day went well. Raven hiked most of the day with me. He is from Sparks, Nevada so almost my neighbor, and hates the rain almost as much as I do. Today we had great weather. Tomorrow we will be out of Maryland and into the dreaded Pennsylvania or Rocksylvania as most AT hikers call it. Five states done and nine to go. I'm really beat tonight.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 22.8

Lots of rocks all day long today. Rock were on the flats as well as every climb. Some of the talus on the climbs and descents were huge creating barriers that had to be navigated carefully so as not to fall. Going was slow needless to say but we managed to get into camp by 6:30pm. Raven was with me again all day and misery sure loves company. The highlight of the day was Pen Mar County Park where you can have pizza delivered. I am 65 today and it is also Hike Naked Day. I suggested we hike naked but was encouraged by everyone here not to wear my birthday suit. No naked hikers all day, too many bugs. Within 30 minutes we had pizza and soda which hit the spot. After leaving Pen Mar we left Maryland and entered Pennsylvania around 4pm. Six states down and eight to go and three states in two days. I love these little states. I forgot to mention that I saw and climbed the original monument to George Washington built in 1827 in Maryland. Not the scale of the DC monument but really nice. The monument was used by confederate troops as a lookout during the Civil War. We have been walking were many thousands of Americans died during that War. Also crossed the Mason-Dixon Line. Mason-Dixon line separates Maryland and Pennsylvania and the dividing line between North and South.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with a very rocky 1,000' climb and hard descent where in many places hand holds were needed. We had planned to go to a park store for lunch but when we arrived we saw a sign for trail magic. King Crawler, class of 2010, was serving hamburgers and hotdogs so that plus chips, veggies, and cookies made for a great lunch. Thanks to everyone who has provided trail magic, it really is appreciated. It was just what we needed as we had another big climb to finish off the day. The last climb was not nearly as bad as the rock scramble this morning. We are again camped by a lot of new faces. We are catching up with people who started before us. Tomorrow we hit the official halfway point at mile 1,092. Hope to be there by noon. This is where the famous 1/2 gallon challenge is held. Thru-hikers have 30 minutes to eat a half gallon of ice cream at the park store. Bring it on!
Date: 2013-06-23
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Foot Bridge Campsite, PA
Miles today: 21.3

Made the halfway mark before noon and it felt good. Off we went to the Ironmasters Mansion in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park for the half gallon ice cream challenge. I had Moosetracks, my favorite, and it was fantastic. I was feeling a little full 2/3 of the way but finished in about 20 minutes. Sometimes you just have to push yourself. Only two hikers didn't complete the challenge and had to ask for help. As usual the thru-hiker community came together to support fellow hikers. The sky was sunny today and I have a full belly. This is day four without rain, I think the longest stretch, since I started this journey. It has been very warm and humid. So far the trail has been staying low and other than getting up to 2,000' a couple of times in the last couple of days it just goes up and down a few hundred feet per mile heading North. I I don't know how much longer Raven will stick with me. He is younger and faster and would like to be doing 25 miles/day. I feel like I need to stick in the low 20s. Nuge? and Faceplant are still camping close as well. I have entered a new bubble of hikers so meeting new people every day.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Foot Bridge Campsite, PA

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 15.8

Easy day on the trail heading down to Boiling Springs, PA. The trail took us up over two large rock mazes that again made hiking poles useless as hand holds were the only way one could navigate these huge slabs. Dropped some 800' into flat farmland with corn and soybean fields. The AT goes through the town of Boiling Springs and by a very nice caf© so we stopped for lunch. After lunch there were eight more miles of farmland and it was by far the hottest day this year. I'm not complaining as I don't mind the heat. Would rather have heat and humidity than rain. I passed an old graveyard with around twenty old headstones. Most I couldn't read but the earliest I could read was for someone that died in 1775! I think most were older. Sadly it hasn't been taken care of at all. We are staying at the Super 8 Motel in Carlisle. After five very warm days on the trail showers and laundry were much needed to remove the hiker stench. The Rhododendron tunnels have been replaced by Honeysuckle tunnels. The smell is almost too much.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

Staying at Clarks Ferry Shelter tonight. There is a boat that ferries people across the very wide Susquehanna River which now has a large bridge that the AT crosses to get to the 1,400" ridge on the other side. The AT goes right through the town of Duncannon set along the river and before crossing the bridge. Duncannon has seen better days. The freeway was busy but very little traffic in town. I got my resupply and had lunch at the Doyle Hotel, a 100 year old Anheuser-Busch Hotel. Just as I was getting ready to leave the skies let loose with a downpour so I spent a couple of hours at the Doyle before I could head out around 4:30. This probably wasn't a good decision. I was tired, the rocks were slippery, and I took another spill on my bad knee. There were lots of steep rocks today traversing a high ridge. I had to get to the shelter because it was the only flat place to camp and where there was water. I hobbled in about 7pm and set up my tent just before another round of thunder and lightning storms hit. I'm hoping I will be ok tomorrow and can continue.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Yellow Spring
Miles today: 20.0

I told Raven to go on ahead as I didn't want to hold him up. I really need to take it easy and plan to go very slow until my knee feels better. The knee was quite unstable but thanks to my hiking poles I was able to keep from hyperextending it on the long, slippery downhill to PA 325. Bob was providing trail magic. He had a menu with 3 choices of entries, drinks, and dessert. A very classy way to treat hiker trash. That cake helped me up that last 800' climb of the day. Thanks Bob. All day I was hiking around Mr. Monk and the Bulls (Momma and Papa). The cicadas were singing up a storm all day. Apparently this is the Pennsylvania hatch. I made camp at a cool old mining town site pre 1900s. Later this evening Fossil and Toast showed up her friend. I met Fossil earlier and he is a really smart and funny guy. He is from Carson City and started with Raven. He had some blister problems so dropped off the pace. Maybe he will hike with me tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Yellow Spring

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left at 6am sharp with Fossil. Passed a lot of old signs from the 1800s mining activity. There was an old town site of Rausch with an old cemetery from 1850s. Much of the trail today seemed to follow old roads. We had a few real tough rock sections but in the all trail was pretty good by Pennsylvania standards. The real magic came tonight. When we got to the Penn Shelter about 4pm and 18 miles, we decided to head on for the 501 Shelter another four miles. Shortly before reaching 501 it started raining. When we got to the shelter it was more like a hostel with bunks, skylight, tables, solar shower and a place to order food. I decided not to set up my tent and stay in the shelter and this proved to be a good, rare, decision. The rain went from a nice light rain to a downpour that lasted for at least three hours. I can't believe our luck making it here. No wet tent to pack tomorrow and a great place to spend the night.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: 501 Shelter

To: Shartlesville Road
Miles today: 17.0

A rocky trail all day and with all the rain yesterday the rocks were slippery. I went slow because I'm still concerned about my knee but also because we had to load up on water as there is not much water in this section. All the hikers staying at the 501 Shelter last night passed us easily pushing to make the Port Clinton Post Office or to Hamburg for rest and relaxation. Fossil and I decided to stop about 7 miles short of Pt. Clinton and go into town early Saturday for our resupply at the PO. Trail talk is that Pt. Clinton isn't a trail friendly town, except the barber, so we plan to take our zero at Hamburg instead. We found a decent campsite about 5:30, had dinner, and then the rain came. By 6:30 we were in our tents listening to the endless rain. Knee still aches and I'm looking forward to a day off in Hamburg.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Shartlesville Road

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 7.4

Everything wet inside and out after a very hard driving rain last night. At least the air was fresher this morning as we head out towards the town of Port Clinton. My 2012 Trail Guide gave the Post Office hours as 8:30-12:30 on Saturday but times had been changed to 8:30-11:00. With the thought of real food in town we skipped breakfast which proved to be fortunate as we would have not made it on time. Fossil led the way in the morning. At one point I had some business to take care of so he was out of sight. When I arrived at the Post Office he wasn't there. He had taken a wrong turn and was lost for 30 minutes. I got my resupply package at the PO, he showed up, and we headed on towards Hamburg, PA. At PA 61, a very busy road, we got a ride into town. Dan & Mike, father and son, were shuttling cars for a section hike. They gave us a ride to Cabela's in Hamburg. Had a so/so lunch and bought a few things. My first time in this store. I wonder how many animals have to die every time they open a new store. Way too many stuffed animals for my taste. There were a lot of people spending a lot of money. Walked to our hotel and spent all afternoon doing the usual town chores and trying to dry our wet equipment on the lawn of the hotel.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Footbridge Camp
Miles today: 14.5

Talked to Sandy this morning and heard California has been having record heat. Western States 100 Mile run is this weekend. Hope Scott Mills finishes his 18th race. Started walking out of town and as soon as we reached the interstate highway a car pulled over. It was Dan and Mike returning from their hike. They kindly drove us to the trail head. Thanks Dan & Mike. Our first destination was Pulpit Rock, a 800' climb. Fossil was not having a good day. His pack was not balanced either because of the resupply, weight or extra water. He was wobbling up the trail and fell four times. Together we readjusted his pack. His last fall was a face plant on some huge talus. When he was trying to get up he noticed a dead rattlesnake underneath him. He screamed an moved faster than I have ever seen him move. He thinks it was killed earlier but I think he crushed it. There were some day hikers ahead of him that were taking a water break and witnessed the whole incident. An hour later we were greeted by a heavy thunder shower. The sky to the North was very black but moving away from us. When we finally got to Footbridge Camp, our camp site for the night, it was apparent that the rain cell had hit this area hard. The little stream was a wide river with the bridge standing in the middle and water rushing around both end. Had a wet ford but the other side was high which made for a fairly dry campsite.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Footbridge Camp

To: Bake Oven Knob, PA
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Rained so hard last night that everything is soaked again. Rain and rocks were the main events again today. I have to say that old geezers are not well suited for cliff edge walking on wet rocks. We both fell at least four times. Hiking poles are useless. Both hands are needed to navigate a majority of the huge talus on Bear rocks, Knife Edge, and Bake Oven Knob. The white blazes take us over these huge outcroppings. It blows my mind. I don't understand why when often the trail could go around. This is all hard class II stuff day after day and making things worse is the fact that the rocks always seem to be wet and slippery. Got to the shelter about 7:30pm exhausted. There was room inside so we crashed in the shelter tonight. Another rainy night but at least I'm inside.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Bake Oven Knob, PA

To: Tower Campsite
Miles today: 14.1

This was another hard day. For me, packing up in a shelter is harder than packing up my tent. The shelters are usually packed with hikers and their gear. Not much room to get organized. Also, I don't get up at my usual 5am because I don't want to disturb the young people. It was still raining at 5am so I was only too happy to wait a bit. The trail today was a river. The trail being the low spot it funnels the water into pools. Wet feet from the get go. My boots haven't dried out for at least a week. Boots are beginning to break down already, less than 400 miles, my backpack is disintegrating, and my cell phone isn't holding a charge. I have blisters which I rarely had on my PCT thru-hike and my knees are achy. I see some of the youngsters skipping through the rocks but I have been hearing about a lot of hikers Blue Blazing or road walking because they are sick of the rocks. Rocksylvania has been my low point physically and mentally. I am looking forward to leaving this state soon.
Date: 2013-07-03
From: Tower Campsite

To: Highway 33, PA
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Another damp start but not as bad as the last few days. The trail today was a long ridge walk for 13 miles. It was all rock but very few areas of the big rocks. This morning we had some trail magic. A cooler packed with bread, peanut butter, jam, and cream filled cupcakes just in time for breakfast. We hiked through the Palmerton EPA Superfund Site. This was a zinc smelting site shut down in the early 80's. Not a lot of water today. The last mile was a 500' downhill that was slow going because the rocks were larger. Got a room with Fossil at a funky motel .1 mile from the trail. The shower felt great and some rest will help heal my body and spirit. The rain has held off all day but a day hiker said the forecast was for thunderstorms for the next 7 days. The highlight of the day was finding blueberries and blackberries ripe for the pickin. When the berries are ripe I'm like a bear spending every minute eating as many as I can.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Highway 33, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

Blisters on my right foot made for a painful start with a 1,000' rocky climb out of Wind Gap. Wald Rocks was a large talus cliff along the ridge and between the gaps. Late afternoon brought me to the long 2.6 mile descent down to the Delaware River, which divides Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Delaware Water Gap is a small town on the PA side of the river. The High Mountain Hostel provided by the Presbyterian Church was full. Kind of expected this since we heard they provide dinner on Thursday nights. We signed in and made our donation for dinner. It was hot dog night so we weren't expecting much. Boy were we wrong. There was a huge variety of homemade salads and desserts. I embarrassed myself by eating three pieces of German chocolate cake. I justified it as my birthday cake. Pitched my tent on the lawn behind the fellowship hall feeling full at last.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Walked six blocks to a diner for breakfast with Fossil. I told him I was taking a zero day and he would have to go it alone. He has been a great hiking partner but I need to rest my old body and give my blisters a chance to heal. Walked over to the outfitter and bought a new pair of Solomon boots and new tips for my hiking poles. Tomorrow starts my fourth month on the trail. Seven states done and seven to go. The rocks, rain, and roots of Pennsylvania will not be missed. It was one tough state. I probably missed some nice areas but I never felt like I could look around, or if I did, I'd find myself tripping over rocks. I had way too many falls and feel lucky to have survived without a major injury. Out of the fifteen hikers here only one thought the state was easy. Yes, it was by far the flattest as far as elevation gain and loss but the tread was the hardest. I am told the next fifteen miles of New Jersey are rocky and then it should get better.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Tower Campsite, NJ
Miles today: 16.6

The Delaware River Bridge separates Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It was a long span and the water was very murky due to the heavy rains. On the Jersey side was a park that was a total trash pit due to no maintenance. What a shame. Walked under I-80 to another small park where there is parking for the AT. I realized this is as close to home as I have been for the past three months. The trail climbed 1,000' to Kittatinny Ridge and became very rocky. Nothing had changed much in this new state. More rocks to navigate. I saw more day hikers and weekenders as I am not far from cities. The ridge was not as heavily forested and so the views are better but the trail so far is just like PA. It is very brushy so ticks are a constant worry. I find six to eight a day. Many bear and rattlesnake sightings by other hikers but I didn't see any. Hiked with Woodman and Jackrabbit and we made camp together. Lost my Sawyer Squeeze water filter this afternoon. It must have caught on some brush and pulled out of my side pocket. Back to Aquamira until I can replace it.
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Tower Campsite, NJ

To: Pond Campsite
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

I walked up on a large bear this morning grazing on huckleberries. I was about thirty feet away before he bolted. The trail today went through some large rock cliffs with nice views of the New Jersey backcountry. It is more wooded than PA and there are a few large lakes in this section. Not many road crossings today so less elevation change. Went by an old pavilion that was probably built in the 1930s on top of a mountain. Had a nice sandwich at Joe to Go. Joe was a grumpy old fart. We got along great. I'm still with Woodman, Rabbit, and Grizzly. They move really well. Rabbit is probably fifteen or so years younger than the rest of us. She fell in the rocks of PA and has her arm in a wrap. Very tough woman who never complains. Having to write my journal in the morning now as I am too tired at night. The heat and humidity are exhausting. I can't remember if I have mentioned the fireflies. They twinkle like Christmas lights.
Date: 2013-07-08
From: Pond Campsite

To: Jim Murray property
Miles today: 14.3

Short day today with highs and lows. The day started with a climb up from our campsite, down to a low swampy area, and back up a rocky trail to High Point State Park. This is the highest point in New Jersey. Checked out the visitor center and they gave us a free ice cold coke. Leaving the visitor center we climbed to the top of the mountain. Along the way we stopped for lunch and had a very expensive burger. The rocky top had great views of New Jersey. From here it was downhill for 1,200' to low swampy, mosquito infested ponds and bogs. About seven miles later we landed at a nice old ranch. Jim Murray is 74 and thru hiked the AT in 1989. He allows hikers to camp on his property and use the facilities. It is a beautiful green open area. He has an outside shower, privy, and small shelter. You really appreciate a shower after bathing in Deet all day. I even used my bug net today, which I hate.
Date: 2013-07-09
From: Jim Murray property

To: Wawayanda
Miles today: 19.5

As I left the Murray property I couldn't help notice all the rock fences separating parcels of land. The early settlers made good use of the natural resources that are so abundant here. Wood went for building and heat. As they cleared the land the rocks were stacked up in neat rows for fences and corrals. The path stayed low for most of the morning as we went around large wetlands. One had a .65 mile boardwalk through the center. It was a nice walk and around noon there was a great deli where we had lunch. There was about ten thru hikers hanging around having a leisurely lunch. Leaving the deli there was a 1,000' climb up a mountain. Hard on a full stomach. It took me an hour to get to the top. Later there was a great creek so I stopped to soak my feet and clean up a little before making camp. Camping near the Wawayanda Shelter and heading into Greenwood Lake tomorrow for resupply.
Date: 2013-07-10
From: Wawayanda

To: Greenwood Lake
Miles today: 10.0

The bullfrogs are the dominate sounds in New Jersey. Haven't heard the cicadas since I left Pennsylvania. The trail finally left the swamp and climbed higher towards the New Jersey/New York border. New York is my 9th state and I have five more to go. The high point of the AT in New York is Prospect Rock at 1,433'. The trail maintained a high route for the next five miles requiring a lot of hand holds to climb over huge talus blocks. At one point a ladder had been installed to climb to the top of the ridge. It made for slow progress and was hard but rather enjoyable. About noon I hit Route 17A, the road to Greenwood Lake. There was a hot dog stand and creamery less than .02 miles from the trail so I had ice cream and hot dogs for lunch. Finally got to town and took care of chores and had a nice dinner at Breezy Point where we are staying. New York, like New Jersey, is very pricey. I need to decide whether to take a zero or head out tomorrow afternoon. I hate to leave these nice people.