morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-03-17
From: Hiker Inn

To: Derrick Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Enjoyed my stay at the Hiker Inn.  Jeff and Nancy are wonderful hosts.  Very much worth it to stay there.  The Inn also has an interesting Indian arrowhead collection. Jeff took hikers, K2 and Do and me back to our starts.  I was dropped off at Fontana Marina to restart my hike. As I hiked into the woods, the rain began.  But stopped as I passed by the Fontana ¢Hilton¢ Shelter.  Then on over the Dam, which has an amazing view.  The mountains just started to peek out of the clouds and the sky brighten. The trail followed the road another mile, then I reached the trailhead with a box for thru hiker registration for the 8-day pass. The tough climb up Shuck-stack Mtn.  The sun came fully out, the birds were singing and soon I was down to shorts and a T-shirt.  My shorts stayed up as long as my pack was clipped on, otherwise I¢ve lost enough weight that they would fall right down. On the way up the mountain I met up with 3 hikers and they told me that they were doing a celebratory hike, because last year when they were attempting to thru hike, one of them fell ill and was later diagnosed with cancer.  After chemo, he has recovered enough to return to the trail.  Good luck to him and his full recovery.Made it to the top of ShuckStack and it¢s fire tower had fabulous views all around!  Easy trails to the Shelter, arrived around 4.  Glad to be sleeping in the shelter as storms rolled in.  You could see them below us, lightning flashing as it got dark.  Interesting experience that night, I was in the top platform of the Shelter, the tin roof two feet above me when the hailstorm hit.  The noise from the hail hitting the tin right above my head was terrific.
Date: 2018-03-18
From: Derrick Knob Shelter

To: Silers Bald Shelter 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Leaving the Shelter, started climbing in the mist, then the sun came out.  The trail steadily climbed, then open area appeared. They looked like old orchards.  Spotted a bald area near the top of Rocky Top, where I was determined to eat my lunch.  Reached it around two, beautiful view, took my shirt and shoes off to relax and enjoy the sun. A ridge runner came by and checked my pass and we chatted a while. Then on to the top, where I sang Rocky Top Tennessee in celebration.  Next, Thunderhead Mtn, where the trail got torturous.  Mainly a trench filled with loose rocks on steep grades.  My hiking speed dropped to just over a mile an hour. Reached the Shelter around 6.  With the longer days, more hiking time is great.  Met an female hiker from Australia, ¢Mel¢.  She was fun to listen to with here stories and impressions of America.  Good luck to Mel on her journey.
Date: 2018-03-19
From: Silers Bald Shelter 

To: Double Spring Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: clear sky

This was a short day, due to the spacing of the shelters.  Not enough energy to make the trek over Klingmans Dome to the further Shelter.  Trail continued to be rugged. I would sometimes hear a thumping, it was so low I thought it was my heartbeat, but finally figured it was a ruffled grouse or some similar bird. As I got closer to the Shelter the landscape changed dramatically to dark pine trees with mossy groundcover predominating.  Reached the empty Shelter at 2, just as it started to rain.  With the empty space I was able to spread my gear and tent out to dry.  But by nightfall, there were about 30 people in and around the shelter.  Late arrivals were disappointed to see the shelter was completely full and had to set up their tents outside.  Of course, that night it poured.  Glad I was in the Shelter, but the noise of the rain dripping off the trees onto the tin roof kept me awake for a good while.Thanks to the father and son hikers that were experts at coaxing a fire out of wet wood on this cold evening we had a warm fire inside the shelter.
Date: 2018-03-20
From: Double Spring Shelter

To: NewFound Gap
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got going around 8:20 towards Clingmans. Breakfast has gotten easier now. Surprisingly I've been able to skip coffee and not die. Just breakfast biscuits as I Hike. I climbed on thru rainforest like woods. Thick mossy dark and mysterious. The shoulders of Clingmans appeared with clouds wafting across the top. Climbed the observation walk. There was 1 opening in the clouds thru which you could se Gatlinburg way below. Took a quick picture and got going.  Forgot to mention today was the day I would meet my son and sister. About a mile down the mountain here came my son. Man o man was it good to see him. We switched packs and I became a slack packer the remainder of the way to the road. A the road my sister drove up in the truck and did some trail angeling. Beer, sodas, and chips.  Ahh very good. Trouble is the weather didn't cooperate. Rain intensified mixed with sleet. We gave a lift to the father and son hikers and drove down into town. Later that day the rain would turn into snow and close the road.
Date: 2018-03-22
From: Pidgin Forge

To: Abington Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: clear sky

During the night the snow started in town. Started gathering information on storm ¢Toby¢ mainly raging up north but also in the mountains around here. Reading Trail journal accounts showed bad conditions up in the Smokies with the road still closed and hikers ether stranded or making heroic treks to the road with occasional rescues. I judged to skip a head north where it seemed the snow was a little less. So up north we drove to near Virginia and the Damascus area. After setting up the camper my sister drove us up the mountain on rt. 421 to the AT. at Low Gap, mile 455. My son would join me for 2 days. We doned our packs and got going around 3:45 with 5 miles till the next Shelter. The snow here was about 3¢ deep with some drifts. The going was fairly the climbs mild and the path somewhat trodden down already. We reached the shelter around 6:00 cooked, got a feeble fire going, and tried to go to sleep on a very cold night.
Date: 2018-04-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, after an unexpected and devastating family tragedy and A LOT of contemplation, I have decided to continue with my plan to thru hike the trail this year. I will be starting on approximately May 8th. I will be doing a flip flop, starting at Harpers Ferry and going north to Katadin, then back to Harpers Ferry and go south to Springer Mountain.
Date: 2018-05-07
From: Harpers Ferry 

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day one on the trail! My husband and I stayed in Harpers Ferry last night and he dropped me off this morning. Checked out a few of the historic sites in Harpers and then walked the bridge into Maryland. Hiked 11 miles and I¢m ready for a nap :)
Date: 2018-05-08
From: Crampton Gap

To: Annapolis Rock Campsite 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: few clouds

Today started out pretty easy. The trail was relatively flat with a few steep decents. Stopped at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground for a shower and to charge all my devices. Saw the original Washington Mounument with a beautiful view. I missed the shelter I wanted to stay at and ended up doing more miles then I planned. My backpack is super heavy. Unloading a bunch of unnecessary items tonight. Hopefully it will make a big difference. I¢m sure I¢ll find more I can unload as I go on :)
Date: 2018-05-09
From: Annapolis Rock Campsite 

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Today went pretty well. The trail started out easy. My pack was lighter and I feel my body getting stronger. Leap frogged with Rest Easy and Simba all morning. A nice couple I met on my first night. The trail was very rocky today and my feet are feeling it. But the weather was gorgeous! Preparing for thunderstorms tomorrow...
Date: 2018-05-10
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Antietam shelter 
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

It was a day of firsts today. First thunderstorm, which I waited out at Pen Mar Park in a pavilion with a couple other hikers. Crossed the Mason Dixie Line. Went into Blue Ridge Summit for my first resupply. First trail magic. First a women stopped and gave me a lift back from town back to the trail. She told me she had just done the same for two other hikers. She said her goal was to retire in 3 years and thru hike the trail herself. Then, even better trail magic, my cousin Jeramiah showed up at my campsite tonight with pizza and beer!! Love my family! Lots of rocks in PA and my feet are pretty sore and raw but the trail magic made my day. Turned out to be a very good day :)
Date: 2018-05-11
From: Antietam shelter 

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: few clouds

Fairly uneventful day. The weather was beautiful. I decided to do a shorter day because my feet were hurting. Stayed at a beautiful campground, Caledonia State Park. I met a nice couple that told me all about their camping days. Now they have a camper so they can take their 11 year old retriever with them. I chatted with the campground host for quite a while. She was very interested in learning how my hike was going so far. I got a nice shower and was able to charge up all my devices. Still lots o rocks!
Date: 2018-05-12
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

The weather today started out beautiful. The hike was fairly easy. I stopped early because it was calling for thunderstorms early afternoon. I set up in a shelter by 3pm. Two other couples showed up just as it started to storm, about 6pm. It was loud and very close with big chucks of hail. The two other couples were both northbounders that started in Georgia. Got some good tips from them on trail life and good places to go once I start heading south. I slept in the shelter, which was not fun. My hammock is much more comfortable, but the shelter was safe and dry :)
Date: 2018-05-13
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

It was rainy all day today. The trail was very easy. Pretty level all day. I crossed the half way mark of the AT today (not my half way obviously). I meet up with the couples I stayed with at the shelter last night at the Pine Grove Furnace General Store where they have the "half gallon challenge". Hikers celebrate crossing the half way mark by eating a whole half gallon of ice cream. Three of the four hikers had said they were going to do it the night before but due to the cold weather they all changed their minds. We all ate lunch and the food was excellent. My feet were feeling better but I stopped early again because they were calling for thunderstorms again. The rest were pushing on for seven more miles to the next shelter. I stayed at the Ironmasters Mansion Hostel where I was the only guest in this huge old house. But I got a nice shower, got to do some laundry and charge up all my stuff.
Date: 2018-05-14
From: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a long day but a good one. The trail was fairly level. There were a few fun rock scrambles later in the day. I had my first spill too. I tripped, not sure over what :), and face planted with my 30lb backpack on. Wasn¢t hurt but knocked the wind out of me. The rain stayed away today and the sun even came out for a bit. Back to my hammock tonight yay!!
Date: 2018-05-15
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Sherwood Dr 
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

It was hot for most of the day. High 80s. The majority of the day the trail was flat and in open pastures and farmlands. Got up close and personal with some cows :). My cousin came through for me again and picked me up from the trail at 4 pm just as it started to storm. High winds and hail and even a tornado. But I spent a nice evening in Harrisburg with Jeramiah and Anna and even slept in a real bed! And I hit 100 miles!
Date: 2018-05-16
From: Sherwood Dr 

To: Duncannon 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

It rained heavy for the first half of the day today. Jeramiah hiked with me for the first 3 miles. It was nice to have some company :). The trail was rocky with a few decent climbs. There were A LOT of downed trees on the trail today. So glad I wasn¢t out in the storm last night. I was so glad to make it to Duncannon! Taking a zero day here tomorrow :) think my body needs the break.
Date: 2018-05-17
From: Duncannon 

To: Duncannon 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took my first zero day today. Stayed at The Doyle hotel, which is much more like a hostel than a hotel. In fact it reminds me a bit of scenes from the movie Hostel :). But I had a good day. Caught up on sleep, did laundry, resupplied and had a good meal. Back on the trail in the morning!
Date: 2018-05-18
From: Duncannon 

To: Peters Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

First part of the day was walking a few miles in town then over a highway overpass of the Susquehanna river. Then a decent climb. The rest of the day was fairly easy. There were lots of great places the stop for a rest with some beautiful views. At one I got to watch 3 turkey vultures stalking there next meal. Stopped for a while at Table Rock and cooled my feet on the stones and called grandpa to check in :)
Date: 2018-05-19
From: Peters Mountain Shelter 

To: Tentsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

Today was kind of a bummer day. It started out when I left the shelter and walked 1 mile in the wrong direction before I realized it :-p. It rained heavy all morning and was cold. I didn¢t go as far as I wanted because of the extra 2 miles I tacked on, and I was wet and cold. Snuggled into my hammock to warmup and crashed out early. Hoping for a dryer day tomorrow!
Date: 2018-05-20
From: Tentsite

To: Tentsite
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

No rain today :). The trail was very wet and muddy though. First thing this morning as I was having breakfast a porcupine came right up to me. He was freakin adorable! I started talking to him though and he got freaked out and waddled away :). I also saw two tiny bright orange lizards on the trail and a turtle. Stayed at another small unofficial campsite all by myself again. My gear is slowly beginning to dry out. I walked through a couple miles of prescribed burn area which was kind of eerie. The trail stayed pretty level till the end of the day where there was one decent climb. So ready for bed!
Date: 2018-05-21
From: Tentsite

To: 501 Shelter 
Miles today: 12.1

The weather was beautiful today. Mid 70s and sunny. The trail was much dryer today. There was one steep climb in the beginning of the day. The rest of the day was fairly flat along the ridge line. Stayed at a really nice shelter. The caretaker is a nice guy who lives next door. He grew up in the Detroit area too. He lets the hikers use his outlets in the porch to charge their phones and runs anyone into town to get pizza. I told him I was from Traverse City. He was raving about the cherries so I promised him I¢d mail him back some :)
Date: 2018-05-22
From: 501 Shelter 

To: Rock n Sole Hosel
Miles today: 9.3

Today was another rainy day. The trail was very wet and muddy. Did a shorter day so I could stay at the Rock n Sole Hostel. This was such a great place to stay. They picked me up from the trail, did my laundry (I have dry socks!!) drove us to the grocery store and cooked us an amazing dinner. Pulled pork sandwiches, Mac and cheese, broccoli, and a pint of beer. Then had a brownie and ice cream for dessert! I even had a companion to sleep with at night (see pic above).
Date: 2018-05-23
From: Rock n Sole Hosel

To: Port Clinton Pavilion 
Miles today: 14.6

Today started out with a delicious breakfast of egg casserole, cinnamon buns, fresh fruit and lots of coffee. In the pic is me and 3 (out of 12) of my roommates for the night, Tippy Top, Sandles and Poncho. After a big meal the night before and a great breakfast this morning I was more energized then I have been on the trail so far. The miles flew by today. I got to Port Clinton by 3:00. Cabelas in Hamburg had a shuttle and they picked me up. I did some shopping there, at Walmart and had dinner at Red Robin. Camping out in a park in Port Clinton tonight where they let hikers stay for free. Nice spot right along a river. Weather was perfect today and looks like it¢s gonna last for the next few days :)
Date: 2018-05-24
From: Port Clinton Pavilion 

To: Eckville Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I didn¢t have as much energy today as yesterday. I feel like I¢m beginning to sprout my trail legs though. There were two big climbs today and lots of rocks. Each day the climbs get a bit easier. Today¢s hike was a lot of work! So glad to be at camp relaxing in my hammock :). This shelter is very cool. It¢s a barn on the caretakers property and a tentsite in a field across the street. There¢s a solar shower and the caretaker lets you use his electricity to charge your devices. Lots of hikers here I¢ve been hanging with the past few nights. Feeling tired though so I¢m being anti social and crashing early.
Date: 2018-05-25
From: Eckville Shelter 

To: Tentsite 
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

It was a hot one today! Lots of rocks. I saw my first rattle snake too. Didn¢t see it until it rattled at me. I forgot to fill my water bladder in the morning and went most of the day without water. In 90 degree weather that¢s no bueno :(. I had dinner at a restaurant near a road crossing a mile from camp. Camped at a small campsite all to myself :)
Date: 2018-05-26
From: Tentsite 

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

Another hot one today. Went through the ¢Knife¢s Edge¢. A few nerve raking bolder climbs...my feet are taking a beating. It was a long walk into town, Palmerton, but worth it. Staying at a hostel at Bert¢s Steakhouse. It¢s a full house with 4 other hikers here. Getting a shower, laundry, dinner and an ice cream :) Taking a zero here tomorrow. My cousin Haley and Zev are meeting me here tomorrow :)
Date: 2018-05-27
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Palmerton 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Had a very productive zero day. Had breakfast at the diner attached to the hostel, did resupply shopping, and took a 3 hour nap. My cousin Haley and her boyfriend Zev happened to be driving through PA on their way to New York and stopped by and took me out to dinner! So good to see them :). I feel rested up and ready for a big climb first thing tomorrow morning.
Date: 2018-05-28
From: Palmerton 

To: Tentsite 
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The people that run the hostel took us hikers back to the trail at 8am. The day started out with a steep, scary, long boulder climb. After that the trail went thru a part that looked like a wasteland due to zinc contamination in the area a long time ago. The rest of the day the trail was lush and green and level. I had some ankle/heel pain, from the climb I assume, and stopped early.  Hoping it will feel better in the morning...
Date: 2018-05-29
From: Tentsite 

To: Tentsite 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

It was a hot one today!! My heel/ankle felt much better today, thank goodness! The trail was fairly level until the decent into Wind Gap. A trail angel gave me a ride into town. Water is very scarce in this section of the trail so she was passing out bottled water too. Trail angels are amazing!! I had a late lunch/early dinner at the Cafe on Broadway. A very hiker friendly place. They filled up my water bottles for free and let me charge up my devices. Had a hot, steep climb out of town. Stopped at a campsite at the top of the climb. Think the heat wiped me out!
Date: 2018-05-30
From: Tentsite 

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: broken clouds

The trail was fairly easy today with just a few rock scrambles. A little cooler today which was nice. Hiked to the town of Delaware Water Gap. Staying at the hostel at the Church of the Mountain. It¢s run on donations only. 6 bunks and a couple couches. It¢s a full house and I got the last spot. Some familiar faces here, Tippy Top, Sandles and Thumper. Had dinner and a few cocktails in town. I¢m having some new shoes shipped here tomorrow. Hoping to get back in the trail at a reasonable time tomorrow.
Date: 2018-05-31
From: Delaware Water Gap 

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

Well my shoes did not come today like they were supposed too :(. So I am taking an unplanned zero day here. It turned out to be a fun day though. Sandles and Thumper are also zeroing here. A group of us took an Uber to Walmart to resupply. The church hostel we stayed at put on a dinner for us hikers for free. Fried chicken, hot dogs, corn on the cob and much more. It was so nice. We hung out and chatted with the people from the church. They were very interested to here our stories. I decided to stay at the hotel next to the hostel that night because a lot of the hikers were sick and I didn¢t want to catch it. The hotel had a live jazz band in the restaurant/bar. A group from the hostel came over and we hung out for a while. I¢m again hoping my shoes show up early tomorrow so I can get back on the trail at a decent time.
Date: 2018-06-01
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Campsite 
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

My new shoes finally arrived today! By the time I got them and got on the trail it was 11am. The first mile was over a bridge over the Delaware River. Halfway over the bridge I crossed into my fourth state, New Jersey! The beginning of the day was mostly climbing then it leveled out. I was aiming for a shelter a little further on but decided to stop when I came across a spot on a ridge with a beautiful view. It was another hot day today and the breeze up here feels good!
Date: 2018-06-02
From: Campsite 

To: Harmony Ridge Campground 
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

New Jersey is most well know to hikers for one thing, bears. This morning I found out why. For a food bag I use a ursack. It¢s made out of material that a bear can¢t get into. So you can tie it up anywhere on a tree and it should be fine. Well, this morning when I went to retrieve my bag I found that a bear had tried very hard to get into it. There were claw and bite marks all over it. The bag worked in that the bear couldn¢t get at the food, however in its effort to open it he smashed all the contents into essentially one big ball of granola, tuna fish and peanut butter :-p. So I hiked 16 miles to Branchville, the next town. According to the Google there was an Econo Lodge a half mile off the trail and a grocery store a mile further. Perfect! When I got there though it turned out the Econo Lodge was actually 10 miles away. So instead I found a campground 4 miles away and called an Uber to pick me up. At the campground I chatted with the owners for quite awhile. They were very interested in my hike. They introduced me to a woman staying there whose husband was also hiking to trail. She very generously offered to take me to the grocery store in the morning and back to the trail. The people I¢ve met out here are truly amazing!
Date: 2018-06-03
From: Harmony Ridge Campground 

To: High Point Shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Sandy, the woman I met at the campground, and her sister-in-law drove me to the grocery store and then to the trailhead in the morning. Her husband is hiking southbound and I should pass by him in a few days. We exchanged information so we would know each other if we meet. It was much cooler today which was very nice. There were several climbs and descents today but nothing too steep. There were a lot a beautiful views, at Sunrise Mountain peak and from an observation tower at the highest point in New Jersey. Staying at a shelter tonight, and every night while I¢m in this state. Shelters here all have bear boxes to put your food in. Not risking a repeat incident :)