morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-07-03
From: Stealth Site - 1183.4

To: Rock & Soul Hostel 
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained a little more last night. Not hard but more. Everything is damp from the rain and humidity. I feel nasty! I stink, I am sticky, and everything smells sour. I might get a hostel tonight to get a shower and do laundry. I am getting a hotel for the 4th. I packed up a wet tent and damp sleeping bag and sleeping pad. All that adds to weight. Luckily I¢m almost out of food. I went to sleep with my shoes wet from the beaver pond. I have a dry pair of socks. I grabbed my shoes and one of them, the right one had a puddle in it. Not good because I¢m nursing a blister on that heel. I have a long 20+ day to get to the hostel.  I thought about hitching into town at mile one to get a small resupply but decided on the hostel instead. The hostel offers laundry, linens, shower, ride to town, gourmet breakfast, and pick up and drop off at the trail. I was moving along a little slower because of the blister, and the PA rocks,  but was still making about 2 miles per hour. I stopped at shelter 501. Its a nice shelter with a solar shower and you can have pizza delivered. I made myself a hiker meal and relaxed a little. I looked at the time and it was 230, I still had 9 miles to hike or 4 more hours. The hike was rather uneventful today with a few partial views.  I caught up to one of the hikers I had met at 501. We chatted for a mile or so. I was 1/2 mile from my pick and it started pouring. I was soaked when he picked me up. I gave him all my clothes and headed for a hot shower. Then I saw a scale. I weighed myself 168, that¢s 30 lbs.  I passed the 1200 mile mark today, and I am now officially under the 1000 to go mark also!!!! Wildlife update: two deer.
Date: 2019-07-04
From: Rock & Soul Hostel 

To: Hamburg, PA-Microtel
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy 4th of July. I am rewarding myself today with only a 15 mile walk. That sounds weird to say, only a 15 mile walk. I am also staying in a hotel tonight. I got up early at the hostel, I did not sleep well. It was hot and my blister hurt. I packed and breakfast was brought in. Sausage links, 2 waffles, fresh fruit, orange juice, lemonade, and coffee. My shoes got mostly dry and my socks were clean and dry. We were dropped off at the trail head. The morning was beautiful. The sky was clear. Everything was clean from the rain. The forest was radiant green and sparkling from the rain drops. I saw several deer today. One doe had 2 fawn with her. I saw Cindy and Cowboy, they were hiking with Happy Feet and Coffee Bean. I had not met them yet. I was really trying to protect my feet today. I am on the verge of more blisters. The trail was muddy and my feet did get wet today. The last mile into town was extremely steep downhill. I made it to the post office where you call for rides from. K-Town was there and he had ordered a Lyft and offered to share it with me. I got to my room and immediately showered, washing my shoes, insoles, and socks. After my shower I spread everything out in the room to dry. I was hungry and walked to Red Robin. They also serve beer. I ate and had a couple beers. The Walmart was a long walk so I decided on Aldi, Aldi was closed. I tried to get an Uber to the liquor store but none were available. I went back to Red Robin and the couple I had been talking to bought me 2 beers. I was falling asleep at 6 pm. I walked back to the hotel and grabbed Wendy¢s on the way. I was craving a frosty. Early night to bed. Additionally, I cannot remember the last time I didn¢t have to work on the 4th. It has to be at least 15 years. Wildlife update: 3 deer, 2 fawn.
Date: 2019-07-05
From: Hamburg, PA-Microtel

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

I did not sleep well last night. The blister on the back of my right foot was hurting and my right toe was throbbing. There is something going on with the big toe, toe nail.  I am thinking a little irritation and not infection but, my mind was thinking the worst as I was trying to sleep. I¢m picturing it being stabbed with a needle or having to have my toe lanced. I slept until 700 which is usually when I hit the trail. I went downstairs for breakfast and saw several hiker friends. At this point I was thinking of taking a zero day and trying to find a way home. Just for a planned vacation, not for good. Talking to Cowboy and Cindy (Braveheart) cheered me up. We decided to get a ride to Walmart for a few things and then get dropped off at the trailhead. I had a half hour to pack and doctor my feet.  I was on trail just after 900. My feet were feeling alright and I saw a deer early into the trip. The first two miles of the trip was an 1100 foot climb. It then pretty much leveled off. There was a great view called the Pinnacle.  I took a good break there. There is also an amateur astrological site up there with three observatories. Parts of the trail were very rocky today but I really don¢t mind the rocks. At one point we were walking on a dirt/gravel road for several miles. I saw a rattlesnake stretched out across the trail. I got a big stick then threw small rocks near it until it moved. It rattled its tail as it slithered away.  I made the 14+ miles to the shelter which is on the same grounds as a caretaker and his house. I got the last bunk. It¢s supposed to rain tonight. The shelter has a flush toilet and solar shower.  I ate dinner first then took a shower. The caretaker had sodas for us and later brought out a watermelon. There was an older couple that lives in the area that stopped by and dropped of a box of Honey Stinger products . I felt bad as I was lying in my bunk. Several hikers arrived as the rain started and more arrived later as it was raining.  They have to set up in the rain and be in the rain all night. Wildlife update: deer & rattlesnake.
Date: 2019-07-06
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning and had made up my mind. I¢m going home! Not for good. I will return to the trail on July 22.  This is a planned vacation from the trail so I can go home and go on family vacation, SNIDERFEST 2019! I had originally planned on getting off trail on Monday or Tuesday and only being off the trail for 10 days.  I am many miles ahead of where I thought I¢d be at this time and a few extra days of rest will help. My heel blister is not doing well and this will give it some extra time to heel. I have not had a Nero or Zero since Damascus, May 18.I did not sleep well in the shelter as it was hot and still.  There were also a few bugs, like gnats bothering me. That is why I really like my tent. I was up early as the sunlight comes in the shelter and the birds start singing at 515. I wished Cowboy and Braveheart goodbye and safe trails.It was too early to start calling shuttle drivers so I had coffee and oatmeal as the other hikers woke, packed, and got on their way. I had found a Enterprise rent a car at Lehigh Airport (40 miles away). I could rent one way from there and return it to O'Hare without the additional one way fee. At 800 I started calling shuttle drivers, and the second one I called said she would take me to the airport where I could rent a car. She would be there in an hour.At exactly 900 the shuttle driver arrived and we were off to the airport.  I got to the rental agent counter and told the gentleman I would like a car one way to Chicago O'Hare. He said that it would be $450.00.  I said I can book through Enterprise online and it¢s $99.00.  He said if I could do that do it, then give him the confirmation number and I¢ll get the car for $99.00.  So I stood there in front of him on their website and booked the car for $99.00!!!! I just don¢t understand.I drove for 12 hours straight, and made it home to Seaneen and Luci at 9 pm.  I was exhausted.  I showered and went to bed.I may or may not post while I am off trail. I may do a post of memories of the first 13 weeks on the trail, as I¢ll be off trail for 13 days. I¢m thinking a daily post summarizing each week of the 13 weeks.Thank you everyone for following.  I will be back on trail soon ; )
Date: 2019-07-20
From: N/A

Miles today: 0.0

Happy Birthday to me : )  I turned 50 yesterday!We returned from family vacation yesterday evening after stopping to see my mom. This morning I got my hair cut for the return to the trail. I still have to trim my beard before returning.I secured my shuttle return to the trail. The shuttle driver told me to make sure I could get the vehicle one way to the particular airport she was picking me up from, (Reading regional.) She had suggested a different airport from the one she had picked me up from (Lehigh), because it was closer and would cost me less.I had looked at one way rentals from O¢Hare airport to Reading Regional airport earlier in the week and there was a small pickup available for $115. I did not book it as I wanted to confirm with the shuttle driver she could pick me up.  I went onto the Enterprise website today.  I could not find a one way from O¢hare to Reading or Lehigh.  I tried from Midway and I couldn¢t find anything.  I checked Amtrack, and I could get a train to Allentown from Chicago for $184. The train left Sunday evening and didn¢t get to Allentown for almost 24 hours!  I tried some of the Tavel websites and they all said there was a high demand for vehicles in Chicago and the price was over $500. I checked Milwaukee and there was nothing. I then thought I would try Rockford, and I found a vehicle for $115.I am picking the vehicle up at 900 Sunday morning. I plan to drive almost the whole way back to Eckville, PA. I will get a room Sunday night and finish the drive Monday morning.  The shuttle driver is scheduled to pick me up at 1000 am.  I should be back on trail by 1200 on Monday.I have enjoyed the family vacation. I think I look and feel good for turning 50. It will be interesting to see where I am in terms of hiking bubbles.  I will probably meet many new hikers, and hopefully see some hikers I have met in the past. Looking forward to returning to the rocks of Pennsylvania. My heel has heeled from the nasty blister, I now have to figure out which shoes to wear.
Date: 2019-07-21
From: Home

To: Reading PA
Miles today: 0.0

I left the house today at 755. I had to drive for an hour west to Rockford to get the rental car. I then had to drive an hour back east to get back on track to PA. The drive was uneventful except for the two storms I caught up with/drove through. The first one was in Ohio and everyone seemed to drive sensible. The second one was in Pennsylvania and I was able to get to an Oasis and stop before the storm hit. After the front went through I continued. My plan was to get within 3 hours of the Reading PA airport. I drove to within about an hour and found a room. I used some Expedia points and got a free night. I should have time for breakfast and a shower before I head to meet the shuttle driver. I am missing home, friends, and family already but, I am very excited to get back on the trail too. I am looking forward to seeing other hikers and to sleeping in my tent.
Date: 2019-07-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 
Miles today: 7.4

Stayed at the Best Western, New Cumberland PA. I woke up early enough to relax and enjoy the hotel breakfast. I had just over an hour to drive to the Reading Regional Airport and the drive was easy. I returned the car and waited for the shuttle driver.The shuttle ride back to the Eckville Shelter took about an hour. I was dropped off at the shelter and I walked up the walk to the shelter. The caretaker came out of his house and grumpily asked if he could help me with something? I was carrying a backpack and I was dressed like a hiker. I politely told him I was through hiking and I just got dropped off by a shuttle driver. I checked the shelter log book to see who had been there and I saw some familiar names. I was happy because I may be catching some hikers I have not seen in a while.I got back on the trail and I felt pretty good at first. I knew my day was going to be short because I started at 1100, it was my 1st day back, and the first shelter was 7.4 miles. The second shelter is another 10, and I was not doing 17 the first day back. Also there is a thunderstorm watch in effect until 10 pm. After a few miles my legs felt like rubber and powerless. I hope it¢s only a few days to get my hiking legs back. The Pennsylvania rocks didn¢t help much. The trail was wet today, not wet like walking in water and not muddy just wet dirt and rocks. I made it to the shelter at 315. The storm hit at 415. I was safe and dry in the shelter. I met a lady named Twitch who was hiking with an older lady. I did not catch her name but she has a small service dog named Boots. At the shelter there were 5 hikers and they were contemplating hiking further. They all did and I¢m sure they are all wet!Six hikers showed up after the rain and the shelter is now full. Some names are: Salad, Cricket, Ranger, Twitch, Godspeed, Stretch, & Ira  Wildlife update: fluorescent orange newt.
Date: 2019-07-23
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 

To: Stealth Site 1256.2
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on all night. I slept really hard which I hope is the new normal. I started sleeping pretty good before the break and slept great during the break.The trail was surprisingly not sloppy today. It rained alot last night. There were places it was muddy but not so much that you were walking in puddles. My shoes, socks, and feet eventually got wet but not squishy wet. At the 1st shelter I took my shoes and socks off and took the liners out of my shoes. I was able to ring water out of my socks. I was hoping today was going to be a little less Pennsylvania Rocky, and it was at times. The rocky parts made up for the areas of non rockiness. Last week on vacation I wore flip flops the whole time and did next to nothing in the way of exercise. When I wear flip flops I don¢t lift my feet and I drag my heels. Out here lifting your feet and not dragging your heels is a must.My legs and feet felt better today and I made 14.4 miles today. Almost everyone I met last night is going further to the shelter, another 2 miles. Twitch and the older lady with the dog, Boots have not passed me and I don¢t think they will. The trail was pretty rough, especially for the older lady. She has fallen three times in the last few days. One fall required stitches in her knee. Stitched by Twitch trailside. I found a great stealth spot covered by soft pine needles and surrounded by ferns. Wildlife update: a couple toads.
Date: 2019-07-24
From: Stealth Site 1256.2

To: Stealth Camping at 1269.3 Delps Tr.
Miles today: 13.1

I slept great last night, and it¢s a beautiful morning. The air is crisp and cool with a clear sunny sky. I switched sleeping bags when I was home. The current bag is a few ounces lighter and actually has a lower temperature rating. It got down to the upper 50s last night and I was a little cool at times, not quite cold but cool. I¢ll probably be switching back to the other bag.The 1st shelter was only two miles and I made it there pretty quick. There is not a privy here but there is a good water source. There are plenty of warnings that this is the last water source for 20 miles. My goal was the next shelter which was another 17. I filled up with about 2.5 liters. Soon thereafter you cross a river and start a very steep rocky climb into a super fun restoration area of Blue Mountain zinc smelting area. The climb was short but steep! It was probably the most technical and definitely the most scary climb thus far. On the way up I passed a lady and chatted with her for a while. She remembered my name. It was Mama Bird, and I haven¢t seen her since somewhere around the Smokies. Once on top the trail leveled out and was flat for a while. Then it got rocky again. I came across some trail magic of water bottles. I topped off my water. There were several nice views throughout the day. I stopped after 13.1 miles at a nice stealth spot. I made dinner of Ramen Noodles and started planning the next few days. I should be able to make it to Delaware Water Gap by Friday.As I was sitting in my tent planning a Trail Runner stopped by and checked on me. Wildlife Update: Nothing ?
Date: 2019-07-27
From: Stealth Camping Site 1302.5

To: Blue Mtn. Stealth Site 1319.5
Miles today: 17.0

So today has to rank as one of the top 5 days on the trail. I got up early after sleeping through the night. I had coffee, ate, and was on trail by 738. I walked about a mile to the open ridge line and the view went on forever in both directions. On the west side there was total cloud cover in the valley below us and on the east side it was clear and you could see the whole valley. There were several through hikers up there that had camped last night. Wow what a view. I spent most of the day walking with a view to the east. It kept changing but it kept getting more rural and more beautiful. I met several hikers today and everyone is so nice. Next I went by a bog that was created by a beaver dam. The bog was covered with lily pads and flowers. The next bog was partially drained and not so pretty. I took several breaks, and climbed a fire tower. I no longer shake or get that feeling in my stomach. I was thinking the day was going to be a bust for wildlife as it after 200 and I hadn¢t seen anything. I then noticed something on the trail ahead. I was a huge Tom turkey and a hen with several young turkeys. About a half mile later I heard a noise to my right and I saw a baby bear climbing a tree. I froze and listened and looked for Mama. While listening and looking I took a quick video and stills. I then moved on before Mama found me.I soon ran into Cricket and Salad they are headed to the next town so they can go to NY City tomorrow and visit museums. Nice kids! I had decided I wasn¢t going to make it to town so I pick a goal of Blue Mtn. stealth site. When I arrived on Blue Mtn. I was blown away. I have an unobstructed 180 view to the west. Ahhhhh sunset?. I am also looking forward to seeing the stars tonight as it is clear.I am still maxing my days out in the 17 mile range. I know longer days will come. I am listening to my body. I will hopefully catch Camelback Santa in a few days.I talked to him this morning, it will be nice to see him. Wildlife update: Turtle, Turkeys, Bear
Date: 2019-07-28
From: Blue Mtn. Stealth Site 1319.5

To: Mashipacong Shelter 
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Last night I did not fall asleep quickly. I think it was the wind rustling my rain fly as I had it half open. Also, I¢m having aches like I had back in the beginning of the hike. I brought a golf ball to work out my muscles. Hopefully this gradually goes away. In the middle of the night I could see the stars through my screening. I unzipped and looked out. The stars were amazing and you could faintly see the Milky Way. The other thing is all night long I had about 30 mosquitoes clinging to my tent waiting to suck my blood. Every time I unzipped for something 2-3 would get it and it was ¢game on¢ until I killed them or they got me. I woke up to a great sunrise and a valley of clouds that looked like a river. I had four miles to get to town and that went pretty quick. There was a pub called Gyp¢s .2 to the left that was supposed to open at 9. It was 855 and no sign of an employee. I walked .2 back to the trail, then .8 the other direction to Jumboland Diner where I had breakfast. I then walked/sleep walked .8 back to the trail. It was now 11 and Gyp¢s opens at 11. When I was there earlier I noticed comfy chairs in back overlooking the lake. I walked the .2 back to Gyp¢s and they were so nice. I got a beer and was able to charge my electronics. I was so comfortable sitting and staring at the lake. I had three different customers have extensive conversations with me about the trail, hiking and life. One couple was so tickled they wanted to buy my lunch so they could say they bought a through hiker lunch. I said thank you but absolutely not. Gyp¢s sold some hiker supplies so I bought a few things. I got back on trail about 2. About an eighth of a mile back on trail I saw a sign for Trail Magic. A guy named Moose does trail magic there Every Day!!! I sat and had trail magic for about 45 minutes. This day was going to be a short day. I figured I¢d hike for a bit and find a stealth spot. There were no stealth spots for 9 miles. I made it to the 2nd shelter and set up camp and ate. I met a through hiker named Oatmeal. At about 8 o¢clock 12 youths "yoots" rolled in with a leader. They are learning how to set up a camp step by step. At 839 they still hadn¢t eaten and are playing a version of a drinking game but are not drinking.
Date: 2019-07-30
From: Stealth Camping Site-Farmers Field

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

Today started out great. I slept alright in spite of being in n fear of being asked to move or being run over by farm equipment as I was stealthing in a farmer¢s field. The sun lit up the Valley/mtn. range I had a view of and as I was having coffee a family of Turkeys walked by. I was packed and on trail just after 7. Early in the day there was some road walking that led to a walk around the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge which was beautiful. I saw frogs, a deer, ducks, blue herons, tan cranes, and a huge flock of white cranes. The walk around the refuge was flat and beautiful but in full sun, luckily it was not that hot....yet. A short time later I walked through the Pochuck Creek Recreation Area. This is a huge park basically through a swampland. The trail goes on a mile plus boardwalk that is handicapped accessible. I met a nice older couple there with their daughter. They were admiring my backpack and asking me many questions. I still haven¢t gotten tired of talking to people about hiking the Appalachian Trail. The boardwalk was mostly in the sun so I got hot. Good thing there was a hotdog stand ahead and homemade ice cream across the street. I rested at those two places a short while. The next section I knew had a steep uphill. While walking up I was warned of a bear that was near the trail and not moving for people. I seemed to have remembered reading in Guthooks that the bear has three legs or is injured. I never saw the bear. At the lookout there was two couples there. They started asking me a bunch of questions about the Trail. Again, I still love talking about the trail. I had 3.5 to get to the shelter. I was getting really hot and tired. I had wrung out my shirt twice today because it was so wet with sweat? I found a clear creek and washed my shirt and body. It felt so good.  I crossed a road about a mile before the shelter and found trail magic consisting of cold sodas. It¢s amazing what a cold trail magic soda can do for your state of mind. I made it to the shelter and there was one guy resting/waiting out the heat. I set up my tent and headed the .4 to the ranger station for fresh water. It was an easy walk. Dinner was made and consumed. I am hoping NY has more in the way of stealth camping. NJ forbids it so there are not many options. The upcoming shelters are stretched out. The next shelter is 12 miles. 12 is too short of a day. After that the next one is 27 miles which is way to far. I¢m going to have to stealth.