morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Campsite in Boiling Springs

To: Days Inn Carlisle
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:15. Crazy nite with at least 3 trains rumbling by very closely and very noisy. Was warm last nite but no rain. Packed up and headed out at 7:15. No hurry today since I will only be going 8 miles.Headed to the ATC office to get organized and make some phone calls. Called my dentist at home to leave a message about my tooth. Called 2 Carlisle dentists about getting seen on Monday. One connected me with an oncall dentist who talked about options with me. Called Enterprise car rental about where they have locations. Also checked rates of motels near the trail.Went to the Caffee 101 for breakfast. Had their hiker breakfast of eggs, pancakes, canadian bacon, toast, hash browns and tea. Very filling. Possibly should have went with the omelet for a change.Headed on the trail at 9:30 up the street then into the woods. At the ATC office I learned about double blazes. I knew double blazes meant a change of directions but I didn't know there was a difference. Double blazes with one above the other is a change of direction. If the top blaze is offset to the right or left, it means that the trail turns in that direction. Wished I would have known this sooner.Trail was in the woods and smooth and flat so I was averaging 3 MPH. Then the trail went thru fields of corn or wheat. There were lots of road crossings and farms.Arrived at Rt 11 at 12:15 and walked down the Highway. There was a Days Inn which had a computer so I ended up checking in. Had my left over chips and stromboli. Used the computer to check emails, on trekking poles and update my journal. Took a short nap since I felt tired even tho I only did 8 flat miles. Took a walk to check out the diner next door and to the Truck stop to get some drinks. The truck stop was very busy. Got some sodas and checked the menu at the diner. Decided to come back here for dinner. Put the sodas in the room and got my paperwork to work on during dinner.Had chicken crouquettes and milkshake. Very tasty. My wife called about some paperwork I didn't sign. Returned to the room to figure out what to do. The computer doesn't have a printer, and she couldn't fax it. After an hour figured out how to do it.Checked on possible car rental for tomorrow since I have to get to town. Looked at my schedule to figure out about a delivery from REI. It looks like Port Clinton is the best location. Depending on when I leave, I may be there this weekend. Ordered new poles from REI. Long time on the phone with them since they had difficulty entering the address.Bed by 10:30. A good day with easy trail thru fields. Good location of lodging. Hopefully will not have to stay here long.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Days Inn Carlisle

To: Cove Mt Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: moderate rain

Up at 7:15. Breakfast of muffin and waffle. Called my hometown dentist and Carlisle dentist. One could see me tomorrow at 10 and my dentist could see me tomorrow at 3:30. Called Dr. Killian's office at 8:45 and they said they could see me at 9. I said that's too early so we made it for 10:30. Called Enterprise car rental about a car and they were to pick me up at 9:45. Watched TV and packed up. Enterprise picked me up at 9:45 and I drove downtown to the dentist. Got right in at 10:20. Got xrays and he filled the tooth but would recommend a crown when I'm off the trail. Done by 11:30. Excellent service and care. If you need dental care while on the trail in this area, highly recommend Dr. Killian.Went to the library to print out some documents for home. Then to the post office to mail the letter and get some mail boxes to ship my food forward. Went to the Carlisle Barracks commissary for food but they were closed. Got some food at the local grocer then when in the wrong direction. Once I got turned around then I had difficulty finding the post office. Packed up my food and asked the Post office clerk for some tape to put my label on the box. She didn't want to give me any but finally gave me 4 pieces.Returned the car after 4 hours and got taken back to the trail at 2:30. 100 yds from the trailhead was trail magic of cookies and cokes. Took a coke for later in the day. Trail was smooth and packed dirty thru the woods. Then it went into the fields and finally along a river with lots of stream crossings. Was making excellent time. Arrived at Alex Kennedy shelter at 4:45. Mad Cap and Pink Panther were there for the night. Haven't seen them since N.C. Nice shelter and privy. Shelter had 4 bunks plus the floor space. Visited with them a while and left at 5:15.Had a slight climb up from the shelter but it wasn't bad. Passed 4 hikers who set up camp by the stream. Got water and headed out. Got to the pipeline at 7:15 then the trail became rocky but not bad. Was able to keep a good pace. Long downhill to Cove Mt Shelter. Arrived at 8:10. Frankenstein was the only one there. Again the shelter was nice with 4 bunks and a protective hanger for food bags. Made dinner of Spanish rice and tuna and my coke. Used my tent as a bug net in the shelter. Journaled and bed by 10A very successful day. Got my tooth fixed and resupplied in a 1/2 day so I could get a good day of hiking. Weather was hot in the mid 80s. Tomorrow could be tougher due to limited water.
Date: 2014-07-02
From: 1158 Campsite

To: 1177 campsite
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 7:15. Not in a hurry today. Slow going today. Finished journal from yesterday. Finally left at 9 after Rod & Reel, Just Terry and Obsidian came by. The trail was moderatlly rocky but I was taking my time to conserve energy due to the heat. Rod & Reel had went to the spring for water. I didn't see him just his pack. The trail then went up 600' in 1.3 miles. very slow going only doing about 1 1/2 mile per hour. Stopped at the spring to refill my water after which the trail stayed rocky. Got to yellow spring camp at 12:30 for lunch. Lunch of tuna sandwich. Cooled down and rested. The trail remained smooth with some rocks. Penn. doesn't seem to wildflowers just green foliage. Got to Rausch Gap shelter trail at 3:30. Got water from the creek just 2 liters since I only had 4 more miles to campsite with water. Passed a SOBO gentleman with a group behind him headed to the shelter 1/2 mile south. About 1/2 mile back was his group of 4 older people who were moving slowly. Then I passed another SOBO hiker who had a friend behind him. All these people were headed to the 6 person shelter which may have already had thru hikers.Had a short uphill then a long descent. Slower going so I had to recalculate my arrival time. It had been thundering all afternoon but I had no rain. Within a mile from the camp the trail was muddy and the brush was wet. It appeared that it had rained. Arrived at the campsite at PA72 where there were 2 section hikers going SOBO. They said it had rained heavier just a while ago so I missed the storm. Got water from the creek filling all my containers since the campsite I'm headed for doesn't have water.Arrived at the campsite at 6, tented, bear bagged. Started dinner of Ramen and Peanut Butter. Called home since I was by myself and wanted to let my wife know where I was. Called my friend Rebecca about her upcoming hike. She is not doing the AT but another trail system. She also said she got diagnosed with Lyme's Disease, not from our hike. Also talked with my friend from Mich. who got reinjured and will not be going to the Nationals.It started to rain which cooled things down after a day in the upper 80s.Started the day slow due to the heat and humidity. Avoided the rain again so I could cook and set up in dry conditions. Seeing lots of section hikers but not many thru hikers. The 2 section hikers said the 501 shelter was crowded last night so I may be behind a bubble of thru hikers.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: 1177 campsite

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Up at 5:10 Earliest yet. Packed up, no breakfast will have breakfast at the 1st shelter. Leaving early to avoid the heat of the day. On the trail by 6:05. Very humid but not hot. Was making good time crossing over the iron bridge then went down the trail which was a road. Went under I81 and continued on the road. Was to be at a gravel road in .3 miles but I also wasn't seeing any white blazes. I also thought the gravel road was .9 miles. Turned around and headed back when I saw a tree with blazes on both sides. So I turned around and continue up the road another 1/2 to 3/4 mile without seeing any blazes. Returned back to the I81 underpass. There on one of the piers were 2 white blazes but there also was graffiti around the blazes. Unless you were looking for the blazes on the pier you walked by. I should have also realized I was off trail since the trail was to climb. So much for leaving early after losing 40 minutes.Once back on the trail I had a very steep climb so I stopped for breakfast. The trail was more rocky so it was slow going. It had rained so the trail and grass areas were wet which in turn got the shoes wet. Arrived at the Will Penn Shelter trail at 11:15. Didn't go to the shelter since it was a ways off the trail. Figured to have lunch at 501 shelter.The trail got flatter and smoother so I was able to increase my pace. Arrived at 501 shelter at 12:30. Impressive shelter with 10 bunks, fully enclosed with a table and skylight. Porta john and a low flow shower. Also water spigot.Took a quick rinse off shower to cool down. Relaxed indoors and had lunch of tuna sandwich. Walkabout showed up. We had met in NC but haven't seen either one since. He had been off trail with the stomach problem. Another hiker stopped by for lunch then they both left. I finally left at 2:30, a long lunch break. I had 6 miles to go to the Hertline campsite. It was again slow going because of the rocks. Started to sprinkle so out came the rain cover. Arrived at campsite at 5:15 where Walkabout and the other hiker were camped. I went about 1/10 mile north to another site. Got a good site, bear bagged at 5:45. At 6 it started to rain but I was in my tent dry. Unfortunately I couldn't cook so I had tuna and peanut butter on a bagel. I should have cooked at the 501 shelter. The rain stopped so I was able to bear bag my food.Have to get an early start tomorrow since I will be doing 19 miles. Trying for Port Clinton or Hamburg since I have to do laundry.Had an okay day except for getting lost. Did get the tent up and in it before the rains came.
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Microtel Hamburg

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Tough night sleeping. Up at 6:40 to breakfast at 7. Checked with the clerk on a taxi, he suggested Dad's Shuttle. This is the one I tried yesterday. Called him and arranged for 7:30 pickup for $5. Had breakfast of waffle, yogurts and bagel. Also took 2 oranges and banana for the road. Got picked up at 7:30. He said his phone was messed up yesterday and couldn't get his messages. Got to the Port Clinton post office at 7:45 so I got my pack ready for my food drop. Got my 2 boxes - food and poles. Put my old poles in the box with my receipts and mailed it home. The clerk was nice and let me use here tape. Went thru the food and divided it up for breakfasts and snacks.Left at 9:05, not a bad start. Trail ran along the river then under route 61. Trail was a little confusing at the road crossing but there was a guy there who directed me to the trail. The trail went up 700' in 2 1/2 mile but it gradual and not difficult. It also had a flat section mid way up. Weather had low humidity and 80. My pace was not fast but steady. Stopped briefly from 11:45 to noon at the Windsor Furnace Shelter. No Legs and White spot are about 5 days ahead.Arrived at Pulpit Rock at 12:45 for lunch. Lots of day hikers and just people. I had also passed lots of people on the way. Usual lunch of tuna salad. Left at 1:15. Trail was moderately rocky to then boulder fields. Stopped at the Pinnacle which had great views of the valley below. Talked with a couple that were interested in the trail.Ran into Golly Green Giant and another hiker so we hiked to the shelter together. The trail was flat but then became steeper. Arrived at the Eckville shelter at 5. Lots of hikers there. Some staying some heading out. Wild Turkey, Nora V were headed out. Bliss was there. The shelter had 8 bunks but was not the cleanest. There was a shower, flush toilet, charging station, and water. The tenting area was across the street. Very nice grassy area with some tent pads. Set up my tent then went back to have dinner at the shelter table. Had dinner of red beans and rice with tuna. Visited with Golly Green Giant. Other hikers were arriving. Hoyt, Rod & Reel. Obsidian arrived about 7:45 the Frankie the Sleeper came in. Bliss said that Mocho Pot fell rock climbing at the Pinnacle and had to be air lifted out. Also Hoyt just got his last rabies shot from the raccoon bite before Harpers FerryA good day with my shuttle, mail drops and my new poles. Spent some of the day with others and good to see others at the shelter. Blisters are coming back probably due to the rocks.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Night got cold. Everyone noticed it. Had to put on my tights, long sleeve shirt and down jacket. Up at 7. Packed up and had my usual cereal breakfast. Visited with Obsidian about NY sights. Headed out at 8. Had an intial climb but wasn't bad since there were some flat sections to break it up. Passed Rod & Reel and Plan B. Got to Dan's Pulpit about 9:30. On the way down the trail spotted a rattlesnake sleeping in the rocks. Passed some day hikers. The weather so far was good with low humidity and 65-70 temps. Trail became rocky with small rocks which were rough on the feet. Arrived at the Allentown Shelter at 11:45. The Conductor was there. Then Rod & Reel and Frankie the Sleeper came in finally Obsidian. Had my usual Tuna salad for lunch with an orange. Aired my feet. Toes are hurting where the blisters are. Headed out at 12:45. Mad good time since the trail was smooth and flat. Got to Rt 309 and decided to check out the Restaurant.Smurf and Smoky the Beard were there. Bought us a pitcher of beer. They went outside. Frankie the Sleeper was there eating lunch. Sat with Frankie and had 6 scoops of vanilla ice cream. Was going to leave but then Rod & Reel showed up and the guys helped open up the outside bar. Obsidian finally arrived. I ended up leaving at 3:15. I should have eaten here but I just was that hungry.The trail was smooth and flat for the next 2 miles to the Powerline and the trail to the campsite. I had planned to go to the next shelter. The trail then became rocky with boulder fields in addition to the rough trail. Feet were starting to hurt. 3 miles in was the Knife Edge which is a boulder field with vertical rocks. Very slow going in this section and very difficult. The trail remained rocky and slow. After Bear Rocks the trail became a road to the Bake Oven parking lot. Lots of cars in the parking lot. The trail went up hill but it was a road so not difficult. Lots of graffiti on the rocks. There were day hikers going up and coming down. Then the trail went thru another major boulder field. Stopped to talk with a group of guys about the trail. Got to Bake Oven shelter at 7 which was later than expected. Conductor, Blood Cookie and Golly Green Giant were there. Small shelter with only a few tent sites at the shelter. There were better tent sits along the trail.Set up my tent, bear bagged and made dinner of tuna chicken and rice. Visited with Golly Green Giant. He found out his hammock and tarp are being sent to Unionville instead of Delaware Water Gap. Some other hikers came by but decided to tent near the trail. In tent by 9. An interesting day since it was hard hiking on the rocks. The weather was good with the low humidity and mild temps. Hike with some people today for short times. The trail takes alot out of you. Nice diversion at the restaurant.Will be in Palmerton tomorrow after a short hike. Looking forward to visiting the old hometown and see if it has changed. Am in a small bubble of hikers.
Date: 2014-07-07
From: Bake Oven Shelter

To: Palmerton Hostel
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: broken clouds

Up at 5:30 but stayed in bed till 6:50. Slept ok not too warm. Did the usual morning routine and out by 7:50. Did notice 2 nice camping areas just off the trail past the shelter trail. Trail was rocky with small rocks. Slow going today. Another boulder field then the trail smoothed out but was downhill. There were some breaks in the trees with views of the valleys but I wasn't sure what I was looking at. Did get some trail magic at Ashfield Road of some water. Arrived at the bridge at 11 and the north trail head at 11:30.Headed into Palmerton 1 1/2 mile away on a trail parell to the road. Great views of the mountains, river, the road, and the town. Trail was level and grassy. Came into town and headed to boro hall and the hostel. Something have changed in town. Some long time business were closed but other still existed. Lots of fitness businesses and day care/schools. Arrived at Boro Hall at 12:30 and got checked in and shown around. The staff were very pleasant and helpful. I was the first of the day so I had a choice of bunks. The hostel was 2 large rooms - one had 6 bunks and the main room had 12 bunks. Went to the laundry across the street then went to the Pizza shop for cheese steaks. Their special was 3 cheesesteaks for $14. Got those and 2 drinks. Sat in the park and read about Palmerton and had 2 steaks. Then went to the laundry to finish up. After laundry I went to the library to check my option to get to Winston Salem. After checking buses and trains, the best option is still to rent a car. The bus would take 15-16 hours vs 9 driving hours.Returned to the hostel about 2 and the place was filled up. Frankie, Sunshine, Calenesty, Bliss, and Rod & Reel were there. They headed to the laundry then Obsidian arrived . Rod & Reel check with a lady about a possible shuttle tomorrow to the trail. She could take 3 people for $6PP. We all want to leave early to avoid the heat when climbing Lehigh Gap. Rod & Reel, Obsidian and me will be leaving on a 6:30 shuttle. The others will go at 7.Went to the store to get some ATreat Birch Beer and Cream Soda. Bought 2 liters of each which was shared with others who were impressed on the taste. Called home about Winston Salem and my drop boxes while waiting for Obsidian to finish his laundry. Went to the library to print out somethings.Went to Bert's with Obsidian. Wasn't hungary but had a grilled cheese sandwich and creamsickle milk shake - very good.A short but still rocky day. Town has changed but still with many of the same eating places as well as Shea's hardware. The town looks very good and it seems people are into fitness. Tomorrow will be tough up Lehigh Gap and having limited options for water.
Date: 2014-07-08
From: Palmerton Hostel

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.0

It stormed and rained last nite. Tough nite sleeping since the light was on in the other room. Up at 5:45. Breakfast of cereal. Finished packing and got the 6:30 shuttle from Barbara. There was Obsidian, Bliss, Rod & Reel, and myself. Rod gave the lady grief on where to park. She didn't want to go up the dirt road with her car. I don't blame here since her car was older and with the 5 people in the car the shocks may not have held up.Bliss stayed by the trailhead to wait for her friends. Obsidian, Rod and myself headed up the trail. And it was uphill. At first it was a steep trail of dirt and grass but then we got to the rock scramble. At times my poles were more in the way since you had to use your hands. Very slow going but we made it to the top in a little less than an hour. Fortunately it was cool and the sun was on the other side of the mountain. We got to a grassy area where Smurf and Smoky the Beard had camped. They said the storm last nite was unbelieveable. Great view of Palmerton and the valley east of the town. The trail continued on the ridge line with view of the eastern valley. Got to Little Gap at 9:45. We looked for water but the ski area was 1/2 mile up the hill. Frankie the Sleeper, Sunshine and Cominsky joined us. We left at 10:15. Trail become somewhat rocky but not bad. Got to the Powerline and had lunch. Lt. Dan, Flatlander, and Bliss came by . The trail then became really rocky so it was slow going. I was hiking with Obsidian all day. All the springs were dry but we had left Palmerton with lots of water. Got to the Leroy Smith Shelter. Flatlander, Legs, Chevy Chafe, and Lt. Dan were there having lunch. They had taken off a couple of days to go to Philadelphia for the 4th. Rod went to the shelter to eat.The rocky trail was taking a toll on us. It was hot and the rocky trail meant were were going slowly. Both of us were getting tired. Arrived at Rt 309. Obsidian had a motel reservation in Wind Gap but we found the Gateway Motel closer to the trail so he switched the reservation. Arrived at 6 and checked in. An older hotel with limited amentities.Showered and watched the recap of the World Cup which Germany beat Brazil 7-1. Ordered pizza and soda. We split an 18" pizza but should have gotten the medium. We each had one piece left for breakfast. It did start raining about 7:30 so we missed the rain againDiscussed the schedule for the next couple of days. Discovered that Obsidian is between jobs. He will be joining a medical practice in October since he is a physician.A hard 20 mile day starting with a difficult climb. Weather was good not too hot. It was good hiking with someone all day as well as meeting up with others. Feet are hurting and will take care of the blisters tomorrow.Obsidian has to go to the Post Office tomorrow so we will be getting on the trail to Delaware Water Gap a little later.