morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-26
From: John Springs Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.5

Left John springs Shelter and hiked into Daleville. Approx. 18.5 miles. Went to EconoLodge,pizza hut, went back to motel, washed clothes, then talked to Mala and Cash for a bit. Mala is going to be on a documentary video about Trail Magic on the Applachian Trail.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: Daleville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0

Woke up at 6:15am, got my stuff together. Went outside and was interviewed for the film. Mala then drove me to the grocery store and post office. Afterwards I got back on the trail and went to the Fullhardt Knob Shelter for a break. Burner came to the shelter, then he headed on. As I was getting ready to leave, Maple Leaf came in. I was about a mile down the trail when a turkey ran across the trail about 5 feet in front of me. It was a mother with 3 babies(not sure of the proper term, hen with 3 chicks?) The mother ran across the trail in front of me, then ran back across in front of me again and circled around behind me. It was making a big racket as the chicks scattered. It was trying to keep my attention away from her babies. She then flew up in a tree, then flew just over the treetops into the woods. I was stunned but pleasantly surprised. I was latered joined by Maple Leaf. We hiked to Wilson Creek shelter,took a break, then we hiked to Bobblet's Gap Shelter. That was over 18 miles today. Total miles 733
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.5

Left Blbblets Gap about 9:30am. Got to BearWallow gap and saw Mala. He was with the film maker working on the documentary. He gave me a banana, snicker's bar and a Mt. Dew. I headed on to Cove Mtn. Shelter for lunch. Left there and went to Jenning's Creek and went swimming for a bit. I then walked 1.2 miles to a store, bought a Mt.Dew, OJ, V8,and an orange popsicle. Walked on to Bryant Ridge Shelter. Only 13.5 miles today. Total miles 746.3
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.7

Left shelter pretty early, hiked to the Cornelius Creek Shelter only 5 miles but it was a nice climb. I took a break then headed to the Thunder Hill Shelter(5.3 miles). It was hot and humid today. I went through a lot of water. I saw 1 snake and a lot of deer. I left the Thunder Hill Shelter and hiked about 7 miles to Marble Spring. Set up camp, ate and went to sleep.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Marbel Spring

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.3

Left the campsite. Cash and I had walked about 5 miles when I looked down and saw a rattlesnake right beside the trail. It was about 3 feet long. Expo and Recess had just walked by there a few minutes earlier. I don't know how they missed it. I watched it for a while then toodk some pics. As it was crawling away I reached down and touched it on the tail. It was a very exciting experience. We went into Glasgow and resupplied, then we headed to Punchbowl Shelter. It was a long hot day, but we did get to cool off in a stream for a while. Total miles 781.3
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

Me and Cash left for Brown Mtn. Creek shelter. On the way we ran into an older couple doing trail magic. They gave us sodas, turkey sandwiches, cake , pie, muffins, and candy. We sat with them for a while listening to their hiking stories. After about 45 minutes we went on to Brown Mtn. Shelter. We got there and decided to go cool off in the stream. Just as we did it started thundering so we cut it short. Got back in the shelter, it rained a little , but after it stopped we started our long climb up to Cow Camp Gap. It was tough all uphill for over 5 miles. When we got there the shelter was almost full. I decided to tent. After a light supper I went to sleep. We did manage 15.5 miles. Total 796.4
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Cow Camp Gap Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 32.4

What a day!! Left Cow Camp Gap shelter about 9:20 am, on the way to Seeley-Woodworth shelter. I passed the 800 mile mark then it started raining. It rained for about 30 minutes. Then about 1/2 mile from the shelter a black bear came walking toward me on the trail. He was about 40 yards awasy. He was just a medium sized bear, but big enough. I hit my trekking poles together and he stopped, looked up and saw me, then turned around and ran up the trail. What a rush!! I wish I could have taken a picture. I made it almost to the shelter and saw Cash just leaving there. I told him about my bear encounter. He was having leg problems and decided to go to Montebello and stay at a B&B. I went into town with him, but I went to the store bought a few things and went back to the trail. I hiked to the Priest Shelter, it rained on me the whole time. I got there got a spot in the shelter, ate, then went to sleep. Total miles 812.9
Date: 2006-06-02
From: Priest Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 32.4

Left the Priest Shelter about 10am. Hiked to Harpers creek shelter. The first 5 miles were easy, but the last 2.5 were a killer. Took a short break then hiked to Maupin field Shelter. That was a long hard climb for me. My right tendon in my heel was popping like a rubberband. I made it to the shelter but was whipped. Also the new shoes I bought in Damacus are starting to fall apart. Only about 300 miles on them, I was told I could easily get 500 to 800 miles. Looks like I will be getting something else soon. total miles 826.5
Date: 2006-06-03
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.0

Left the Maupin Field Shelter around 9am. Again I was the last to leave the shelter. I was joined by Old School as I headed out. The weather was a little cooler, but perfect for hiking. I eventually pulled away from old school and was hiking alone. I later caught up to E-Rock who was with another hiker looking at something on the trail, another rattler. It was starting to shed it's skin and did not want to leave the trail. We move it off but it kept coming back. Finally we got it about 5 feet from the trail and it just layed there for a while so we left. I hiked with E-Rock to the Paul C Wolfe shelter. He stopped to get water, so I headed on to Rockfish Gap. When I got there I saw Kilgore Trout, who was doing a slack pack. I talked with him for a few minutes then caught a ride to Waynesboro. I checked in to the Quality Inn Motel and retired. Hiked 21 miles today, total 847.5
Date: 2006-06-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.0

Left motel around 10:45. Went to P.O. to mail my journal entries, walked to the outfitter to get a map and replace the tips on my trekking poles. Caught a ride back to the trail. Hiked to Blackrock Hut, about 20 miles. Saw lots of deer and got rained on for about 30 minutes. My heels are acting up again. Total miles 868.2
Date: 2006-06-06
From: Blackrock Hut

To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.2

Left shelter about 7:30 am. Weather was perfect. Hiked to Loft Mtn campground store. I ate a lot and drank lots of fluids. Spent about 2 and 1/2 hours at the store. I limped on to Pinefield Hut. A very shor day. May have to make up for it later. Total miles, 881.4
Date: 2006-06-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.9

Left shelter around 9:30 am. Around 12:30 or 1 I saw another bear just before Smith Roach gap. He was about 30 yards to my right about halfway up the hill. He spun around and ran off over the hill in just a few seconds. It was a real rush. That's 4 bears so far. Also the deer around here are crazy. They walk around everywhere. They will almost walk right to you. I hiked 20.9 miles to Bearfence Mtn Hut. When I got there I saw some mice, so I started trying to kill them. I got 1 and Expo got 1. We also had a bat hanging from the ceiling in the shelter. Total miles 902
Date: 2006-06-08
From: Bearfence shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.5

Left Bearfence shelter, could not decide to hike a short day or a very long day. Decided on the short day. after 7 miles I went to the wayside campstore grill. Had a large cheeseburger, fries, onion rings, bowl of chili and a blackberry sundae. I hiked with Buford and Fleur-de-Lis for most of the day. We left the grill and got to Rock Spring hut. We stayed ther for the night. Total miles 913.5
Date: 2006-06-09
From: Rock spring Hut

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.3

Hiked from Rock Spring hut to Pass Mountain hut. Felt tired all day. While sitting around the shelter a bear was spotted in the woods nearby by some other hikers. I ran to the tent to get my camera. When I got back the bear moved further into the woods so I couldn't get a pic. Hope to do a better day tomorrow. Total miles 928.8
Date: 2006-06-13
From: dicks dome

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.6

Hiked out to Bears Den hostel. The trail is getting tougher. Just got started on the "Roller Coaster", a 13.5 mile section with 10 ascents and descents. The hostel has got to be one of my favorites so far. Big, roomy, and free long distance. Can't believe I am almost half way. Thes trip will be the longest I have been away from my wife. She was a little upset that I don't talk about her in my journal, but I try to keep each entry as short and simple as possible. If I write everything down in my mind, I would be writing forever. I really do love and miss my wife more than anything. I hope she knows this.
Date: 2006-06-14
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.4

Hiked to the David Lesser shelter. After having a nice breakfast at the hostel, we headed out around 11am. We finished the Roller Coaster which was a little tough, but it got easier after that. It got cloudy and we could hear thunder getting closer. Finally it started raining. We sat in the shelter and listened to BanjoMan play and sing. Total miles 1000.4
Date: 2006-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Left shelter at 7:00am. The sun was shining and weather perfect. I was less than 2 miles to Harpers Ferry, WVA when a yellow jacket stung my right leg just above my sock line on my inner calf. I smacked it and kept walking. Finally it started really hurting so I stopped and treated it. As I was finishing Rusch Hour and Cash came up. We hiked to the ATC center together and had our pictures taken. I was hiker #333 this year. Me and Cash checked into a hotel and split a room, then the 4 of us went to get something to eat.(Me, Cash, Rusch Hour and Banjoman) I went to the outfitter and got another pair of shoes.
Date: 2006-06-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 24.9

Got up about 6:30am packed up went to P.O.,ATC office, then hit the trail. Hiked to the Gathland State park. I got a coke from a machine, checked out the museum, talked with a former thru-hiker and just sat on the park bench for a while. Later, Banjoman and Indiana came along. We hiked to the Rocky Rukn shelter where we pitched our tents, sat around the fire and sang. Total miles 1025.3.
Date: 2006-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.7

Hiked to Ensign Cowall shelter. Stopped at a few monuments, took a shower at Dahgren Backpack campground. The trail was rocky and the day was hot. We saw a lot of boyscouts and summer camp kids on the trail. We also got trailmagic from Fly By Night and Smoothie, a couple who thru-hiked in 03. a coke and doughnuts really hit the spot. The shelter was pretty full but most were tenting. We sat around and listened to Banjoman do his thing until it was bedtime. Total 1041.
Date: 2006-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.4

What a great day! We left the shelter and hiked to Pen Mar county park. There was live music and people everywhere. We met a guy named Clayton Bogart, an older gentleman who actually bought our whole hiking group hamburgers, french fries, drinks and ice cream. This was the best trail magic ever. Later, Banjoman joined the band onstage for a song. We then left for the deer lick shelter. The temp was at least in the mid 80's with no wind. We hit the hay about 10:00pm. total 1055.4   I am now in PA.
Date: 2006-06-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Hiked to Quarry Gap shelter. Stopped at the Caledonia state park for a shower and a swim in the pool. The water was to cold. After a 5 minute swim I bought a cheeseburger, french fries and a pepsi. We hiked on to the shelter afterwards. It was a bit cloudy and rained some, but it wasn't too bad. Total 1071.2
Date: 2006-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.7

Hiked to the Alec Kennedy shelter. It was hot and the hardest climb. I have had in a while. I hiked with Slick B for most of the day, but he moved on to Boiling Springs. That was a little too much for me. If I average about 15-20 miles a pay I am happy and not too worn out. Total 1104
Date: 2006-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 21.2

woke up to light rain. It stopped just before I got moving. We all hiked to Boiling Springs, about 4 miles. I grabbed a few things from the store, bought some new socks, then hit the trail. It was hot and we were walking in a lot of corn fields. The sun was bright with not any clouds in the sky.There was a light breeze from time to time. The last mile to the shelter was tough. It really finished me off. We stopped at the Darlington Shelter. After we set up and ate, the thunder, lightening, and rain came in. I hit the tent early today. Total miles 1,122.2.
Date: 2006-06-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.8

Last night was the worst storm I have been in since I started the trail. Lightening was popping all around me, the wind picked up, the rain got harder and heavier. My MSR HUBBA TENT is rated for 40 mph winds and there were a few times it was pushed to the limit, but it did great. I got up and hiked to Duncannon and stayed at the Doyle Hotel. This place is over 100 years old and probably has the original plumbing. For A/C we had to open the window. Total 1133.
Date: 2006-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.9

Left hotel and hiked to Peter's Mountain shelter. The first 2 miles were on the roads, very easy, but as soon as I hit the first climb, it go tough. I got a little taste of the PA rocks everyone hears about and I haven't even got to the rocky part yet. After a long break at the Clarks Ferry shelter I made it to Peter's Mountain. I cooked 2 meals, then retired to my tent. Total 1144.9.
Date: 2006-06-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5

Today has been the worst day yet weather-wise. I woke up to light rain, so I got everything up and went into the shelter to finish packing. Kilgore Trout was the only one left there and he was packing up too. He left the shelter first, then I left about 15 mins. later. The rain got harder and harder. I was walking over some big rocks and almost stepped on the biggest copperhead snake I have ever seen. It really shook me up. It crawled under a rock and disappeared. I hiked on and the rain kept coming. Soon the trail was flooded. I caught up with Kilgore and we hiked together. Soon the whole trail was nothing but white water. It looked like a river and the flow got rougher and faster. The water level was almost knee deep. Finally it got so dangerous that I climbed up off the trail to higher ground. Kilgore was going to do the same when he slipped and fell in a spot that went to his waist. He finally got up to dry land and we followed the flowing AT to a spot where the water then went down a hill and ran into the river. When we got to the Rausch Gap shelter, we were soaked and everything I had was soaked. The shelter was full so I set up my tent. The rain never stopped.   I could wring out water from my sleeping bag. I cooked some ramon, changed clothes and retired. Looks like it will take days to recover from this. Total 1162.4
Date: 2006-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.3

Hiked to the William Penn Shelter. I was wet all day, the trail was soggy and one stream crossing was to rough and the water was too high to get through, so I had to find another route. The top of my left foot started hurting for some reason, not sure why. Got to shelter and hung all my stuff to dry. Was joined later by Chardonnay. Total 1175.7.
Date: 2006-06-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 4.1

Hiked to the 501 shelter. It rained all day and everything was wet. It was only 4.1 miles, lowest day so far. This is another nice shelter. When I got there Bama gave me a coke and a leftover muffin the caretaker had brought over. Also found out the caretaker cooked a big pot of chili for them the night before. Guess I should have gotten moving sooner. However she did bring us some pizza. The rain has been pounding us for 3 days now. The trail is flooded. We had a group of hikers leave early this a.m., I hope they made it to the next shelter. 2 hikers left later and traveled about 9 miles and caught a ride back to the shelter. The water was almost knee deep in some areas with no place to camp. Roads have been flooded and there is no sign of improvement anytime soon. The caretaker said we could stay as long as we needed, so I guess I could be here for awhile. BTW, I now have approx. 995 miles left. Feels good to be below the 1000 mark. I also had a chance to ice my foot. I have a feeling when this trip is over I will have a permanent limp. I could be done with PA in about a week if the rain quits.   Total 1179.8. THE CHAMPION IS DAZED!! THE FIGHT IS HALF OVER AND THE UNDERDOG IS STILL FIGHTING BACK!! I SHOULD BE OUT OF THE RING BY NOW, GOING HOME WITH MY HEAD HANGING DOWN IN DISGRACE, FULL OF SHAME AND EMBARASSMENT, BUT I AM LOOKING THE CHAMP IN THE EYE..... AND I AM STILL STANDING!!!!
Date: 2006-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took a 0 today. Caught a shuttle to the grocery store, then went to a hostle for a spaghetti dinner with salad and chocolate cake. Also got my clothes washed for a small fee. My feet are acting up again, not sure how I will hike tomorrow, but will give it a shot. A few hikers did a slack pack today and the said the trail was still in bad shape. There is still water about shin deep in a few places, maybe it will be a little better tomorrow.
Date: 2006-06-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 30.4

Today I left the 501 shelter and hiked to the Windsor Furnace shelter-30.4 miles!! The trail is still a mess and I got rained on about 2 miles from the shelter and more rain is predicted for the nest 2 days. Looks like I am going to stay wet for a while. Total miles-1209.6
Date: 2006-06-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.5

Today, left kinda late. Headed to the Eckville Shelter after I read you can get sodas and ice cream from the caretaker. Hiked 9.1 miles, went to the shelter, and no sodas or ice cream. Then the caretaker got mad at me for walking over his lawn, because it was soaked, I left feetprint. He also stopped the ice cream/soda thing because some hikers ripped him off. I left very sadly and headed on. I hiked on to Allentown and set up there. The water source was 1/4 mile from the shelter, a real pain. After I ate, got water and set up my sleeping area the rain came again. Then 2 guys came into the shelter with their dog. Total 1226.1
Date: 2006-07-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

Left the Allentown shelter about 8:30. Hiked some of the rockiest areas yet. Hiked along the "knifes edge", a long high rocky section shaped like a long triangle. It was a little scary, but exciting at the same time. There was nothing to hold onto and you could fall either way. I stopped at the Bake Oven knob shelter and took a break. I took a catnap for a few minutes when I felt something touch my leg. I thought it was just a bug and kicked my leg once to shoo it away. Then I felt something a little different. I sat up and saw a snake starting to climb up the wall. It was a small milk snake about 2 feet long. I tried to catch it but it went into the woods. I sat back down in the shelter and another one came out of a hole near the floor. I caught it and put it in the woods. I finally made it to the George W. Outerbridge shelter and set up. I found some sodas in the spring so I took one while I sat in the shelter and watched the fireworks in the valley below- cool!!. I still don't like PA. Today was the first day in a week it hasn't rained. Total 1236.1
Date: 2006-07-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 23.5

Left the shelter and hiked to Lehigh gap and found a girl dong trail magic. She gave me 2 gatorades. I drank one and took one with me. I hiked with a guy named Devon, a young guy just out of school who was doing a section hike. Climbing up from Lehigh Gap was a difficult climb, but it was exciting and fun. While taking a break Moe and Ponch caught up with me. The views were excellant, some of the best yet. I headed to the next shelter and Devon starting falling behind. After a few hours I took a break, then went to the Leroy A Smith Shelter. About 1/2 mile from the shelter I got caught in the rain. got to the shelter, cooked some ramen and got ready to sleep. I then saw 2 mice in front of the shelter. I got a rock and dropped it and hit one. Then Ponch hit it with another rock and finished it off. About that time 2 hikers came by and gave us a McDonald's cheeseburger, fries, tuna and mac&cheese. I split the burger with Ponch. Later Lichen and Carbomb arrived. Total miles 1259.6
Date: 2006-07-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.4

Hiked into Delaware Water Gap. Wanted to stay at a motel but it was closed due to the flooding from a week ago, so I stayed at the hostel. There were not any real places to re-supply so I just bought a few things from a gas station. I also went to a pizza place and ate a sub. Total miles approx.1278
Date: 2006-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.0

Woke up at 6:30, most hikers were leaving. I planned on taking a 0 but decided to do a short day. I walked to the store, got a breakfast sandwich,went back to the hostel and decided to wash my clothes by hand, then hung them up to dry. Later me and Kilgore went back to the pizza place and had lunch. About 2pm I hit the trail.   It was a long walk by the interstate. When I got to the Worthington Park Trailhead, there were 100's of people on the trail, mostly dayhikers. It then started raining again, just enough to get me good and wet. When I got to Sunfish pond, I walked up on a couple skinny dipping. I just walked by and ignored then. I then headed to the Mohican Outdoor Center, met with with Braun, got a drink and set up my tent. Later Kilgore showed up. The camping was free. Total 1291
Date: 2006-07-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.2

Woke up to rain, hiked in rain. Stopped at Culvers Gap and went to the Sunset Grill for a cheesburger. Saw 2 bears today, 1 at Brinkroad shelter, and 1 about 1/2 mile past the shelter. I was able to get a pic of the 2nd bear. Also saw 3 deer and 3 turkeys. Hiked to Green Anderson Shelter. Finally stopped raining but skeeters are a pain!!
Date: 2006-07-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.8

Last night I had my first porcupine experience. I woke up and it was in the shelter about a foot from my feet gnawing on the edge of the shelter. I ran it off but it came back a few hours later and I ran it off again. I went to sleep and woke up a little later and it was raining. We headed out (me, Braun and Kilgore) hoping to get to The secret shelter. We stopped by the ranger station but it was closed. we left and got to the shelter. Lowgear was already there. I took a shower, ate then retired to my tent. Total approx. 1330
Date: 2006-07-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.6

Today was tough!! Caught a ride from the hostel bact to trail. The first 2 miles was all uphill, then it leveled out some. Then after I went across the NJ/NY line, it was all rocks and climbing. On one hand it was fun, but it was also a lot of work. There was no breeze and the sun was baking me. Made it to NY17A and went to ice cream shop. Ponch, Moe and Lowgear were already there. I had 2 sundaes. I am trying to eat more because I have lost a lot of weight and have a long way to go. Got to the Wildcat Shelter, set up my tent, ate and went to sleep. Total 1360.4