morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-19
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke up at 6:30 so we could get into Harper's Ferry early. Everyone seems to have their own opinion on where VA ends and WV begins. I am considering mile 1015 the last time I was in VA. It feels SO good to finally be out of that state! The hike down to the Shenandoah River was really easy and it went quick. We headed over to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters to check in and get our picture taken for the 2012 record book. I am northbound thru-hiker #150. I sat and drank a Mountain Dew while flipping through the pages of photos of the hikers that came in before me. I saw some familiar faces; Les, Spice, You Again, MetroNorth, Rat Bucket and some others. It was also cool to see the faces to the names which I've been seeing in shelter logs along the way. We spent a decent amount of time there and that gave The Dude a chance to roll in. He got signed in and then we headed to downtown Harpers Ferry. It's a really cool old, historic town and there were tourists everywhere. I enjoyed it a lot and didn't want to leave but we all felt that more miles should be made. So we walked over the Potomac River and said goodbye to West Virginia and entered Maryland. We walked 6 miles and came to the Ed Garvey Shelter. It is a very nice two story shelter that seems relatively new. It is a great place to be after a fun, unofficial half-way-day.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: I-70/Frederick, MD
Miles today: 16.0

Today was a really fun day. 4 miles into the hike, we came across the Gathland State Park. There were monuments to the Civil War and old building remnants. Good thing I had my camera back to take pictures because the battery on my phone was dead. Next stop was White Rock Cliff, which had a decent view over the valley, then we came to Fox Gap/Reno Monument Rd. Here there was an old Civil War grave site and signs telling the story of what took place there. The final part of the hike was to the Washington Monument State Park where and old stone tower stands on top of the mountain in honor of George Washington. I ran up really quick and checked it out but I was in a hurry to get to the I-70/US-40 trailhead so I could meet my friend Jeff, who was taking Uno, Whitewater, Wwater's friend Rob and I to his house for a BBQ! Jeff and I have known each other through mutual friends and skateboarding for years (looking back it's been a pretty long time) but we never really hung out more than a handful of times over the last 10 years. So needless to say, I was excited and surprised when he left a guest book message here on trail journals saying to call him when I got close to Frederick for resupply, beers and burgers. Jeff and his wife Megan came and picked us up and we went to the local outfitter where I got a new sleeping pad (Thermarest NeoAir) and then we got groceries and came back to their house. We all got showers and Jeff grilled, Megan got all the other stuff ready and we all ate. They had one of the best selection of beers in their fridge than I've seen in a long time. We hung out for the rest of the night and eventually watched The Big Lebowski in honor of The Dude. It was great to hang out with Jeff and Megan. We all appreciated everything so much.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: I-70/Frederick, MD

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: very heavy rain

Jeff and Megan are, without a doubt, some of the best hosts I've come across this entire trip. They woke up and made a huge breakfast for us with pretty much everything you would want plus fresh fruit. I can not begin to thank you guys enough. I appreciate all you did for us. I will see you guys in September at the K-Mart wedding!We woke up to rain. It's really hard to leave a comfortable house while it's raining outside but you can't hike sitting inside. So Jeff dropped us off at the trailhead and we headed out with the intent of getting to PA. It was a dreary, long hike out to the Raven Rock Shelter 5 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line. Uno and I got there and took a break with Rat Bucket, Sketch and Eric. After a bit, Whitewater and Rob showed up. They decided to call it a day, so Uno an I headed out. 4.5 miles later, we came to the Pen-Mar Park and stopped to grab sodas from the machine. Half a mile later we walked into Pennsylvania and it began to POUR! What a welcome home... Pretty much ran to the shelter, made diner and went to sleep.
Date: 2012-05-22
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: light rain

It wasn't really raining when we woke up but it was very humid so nothing dried out. Uno and I headed out and hiked through 20 miles of trails that I used to hike while living in Waynesboro. It's all easy terrain and we flew trough it since it was rainy and miserable again today. we stopped at Caledonia for a snack and headed out to Birch Run Shelter. The shelter was very nice and had room to lay out all of our wet stuff. My shoes seem to be going down hill fast after the rain. May need to get some new ones soon.
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: PA94/My Mom's House
Miles today: 20.3

Halfway Done!!!!So today was a pretty big day. We have now walked more miles than we have left to walk. It is overwhelming to think about it. We woke up and headed for Tom's Run Shelter because it is pretty much the closest landmark to the halfway point. The sign in the picture was hand made by a local hiker out of local wood. It was really cool. Uno an I moved on to the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Normally, this is where you would do the half gallon challenge. Eat a half gallon of ice cream in an hour. Unfortunately, we were too early in the season and it wasn't yet open during weekdays. So I stopped at the AT Museum and then we headed out to the Green Mountain Store. We got some cheeseburger subs and sodas and rested. I called my mom's house to wish my step dad a happy birthday. By the end of the call, we had an hour to hike and my mom was coming to pick us up for the night. We got to PA 94 and waited. She picked up Uno and I and did a damn good job of pretending that we didn't smell as bad as I did. It was nice to get an extra chance to see my mom and stepdad, get a shower, laundry and sleep in my old bed. Thanks mom!
Date: 2012-05-24
From: PA94/My Mom's House

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: light rain

We got a late start today since we slept in at mom's. Fortunately, it was some EASY trails today. There was a cool "rock maze" about 2 miles into the hike today. We took some wrong turns and had to climb up some small rocks but it was fun. About 5 miles later we walked down into the fields for a long flat walk. One highlight for today was the town of Boiling Springs. I really liked that town. I have never been there and I may come back and check it out later. There were road crossings everywhere and traffic noise constantly today. Also since we were in grassy fields, there were lots of ticks today. More so on Uno than I but I picked a few off today. We got to the Scott Farm Trail Work Center and took a break. The maintainer came out and talked with us for awhile. It was now after dark and we had another 4 miles so we slapped on the head lamps and headed up to the Darlington Shelter. Half a mile from the shelter was a stone bench that we both sat at and looked out over the valley. Rolled in to the shelter and quietly got ready for bed.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

I've been looking forward to today since I left for my hike. Today, Sarah is coming to meet me for the weekend! We planned it about a week ago and now it's finally here. I'm so excited to see her.Uno and I slept in a little since we had a short morning. It was hot already when we woke up and the humidity was there too. We headed out and walked the ridge over to Duncannon. Stopped briefly at Hawk Rock and then we came down to town to get some food. We found a BBQ place that had great food and stuffed ourselves. Then we walked all over Duncannon trying to get some stuff done while it was still a weekday. Sarah showed up and I parted ways, temporarily, with Uno. I'll be back on the trail Sunday afternoon.
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Sarah and I spent the morning and early afternoon together. She dropped me at the laundromat in Duncannon. I washed my clothes and then headed out of town around 4pm. I went to a Sheetz to get a sandwich for diner later and then crossed over the Clarks-Ferry Bridge. While walking over the foot path, a hawk started screeching at me and diving down near me. It must have had a nest and was pissed that all these hikers were walking near it (I later read in shelter logs that eveyone else had the same experience). Climbed up out onto the ridgeline and started walking. It was pretty warm and the trees seemed to keep all the wind from getting to me. I could see, and hear, that a thunderstorm was moving in but that's normal for this time of the year so I kept going. I came to the parking lot for RT225 and the storm was on top of me. I took the only shelter I could find, the bed of someone's pickup truck. It had a cap on top off it so I pulled down the tailgate and hopped in. I sat there for about an hour while the storm passed. I thought it was cleared up and headed out. A second rain storm was following and I got soaked. I rolled into Peters Mtn Shelter around 9, soaking wet, after a long 12 miles. There was a church group staying the night and the kids are being noisy. Looks like a bad way to end a bad afternoon.
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Green Point Rd/Mom's House
Miles today: 22.1

Woke up around 5am due to some snoring taking place in the shelter. I packed and left as soon as possible, which still isn't very quick since I'm slow in the morning. There were spiderwebs everywhere on the trail. Its becoming the thing that irritates me the most, for some reason. Well just when they smack me in the face and stick in my manstache. About 5 miles into my hike I sat to organize my snacks for the day. A hiker I hadn't met before came up the trail and introduced himself as Stinger. He's younger than me and has already completed the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and the Continental Divide Trail(CDT). Now he's working on the AT. Pretty cool for him. He said that a girl that I had hiked with, Motown, was with him and she would be coming aolong shortly. We kept going to PA 325 and waited for awhile. She didn't show up while I waited and I started off again. About 9 miles later, I came to a side trail the pointed to the left and said "The General". I had no information on what it was and didn't know how far away it was so I skipped it. Anyone reading this know what the General was? When I got to the top of Second Mtn, I got enough cell service to call my mom so she could pick me up at Rt 72. I had her come to the first of the 3 crossings so I could get out of the heat 30 minutes sooner. We went back to her house, I got a shower and did laundry. My stepbrother and his family came over along with my best friend Bruce. I had a nice time seeing everyone. Sorry if I was a little bit spaced out during the evening due to the lack of sleep the night before, the heat and now the beers.
Date: 2012-05-29
From: Green Point Rd/Mom's House

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: clear sky

I slept in and my made me some eggs. I was dragging trying to get back out. We finally got me back to the trail around 1:45. I headed to the old metal bridge that goes over the Swatara Creek and then went under Rt 81. Once I was on top of the ridge again, it was more of the same tree and shrub covered trail. After about 3 hours, I came to the W Penn Shelter and only with a few minutes to spare. Another evening Tstorm rolled in and rained for the rest of the night. This was irritating because I wanted to atleast get to the 501 Shelter tonight but I don't feel like getting wet so here I sit. Guess I'll start reading my book that Sarah bought me.
Date: 2012-05-30
From: William Penn Shelter

To: PA 61/Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 28.5

After the first mile today, I officially have less than 1000 miles left to the trail.Last night I decided that there's no reason I shouldn't be able to make it to Port Clinton/Hamburg this evening. So I woke up at 6 and was hiking by 7. I came down to the 501 shelter and saw that Stinger and Motown were now half a day ahead of me. That makes sense since I spent a half day off at my moms. Oh well, its not a race and I have other spots I want to take time off too. About 6 miles later, I came to a campsite and met a Australian guy named Dundee. He was looking for the trail and neither of us could find it. We went up this trail and down that trail, nothing. So we headed back and found we had gone off a side trail to get to the campsite, oops. He and I hiked together for awhile discussing Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia and other important topics. I stopped to refill my water and when I was done he took a break. Hopefully I'll run into him again, he was a cool guy. The rocks were pretty annoying in this section but it didn't slow me down much. There wasn't much to look at since the "Green Tunnel" is in full force now. Everything is fully leaved and grass bushes and shrubs are all tall enough to block most anything else. Finally came to the downhill into Port Clinton around 4pm. Holy shit that's steep! I would not have wanted to climb up that going south on the trail. It looked less than fun (I do realize in 800 miles there's some steep climbs). Once into Port Clinton, its only a short drive to Hamburg and a lady at the Post Office gave me a ride. I met up with Whitewater at the Microtel. Got a shower again (getting spoiled) and we got some food. I talked with Sarah and then watched the last half of Cindarella Man. What a good movie!
Date: 2012-05-31
From: PA 61/Hamburg, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up really late. I went over to the Walmart and resupplied the foods. While at Wally World, I ran into a friend I've known since elementary school Chris Bracken. We talked for a little and he got a good laugh out of my facial hair arrangement. I headed over to the Cabelas store and wandered around for awhile. They offer shuttles back to the trail so I took a ride back to Port Clinton. I was hungry so I stopped at the Port Clinton Hotel and got a sandwich. Finally, I decided to hike out. It was late and I didn't have much motivation. So I went about 5 miles and called it a day.
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 34.4

What a long day!I woke up at 4:30 and was on the trail by 5:30. Got a nice early morning view from The Pulpit and I snooped around the Allentown Amateur Astronomer's Telescopes. I'll have to try and come up here sometime when they have them out. Next stop was The Pinnacle. I really liked that overlook. There were buzzards riding the updraft all around me. They're such big birds. Cool to watch! I will have to come back here since it's convenient. I climbed up to the trail that goes to the Hawk Mtn Sanctuary but it was 2 miles off the trail. I skipped it. Sorry Mom. Next was Dan's Pulpit, another nice overlook. Then it was a bunch of miles to PA 309 (which, if I went south, would take me to Elkins Park). As I was crossing the road, I realized there was a restaurant 100 yards away so I went in and got a salad. I was feeling like some greens. Left and came across the Knife Edge. It had since rained and it was a bit slippery but no issues. Passed up the next shelter to save time and proceeded to hike over top of the Lehigh Valley Tunnel of the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike. I jumped up and down a couple times, stomping my feet in hopes someone driving beneath me would feel it. And I knew damn well that no such thing would actually happen. Then finally after all that I dropped down into the Lehigh Gap and lucked into a ride into Palmerton with a day hiker. I went to the "Jail House Hostel" in the basement of the City Hall. It is very nice with shower, bathrooms, a gym and best of all, free! I met up with Stinger, Whitewater, Dundee and Redman. I got an excellent fish taco for diner and then did some laundry. I am sooooooooo tired and ready for sleep.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I wanted to sleep all day today. I went and ate a small breakfast at a diner across the street and came back to the hostel. I sat around talking with Stinger, reading and relaxing until about 11 and then I packed and left. I was sitting in the park, eating an orange when a nice old man pulled up and offered me a ride back to the trail. I of course graciously accepted it. Climbing out of Palmerton was really fun. There was a steep boulder field which went up for awhile. When you got up to the top you could see all across the valley. (I have lots of pictures on my camera but none on the phone, so you just get a pic from an unnamed view from later in the day) Anyways, I really liked this part of the day. I met a guy dayhiking that had a dog and I hiked with him. He was meeting a friend of his 4 miles up the trail. The friend (I forget his trail name) had started a thru-hike a couple weeks after me and he broke his foot on Jones Falls, near Roan Mtn in Tennessee. When we got to his friend he had sodas, beers and mini-Snickers for trail magic. I sat and talked with them for an hour and continued on. The rest of the day afterwards was absolutely boring. There were just enough rocks that you had to be looking down most the time and even if you didn't need to be looking at the ground, there was nothing but overgrown woods to look at anyways. Got to the shelter site and found that Rat Bucket, Whitewater and Redman were all tenting so I broke out the tent, a rare occurrence.
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: PA 611/Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early (by my standards) so I could get some miles completed in the morning since Sarah and the dogs were coming this evening with some chinese food. I am writing this almost 2 weeks late so there's not a whole lot stands out about the hike anymore. It was rocky and pretty minimal elevation change. After about 18 miles I came to Lookout Rock and met a nice couple out for a day hike. They asked all the usual questions about my hike, where I was from and what's become my favorite "Your pack is so small! How do you fit everything?" The walk down into DWG was really easy and graded pretty well. I met a guy from Belgium. He was excited that he got a photo of a chipmunk and wanted to know about what animals I had seen on my hike so far. We walked and talked for the final mile and I came into town. The first store to catch my eye was an ice cream shop. It was pretty warm today and the chocolate milkshake was prefect. I strolled over to the Church of the Mountain hostel and saved myself a spot. I met lots of hikers I have been seeing recently: Avatar, Sketch, Rat Bucket, Dundee and Rayo. I met a new hiker whom I had been seeing in the logbooks for weeks, Pretzel. Sarah showed in the evening and I got to see her and the dogs! It was great to see them all. We ate some PF Changs and then she ran Rat Bucket, Redman and I to Walmart for resupply. Shortly afterwards she had to go home and I said my goodbyes. Today was a good day.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: PA 611/Delaware Water Gap

To: PA 611/Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The DWG and Church of the Mountain hostel got me for a zero. I must not have wanted to leave PA as bad as I had thought...When I woke up it was raining. Motivation quickly flew out the door and a large pack of hikers headed for breakfast. After realizing that I didn't want to hike today, I went to the outfitter in town to look around. Small place, nice guy and nice dog. A little later, Whitewater, Dundee, Redman and I all went into East Stroudsburg to see what the town was like. Came back and ate some lunch and then Stinger and Motown showed up. It was cool to see Mo again. I hadn't seen her since Damascus. She was excited to see that my mustache was growing nicely and we caught up with each other in the eveing. I met another hiker today, Steve-O. He started 13 days after I did and has caught up. Impressive, well it impressed me. All in all, another good day.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: PA 611/Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Rd Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

I left town with Stinger, Motown and Rat Bucket. We crossed the Delaware River and said goodbye to PA and entered NJ. Back when I had been hiking with Kittens, (he lives in NJ) he told me that it's a good state to hike through. We all decided to stop at Sunfish Pond for a break. It was a beautiful pond and a beautiful day. You're not supposed to swim in the pond and, ummmmmm, we didn't... I hiked with Stinger afterwards and got to hear about some of his past adventures. He's got some big goals for the next couple years too. Hope it all works out for him. Everyone was stopping after about 12 miles so I kept going. I stopped at the Catfish lookout tower and ate a snack at the top. Then I stopped at Rattlesnake Spirng to get some water. I only mention this because it was some of the best tasting water I've gotten along the way. Then it was another 10 miles to the shelter. I met SteveO and Whitewater there. SteveO and I talked a bunch we became best friends, it happened just like in the movie Step Brothers.
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Brink Rd Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 25.0

SteveO is a good planner. I was intending to go to Unionville, NY this evening but he wisely suggested stopping where we did. Good decision. SteveO, Wwater and I departed and after about 4 miles came to a small coffee shop. This is approximately where I estimate the NJ/NY "Deli Walk" would begin. Grabbed a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee and continued onward. About 2 miles later, I came to another lookout tower but it eerily seemed just like the last one from the prior day. I convinced myself it wasn't and kept going. After awhile I caught up to SteveO, since he left the coffee shop before me. We realized that we both hike the same speed and hauled ass towards Highpoint Stae Park. We needed water so a quick stop at the park headquarters was in order. We walked inside and found Pretzel in there drinking a Pepsi. They have them behind the counter for thru-hikers! They gave us all 2 a piece. So next we headed to the observation deck overlooking the Highpoint Monument. From here, we went down to the lakeside "beach" and got a burger, fries and italian ice. Then it was an easy 6 miles to the cabin. Arrived at the Murray Property and I was amazed. Jim Murray has a small cabin which he let's long distance hikers sleep in, for free. It has electric outlets, a fan and a shower. SteveO pulled through on this one. Late in afternoon, Wwater rolled in and was also real impressed with the cabin. SteveO and I made some plans for how to get into NYC this coming weekend. The fan blowing over me was some of the best sleep I've gottent out here! Thanks Mr. Murray.