morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-03-22
From: Wayah Crest picnic area

To: Winding Stair Gap
Miles today: 5.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy hiking day. My feet were worn thin after yesterday's hike so I'm taking some slow days to give them some healing time. Tomorrows another short mile day and a trip to 3 Eagles Outfitters to check out shoes. I'll also call REI about my Hoka trail runners. Today I hiked in my Scarpa trail runners which feel good but I think need to be a little more heavy duty. The rain gods spared me, Rescue slacked packed me and the trail was wonderful. A perfect day. I came upon Copperhead, Osgood, and Shadow hiking north after their stay in Franklin. As I hiked just past Siler Bald I heard the crash in the woods of a big tree hitting the ground. Glad it wasn't on the trail. A short time later I startled a turkey roosting on the hillside who in turn startled me. I saw him fly on down the hill. A short but sweet ease on down the trail day. Loved it!
Date: 2015-03-23
From: Rock Gap

To: Winding Stair
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: clear sky

Not much of a hike today more like an amble through the woods and over the mountain. Rescue and I went out for breakfast this morning and then we went to 3 Eagle Outfitters in Franklin. Bought myself a new pair of Merrill trail runners and then did my little 3.8 mile hike to see how they felt. They feel really good. They're very lightweight but certainly not heavy duty enough for a long stretch of rocky trail. I'm planning on using them as camp shoes and back up hiking shoes. I called REI this morning and they're sending me a new pair of Hoka trail runners. They should be here on Wednesday. While at the post office returning my damaged Hoka trail runners, we ran into Navigator and Clean Shave mailing some unnecessary gear home. Clean shave started his thru hike with a 91 pound pack. Wow! I don't think I could even lift a 91 pound pack much less carry it on the trail for 2 days. Navigator helped him trim it down to 60 pounds and now it's down to 40 pounds. I'll probably be running into them later on up the trail.
Date: 2015-03-24
From: Wayah Crest Picnic Area

To: Burningtown Gap
Miles today: 8.8

Rescue dropped me off at Wayah Picnic Area and I headed north towards Burningtown Gap. The hike uphill was pleasant and the temperature was perfect. I encountered no hikers until my lunch break at Wayah Bald stone tower. He was a nobo hiker who got sick last night and was still not feeling top notch, though said he did feel better. We talked for a while but when I left him he was sprawled on the ground resting. Hopefully he feels better soon. The remaining 4.5 miles of my hike was mostly downhill and again I saw few hikers. I encountered a couple SoBo sectioners and, what I expect, a couple locals out for exercise. How nice to think of having the AT in my back yard. As I looked down on Burningtown Gap there was Rescue all set up for trail magic. I was his first customer and a happy one.
Date: 2015-03-25
From: Burningtown Gap

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.9

Today started at Burningtown Gap with a climb up to Cold Spring Shelter, first of 3 shelters I'd pass. I felt good and that climb was one of the few ascents of the day. Today was all about steep downhills and rock scrambles and steep rock scrambles downhill. Doing anything at great heights unnerves me but the AT sometimes offers no option and I always feel good afterwards. When I reached Copper Ridge Bald I was in the sun but the world below me was in a cloud. The early view points were obscured, but as I hiked the weather cleared and I saw some fantastic sights. I met 4 hikers today, Ambassador of Lance Creek, Swoll, Seinfeld and Blaze. I'd met Ambassador and Blaze a few days ago on my SoBo hike. They were all headed to NOC as I was. It was good to see other people on the trail but I find that if I hike close to others I let their pace influence my pace. I need to let my body set a comfortable pace for me (slow)!Five miles into my hike I stopped for lunch at Tellico Gap. A gravel road runs through the gap and parking is available so tourists can hike 1.4 miles up to Wesser Bald and an observation tower. A young family with 2 small girls and a dog headed up the AT to the tower. I passed them a short distance up the trail resting. I hope they made it to the top because the views were worth the climb. The ridge walk was amazing. The last 5 miles of my hike down to NOC was a steep, rocky, exhausting descent. I was happy to reach A. Rufus Morgan shelter, just a mile from the end of my day. Many hikers were already there setting up camp as NOC was full through Friday. Some robust hikers intended to set up camp, hike the mile to NOC for dinner and hike back up to camp for the night. Rescue was waiting at NOC when I arrived. I cleaned up as much as possible and we ate dinner, complete with Key Lime pie, at The Rivers End. Saw the folks I'd met on the trail and met Pokey and Bandit who Rescue had given rides to back in Franklin. What a great day and a great way to end it.
Date: 2015-03-26
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Zero...time to move the traveling hostel. I'm beginning to see spring wild flowers along the trail and off the trail, the yards and roadsides are abloom with daffodils and various flowering trees and shrubs. A cold spell is headed our way this weekend so a warning is out to protect tender plants.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Stecoah Gap

To: NOC
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

My original plan for today was a nobo from NOC to Sassafras Gap shelter but the predicted overnight temperature of 18° changed that plan. Remembering my 2013 northbound climb out of NOC prompted a southbound hike from Stecoah Gap to NOC. Rescue dropped me off at 8:45. A couple was just beginning to set up trail magic for hikers. The word of trail magic always excites hikers and I spread the news to nobos I met along the trail. I saw many familiar faces as I hiked against the flow. Many were looking for a hostel to get out of the cold tonight. It was cold as I climbed out of the gap toward Cheoah Bald and it became increasingly windy. The trail was steep and rocky at times but offered some break in the climb with some level walking or gradual downhills. The uphill challenge started at Locust Gap and continued 2.2 miles to the bald. Absolutely no view at the bald today. I descended and stopped for lunch at Sassafras Gap shelter, the halfway point in my day. I put on my down jacket and a second pair of gloves and my rain pants. I've never hiked in my down before but it felt good today. After I left the shelter I climbed up Swim Bald and then began the long 5.8 mile descent to NOC, glad for the decision to take this section southbound. The winds diminished as I descended the mountain but it was still cold. I came upon Clean Shave and Navigator who were headed to the shelter for the night. I suggested they tent camp somewhere before Swim Bald to stay a little warmer. I wished them luck and continued on to the end of my day. A long exhausting day for me! Glad to see it end. Glad to be a pampered hiker and to see Rescue waiting!On a side note...Turtlestone, Crazy Legs, and Jackonamountain, guess who I met on his way down from the bald, Bloomer. We encountered him last year several times after McAfee's Knob. He said to tell all Hi! He started in Springer and intends to hike to Damascus this year.
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Stecoah Gap

To: Cable Gap Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: clear sky

Cold night last night but I was cozy warm in our traveling hostel. I didn't return to the trail until close to noon to give the temperature time to rise into the 30's. The sun was beautiful all day. I hiked in snow covered ground much of the day but the trail itself was not snowy because of foot traffic I assume. I saw a group of 2 and a group of 4 sobos but no one else until I'd been at my shelter for a few hours. Purple Haze, Uphill, and Wharton joined me for the night in the shelter. Within the first 2 miles I'd encountered the hardest part of my day. Jacobs Ladder is a 1 mile, very steep section that does not offer the assistance of switchbacks. Because of the freshly melted snow on the trail the slippery mud was the biggest problem. I found myself using trees to keep from sliding backwards. Once past Jacobs Ladder the trail was kind. Minor ups and downs with clear sky views and warm sunshine. No cell reception at this shelter so Rescue will get the "I'm ok text" in the morning. A good day on the AT and good company tonight. I'm a happy camper.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Cable Gap Shelter

To: Fontana Dam highway 28
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: light rain

A good nights sleep but woke sometime after 2:00 to thunderstorms and rain. As I drifted back into sleep I thought how happy to be sleeping in the shelter. Didn't wake again until 7:30. We all packed up, ate and left the shelter about the same time. My day was short but the trail was hard on me. Glad to be back with Rescue.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Fontana Dam highway 28

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I left the trail and headed home on April 1 (no fooling). As I hiked to the mouth of Great Smoky Mountain National Park I noticed that my second pair of Hoka trail runners were falling apart. Again the sole was separating. REI will take care of the problem but it's obvious my super comfy Hokas are not made for the AT terrain. I rejoined Rescue and after some thought, I decided it was time to head home. I really enjoyed this repeat hike and I'm glad I had the chance to do it again. Rescue and I packed up and headed home, arriving Thursday afternoon. Thursday night Rescue became ill and Friday we were in the emergency room and he was admitted. He is much better now and hopefully will be home tomorrow. I'm so glad I left the trail when I did. I think my guardian angel helped make that decision. When I left the trail I had no intention of returning, however, we're giving that some more thought. Who knows what tomorrow holds.
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Home

To: Pennsylvania
Miles today: 0.0

I enjoyed my repeat hike from Springer up to Great Smoky Mountain National Park but I've been off the trail for almost 4 weeks. It's time to head back. I'm skipping forward over everything I've previously hiked and headed into Pennsylvania. Looking forward to this hike with some reservations. PA has a reputation of rock scrambles and rattlesnakes. I know the rocks are unavoidable but I sure hope to avoid the rattlesnakes!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Wolfsville Road

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

Rescue dropped me off this morning and I began my hike north towards Pennsylvania. I soon passed Ensign Cowall Shelter, my stopping point a few years ago. New ground to cover from now on and I soon found that some of those renowned PA rocks slid south into Maryland. Spring has arrived here as the trees are beginning to leaf and I'm seeing many varieties of wildflowers. Also,many dry stone walls near the trail with some sections in remarkably good shape. Crossing Antietam Creek was a bit of a challenge but I managed to get to the other side with only one wet shoe. I arrived at Raven Rock Shelter at 1:00 and decided to hike on to Pen Mar. Soon after leaving the shelter is when I began the 2 or so mile downhill rock scramble. Exhausting and tedious. I met only 2 other backpackers today. One Sobo and Mineral Mart who just started his hike north today. He thru hiked in 2003. I plan to keep this hiking trip slow and easy to accommodate my old bones, so, I'm in no hurry. Spending tonight and tomorrow night in a B&B which is really nice, quiet and clean. I'll hike a few miles tomorrow and return here to a bed and hot shower. Life is good on the AT.
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Pen Mar Park

To: Mentzer Gap Road
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: clear sky

After a good nights rest at Nostalgic Dreams B&B and a wonderful breakfast, Elizabeth dropped me off at Pen Mar Park and I began my short hike north. Because I had all the time in the world today I asked for 4 hours to hike 3 miles. A nice weather day and the trail, while rocky, was pretty easy hiking. Right after leaving Pen Mar I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line entering Pennsylvania. I stopped and watched the streams, and I stopped and watched the birds, and I took little side trails to explore. I even stopped to listen to the wind in the tree tops as I ate a slice of Elizabeth's banana bread leftover from my breakfast. Shadow stayed at the B&B last night too. She is picking up her AT section hike north where she stopped last year. Her two daughters drove her here to see her off for this year's hike. I came across her at the edge of the park as I hiked through. She had everything spread out and was trying to double-check and organize her pack. All backpackers understand that last minute panic, but eventually you realize if you don't have "it" you'll manage without "it"... I'm sitting on the trail waiting for my ride and writing this and Shadow just stopped by lamenting her heavy pack...I know that feeling too!Elizabeth told me that David Miller (AWOL) came through the area last year checking info for his travel guide. He stayed in the same room I'm using and he, as I do, approved of it. A good short day on the AT.
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Mentzer Gap Road

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

I left the B&B this morning after another hardy breakfast. Elizabeth dropped me off where I stopped yesterday and I started my hike through the Pennsylvania woods. So far PA has been kind. No major climbs and no rock scrambles. I only hiked 5.5 miles but passed 2 shelters before coming to Tumbling Run and it's the best shelter yet. Two shelters here, snoring and a non-snoring with 4 rolls of toilet paper in the clean privy. I am here tonight with Temper who is sectioning from SNP to Vermont and Steve, who recently retired from the Air Force and is hiking from Harpers Ferry to Katahdin before starting a masters program. Snafoo is 63 and flip flopping to Katahdin then back to Harpers Ferry to Springer. I saw some Sobo hikers including Distracted by Stones, a 68 year old woman going strong. It's good to see other older lady hikers out here. Little Debbie stopped by the shelter for a quick break. He started at Springer in February and is the first thru hiker I've seen this trip. He's well ahead of the bubble of thru hikers headed north. A good day on the AT. As I zipped my sleeping bag I heard a Whippoorwill calling. Nice!
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: PA route 30
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Tumbling Run Shelter early and climbed up to Chimney Rocks. A beautiful day and nice view of the valley. So far PA's rocky reputation isn't as bad as I'd feared. Rocky, yes, but manageable. The scrambles so far are short. I hear northern PA is a different story. Storms headed my way this afternoon so I'm at Trail of Hope Hostel. Bob and Sandy are great. Snafoo is here as well. A volunteer cooked a fantastic dinner of turkey vegetable soup and fresh bread. Meals are on a donation basis. Hot shower, clean bed, full belly and a roof over my head. More than a hiker expects. Falling asleep listening to rain on the roof. Thankful to be inside.
Date: 2015-05-01
From: Shippensburg Road

To: PA Route 30
Miles today: 11.0

Bob (Junkit) from the Trail of Hope Hostel suggested I slack pack sobo from Shippensburg Road back to route 30 and return to the hostel tonight. I always jump at a slack pack opportunity so this morning I began my 11 mile sobo. I enjoyed my entire day. Saw Red Feather and 5 other thru hikers plus all the folks I'd met in the last few days. The Springer thru hiker bubble is approaching. The trail was easy with a lot of flat, rock free sections. I spent some time talking to Twisted who I've followed on Trail Journals. Also met a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary. I continued my hike then stopped at a BBQ place for lunch before returning to the hostel. When I reached the hostel Bob said the couple had stopped by to make sure I made it back ok. I'm sorry I missed them. Loving PA and it's folks.
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Shippensburg Road

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 
Miles today: 8.8

Had some company at the Hostel last night: Old Blue, Master Jedi, and Luquillo. This morning the four of us loaded it into Sandy's car and she took us for our respective slack packs. I was dropped off at Shippensburg Road and I began by my hike north to Pine Grove Furnace State park. The guys were dropped off at Pine Grove Furnace to begin their hike south returning to the hostile. A beautiful clear cool day for hiking. I came on Shadow as I hiked. We first met at Pen Mar and she also intends to stay at Ironmasters Mansion Hostel tonight. Five miles into my hike I came to Tom's Run shelter and spent some time talking to a Boy Scout troop out for a day hike. I sat a picnic table eating a snack and the guys who were headed back to the hostel southbound join me and Shadow soon joined us as well. After my break I returned to the trail only to be startled by a big black rat snake. I quickly halted so as not to step on the snake and an oncoming hiker got a giggle thinking I had tripped on stone, however, he had not noticed the snake and did the same startled halt that I did. Glad it wasn't a rattler!The trail was really easy hiking today so I arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park at 1:00. I couldn't check into the hostel until 5:00 so I took time to go look at the Appalachian Trail Museum and then ordered a cheeseburger from the general store. The Pine Grove Furnace general store is the location of the Half Gallon Challenge (ice cream) which Shadow and Rebel Yell both decided to try and both accomplished. Today we passed the half way point on the trail. It's a small world.   While eating my cheeseburger, I met two people from the Northeast Ohio Backpackers Club   I'm a member of the club but have never participated in any of their organized hikes. Maybe I should. At 5:00 I checked into the hostel and took a much needed shower. Afterwards, Mary the Hostel hostess, took us on a dark corners tour of the 1829 mansion from the attic to the secret room in the basement. What A great place to spend the night. First level is the men's dorm and the women's dorm is on the second level. Another great day on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park 

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: few clouds

Tough Day. I left Iron Masters and I hiked to James Fry shelter arriving at 11:30. Easy trail so far. I rested until 2:00 and decided to hike on, stealth camp when I got tired. Well, the day was fun and I kept passing the stealth camping opportunities. A great .5 mile rock scramble but about 2 miles from the shelter I was ready to find a home. Two major inclines and I finally reached the shelter. Tank, Frankie, Air Force One and Old Scout were there. Another great day!
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 4.0

A good night in the shelter (inspite of the snor alert) and a beautiful full moon made the night glow. I woke early and hit the trail with three destination possibilities. No deadlines, no lofty goals, just hiking an age appropriate hike. Darlington Shelter 18.3 miles away, Route 11 and staying at a motel at 12 miles or Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs, 4 miles. The trail started with a climb but soon became a fairly easy downhill. I passed Center Point Knob which was the original AT half way point and spent some time talking to a section hiker who hiked a 27 mile sobo yesterday. She encountered a rattlesnake who was content to straddle the trail. She ended up skirting around the trail. I'm not sure how I would handle the situation and I don't want to have to find out. The trail leaves the woods and begins an open hike beside or through fields and pastures. A beautiful and sunny day which I normally love but I was very warm. I caught up to Air Force One and we hiked into town together. When I got to the ATC Regonal Office there was Steve who is now Wingnut. He's been plagued by blisters so had to take a break and order new shoes. A nice break with Wingnut and I filled up on water at the office. I had every intention of hiking out of town and continued up the trail but the sun was hot. I actually backtracked a mile on the trail and ended up at the Allenberry Resort and Playhouse. Crazy! But comfortable.
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Boiling Springs

To: Route 11
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: few clouds

I left Allenberry Resort and hiked the half mile back to the trail. An overcast but humid day around 80 predicted. I repeated the mile I backtracted yesterday thankful for the early start and cooler conditions. I've developed a nusance blister on the bottom of my foot which reminds me of its existence regularly. A few miles into my hike Shadow appeared. We walked together the rest of the day. Again today the trail skirted fields and pastures but there was often a filtered shade at the field's edge. We came upon an old cemetery after old stone house road and stopped for a break. The trail is flat with no obstacles to speak of. We crossed over the turnpike and a mile later route 11. Shadow and I decided to share a room at the Days Inn so we took a bushwhacked trail down to the highway and hiked about a half mile to the motel. Good hiker rate and really good restaurant next door. Another good day. Now to get rid of this blister.
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Route 11

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

I left the Days Inn clean, well rested and well fed. Hiking the half-mile back to the Appalachian trail felt life-threatening. The traffic, the exhaust fumes and the noise were overwhelming. A great sense of relief to get back on the AT. The early part of the trail was again along side fields, through pasture, and along a stream. I listened to turkey calls on the other side of the stream. Those may have been from turkey hunters as its turkey hunting season. I arrived at the spring a mile before getting to Darlington Shelter and a thunderstorm hit. I made myself a shelter out of my ground tarp and hunkered down. Didn't last long and not a lot of wind. There are ruins of an old car or truck beside where I took refuge so let my imagination wander on who it belonged to and why it was abandoned. Met Painted Turtle after the storm. We had a nice talk.   There's a nice stone bench .4 from Darlington. I pulled out my lunch and enjoyed the view, then hiked on to the shelter. I refilled my water and Shadow was eating lunch when I got back from the spring. We decided it was too early to stop so she continued. I rested until 2:30 then hiked on. The trail to Cove Mountain Shelter was uneventful, rocky with one good uphill. I did pass an old cement trough filled with frogs.   I was so glad to arrive at the shelter. Tired feet! Shadow and I did our usual chores and settled in. Snakefoot joined us around 7:00. Porcupine alerts posted at the shelter and they did not disappoint. At 3:00 I was awakened by knawing and was looking around the shelter but Snakefoot shined his light in front of the shelter and there was our visitor knawing on a stump. He left and it was quiet the rest of the night. A great day on the AT.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To:  Clarks Ferry Shelter 
Miles today: 8.3

I left Cove Mountain shelter around 9:00 and headed north to Duncannon. The hike was not too challenging other than the ankle breaker rocks and the Deep Woods Off resistant mosquitoes. I took a nice break at Hawk rock. I arrived in Duncannon around 11:00 and went straight to the infamous Doyle Hotel. Snakefoot was already there so I joined him for a soda as he drink his beer. Soon Shadow joined us. Vicky and Pat own the Doyle and were very hospitable. I ate a bowl of Pat's delicious ground beef and potato soup. Around 2 o'clock Shadow and I reluctantly decided to move on. It was a hot sunny day as we hiked through Duncannon and over the Susquehanna bridge. The hike up the mountain and across the rocky ridge line was the longest 2 miles I've ever hiked. Really glad to see the shelter.