morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter 

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 4.8

Tropical Storm Cindy dropped torrents of rain last night and it was loud. It continued into the morning and I thought for a while I'd stay put, but finally the sun peeked through the clouds and I packed up. By the time I was ready though, it started raining again. I arrived at this shelter late, knowing I would not make it to the next Pennsylvania shelter Pennsylvania before dark.I forded a swollen river today where I lost a flip-flop that got caught in an eddy, but was able to easily retrieve it.
Date: 2005-07-10
From: Antietam Shelter 

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

I rose early and cooked my oatmeal on the shelter platform so I wouldn't disturb the hiker who chose to sleep on the table. This is the same 44 year old guy that burnt trash on a table at Cowall Shelter after seeing a younger moron do it. The trail was beautiful. I have been seeing several flowers that grow here and in Utah too. Common Mullen, Yarrow, Queen Anne¢s Lace and Lady Fingers. This climate does them all well.As I neared Caledonia State Park, I saw a cooler full of fruit drinks and it also had an invitation to shower, tent and dine at the park for free. The Appalachian Trail Ministries does this for hikers each year. I decided to continue on the trail instead after I spoke with one of the benefactors. He was a nice person, I preferred the idea of a quiet shelter over the loud group I knew would be at the feast.I thought I had seen my last rhododendron blossom, but they are in the peak season here. They are different than the purple and pink ones I saw in Virginia. These are white and have thinner, more narrow, pointed leaves.Quarry Gap Shelter is spectacular. When I came out of the woods, I couldn't believe this was a shelter. It's far and away better cared for than any other I've seen. It even has hanging flower pots under the eaves. The caretaker was here painting when I arrived and later in the evening he returned to make sure we were behaving. This man is very dedicated to the shelter he maintains. He does a lot of other trail maintenance as well. Other hikers present are Slap Happy, Tree Trunks, Trumpas, and a fellow named Pig Bare. He wears a girl¢s short skirt tied up on the sides and tonight ate a meal that was supposed to have 8 servings.
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the well kept Quarry Shelter at about 7:30. The hike was not very difficult, but my feet are rebelling again. I'll probably cut back the mileage a bit for a few days and maybe I'll get a chance to soak them in salts soon. Today I met a man I recognized from last year. He didn't recognize me. He is the loudest snorer I ever met. I'm glad he was going the opposite direction this time.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: James Frye at Tagg Run Shelter

To: Backpackers Campsite 
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

With taped blisters I set out slowly this morning. I was so pleased with the remarkable trail! The first few miles were a dream, but it didn't last. Between PA 34 and Sheet Iron road the trail was poor. Very poor. Anyway, I continued to limp slowly along until suddenly I found myself at the trail to Alec Kennedy Shelter. I was so surprised to be further along than I thought. So I got enough water for camp - because water isn't available at the campsite. A hiker gets the distinct impression that he's not wanted in these parts. Except for this small plot of out of the way grass, there is no camping allowed for an 18.2 mile stretch. I can't do 18.2 miles with my feet the way they are. I felt lucky to discover this place - unimproved as it is. Now I can break the18.2 mile no camping stretch into more manageable pieces.After the Kennedy shelter the trail led into farm land. It turned right for a few hundred yards alongside a corn field, then right again along the end of the field, and then right AGAIN so it was going opposite from the starting direction along the other side of the corn field. It continued in this round about way for a long time and the sun, heat, humidity and bugs were all wearing me out fast. I was happy to finally arrive here so I could treat the blisters and dry soaked clothes in the sun.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: Backpackers Campsite 

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I saw more rabbits than road crossings, and there were a LOT of road crossings! I saw a lot of animals today. For the biggest part of the day I was walking through fields of crops. Nice and flat. I crossed the Pennsylvania Turnpike! There was a nice foot bridge across it. My feet did well today - they are on the mend, but I still plan to take time in Duncannon to soak them in salts.At about 2:00 PM it started to thunder and I tried to pick-up speed, but when I was less than a half mile from the shelter the rain came full blast. I was soaked in seconds.
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

I am pleased that the blisters are healing well, although they still are a factor near the end of a short days hike. The Darlington shelter was at 1170 feet, and within less than two miles I had dropped 450 feet then by regained that much and more and near Duncannon I dropped down to 385 feet. Last night's rain left a lot of water on the trail and in the grasses, and with the humidity my shoes and clothes didn't dry at all. My feet were soaking wet all the way, but it seems they held up well. As I write I am soaking them in salts. I want to leave Duncannon early tomorrow, but I may take a zero day tomorrow to soak more if I feel it will help. I am trying to enjoy the day to day routine of my hike, but I know I can¢t waste time if I intend to finish before snow falls.I will try to stop mentioning the poor quality of the trail where it exists. I appreciate the fact that the trail does exist; even if it isn't the same trail that I learned about as a boy. I fell on a steep slope today and I honestly can't understand how I can walk away unscathed from such a fall. Divine intervention? I am unworthy, but it is the only explanation. Also, as I crossed the rock slide listed in the handbook, I saw a Copperhead Snake. It quickly slithered into a hole, but I was a bit un-nerved by it. Copperheads are UGLY. I guess I'm developing a phobia for snakes. It is so humid here. I had heard about the hot humid weather in the east coast areas, but this extreme is a new experience for me. Dripping wet just sitting in the shade - but I always liked the hotter weather, and a cool breeze sure feels great when it finds you.Well, it's dark. Hiker bed time, and I am tired. G'nite
Date: 2005-07-16
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

The sun never broke through the clouds today. At about 3:00 a new thunder storm started moving in. I hurried, but to no avail. The thunder was growing louder so I decided to put on my pack cover 'just in case', and it was raining hard before I could pick up my pack again. It's amazing how fast it can go from no rain to drenching rain.It's a good thing I swore off complaining about the trail quality yesterday. But now it seems there's nothing to write about.Rain and rocks - just a comment!
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Peters Mountain Shelter 

To: Yellow Springs Village 
Miles today: 14.0

There is a saying here on the trail. "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine."I paid my dues today.My shoes and socks were wet from yesterday. The clouds will bring rain each day till Wednesday. A few minutes into my hike it began to rain again. My feet actually felt fine for the first half of the hike, and when they began to hurt I would have been wise to stop, but I prefer a shelter where I can keep my dry gear dry and where I can sit on a dry, flat surface to do my chores - like treating blisters. The only shelter was 17.5 miles away. It began to get dark and I was moving much too slowly to get to the shelter so I was forced to set up my hammock anyway. Within a few minutes of securing my gear from wet and rodents, it began to rain again. My hammock kept me warm and dry.
Date: 2005-07-18
From: Yellow Springs Village 

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: haze

I hobbled into this nice shelter early this morning. I hung out wet clothes, shoes, and my hammock to dry in the SUNLIGHT. I sat on the edge of the sleeping surface and treated blisters. As I type, I am soaking in salts to try to toughen my tender feet.This shelter is in a beautiful area and I like the way it's built. The privy is another matter. It's the strangest privy I have ever seen. Even though it is beyond the shelter, I could see it before I arrived at the shelter, and it stands in the center of an old road that serves as the approach trail to the shelter. It is like a large piano box with a smaller box on top. The smaller box is the seat and it is about six feet above the ground and completely visible for hundreds of feet. Theplatform that the seat box stands on is about four feet off the ground with no steps or any means to get up there except to throw a knee onto the platform and climb up! I thought it was a joke or simply unfinished, but it is the only one here and it's being used.I sat on the edge of the shelter platform for a long time and my feet continued to swell. I didn't consider the reason they were swelling was probably because of the way I was sitting. Anyway, several people commented on the fact they were swollen, and I wondered if I was getting an infection again. Three cyclists rode up the approach trail and stopped for water and snacks. One began to talk to me about the swelling. He seemed to be a doctor, judging from the questions he asked. His mother also chimed in with suggestions and concern. She is a dermatologist. The younger man offered to let me ride his bike out to their car - he would walk 13.6 miles carrying my pack! I realized thatsince my feet were not very red or warm that it was just thecirculation. I told them I'd watch it closely and hitch a ride to town if it got worse. They gave me a handful of first aid supplies and left. Then about a half hour later seven men who were working on a water project in the area came to the shelter asking about the guy with the bad feet! I guess they thought they would have to carry me out! They were very kind to hike up there, but I told them I thought I wouldwait a day to see what developed. I sure appreciate all the concern people have for others who might be in need.
Date: 2005-07-19
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The salts and tape helped a lot today. I hiked without problem most the day, but with distant thunder and plenty tender feet toward the evening, and I decided to stay here - which was my original plan, but as the morning went so well, I hoped to make four more miles to the 501 shelter. That would enable me to arrive in Port Clinton on Thursday. Now I suppose I will arrive on Friday instead.There was a river to ford today, but I bushwhacked to a road and was able to keep my taped feet dry. Getting through the tangle of briar and thorny bushes was another matter. Once on the highway, I saw another road I was sure the trail would cross. I followed the road a while, but the trail didn't cross where I expected, so I backtracked to PA 72 and walked to Swatara Gap on the wide shoulder and picked up the trail again. It was a fun route, but not a shortcut by any means. So I arrived here and immediately went to the spring and filled my bottles. I then wrapped my feet in wet bandanas soaked in Epsom salt again. It seems to be a very good alternative to soaking the feet in a bucket. They are sore, but I can hike short miles with relative comfort.
Date: 2005-07-20
From: William Penn Shelter 

To: Hertlein Campsite 
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: clear sky

My feet did well today. I taped them and applied mole skin and blister bandages. I put tape around the sore toes. I began thinking about doing a big mile day - 19.2 - so I could get into Port Clinton tomorrow, but I realized it would be a painful afternoon. I turned around and returned to Hertlein Campsite. It is an incredibly beautiful area with tall hemlocks, oaks, and beech trees. There is a spring with crystal clear, cold water. It is very peaceful.Yesterday, Cussladle, a hiker I shared the William Penn Shelter with gave me a novel he had just finished reading. It is a very interesting book called Ragtime by E.L. Doctorow. As I sat here reading it Cussladle walked by saying something awful had happened to him. He looked at his map and decided to take a shortcut. It wasn't. He walked about 5 miles to discover he wasn't getting nearer the trail. So he backtracked to the trail and turned the wrong way. He hiked all the way back to the William Penn Shelter before he realized he was going the wrong way... My feet ache just hearing about it!
Date: 2005-07-21
From: Hertlein Campsite 

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Pennsylvania mountains are beautiful and the trail here could be the best of the entire AT. I didn't get to look much because it seems more important to watch the trail carefully for ankle twisting stones. A hiking path is a conveyance. I expect the AT to be the best possible route, not only as a thru-hike, but also as a scenic trail and an efficient conveyance to this fantastic countryside with its meadows, forests, streams, and farmlands. Instead, the trail has been deliberately routed through rocks. Rock slides, rock beds, rocky terrain, boulder fields and such. It seems inept and amateurish. It's hard to believe the officials of this great trail would allow amateurs to plan the trail. - Just an observation.The hotel in Port Clinton was full and the owner was rude so I am grateful that a church here allows hikers to stay overnight at a pavilion in Church Cove. Local people bring jugs of water for hikers to use. There is not a grocery store, laundromat, public phone or sufficient lodging available though. I really need a day to let my feet recuperate and the pavilion will suffice.
Date: 2005-07-22
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I went to breakfast at 3 Cs Restaurant. It was a very nice meal. I planned to eat my normal oatmeal, but Swinging Jane walked by the pavilion on her way to 3 Cs and I decided to join her. As we returned to the pavilion she recognized the Cabelas van in front of the pavilion preparing to leave. We ran to catch it before it left and I was able to go along. Pig Bare and another hiker had called the store to arrange the pick-up.So I visited the HUGE sporting goods store that I had only knownthrough catalogs before. The store itself was a treat. They had many entertaining displays and activities. Surprisingly, they didn't have such hiker staples as adhesive tape or mole foam/skin. I bought some souvenirs anyway. Next, I went to the P.O. and got the box from home with my shoes, prescriptions and other needs, plus a surprise box filled with a great assortment of treats and thoughtful items. A heart felt THANK YOU to the people that help me along by sending my expected and unexpected mail.Then, I went to The Peanut Shop near the pavilion because it has an ATM inside. It was like walking into an old-time candy store. After I got some cash I had to give in and buy some candy.I suppose I must move on today if I am ever going to reach Maine. I've tried to treat my feet as best I can, but it hasn't helped much. If they feel ok when I reach the first shelter at 6 miles, I'll press on for 15 miles. As of now, I think it will be the short option.Heading out.
Date: 2005-07-23
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: clear sky

I left the pavilion late, but I decided I could do the 15 miles to Eckville Shelter. Another hiker/local stopped by the pavilion and invited me out for breakfast, his treat! I almost accepted, but I knew I was wasting too much time and declined. So he chatted while I tried to pack-up. It's difficult after a re-supply to get the backpack reassembled. Finally, I headed out. My feet were sore at first with new shoes and new socks and a heavier load. As I passed the first shelter I heard some voices coming from that direction and my feet still felt good, so I didn't stop. There were hundreds of weekend hikers.I enjoyed lots of raspberries and blueberries along the trail. Long before my day ended my feet got sore. I was in complete agony when I finally arrived at the shelter. Seeing my condition, two younger hikers offered me their place. I refused, but one guy, Monkey, left me his spot anyway. My feet felt much better in the morning. I woke and cooked cheese grits and hot chocolate. I had been craving ice cream but I didn't get any when I arrived so I had ice cream before I left. This shelter has a caretaker and he keeps a refrigerator full of sodas and stuff for hikers. As I ate my breakfast enjoying the extreme quiet a small Ruby Throated Hummingbird stopped to visit the lilies a few feet from the table. Two bright red cardinals were chirping in a tree across the road.
Date: 2005-07-24
From: Eckville Shelter 

To: Blue Mountain Summit
Miles today: 11.5

Seems strange to be here on July 24th. It's a holiday at home, but here it's just a hot, dry Sunday. I saw a Timber Rattlesnake today curled up under an overhanging stone on the trail - if you can consider a field of rocks a trail.   I am writing from the Allentown Shelter - the spring is dry - and I want to get to PA 309 hoping I can camp on the property of a B&B there tonight. At least I can get water. More later.Yes... so here I am at the Blue Mountain B&B, planning to hang my hammock soon. As I arrived an outdoor Jam session was just beginning. The Bands get progressively better and I have enjoyed listening to the music. The owner will allow hikers to camp and use the water spigot. (Water is the most important consideration when setting up camp). They are very nice and friendly here. I was glad for this opportunity because it allows me to get just enough miles for my pace.
Date: 2005-07-25
From: Blue Mountain Summit

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I settled upon my fleece sleeping bag, under it was the rain- fly of my hammock. It looked like a perfect night to sleep under the stars. I couldn't see any stars, but I didn't look. I just wanted to sleep. After a short time I felt a sprinkle on my face and I slid into the bag and wrapped the small rain-fly around me. The rain got heavier and to my complete surprise I felt the raindrops coming through the rain-fly! It's not watertight! I was wet. It was too late to change anything and the rain was already letting up. So I accepted I'd be wet and slept. The rain, however, wasn't through. It came and went all night and into morning.I rose during a lull and packed my wet stuff. My pillow/clothing bag was soaked. So every thing I own here was soon soaked as well.Hiking along, my feet began to complain and the trail was deplorable - not a footpath, but a slippery, wet, lichen soaked boulder obstacle course.It rained again and again and I knew I couldn't reach my 12-mile goal for the day. Instead I would stop at the Bake Oven Knob Shelter where there's a spring. Well guess what? The spring is dry. I hung out my clothes as the sun began to shine hot and everything is dry again. Now I just hope my feet will hold up tomorrow.
Date: 2005-07-26
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton "Jail"
Miles today: 7.7

I walked slowly and some of the course (not trail) was very slow going as the trail turned abruptly from a nice forest footpath that just disappeared onto a ridge covered with rocks. They just don't have the concept here of what a scenic footpath is. Anyway, after a discouraging morning my mood began to brighten in spite of the poor obstacle course routing. At one point I crossed over the Pennsylvania Turnpike that tunneled through the very mountain I was walking on. I was 800 feet above the turnpike.The people of Palmerton are the nicest people I've met in Pennsylvania. They are friendly. They are supportive. Most people here even return a greeting! I'm laughing here because of the sharp contrast of these townsfolk compared to the rest of the people I've met of late. I found water at a spring at George W. Outbridge Shelter 6.8 miles from my starting point today. It was a beautiful spring and so very cold and inviting. I cameled-up and only carried a half-liter to town. The trail crosses PA 248 at .9 mile and Palmerton was only two miles from the road crossing. I started hitching as I walked and a minister that preaches in Palmerton picked me up and brought me directly to this building. He spoke of hikers in a strange way... as if we are of some cult. He said he had seen other "people like you" in town lately. But he was kind enough to help this Buffalo out and I appreciate it. There was a digital thermometer at a bank that registered 107 degrees at about 4 P.M. It definitely felt like it was correct. Tomorrow I hope to get in most of my miles before it rises that high again. On the other hand, the weather forecast calls for rain tomorrow and if true, that's going to mean wet feet. Ya just can't win.
Date: 2005-07-27
From: Palmerton 

To: Leroy A. Smith 
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I got a hitch out of Palmerton right away. It was good to get beyond the rocks and the barren earth left behind by some industrial pollution. I scared a rattlesnake and it began to rattle. It was only a foot from my leg. It was very thick but probably only 4 feet long.There wasn't a lot of water on the trail, but at Little Gap there were bottles of water left by some kind people who live nearby. I knew I was in a race with the rain. I hurried as fast as I could to get to the shelter and I arrived about ten minutes before the deluge.
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Leroy A. Smith 

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: clear sky

I woke feeling drained, sore and un-enthused. I didn't want to hike at all, but after a time I began to reconsider. Yesterday's heat and longer distance took a lot out of me. So I have decided to walk to Wind Gap and get a room, just so it isn't a complete zero day. But I can't imagine trying to do thirteen miles to the next shelter. So ok... I'm gathering motivation here at the Smith Shelter and preparing to pack-up and go to Wind Gap. More later.I am at the Gateway Motel. I asked the manager whom to call about a food delivery. She gave me a menu with a wide selection of foods. I was SO hungry! I ordered a large pizza and a chef's salad. Either one would have been sufficient. Anyway, since I arrived in time for lunch, I could snack all afternoon. My room had a microwave. I watched TV and pigged out. The food was excellent and portions were much larger than I expected.I watched the local news out of Philadelphia - Vai Sikahema was doing sports. He seemed very professional. It was good to see him on the tube. I turned off the Mets game at 8:30 and immediately fell asleep. I slept through to 6:30! It felt good to get caught-up.
Date: 2005-07-29
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a long day. I am at the church hostel - staying for free. Very nice. I haven't decided if I will stay tomorrow. Always, infection in my feet is one of my biggest concerns. When I took off my shoes today, my right foot was red and hot - so I will watch it carefully. Just when I feel I have the other foot problems solved, this happens. Frustrating. I was sitting on wolf rocks taking a break when I heard the flapping of heavy wings. I looked up into a tree nearby and a large buzzard (turkey vulture) was settling on a branch. He was very accommodating and gave me a good view. My original plan was a short day, but when I arrived at the Kirkridge Shelter at 1:30, I decided to press on to DWG. Lots of friendly hikers here: Bullseye, Monkey, Hippy, Leadfoot, Praying Mantis, Moon Pie, Hippy, Mr. Fusion, Backtracker, Badger, Graceful, and others.