morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: clear sky

I had hoped to get an early start on my hike to Harpers Ferry. Luckily it stopped raining around 5AM. I broke camp and started my hike at 6:30. It was 23.4 miles to Harpers Ferry. I needed to reach the Post Office before 4:30 to get my resupply package. This would be a challenge. I pushed hard took 20 minutes for lunch and two short breaks all day. I reached Harpers Ferry at 3:59 and decided to go to the post office first. I reached the PO at 4:04 and the door was locked. The sign read " New hours 8:00-4:00". The postmaster came to the door and I told him I had 2 packages. He was kind enough to retrieve 3 packages. I walked a half mile to a 7-11 store with boxes in arm to get a soda. There a man who asked if I needed a lift back to the barn. (a restored 1880 building that is now a hikers hostel). I said yes sir. I was about a mile and the lady(owner) offered me a private room for 30 dollars. A shower, shave and dinner made me feel a lot better. My feet hurt and I was exhausted. I repacked my bag, sorted supplies and packaged some to be sent to Boiling spring, PA. I went to sleep fast listening to the rain fall.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

I walked to the 7-11 to get a cup of coffee and danish. I wanted to check my feet because I ploanned on resuming my hike at lunch if able. I had charged my phone, solio (solar battery charger) and camera. I called Linda and talked with her. I walked back to the Inn. Went to the PO, Appalachian trail conservancy (headquarters) then to an Outfitters for fuel and liners (sole cushions) for my shoes. After that I put my pack on and resumed my hike. The forecast is rain today, tonight and tomorrow. Saturday is supposed to be sunny. I hiked 6.5 miles to Ed Garvey Shelter and tried to dry off. I'll sleep in the shelter tonight due to the heavy rain. The new liners worked very well and my bruised feet thanked me. This shelter is nice. it appears to be one of the newer ones. I don't know about tomorrow, I have no desire to hike all day in the rain. I'll make that decision in the morning.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today the rain was persistent and at times heavy. It rained all night. I decided to wait until lunch and see if the rain would let up. At 2PM the rain tapered off and some weekend hikers said the rain would end late this afternoon. I will wait until tomorrow and try to make the distance up over the next couple of days. Today I have rested and sharpened my knife and harvested rainwater. I have seen at least ten new hikers, mostly weekend hikers from Washington D.C. It appears Maryland is a favorite stretch of hike for them.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

The rain has stopped and I'm certainly glad. I started my hike at 6:30AM and made excellent progress. I wanted to hike at least 20 miles, further if possible. Near 11:00, I realized I could make the Ensign Cowall Shelter and that would be a 25 mile hike. I reached the shelter at 4:30. I had a cup of coffee and rested, then fixed dinner. The weather today was excellent and there were a lot of locals on the trail(weekend hikers). There is no one at this shelter as I write this. I'm nine miles from the Pennsylvania border. The next three days I'll try to hike 20 miles a day and arrive at Boiling Springs on Wednesday to resupply. The hike today was without much scenery. I only saw one black snake. Hope all of you had a sunny Saturday. Good Night.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike started at 6:15AM. The weather was great. My plan was to hike 18 miles to Tumbling Run Shelter. I crossed into Pennsylvania at Pen-Mar Park. I got there at 11AM. The concession stand was not open so I cooked noodles for lunch. After I finished lunch the concession stand opened and I purchased a candy bar for myself and an ice cream sandwich for the deaf hiker(he likes ice cream). I noticed a church group was holding service at one of the pavillions. I was approached by a lady and asked to join them for a picnic lunch. I put my candy bar away and thought a homemade piece of cake would be a great dessert. I got a plate and went to the dessert section. My goodness, I filled my plate with pie, cake, brownies, and other pastries. I had already eaten and wasn't that hungry. I ate and washed it down with coffee. I thanked the female minister and resumed my hike. The whole congregation was so kind and thoughtful. There were five AT hikers in the park and we were all invited. This afternoon I hiked with a fellow from Washington State. We had a splendid hike and we reached my shelter at 3:30. This is one of the best shelters I've seen on the trail. At this time I have the entire camp to myself.Many people have left the trail and those that remain have spread out. What a delightful day. I'm in Pennsylvania.
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started the hike at 6:30. I wanted to reach Birch Run Shelter. This would be a 20 mile hike and put me in position to enter Boiling Springs, PA at lunch on Wednesday. I arrived at the shelter at 3:30 and fixed a cup of coffee. Then I washed my body with a rag at the nearby stream. I soaked my feet in that stream and the water was so cold my feet were numb. Then I shaved. Cooked noodles for supper and had a liter of gatoraid. I met the AT ridgerunner for this section of trail. We had a brief discussion. He was a very pleasant young man. The shelter is first class. I saw a deer this morning but he didn't linger. The weather was fine and I enjoyed my hike. I trust all of you are fine and had a good day.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: 11 miles from Boiling Springs
Miles today: 22.0

Today I'll hike to an area about 11 miles from Boiling Springs, PA. There I'll camp the night and enter town at lunch for resupply and lunch. There is a tradition among thru hikers to stop at Iron Furnace Park and purchase a half gallon of ice cream. The object is to eat the ice cream in one sitting. I did not participate but I did watch. It was painful to watch and amusing. After watching the ice cream eating contest I resumed my hike. Another 11 miles would put me where I wanted to be. There is no shelter in that area, so I'll camp. Around 2PM it started raining. I hiked in the rain until 4PM. I had come as far as I needed. I came across a campsite that was used by the locals. It was cleared, level and there were no rocks or roots where my tent would be pitched. Around that time the rain stopped and I made phone calls, prepared supper and considered tomorrow resupply needs.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: 11 miles from Boiling Springs

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike started as usual. It was a leisurely downhill hike. They routed us through a boulder field on the ridge line. It was amusing and I'm sure a kid would have had a fun time. I reached Boiling Spring's at 11AM. After visitin the Regional ATC office, I went to the Post Office and got my resupply package. As I was repacking my backpack, I learned that I could not camp for the next 15 miles. I did not want to retreat and at 2PM a 15 mile afternoon hike did not appeal to me. I hurried my repacking and off I went. I hiked through an afternoon thunderstorm and reached the shelter at 7PM. Today's hike was 25.5 miles and I'm tired. Just as I finished setting my tent it started to rain and has lasted several hours. I'll consider tomorrows hike in the morning. I'm too tired to concentrate now. Sleep is in order at this point.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

From Darlington Shelter to Duncannon, PA is 11.3 miles. It was an uneventful hike void of scenery or wildlife. As I emerged from the trail into town a group of people cheered and invited me to lunch. It turns out it was the family of a fellow hiker names Dee Dee from Williamsport, PA. We had camped at the same site and she appeared shortly after I finished lunch. Her family was so nice. As I left to enter town they cheered again. I conducted business in town and departed around 2PM. I hiked four miles to the nest shelter and did a foot check. I felt burning and thought I may have a blister. I had walked with wet wool socks about 25 miles over 2 days. My feet looked awful, but I didn't see any blisters. I had hoped to reach the nest shelter six miles from here. I think it best not to advance further. I'll let the prunes I have for feet dry. Tomorrow I'll try to make up the lost time if the weather cooperates.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: light rain

Today's hike was from Clarks Ferry Shelter to Rausch Gap Shelter. The distance is 25 miles, mostly downhill. I saw one baby rattlesnake and one deer. There was an ice chest filled with treats we came across just after lunch. The hike was just a walk in the woods. I started the hike at 6:15 and arrived at the shelter at 5:15. I took an hour and a half for lunch. Mostly to let the tent dry out. It rained last night and everything got wet. If all works well, I'll be in Port Clinton, PA on Sunday. its about 41 miles from here. I just hope the weather holds.
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Hunting Campsite
Miles today: 19.0

I departed Rausch Gap Shelter at 6 AM. I wanted to make half the distance to Port Clinton Camp tonight and finish the distance Sunday. I made 19 miles then set my camp at a hunting campsite. I saw several vistas today and several black snakes. The most exciting sight was a den of copperhead snakes at my feet. When I walked out on a boulder to photograph a valley vista, I noticed when I put my camera in the backpack that several feet in front of me was a den of copperheads in the base of the next boulder. Surprise and fright were my reactions. The remaining hike was uneventful. After I had set camp around 7:30pm a thunderstorm appeared and flooded my campsite. My tent would have floated away if not for the tent anchors. The water outside was between 4" - 6" deep. All the water from the hill ran down into my campsite. Around 9:30 I moved the tent to the side of the hill. Needless to say I did not sleep very well.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Hunting Campsite

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I slept late, I did not get much sleep and I was wet and cold. The place where my tent was located still had 1" of water standing. I packed and left around 7:30. Soon I was in a rock garden of large slippery rocks. It was slow going. Then I entered a section of trail that was virtually a pond. It was slower yet. I made 14 miles and stopped at Eagles Nest Shelter. It was 3:00 but I was tired, sleepy and I needed to dry everything out. I called the outfitter and found out the grocery store is 5 miles out of town. Tomorrow they will have a shuttle to the store. So I guess it will work out just fine. I hope it doesn't rain tonight.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Started today's hike at 6:15. I arrived at Port Clinton around 9:45. The distance was 9.6 miles, mostly downhill. Went to the outriggers and got fuel. At 11AM we were shuttled to the grocery store about 5 miles away. I purchased enough food to hopefully last until I reach New York State. I sent half the food ahead 80 miles. It is a pain to resupply, it cost me 4 hours today. At 2:30 i resumed my hike and reached Windsor Furnace Shelter at 5:15. Today's hike is about 16 miles. I was just informed by a local day hiker that he had spotted a bear very near the shelter. At this time I'm alone at the shelter. I will spend the remaining daylight taking precautions.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Boy Scout campsite
Miles today: 20.0

Today's hike was aggravating. it rained last night and the trail was muddy; the rocks were wet and I didn't sleep well. I started my hike at 6:00 and made good time. I reached the next shelter at 9:30. I took a break at 10. Then I pressed on. The next shelter was 7 1/2 miles away. I had already made one ascending climb and passed through a large rock ridge. Now I started my second accent hike of approx. 900 feet. Still strong, I made a good showing. Then rock field after rock field cut my progress. I grew frustrated but pressed on. At 2Pm I reached the second shelter. Here I took a break. My feet were beginning to hurt and I needed at least 2 more miles to make 20 for the day. I pressed on and reached a boy scout campsite at the 20 mile mark. There was no water there but I had filled all my water containers at a stream aware no water was available for 5 miles. At 4Pm camp was made and I rested. I could of had a great day if there had not been so many rocks. There was no sunshine, scenery or wildlife to see today. Not my kind of day. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Boy Scout campsite

To: Viewpoint Vista 1253.9
Miles today: 24.0

At 6:15 I left the Boy Scout campsite and began my hike. I hoped to make 20 miles but I wouldn't if there were many rock fields. I made good time and reached my first boulder ridge. Things slowed very quickly. I got through that and reached my first shelter. I took a snack and a short break. Resumed my hike and found myself in another boulder ridge line. This time the boulders were so high and steep I had to use my hands. At it's highest point I was higher than the trees and I could see both sides of the ridge. I reached the second shelter at 1:00 and took another break and this time I ate lunch. At 2:00 I started my hike down. I went into Lehigh Gap. I went across the bridge and crossed the highway. I had a 1000' climb waiting for me. The book said this climb would be done in half a mile. Steep, compared to the other climbs. This first 300' was steep. Then to my surprise and horrow, the remaining 700' was a boulder field. There was no trail, just white blazes painted on the boulders. It would be a hand and foot rock climb to 1500' over boulders at a steep angle. I did it and it was all I could do to reach the top. When I got to the top there was a sign that said the trail had been rerouted due to toxic waste cleanup at the summit area. This surprise presented a problem. I had half a liter of water. There was a spring at the top of the mountain that I had planned to get water from. Now I had no idea where I would get water. They routed us around the side of the mountain for 4 miles. At this point I had no idea when I could cross a stream or spring. To make matters worse the wind was strong and it started to rain lightly. I pressed on, after 5 miles I came across a spring and filled my water containers. I walked another half mile and set my tent. As I finished setting the tent it started to rain harder. I was cold and got inside my sleeping bag. The good part is that I'm on the side of a mountain looking out to the valley below and a distant ridge line. This is the best view of the entire journey. Tonight I'll see the city below. Actually, I can see three cities- Slatington,PA; Walnutport, PA; and Palmerton, PA.This will be some sight. Today, I hiked 24 miles and at 5PM was in my tent drinking coffee. It was a day like no other and I'll certainly remember this day.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Viewpoint Vista 1253.9

To: Wolf Rocks Vista 
Miles today: 18.0

Started today's hike and went 18 miles. I had hoped to go 20 but water is scarce and I had to carry four liters most of the day. (Each liter weighs about 2 lbs- Rob was carrying 8 extra pounds-Linda) I also had to leave the trail and travel 1.2 miles to get the water. At 4:45 I was to tired to go any further.
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Wolf Rocks Vista 

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light rain

I needed to travel 12.6 miles and reach the Post office at Delaware Water Gap before 11:30 or I would have to wait until Monday. I wasn't sure about the rocks and what sort of speed I could maintain so I decided to start early. I left camp at 4:45 and to my surprise I made great time. I arrived at Delaware Water Gap at 9:30AM. As I arrived it started to rain and has not stopped much. The good news is that I'm out of Pennsylvania. I'll stay at a Church hostel tonight and enter New Jersey in the morning.
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn't get much sleep last night. I slept till 5AM and left the church hostel at 6AM. There was a light rain and the forecast was a 50 percent chance of rain today. I hiked about 10 miles and did not feel well. There is a camp ground at 12 miles and its free if you are a AT through hiker. It was only 10:45. I stopped, had lunch and reached the Camp Mohican Outdoor Center. The people were real nice. I pitch my tent and took a 3 hour nap. I feel great now and I did like hiking in New Jersey. I took several pictures and heard deer talk to each other at Sunfish Pond.
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.8
Weather: light rain

It happens that Linda is less than one hour from this camp. We decided to meet here today and hike from High Point Observation Tower back to this camp. its about 34 miles and I think the hike will be relatively easy. She arrived here at 9:15 and we rented a cabin. I made arrangements to have someone carry us to High Point park in the morning. We have spent most of the day preparing for our hike. It's been great to see and talk to her. Early this morning a deer walked through the camp grounds and I took several pictures. I tried to call Mom but she is still in the nursing home. I talked to Alex and I tried to call Jeff later. Linda had a great time int the Shenandoah National park and seems to be excited about this hike. My guidebook says at on overlook we will be able to see New York City. I feel stronger today and my attitude is much better. The cuts on my legs are healing, the blisters are healed but the stone bruise on my right heel is very tender. I hope this hike is not to much for Linda. We will take it easy and let her set the pace. She has informed me of the latest happenings in Valparaiso. I should mention I'm homesick and I'm eager to conclude this hike. Of all the many sights I've seen nothing compares to sunrise over boggy bayou or sunset over Tom's bayou. I miss all my friends and look forward to my return. I trust all of you are in good health and fine spirits.
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today I had a hiking companion. Linda Had wanted to hike with me on the trail and experience the backcountry. Today she did. She did well for the first day hiking. We were driven from Camp Mohican to High Point State Park. It took a good hour and a half. We planned to hike back to the camp over the next few days. I didn't know what to expect but was pleased. She hiked 6.5 miles in five hours. We went through rock gardens, swamp and boulder ridges. She did well, she also took many pictures. We had great weather and reunited with a dozen trail companions. When we reached Mashipacong Shelter she was in good spirits and not tired. We had supper and as we finished dinner six young hikers reached the shelter. Linda got to experience trail magic on her first day. She enjoyed her first day. Tomorrow we will make a much better showing on the trail. I may need to confiscate her camera. From my perspective it was great to have her here. I enjoyed the day. The fellow who drove us to High Point State Park was Mike. He was a wonderful fellow and refused payment for the shuttle ride. Another person I've met that I will remember a long time.
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today, Linda and I hiked 12 miles from Mashipacong Shelter to Brink Road Shelter. It was a pleasant walk. She enjoyed the vistas and we met my hiking friends that were traveling northbound. We were southbound back to our truck at Camp Mohican. We met a Korean man not fluent in English. He ask which way toward Maine? Forgetting I was southbound I told him he was headed south. Panic and despair was the expression on his face. Linda corrected me and I informed him I had made a mistake and He was headed north. He was relieved. We took pictures and said good bye. I looked back and saw he had missed a turn and was not on the trail. I hollered to him and pointed toward the correct trail. Linda and I shook our heads and laughed. We came across "Western" a deaf young man from California. I had not seen him in at least a week. We took pictures and he showed me his new camera. There is nobody at this shelter. We ate supper and discussed tomorrows hike. Linda did very well today and I'm proud of her. Her presence has relieved me of some of the isolation I have felt while on the trail.   I'm in a positive mindset and am now eager to resumed my hike north. In my preparation for this hike I did not consider the mental aspects of isolation and separation. At this time, I believe this is the most difficult aspect of such a long hike. I would encourage anyone considering this endeavor to be cognizant of this aspect of hiking the AT.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Near the Powerline vista
Miles today: 10.2

Today's hike was eventful. We saw a large rattlesnake. It moved off the ridge boulder before we could get a picture. Later we heard there was a bear ahead of us near Blue Mountain Lake Road. We stopped there to get water and the bear approached. I grabbed the camera from Linda and as I did he moved away from us. I pursued him in an effort to get a clear side profile shot of him. I took several pictures when he turned and crossed the road ahead of me. I got the picture I wanted and he entered the woods. When we finished getting water, I looked up and there he was again. This time he entered the woods after he semi circled us. I'm sure he was more afraid of us than I was of him. It should be noted I exercised caution and did not in any way make the bear feel threatened. He was so magnificent to see. We hiked 10.2 miles and decided to stop short of Camp Mohican and set our tent on the side of a mountain. We should have a panoramic view of a sunrise. Tonight we will look down on several towns with their light dotting the blackness of night. Linda forgot to remove a partial eaten energy bar from her backpack last night and some where near Brick Road Shelter there is a rat with a real sugar high.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Near the Powerline vista

To: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was Linda's last day on the trail. We woke up to a beautiful sunrise and made breakfast. We packed up and got on the trail about 7AM. It was a nice hike into Camp Mohican. We found the truck in good shape and we ate lunch at the outdoor center. We decided to drive north to find a Walmart to resupply for my next week on the trail. We stayed at Newton, New Jersey for 2 nights. Linda and I ate our Kentucky Chicken on a little picnic area at the motel. It was nice to just sit and talk while we ate.
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Camp Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Still in Motel at Newton, New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0

This was my resupply day at Walmart. Linda washed clothes at the motel and got all my clothes clean and dry. I emptied my pack and sent some things home with Linda. It took most of the day to get reorganized for the trail. Tomorrow it's back on the trail.