morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-16
From: PA Rt 944 (Pritt's Place)

To: Duncannon PA (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 12.8

Day 79 12.8 DuncannonUp and at it. Headed to the trail, going to be on it by 9am. Lori and I stopped at Chic Fil A for breakfast. I ate a hiker's share of food, and the lady at the counter looked perplexed when I asked for 2 sandwiches to go. Trail food.Woah, my first 1000ft climb on awhile, and I've got one more today. Fear not, I've Chic Fil A on my side.Just had an encounter with one of the trail's permanent residents. Lesson of the day: Don't interrupt people when they are in conversation, especially when they are conversing with themselves. I bid them both/all a good day and moved on.Ran into Frenchie, one of my Holly Springs roommates, on the ridge. He is doing well, and looking forward to Duncannon. I informed him that I will join him for a burger and brew, but that I am pressing on so that I can catch up with Spidey, Puzzles, and Magic for a Yuengling brewery tour. He said, "We will hike some you and I, and then you will au revoir." I like him, and I totally au revoired.I've learned a better lesson than the first: Pick up your trash from the trail. I found someone's empty, but capped, water bottle under my right foot, while falling down an incredibly rocky portion of the trail. I laid helpless like a turtle on its back, assessing the damage. Nothing broken as far as I could tell. Some abrasions were bleeding, but there was enough dirt on my skin to contain the flow. My attention was drawn, by the pain, to a U-shaped puncture wound on my left knee. The knee bends, I'll count that as a win. My left wrist is roughed up a bit, I must have used my left arm on the way down, to help me roll and move the brunt of the fall onto my right shoulder and backpack. My right arm is wearing some abrasions and bruising, elbow is slow to hinge and quick to pain. It works though. An attempt to rise was made, in vane. My feet were above my head on the rocks, my center of gravity was between my shoulder blades. I was immobile with the pack on my back. Thankfully, all clips were in their propper place. I removed myself from the pack and began the long process of standing up. Everything bears weight. Hike on.Got to the Doyle Hotel. Had some catfish and a beer. I also got a room. That crash was brutal, and these joints need a rest.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Duncannon PA (Doyle Hotel)

To: Yellow Springs Campsite
Miles today: 24.8

Hiked out a bit later than usual this morning, spent some time rearranging things in my pack. The balance feels good, but the bumps and bruises are still shaping up. All my hinges are working well, but I'm certain the left knee is going to be wailing the blues during steep climbs.The walk out of Duncannon was strange. Staying on a sidewalk for must of it, and passing no sites of interest. I made my way across the two bridges and then I caught site of the trail heading into the woods. Upward of course. Santa and Wonder were waiting near the trailhead for family to pick them up for lunch. It was the first time I was with any NOBOs from the "early days." Then I hiked into the woods alone.The climbs weren't bad, and neither were the rocks. I passed some beautiful campsites, but this one is quite nice too. Plenty of space at this old mining camp. Oddly, there is a "shelter log" tucked into a mailbox here. This is a first for me on the trail.The hammock is swinging nicely, goodnight.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Yellow Springs Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: broken clouds

Wet. This morning is rainy and wet, but it's not going to get me down. I'm also very congested, but it's not going to get me down. While I was watering the nearby plants, a young deer walked within 15 feet of me. It was very focused on foraging, and never even glanced toward me. This is also a first for me on the trail.Ok, this day is crap. I'm soaked. I'm cold. My fingers are so numb that I can't close the zip lock bag containing my trail mix. My sinuses are filled, and the pressure is exhausting me. Sadly, this is a beautiful section of trail and I desperately want to enjoy it.Well, I'm now in Lickdale. I needed something for my sinuses, and I needed double cheeseburgers for my morale. I'm finishing number 4 of 4 now. The 2 large fries are long gone, and the 2nd coke made me too cold to finish the 3rd. Coffee will warm me! I really don't want to get back out in the dreariness, but I do need to mosey soon.Sweet! While I was drinking a pepsi and polishing off a honey bun at the gas station I manged to get a ride to the trailhead. Looks like I might reach 501 shelter tonight.Sunset in 20 minutes, and I'm blowing up my air pad in the 501 shelter. Today could have been a lot worse.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Easy wake up at the 501. The big skylight let in enough light to get me up before 6. I was on the trail by 6:20.Nothing really significant on the trail, but I realized that I have triple digits remaining. So proud back in the day when I hit 400 miles, now when I hit 400 again I'll probably be staying a permanent grin.Stopped at the barber shop in Port Clinton. Got my hair cut really short this time. Beard trimmed a bit too.Staying at the local hotel. It's not impressive, but it'll do. If I don't sleep well, I'll find another place and zero here.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Eckville Shelter 

To: Palmerton (John's garage)
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started with an extraordinary plan. Burgers for lunch! Brightside and I had a laser focus, and the cold damp air fueled us. He arrived 15-20 mins before me, and was sitting in front of the restaurant. From 100 yds away I could tell that the place was closed, but I couldn't tell from Brightside's expressions if they were going to open soon. My heart sank, but at least there was a bench to mope on.They open in 30 mins!!All hope restored. I'm inside out of the wind, and as a bonus, they have Murphy's Irish Stout on tap. They thought of everything. I ordered a cheddar cheese burger, and halfway through I realized something terrible. The worst of all matters was approaching fruition. To avert the impending disaster, I stood up and calmly walked to waitress. Trying not to alarm her to the development, I explained that I was nearing completion of my burger, and if I didn't have another I would absolutely need to be put on life support. She obliged, and saved a hiker today.With burgers fuelling my afternoon hike there is nothing I can't accomplish! I made it to Lehigh Gap, call a dude from the book, and slept in his garage. Game on tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Palmerton (John's garage)

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Ok Palmerton Zinc Mill Superfund Site, let's see what you got! This climb is incredible. Huge boulders to surmount, it's quite remniscent of my southbound ascent to Dragon's Tooth. Plus, due to the decades of poisoning by the mill, there aren't any trees to obstruct my view. Well, to be clear, the mountain is no longer barren, it's designation as a Superfund site has led to a very long term reclamation and reforestation project. So, there are many trees, but none of them are taller than 12-15 feet. There is big upside to this. The famed American Chestnut has been reintroduced in this area, and because of the lack of forest choking out sunlight, these young trees are producing chestnuts. You're asking me, "What about the blight!?", and that's a very intelligent question. Apparently the trees do not become victims of the blight until they are late in their teens, in "tree years" that must be early adolescence. So we'll before they get a driver's license. Also, a group of arborists here in this srea is working with Penn St to grow and mature chestnut trees with some Chinese Chestnut DNA spliced in. The expectation is Sino-American hybrid will be impervious to the blight (which originated in China and was delivered to North America a century ago), and possibly bring our two countries closer together than "ping pong diplomacy" did. I'm hoping for both, expecting the former. So, if all works out, Bing's famed Christmas song will be en vogue again - in 200 years.Weather drove me into the town of Wind Gap. I had a 16" pizza, 4 beers, and 3 fountain cokes (no ice). Yet, I'm losing weight. Muscle atrophy carries partial blame, but the calorie deficit I run everyday is the main culprit. I've checked in to the seedy Travel Inn ("seedy" isn't capitalized, therefore it's not part of the name), and I'm going to hit Rita's Frozen Custard before they close. A smile abounds.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Beaver Bog 
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Whoa, this morning is foggy. I guess I shouldn't have parlayed the beer with Ghost into whisky with Ghost. If I leave town before noon it'll be miraculous. We are having breakfast (Ghost, Brightside, and OB) and the French toast is amazing. I'm having it with Gatorade, do you think the locals are suspicious? Back to the hostel for some couch time. I swear I'm hiking today, but finding impetus will be a challenge.Found it. A whiny hiker complaining about her hunger, while there is food in front of her. And, a condescending, judgmental know-it-all who wants to belittle me for my lack of worldly experience and then proselytize her's (all 23 years of it). Hike on!
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Beaver Bog 

To: Jim Murray Property 
Miles today: 30.6
Weather: clear sky

The bog treated me well last night. For lunch I will burger myself!Met up with Wolverine for lunch. Nice fella, from Michigan. We are at Gyp's, and it is an excellent setting. It's lakeside with fish and water snakes, very interesting stuff. Watching the huge swan chase a goose around the lake is worth the price of admission. The burgers are great, and of course the coke on the money. I don't think I'll "use" soda after the hike. I've been here for two and a half hours. I should go.Looking at the elevation profile, I should be able to reach the Murray Property before sundown. It'll be a big hiking day, but at least I won't have to filter water. For some reason, that particular chore has become loathsome.Damn! I made it. It's after sunset, but I don't have to set anything up. Plus, I can rinse off under the spigot, no baby wiping tonight.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Jim Murray Property 

To: New York State Line 
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: few clouds

Started pretty fast, wanted to get into town for a morning sandwich to fuel my day. Footlong loaded italian, 2 Pepsi-Colas, and a big bag of chips should do it. I also packed out a footlong bologna and cheese with mustard, just in case I get hungry again.Half that sandwich survived until now, 2pm, with me sitting at a farmers market eating ice cream and drinking/doing more coke. Now my sandwich is gone. Yet my hunger persists. So I grab a 1lb bag of peach "twizzlers" and a lemonade. Twizzlers the brand doesn't make peach, but I thought you'd better understand that than "peach twist." Which sounds like a painful move in a game of naked twister.On to New York!I've got to stop chatting with so many folks if I'm going to get to Maine in a timely fashion. But here I am, setting up camp in New York, so not a bad day I guess.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: New York State Line 

To: Island Pond 
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 91 19.3 Island PondAlright, I'm getting to the next gap and will grab some chow at the roadside creamery (I think they have a grill).They don't have a grill, which is a slightly less bummer than their midday opening time. To top it off, the hotdog guy doesn't serve until 11:00. I'm on a mission now, so I'm going to walk the 2 miles to the nearest town. I'll be able to get a ride back up the hill, no problem.Christ! The two taxi providers in this one horse town can't decide which one of them gets the horse for the day. They are both afraid of money, which is the most absurd business model I've seen. It's 85 degrees out, and I've a 2 mile road walk uphill. Trail by 1pm?I'm at the top, drenched in sweat. The hotdogs stand is open, at least that's breaking my way. Three dogs, 2 Pepsi-Colas, and a bag of chips. Oh, and one of the fellas sitting at the only table (it's shaded by an umbrella) says to me, "sorry bud, if I'd known you were coming up here I would've have stopped to give you a lift." Judging by his lack of perspiration, he had probably only been there about 20 minutes. Which would have been about 4/5ths of a mile. Not quite enough for me to smash my pepsi on his forehead. So I take the zilch that he did for me and multiplied it by what I wanted to do and say, and came up with zero. I went to the shade of the trees and ate my meal on a big, cool rock.On the trail by 13:15.I was warned about these southern New York rocks, but I want expecting this. These are incredibly challenging climbs. Grasping ahold of rocks and roots, I'm using as much upper body as lower body. I marking this as my favorite section of trail.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Island Pond 

To: Ft Montgomery NY
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Sleeping near a pond has no advantage. None at all. Stay away from them if you are a hiker. If you camp and fish and don't need rest, sleep near a pond. The symphony of frogs, geese, and buzzing mosquitoes was conducted by a beaver using its tail against the water. The beaver lacked rythym, and the goose sitting first chair was just awful (probably got the seat by sleeping with the producer). Anyway, I've made a reservation for a hotel in Ft Montgomery, so I'll saunter in there later to wash the smelly things, and sleep.More physical climbing today! The heat is brutal, but that makes the accomplishments more rewarding. Any hiker I tell this to thinks I'm a bit nuts, but some things you can't pay for, they have to be earned.Atop Bear Mtn, near the Hudson River, the views are wonderful. Mostly because I'm looking at a vending machine that'll drop a coke in my hand. A lady asks me why I've packed so much stuff to come up here? I reply that I'm the Appalachian Trail, and this is what I require. She then, in a very snotty tone says, "yes, I know the trail, it's the 2 miles that I walked from the recreation area below." I then realize she has no idea that the trail goes from GA to ME. For ease, I tell her that I'm homeless. She looked down and walks away. I'm not sure what impression I've left her with, but I probably won't speak with her ever again. Im ok with that.Ahh, I've showered and laundered. The smelly things have been washed. Nap and then dinner.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Ft Montgomery NY

To: Beaver Pond
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slow day leaving the hotel. I'm dragging my feet more and more these days. The doldrums are upon me. I'll grab lunch at a roadside deli, that'll pick me up.It didn't. The chicken parm was excellent, but the 2 sodas and cup of coffee proved to be too much caffeine. I'll have to stop and rest at the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center. They have an "open door" policy for hikers, and I can get some water.Hmm, I've no idea what this place is for, but there are at least 100 dudes playing softball on the same field right now. No one has even acknowledged me, the guy with the backpack and trekking poles. Oh well, I like my privacy, even if it's in the middle of this.I've just received my in brief from Robert. This is a 75 day get well camp for reforming drug addicts. I would have pieced it together eventually, but I thanked Robert for the assist. Watching the two dudes doing pull ups on a tree and seeing the guy trying to sharpen a tent stake on the cinder blocks has convinced me that I feel better. I'm leaving the prison yard for the safety of the trail.Ooh, a waterfall and a campsite. It'll be a short day, but this will be a needed rest.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Beaver Pond

To: Swamp River Boardwalk
Miles today: 27.4

Sleep was great. I went to bed early, and the constant flow of water drowned out anomalous sounds of the woods which usually disturb my slumber. Onward and upward!Stopped by the Ralph's Peak Hiker (RPH) cabin/shelter since it is almost on the trail. I kind of wish I stayed here last evening. Chinese food was delivered, and the night's residents all lauded the meal. I'm convinced my sleep was better for my choice, but a fortune cookie would have bene appreciated.My addictions continue to get the better of me. I have landed at another deli, and am stuffing yet another sandwich into my face. Under any other circumstances I would be gaining weight, but these midday fueling sessions only encourage me to go farther on the trail. Adding to my trek, I grab another sandwich to go. When I come off the trail it is going to be difficult to not habitually eat from sun up to down.The day is getting late and the next shelter is close, but I can see a fire burning which means socializing. I'm not in the mood for this, so I'll find a campsite near the trail. Hopefully, this decision doesn't add miles to my day.Finally, a flat wooded patch for me and my hammock. Every single time I think I can go "just a little bit farther," it lands up being a lot bit farther. Oh well. Camp set, I'm turning in, this ankle of mine has been bothering me and I need to get off of my feet.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Swamp River Boardwalk

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Have you ever had a dream of being attacked by coyotes? I can certainly say that such a dream is disconcerting. The distant howls were not as troublesome, it was the bark and howl 40 yards from me last night that set my mind racing. I do not speak wild canine very well, but what I heard in that howl was, "Hey guys, dinner is over here. Its all wrapped up like a pinata hanging between 2 trees. It smells like he has been eating sandwiches all day!"With little rest, but free of bite marks, I am making my way to another deli for breakfast. Though I am an addict, I can quit anytime. I've just finished eating the Lumberjack Sandwich. Yes, it is as hearty as the name implies. Make a 5 egg omelet with ham, bacon, sausage, and cheese, and put the omelet onto a hoagie roll (or wedge as it is called in this stretch). Easily, this sandwich is 1800 calories. So I only had 2 cokes and a cup of coffee with it. I'll be hungry again in 3 hours.Caught up with Eagle J at the shelter. There will be no reason for me to stretch this day out. Eagle J is a good fella from North Carolina. He is making his way up the trail in sections. This far in a few years, and he has just a few more years to go.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Mohawk Trail
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Excellent night, last. There were enough people at the shelter to keep critters at bay, and the weather was perfect for a hang without my rain fly. Today is going to be a good day I think.Eagle J has me eyeing lunch in the town of West Cornwall, and since he offered to buy me lunch I think I will hke in with him. He'll be coming off trail there, and is going to stay at Beard of the Woods Hostel. It is where I intend to stay the following evening. Since, I will be getting new shoes in Salisbury, it will give me a chance to relax for an afternoon in town and break in my new shoes.Meatball grinder ingested, farewells extended, and trailhead in sight, I am off for another sandwich fueled afternoon of hiking. I've identified a campsite 4 miles shy of Falls Village. That'll set me up nicely for breakfast in the village, and a late lunch in Salisbury.Well, the campsite lacked suitable hanging trees, so I pressed on. As usual, my continued hiking has taken me farther than I cared to go, but that means I can sleep in tomorrow and still maintain the easy schedule I have.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Mohawk Trail

To: Undermountain Rd (Salisbury, CT)
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: broken clouds

Deer are noisy and inconsiderate beasts. They pay no mind to the slumber of humans, nor do they respect the requests of them. I asked the two deer to leave my campsite last night, and eventually yelled at the four legged offenders. Sure, they scampered away, but, as it turned out, that was only to patronize me. They discussed their plan just out of range of my headlamp. Snorting and snickering, they deftly executed their next foraging foray landing up quite close to the hammock. I unzipped the hammock this time, shined my light upon them, and asked (yelled, really) if they wanted me to shoot them. They did leave the area this time, but continued snorting and blowing in the distance for another 20 mins. Bastards.My ankle this morning is sore. I felt and heard an audible "pop" as I was gearing down last night. It is a problem I have had for some years, but it is growing in frequency of occurrence and amount of pain. Today's lite hike and afternoon respite will serve me well.Ah, Salisbury is lovely. Weather is nice, and there is a coffee shop across from the post office. A cup of joe along with my new shoes, today is going to be a great day. The hostel owner came into town to pick up me and the other evening guests. Pot roast for dinner, and a campfire that I don't have to collect fuel for. Tonight's going to be superb.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Undermountain Rd (Salisbury, CT)

To: Alexandria, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, I woke up with a throbbing ankle and lower leg. I feared this could happen. An old, persistent injury would bring me to a hard decision. If I continue, which I probably can, how much more damage will I be doing to myself? I probably have 40 good years left in me, and I am not going to hobble around for them just so I can say I made it to Maine. So, I shall stop. The nature of this problem, I think, will not allow me to complete the trail this year. I am prepared for this, mentally and emotionally. It has been an excellent adventure thus far. The 1500 miles was not easy, but it was educational and fun. I will be back.
Date: 2016-02-02
To: Entry #1
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We are preparing to start our adventure March 20th from Springer Mountain. We will use the first three required entries to tell a little about ourselves. Farmor is the Swedish name for Grandmother...specifically, Father's mother.I am mother to three wonderful sons and grandmother to two adorable grandsons. My oldest son -trail name "Hans" will be joining us for the first ten days. It will be very reassuring to have extra support in the beginning (as in "I have fallen and can't get up") especially since we will be some of the oldest hikers attempting a thru hike this year.
Date: 2016-02-02
To: Entry #2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm 68, have 4 grandchildren and and a great granddaughter, hence the name Great Gramps. I bitch about the ills of our society and look forward to escaping from constantly hearing the "news." In many ways, I view being on the trail as a retreat from the insanity and will enjoy the solitude (mostly).
Date: 2016-02-02
To: Entry #3
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Great Gramps has been retired for about six years now and I just recently retired about two weeks ago. We are in the process of moving out of the house we are currently renting, organizing and moving all of our worldly possessions into storage. Since we have already given notice to vacate, there is no turning back now! We are also trying to prepare our meals and are planning mail drops about every two weeks. Nutrition will be very important to us and we know that we will not survive on pop tarts and ramen noodles. So much to do!