morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked to Loft Mountain Campground and stopped for lunch to eat the best black bean burger i have ever had. Was it hunger? Or $12.00 for the burger? On to Pinefield Hut. Stayed in the shelter. Rain was in the air and later it rained hard. A good move. We would rather tent but this was a good move. We met Digger and two men from Germany. Another fun night.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

We hiked our first 20 mile day ever. We are pretty excited and really proud of ourselves and also tired. The good kind of tired. As we walked into the campground Kity was calling to us. Great! We thought we would never see them again. We bought beer and some food and set up our tent and we had showers and dinner. Dinner was a deli chicken another camper gave to Springbok and Kitty. They shared. Yum and what a treat. Shower was 5 minutes for $1.00. A beautiful night.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Big Meadows Campground
Miles today: 9.8

We left in the morning and it was misty and began to sprinkle off and on. A great day to hike. The trail had great footing and I am always glad of that since I have only 1 trekking pole to use. When we arrived at the campground the bottom fell out of the sky and it continued for several hours. Extremely pouring rain. We had originally planned to spend the night in a bed so we had a reservation. We ended up sharing a facility with Slow and Steady and Marathon John. The room was totally separate so we split the cost. Strange because we would have never gone to the other room. We had a great dinner with Spring Bok, Kitty, 15, and Pantry. What fun. Our room is an old old log cabin room.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Byrds Nest #3
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: light rain

Left Big Meadows Lodge at 8:00am. It was hard to leave a bed. We decided to go to Skyland Lodge for lunch - 7.7 miles away. Codger had his fried chicken and I had another wonderful bean burger. We are getting hungrier every day. I keep craving salad and coffee. After lunch we went to Byrds nest #3 hut. It turned out to be fun. We stayed in the shelter with Pantry, 15, Slow and Steady, and Wallagirl. Every one was old. At breakfast the next morning Codger and I were laughing because we said it looked like an AARP convention. It is really cold tonight. I am wearing everything I have.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Byrds Nest #3

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: broken clouds

Left the hut and hiked 12 miles before lunch. The trail is great. We can get somewhere in the Shenandoah's. Food is expensive so I bought coffee and ate my own food. I crave coffee everyday so waysides (cafes) are a treat. After lunch hiked to Gravel Springs Hut and the old gang was back together. Pantry, 15 Spring Bok and Kitty ( Springbok and Kitty are from South Africa and we are really enjoying their company.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel
Miles today: 9.4

Hiked to the hostel today for the night and what is called a nero - meaning you get to stay for the afternoon and night and get a littlw time off of hiking. Romorrow we plan a slack pack. We will be shuttled to a trail head and walk back to the hostel without our heavy packs.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel

To: same
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We began walking at 7:30 am. It started raining right away so it is mind boggling to think that you have to hike 17 miles in rain. After about an hour it quit and became steamy. We hiked a long time today. Got back to the hostel and 5:00pm and it was hot-hot-hot. It is good to know we have a shower, a bed, and dinner, and cold beer.
Date: 2013-06-23
From: same

To: A campsite
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We hiked to a campsite today. It is really hot now. We sat on a bench for a break at Sky Meadows which was a beautiful hike thru a huge meadow. We had lunch ad Rod Hollow Shelter and then went on to the campsite. Camped with Spring Bok, Kitty, and 15. We bathed in the river and it felt great.
Date: 2013-06-24
From: A campsite

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: scattered clouds

We are hiking on the roller coaster now. 10 steep, rocky, up and downs in 13 miles. It is pretty tough but we have a room at the hostel and we know we get to eat pizza. We had the afternoon to rest. The bad thing is that you have to wait to get your room until 5:00pm. It took us almost 5 hours to hike 6.3 miles. We are looking forward to a rest day in Harpers Ferry soon. We are still with our new friends. We are having a lot of fun.
Date: 2013-06-25
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Lesser Memorial Shelter. 
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked the last 2 hills on the roller coaster. We can tell we are no longer in the Shenandoahs because the trail is so rocky and steep. We stayed in a shelter with Spring Bok, Kitty, 15, and just Joe. The shelter was awesome. It had a gazebo and a balcony. We go to Harpers Ferry tomorrow. We wil have hiked 1.0178 miles of the AT and this is quite a milestone for us.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Lesser Memorial Shelter. 

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 9.0

We have now hiked 1018.3 miles from Springer Mountain, Ga. in sections over the last couple of years. Today the trail was nice footing for about 3 miles. Then we had the (PUDS)(pointless ups and downs) for the rest of the way until the last mile where the trail was total steep up and down on boulders. Really hard with 1 trekking pole and a useless arm. (my arm is amazingly better though). Harpers Ferry is a milestone for a hiker and as Codger and I crossed the bridge over the Potomac River to enter Harpers Ferry it was emotional and exciting. All hikers head for the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) to have there picture taken in front of the store. Many hikers are there. You can have a postcard made standing in front. I could only imagine getting here in the past and now we are here. What a thrill. We are recorded in a book with all pertinent information and our picture. We are number 226 and 227 section hikers to get there. I think we stayed there for an hour just relishing the moment. We were able to share this with our new friends we made on trail. Spring Bok and Kitty and 15. This is also sad because we will bid them farewell after this because they are heading home (eventually). Tonight we went to dinner at the Secret Six Tavern for dinner. Expensive but fun. Tomorrow will be a day off. No hiking. I plan to spend my day resting and catching up and lightening my pack. Codger is getting a hair cut.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today is a day off. No hiking, no hot weather, a bed, air conditioning, a glass of wine with lunch, relaxing. We are in an Econo Lodge. Codger went to Wal-Mart to get a hair cut with Spring Bok and Kitty and Alan our shuttle driver. I am catching up on everything I can. Spring Bok helped me to get journaling down by pressing OK. I don't want to talk about that one. Tonight we are having a farewell dinner with SpringBok and Kitty. They have been great. So now I have caught up on my Journal and am happy to finally know how. My arm continues to heal. I will wear my brace fro 1 or 2 more weeks. We leave in the morning for Maryland and will soon enter Pennsylvania. I will keep my post going. We are still having fun. Harpers Ferry in very historic. Our friend 15 is a civil war history buff and very interesting. Harpers Ferry is the mecca of history.
Date: 2013-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: dahlgren backpacker camground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left harpers ferry at 7:15 am. The trail was rocky half of the day and good footing the rest. We are at a campground. We met Harvey and Sue, atlas, Orion, and giggles. While eating dinner a trail angel brought everybody a beer. What fun. We had an ok time. A good day.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: dahlgren backpacker camground

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: clear sky

Left the campground with a shower, running water, flush toilets, and electricity. A beautiful day for a hike. There is so much Civil War history. We were able to go off trail for a short distance for a vista and the Washington monument. The trail was great at the start but turned rocky. Really rocky. We were planning to go to the next shelter after Ensign Cowell which was 5 more miles but when we stopped there for a break, there was a trail angel with beer and hot dogs. Then we put up our tent and decided to stay. Later that night there was a thunderstorm, but we were snug in our tent.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Waynesboro, Pa.
Miles today: 0.0

Our real destination was Deer Lick Shelter but we didn't get there. We left our campsite at 7:15 this morning. For a 15 mile day. Another beautiful day for a hike. There was really rocky today with a lot of boulder hopping. I have graduated to 2 trekking poles because my arm is doing very well. I am experiencing no pain. We stopped at Raven Rock shelter for a break. It is a pretty neat shelter. Then hiked on to Pen-Mar Park. When we arrived there was a concert going on and a concession stand. Wow! Cold drinks! Cold anything! It is hot and humid. Waynesboro, Pa. was 2.1 miles away so we decided to go to town to a motel for a shower, air conditioning, and a bed. We crossed the Mason-Dixon line and entered Pensylvanis, our 7th state. We hitch-hiked to town. We are now having fun instead of worrying about miles.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: Waynesboro, Pa.

To: Ironmasters Mansion
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: light rain

We left Waynesboro with a shuttle driver named Strings. We passed Tumbling Run Shelter which was really neat, one shelter for normal and one for snorers. We c0ntinued walking on rocks up and down and passed Rocky Mountain Shelter because it was 0.3 mi off trail and water was another 0.5 mi. Rocks haven't been too bad today. We went to Caldonia State Park to camp but campsites were too far so we got water and headed to Quarry Gap Shelter. A great place. Two shelters and hanging planters and gardens. A fun night with old friends coming together. Pantry, Slow and Steady and her husband, Hipsey Gypsy and Oak and Sandman. Tomorrow we plan Pine Grove FUrnace Hostel. We are having fun.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Ironmasters Mansion

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

Happy 4th of July. We are out on the trail hiking and we are used to my ribs, corn on the cob and baked beans, I make the best ribs. It is also to be close to nature outside walking on the AT. Just no beer, no fireworks and no ribs. We went throuth 2 rock mazes today and they were pretty much fun. Usually rocks are hard but these were hard and fun and different. We were planning to stop at the campsite before the shelter but stayed at the shelter instead. We were the only ones there at 7:00 at night when another hiker came in. It was the first time we ever felt that uncomfortable camping, We should have left but he did instead. We had a terrible nights sleep. A lesson we learned.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Boiling Springs, Pa - Allenberry Inn
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: light rain

We left the shelter early, early because we were still worried from the night before. We hiked to Boiling Springs and went to a great coffee shop. Then we walked 0.8 miles to Allenberry Inn that was spectacular. It was a resort with a trout stream, swimming pool, tennis courts, beautiful grounds and air conditioning. We could not have a room until 2:30 pm but we could do anything we wanted. A trail angel left a a big bag of cut up cantaloupe and watermelon. So we ate it and went swimming and then lunch. Several hikers were staying there and everyone met at the bar for food and festivities. There was endless cheese, crackers, fruit, salami, etc. and beer. What a fun day and night. $40.00 for a room. Thanks Allenberry.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: Boiling Springs, Pa - Allenberry Inn

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

Today was one of my favorite hikes. We left Allenberry early much to my dismay but we had to go. We3 hiked on a flat trail for 13 miles through corn fields, soybean fields and tree lined trails. It was a really hot day so we were soaked with sweat all the time. We had lunch at the ATC Scott Farm Trail Work Center. They had a picnic table and a water spigot and a shady tree to eat under. Much appreciated. Then on to Darlington Shelter. We set up our tent and several other hikers came to stay also. Prabably 20 people. Duncannon tomorrow
Date: 2013-07-07
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, Pa - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: few clouds

We left early for Duncannon, Pa and the Doyle Hotel which is one of the original Anheuser-Busch Hotels and over 100 years old. Very interesting to me. Today is a really hot day and after 5 miles Pa. rocks were to begin. We hiked up and down for 5 miles and finally came to a powerline. The rocks were there but they weren't as bad as we expected until the last 1 1/2 miles. Then the rocks began on the descent to Duncannon. Wow. It was steep and hard but we finally made to the Doyle Hotel. It lived up to my expectations. Very old. We had been talking to each other for a few days and finally made the decision to go on home. Our car had been sitting at a B&B for a month, many things were not working out like my retirement and insurance coverage for my broken arm and we were homesick. Our heads are not where they need to be to continue so we need to work on them. Physically we had gained a lot of strength and endurance and were very proud of that but the mental part was lacking. We called a trail angel Mary, and she took us to Harrisburg. Pa. to a hotel and a car rental. We were sad with our decision but we were going home. We will miss the trail but we will be back. We have to climb Mt. Katahdin. It is a must and a bucket list. We have met a lot of people and made a lot of new friends. The trail has a way of bringing people together. We will look forward to completing our journey.
Date: 2014-04-10
To: Getting back on trail
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

HelloCodger and I are planning to get back on trail on May 7, 2014. Preparations are being made and mail drops are being prepared. We fly into Harrisburg, Pa. and will head to Duncannon to pick up where we left off. My arm (which I broke last year) is healed and we are ready to tackle the Pa. rocks. This time we will hike for 30 days and next year we plan to finish. We are now section hikers. We are both very excited. I will keep you posted on our progress.Trashbag and CodgerDuncannon to wherever
Date: 2014-04-11
From: Getting back on trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Codger and I have been packing mail drops again for this trip. We are flying into Harrisbyrg, Pa. May 7 and Trail Angel Mary will shuttle us to Duncannon. It is close and getting exciting to get back on trail. I will keep up with this journal throughout our trip since we have several interested friends. This is the first time we have had to fly to the beginning. Usually we drive. It seems more adventurous. Also we are unsure of where we will be in a month and how we will get home. More adventure.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Getting back on trail

To: none yet
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

2 more days until we leave. We sent all our mail drops out today and our backpacks are packed in boxes to be checked in for luggage at the airport. Our friend Tom Webb is transporting us to the airport Wednesday at 10:00 am to fly to Harrisburg, Pa. We are excited about the next month of hiking the Appalachian Trail. We will keep in touch when we have coverage and it is possible. We will miss everyone.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Duncannon, Pa - Doyle Hotel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It is really exciting, We are leaving tomorrow. Our mail drops have been mailed to several different destinations.Our backpacks are sealed up in boxes to check as luggage at the airport. They are hard to tote around without the wheels we have all become accustomed to, It still seems like there are a million things left to do. Tomorrow we fly into Harrisburg, Pa. and Trail Angel Mary is going to pick us up at the airport.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Duncannon, Pa - Doyle Hotel

To: unsure
Miles today: 0.0

We are in Harrisbutg, Pa. Trail angel Marey is picking us up at 0830 tomorrow to start our hike. i am so excited. It is awesome to sit on top of a mountain or hill top and drink a Starbucks via in the middle of nowhere. The forecast looks good. Temp is great and maybe a shower here and there for a week, I hate to think about the Pensylvania rocks but the positive is to finish and cross into New Jersey. This time of year should be awesome. We will keep in touch whenever possible.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: none yet

To: peters mountain sheltet
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Headed out today with 6 days of food. After crossing the bridge we walked our first boulder climb. The first of many in Pa I am sure. We took a break at Clark's ferry shelter. Then on to peters mountain shelter. That is where we stayed in the shelter for the night. We met snacks and her partner whose name I do not know. I climbed down 300 stone steps to get water and then back up. We had a fun night talking with the other hikers.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: peters mountain sheltet

To: yellow spring campsite
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks are not too bad today. We hiked almost 9 hours. Breaks and lunch included. A beautiful day. We saw a huge rattlesnake coiled up on side of trail. Scary. We are the only hikers at the campsite. This time I hiked .5 miles for water. We had a Starbucks Carmel macchiato. Before dinner. We had dinner at the campfire. Beautiful night. Tomorrow we are planning 18 miles to William penn shelter. Water is sparse on this section.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: yellow spring campsite

To: william penn shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

We are pretty excited today because we hiked 18 miles. That is a lot for us. It was a hard hike too. Also shelters are far apart. Some are 27 miles. At halfway after a 2 mile climb we arrested on a ridge and a torrential storm came and it came fast. We were soaked. Rain subsided and we continued on. When we reached William penn shelter we decided to stay in our tent instead of the shelter. Bad decision. The night was beautiful but at 8:30 another storm came. We were cozy in our tent but would have to hike out with a wet tent in the morning. A good day in spite of everything.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: william penn shelter

To: hertlein campsite
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: few clouds

We are tired today from 18 miles of boulders and rocks yesterday. We got a late start today. Happy Mother's Day. The trail is hard today. Boulders and rocks again. We stopped at 501 shelter and took a solar shower which was very much needed. Felt great. We are camping and there is a full moon and a million stars in the sky and the sound of rippling water in the several creeks around the campsite. Wow!
Date: 2014-05-14
From: port clinton

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is a slack pack day with beautiful weather. Pa. is really rocky. We started at Eckville Shelter and hiked south back into Port Clinton. 15.2 miles plus 1 mile back to our Hotel. This route goes over The Pinnacle, Blue Rocks, and Pulpit Rock. It is great to carry a small amount of weight instead of a heavy pack. We go on north tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-15
From: Port Clinton

To: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: broken clouds

What a treacherous day the trail is today. Can't wait to finish hiking Pa. The rocks all point up or they are boulders. We hiked on trail 13.6 miles and then 2 more miles in town to get to the hostel. Today we went over The Knife's Edge. Very scary. I hiked over that one on my butt. Codger did amazingly well. I was surprised. Wet rocks are not my favorite, and they were wet, on a ridge,and foggy. That was the first of several scary boulder climbs and rock walks. Then there was Bear Rocks, Baked Oven Knob, and other boulder walks. One mile took an hour to complete. We finally came out of the trail with 2 miles to get to town, We hitched a ride into town and then only had 1 mile to walk. It took a while to register to stay in the hostel but we finally showered and went to The Palmerton Hotel for dinner and a couple of beers, The hostel is pretty neat and we met a lot of other hikers so the whole day was good. Rain in the forecast for tomorrow.
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel

To: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We woke up this morning and the forecast was correct. It was pouring down rain. We are going to stay here for the day since the weather is so bad. Hikers are only supposed to stay for 1 night so we hope the man in charge will bend the rules. We heard he has kicked hikers out in torrential rains before. I guess we will see. I will let you know.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Palmerton Jailhouse Hostel

To: leroy smith shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

We got to stay in the jailhouse hostel another night. Yay! The hostel was full with wet hikers. We left Palmerton at 7:00 am and walked 1.5 miles to the trail. Then climbed to the top of the Superfund. Really steep and scary. Once on top the trail was great for about 4 miles. The remainder of the day was walking on boulders or rocks. We hiked a total of 17.3 miles to Leroy smith shelter where we tented. It was a beautiful campsite. My tent is cozy. 42 degrees in am the sky is clear and there are a million stars.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: leroy smith shelter

To: kirkwood sheltery
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wow! What a day. 13.9 miles. The trail was rocks forever. The whole way. Let us out of Pennsylvania we left Leroy smith shelter and we were freezing hands were numb. Wolf rocks on this trail. Horrible! Tomorrow Delaware water gap to the church of the mountain hostel. We will be out of Pennsylvania and in New Jersey. I might do flips.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: kirkwood sheltery

To: delaware water gap
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

A short day today (Nero). The trail was once again rocks. Our feet hurt. Bad! We arrived at the hostel before lunch. Ate lunch at a bakery. Yumm! For dinner we went to the sycamore grill and had dinner with tenacity. He is a retired tennis pro raising money for a charity by hiking the AT. A good say
Date: 2014-05-20
From: delaware water gap

To: mohican outdoor centet
Miles today: 11.0

We will meet up with Rat and Bearcat-a couple we met while hiking. We had a cabin at the Mohican outdoor center. It was very remote. The cabin was pretty dirty but the surroundings were beautiful. We were disappointed. Leaving Delaware water gap, the trail was great for about 5 miles. Then we arrived at sunfish pond - one of new jerseys 7 natural wonders and the rocks came back until Mohican we thought the rocks would go away. No chance. At least we finished Pennsylvania.