morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

This day did not get off to a good start. Just Aussie and I in the shelter last night, so we started walking together in the morning until suddenly I smashed my big toe into a small stump hidden beneath weeds right alongside the trail. It was the first real casualty since hiking in sandals for 300+ miles, and somewhere amidst my blue streak of post-traumatic eloquence, I noticed a nice bright shade of red emerging through my 2 layers of socks. Needless to say, it was a pretty smashed up and bloody mess. Luckily, no broken bones in my big toe and no more disasters throughout the day. But, to add insult to injury, the bite valve for my platypus sack had been silently draining all of its water while I was attending to my toe, so that was another thing to be thrilled about this morning. Not the start I was looking for.   Fortunately, the rest of the day went great: sodas and pizza at Pen-Mar park; crossing the Mason-Dixon line into Pennsylvania (which has been beautiful so far); bottled water trail magic, and only 2 more days 'til my new pack arrives at a hostel up the trail where I'm going to strip down and go ultralight for the 2nd half of the trip. Bad start, but a nice finish to the day!
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Walked the day with Aussie today, whom I've walked quite a bit with over the last couple of days. Had the shelters (2 on one site) all to ourselves last night--the thru-hiker void continues. Another beautiful day of walking in PA--perfect cool weather, very nice trail, and an awesome nap this afternoon in Caledonia State Park next to a creek. Pennsylvania certainly has some wonderful shelters so far, including the one we're at for the night, which is brand spankin' new, and one we saw earlier today complete with several hanging flower pots. Tomorrow, it's on for a short day to the Half-Gallon Ice Cream Challenge at the trail's half-way point, as well as a switch to a new pack and an ultralight setup--very exciting!
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Tagg Run Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

HALFWAY!!!! Wow, I can't believe it's happened so fast, but here I am over halfway from Georgia to Maine. There have already been so many great memories, and so many more to come over the next 1000+ miles of trail.   I breezed on in to Pine Grove Furnace State Park where I promptly grabbed a 1/2-gallon of ice cream and attempted to take part in the thru-hiker tradition of eating it in celebration of reaching the halfway marker. I didn't think I had much of a chance, but it all went down with surprising ease, earning my reward of a wooden spoon stamped with "Half Gallon Club Member." In fact, I felt so good afterwards that I washed it down with a coffee, a gatorade, and 2 hot dogs. And for those interested, the Vanilla ice cream alone was 2,246 calories and 144 grams of fat--not bad for a snack.   Great to see Footloose show up, finally over his illness and having put in some big days to catch up. Congrats to Dead Man Walking and Lovebug for both finishing a half-gallon each too! Another perfect wather day to walk and take my picture at the halfway post just up the trail from the state park. The only hiccup of the day was that the package with my new backpack had not arrived at the hostel, so ultralight will have to wait another week until I can forward it to another location up the trail. A great day to celebrate amongst my thru-hiker friends!
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Tagg Run Shelter

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 12.2

Taking a short day today to cruise on in to Boiling Springs, grab a shower and relax. I stayed with some hikers last night who were out testing gear for a website and taking photos for a new ATC book on the Appalachian Trail (www.atphotoproject.com). Maybe the picture they took of Footloose and I will be on the front cover!   Started off with a pancake breakfast just half a mile up the trail, and strolled along on another perfect day for hiking into Boiling Springs. It's a very cute tiny town here built around a small pond/lake, complete with a spot where the water does appear to boil (though actually only 53 degrees). Had a great and completely unexpected reunion with Chestnut after not having seen him in over 1000 miles--since my 4th day on the trail in fact. Footloose and I are tenting for the night on the back lawn of the Garmanhaus B&B for the grand total of $1 each.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: moderate rain

Nice comfortable day to walk the flat miles of the Cumberland Valley, though it rained on and off for much of the day. Having left the north end of the Blue Ridge, the valley was about 15 miles of flat walking through fields and farmland--something entirely new for me on the trail so far. It was a nice change despite the poor weather on this Memorial Day holiday. A wonderful smell of honeysuckle lingered in the air all throughout the day.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Cove Mt. Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Short little near-0 (almost zero) day today, but very busy. Footloose and I popped into the famously seedy Doyle Hotel for the A.T. special breakfast and did some laundry before I was whisked away in my rental car to drive 30 miles back down the trail to retrieve my package from the Ironmaster's Mansion Hostel at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Fortunately, the drive was quick, and my new ultralight pack was finally here! I spent the night in a hotel outside of Duncannon paring down pack weight for the new pack and trying out some different packing schemes as well. I can't wait to give it a whirl when I head back on the trail tomorrow!
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

One last stop at the post office this morning after bringing back the rental car to send home my backpack and the extra things I cut out. All told, I cut out 12.5 pounds including the old backpack and traded it for the new pack weighing less than 2 lbs. In the end, I hit the trail with a new pack fully loaded with water, and food for 5 days weighing just 28 lbs--about 15 lbs less than the pack I carried over 2 months ago at the very start of the trail.   A very comfortable hike today and the new pack is really fantastic so far. The day's only downside has been losing the basket off of one of my trekking poles.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Peters Mt. Shelter

To: Swatara Creek
Miles today: 23.6

Sometimes you just end up in the most unlikely of places at the end of the day, and today was one of those days. My first real day with the new backpack, and it was one of those days that just kept evolving. I thought I'd go about 17 miles to the next shelter, but decided to go a little farther to throw the tent down, then a little farther, and a little farther, and...well, you get the idea. So, before I headed off into a long water-less stretch, here I am next to a river with one highway on the other side and Interstate 81 just 50 yards away on this side. I can't say I've had a tent site quite like this one yet. Good thing I remembered my earplugs!
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Swatara Creek

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much sleep last night with the road noise, even with my earplugs. It's a nice day to walk though, in the 70s again and sunny all the way to 501 shelter (fully enclosed) where I got talked into staying the night, after a short day, to celebrate one section-hiker's 2000th mile. This was even better because after only one day of no problems, my new pack has quickly fallen apart with 2 pieces of webbing ripped clear through, 1 broken zipper, and load lifter straps that don't lock off. Translation : 25 lbs on my shoulders and not my hips the last 2 days, and a pack that is dying fast. Can anyone say: "Return it and try a different one altogether?" After 2 quick phone calls at the shelter, I sure could. The new pack awaits me about a week up the trail in Delaware Water Gap. I hope this one makes it that far...
Date: 2004-06-05
From: 501 Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

My first zero day in about a month, and I decided to take it at the very last minute this morning when the caretaker said the rain would clear by tomorrow. And since it's been pouring all day, this 4-walled shelter has been the perfect place to wait it out indoors away from the distractions of town, although it's begun to get quite cold. Tortoise caught up today, and about 20 of us are packed in here for this wet one. In with Sorcerer, Dead Man Walking and Lovebug, Mountain Goat, Talks with Trees, Chief and Jethro, Pets on Wheels, Country, and a bunch of others.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

After yesterday's continuous downpour, a 3-mile stretch of today's trail had turned into a river with several long stretches over about 1.5 miles having standing water about a foot or more deep. Good thing sandals dry fast! Nothing to see, but fast miles into town for a shower and feasting at the Port Clinton Hotel. Great food, but not hiker friendly by any means. A little bit rockier on the trail today, but still waiting to see these legendary Pennsylvania rocks that have caused many past thru-hikers to dub the state 'Rockslyvania'.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: broken clouds

I wanted to get farther today to catch up with Footloose, but I'm meeting Gretch, Ali, and Jamie at the Delaware Water Gap on Saturday so there's no rush. Had a great breakfast at the Three C's restaurant, and had lots of fun showing Dead Man Walking and Country how to make a Pepsi-can stove. I hope to see them up the trail after they take the day off in town today. Nice miles again with sunshine and much warmer weather for a change. In with Tortoise, Jethro and Chief, Hillbilly, and Dead Lungs.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

The heat lamp is officially back on for one hot day as the PA rocks finally started coming on full blast after a nice long stop at Eckville Shelter for drinks and ice cream from the caretaker's porch refrigerator. More rocks to look forward to until Delaware Water Gap, though the good news is that my feet have improved pretty dramatically, despite the rocks, since cutting my pack weight down to around 22lbs with 3 days of food plus water. I hope my foot health keeps up even though everyone's feet are hurting a little extra with all the miles of rocks on the trail today. I can't wait for the weekend at the Water Gap--new socks, new pack to replace this piece of junk I'm returning, and fun with my sisters and Jamie!
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 17.7

A very hot and steamy day for walking with water few and far between. Fortunately, with a lighter pack and a lot of miles behind me, the heat bothererd me much less than normal and my need to drink tons of water is pretty well diminished. Lots more PA rocks today, but no rattlesnakes or copperheads yet again. Down into town here for a free night in the basement of the police hall with Rock Steady, Swiss Miss, Amy, and Jethro and Chief. A great place to stay in a very nice little town with everything I needed, including a free apple for all thru-hikers at the local IGA food store.   Awesome night out on the town with Amy, who I just met today. It's always nice to get free beer, which is what we were treated to by the locals at Mug Shots bar, where even if we had to pay, it would have only cost 50 cents for a draft--a special hiker rate. A really nice town to grab a shower and beat the heat for a night.
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Palmerton, PA

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

A day of a few more firsts: I ate my first low-bush blueberries of the season along the barren wasteland north of the very steep climb out of Lehigh Gap, and it was the first day so far where I walked start to finish without single break. Of course, it did rain all afternoon so it wasn't hard to force myself to keep chugging--in fact, the rain seems to make me most comfortable while hiking. I'm crammed into a motel room tonight for some pizza with Optimus, Amy, and Rock Steady.
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Wind Gap

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

It's all over folks. The streak of perfection has officially met its end today, and my hopes of making it the entire length of the trail without a single fall have coem to a screeching halt. It took about 1250 trail miles for me to take my first crash landing and it was a good one. After mile upon mile of Pennsylvania rocks, it finally caught me on the very last day of trail in this state, not to mention on my 3-month trail anniversary. But, no major damage so I was up and running to the Water Gap for a night and to meet my sisters tomorrow.   Sadly, the town hostel is still closed for renovations and the post office was closed for Ronald Reagan's funeral so Amy, Rock Steady, and I were stuck wandering around town eating, catching some music at the local bar, and drinking coffee at the diner before retiring to our tents here on the lawn of the outfitter. It's great to finally be here on the cusp of New Jersey and the rest of New England.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Great breakfast at the Trail's End Cafe with Amy this morning after picking up my new replacement backpack from the post office. By 12:30, Gretchen and Jamie were there to meet me for a fun-filled day off of mini-golf, eating, and catching up with each other. Lots of fun, but far too short and I wish Alison could have been here with us too. I can't wait to see them again at the end!
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

What an exciting first day in New Jersey, my 8th state! Quite a few rocks still laying around ala PA, but nice trail, lots of nice views from grassy ridges (a welcome change from Pennsylvania), a smell of spring and blooming mountain laurel in the air, and my first bear sighting since Shenandoah. I crossed the 1300-mile mark today on my first day out with the new ULA backpack. It felt great all day and didn't fall apart--already a step up from my first day with the Six Moon Designs pack that is now gone forever after a mere 2 weeks on the trail.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: "The Secret Shelter"
Miles today: 24.9

Another long day that unfortunately started with a nasty headache, something that thankfully happens very infrequently out here compared to home. I guess not enough sleep lately probably caught up with me. I finally caught up with Footloose again tonight, and had more trail magic today than any other day on the trail so far thanks to incredible trail angels like Desperado. I'm in for the night at an awesome thru-hiker only secret shelter here off the trail on the private land of a friendly former thru-hiker named Jim Murray. Complete with indoor and outdoor showers, a dish sink, running water and a sleeping loft, not to mention bunches of neat fireflies after dusk, it's a perfect place to spend the night.
Date: 2004-06-15
To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: few clouds

A very hot, very humid day and I was nowhere near 100%. I felt tired and overheated all day despite lots of great trail magic, including many jugs of water. I resisted the pull of the hostel in Vernon even on such a tough, long day after a long break with ice cream and cookies at Heaven Hill Farm just a few hundred yeards off the trail at an afternoon road crossing. It's great to be with my buddy Footloose for another night even though the mosquitoes are now eating the flesh from my bones. New Jersey has definitely signalled the beginning of bug season!
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Fitzgerald Falls
Miles today: 13.8

New York, New York! That's right, start spreading the news. I finally made it back to my home state after a quick 3 days in New Jersey and just over 3 months on the AT. My 9th state started out with my first ever rattlesnake sighting thanks to Footloose who nearly stepped on it while hiking a few feet ahead of me. Fortunately, like all good and nice rattlesnakes should, Mr. Timber Rattler just slithered away not to be bothered any more without as much as a rattle.   Spent the heat of the afternoon eating 3 ice cream cones and napping in the shade at a new trailside creamery--I'm really getting used to the abundant trailside luxuries so close to the trail in these Mid-Atlantic states, especially since I know it won't be long before they disappear for the remainder of the trail. 4 miles after the creamery, this lazy short day came to an end with dinner at the foot of Fitzgerald Falls and Footloose and I tenting just a little bit away. I'm hoping the sound of the falls will rock me to sleep.
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Fitzgerald Falls

To: William Brian Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

It may have rained, but it was still an amazing day. It started off with breakfast by the falls and several short but very steep rock scrambles. One long downpour later, our string of trail magic continued on as an older man waiting in his car at the crossing of NY17 offered to bring us to the cafeteria down the road to eat and then drive us back. Turns out he was a very nice section-hiker who just liked to socialize with and help out other hikers whenever he could--his way of keeping in touch with the trail community. Such a nice guy--thanks Gene!   After that, Footloose and I were off into the rain again as we entered into Harriman State Park. Between the exciting varied trail, the "Lemon Squeezer," and the incredibly beautiful open fir and hardwood forests, this place is definitely near the top of my list of trail favorites. I never would have guessed it myself--all this just an hour from Manhattan.   The day ended equally as well, Footloose and I meeting up with Lucky Star and Deja Vu, two thru-hikers who we've been following in trail registers since the beginning. It's always fun to finally put a name with a face. All that in one day makes you hardly even notice the rain.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: William Brian Memorial Shelter

To: Hudson River
Miles today: 8.9

A short, but tough day. Really hot and humid for the three steep climbs and descents into Bear Mt., NY. Sadly, the humidity also meant that Footloose and I were unable to see New York City from any of the several open rock vistas.   Footloose and I had a great lunch at a nearby deli, and I was so happy when I got a box from my Mom with lots of food and my newly repaired watch--it was like seeing an old friend again. My wrist had just felt naked in its absence!   Tonight I met Footloose's family who were all very nice people, and along with another hiker named Modulus, we all had a fabulous dinner on the terrace of the Bear Mt. Inn together. Footloose and his daughter Janice (who's coming out to hike for a few days) were also good enough to give me a bed to sleep in at their room in the Inn. What a great day!   One other cool thing today was that the trail went directly through the Trailside Zoo on its way to the Bear Mt. Bridge over the Hudson River. Here, we reached the lowest elevation of the entire AT at just 124 feet. I thought it fitting that the lowest point just happens to be directly in front of the Black Bear exhibit.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Hudson River

To: South Highland Road
Miles today: 11.8

After a great night's sleep in a bed, Footloose and his daughter Janice and I took off over the Hudson River and into the hills. Much cooler and less humid today than the last few so it made for very comfortable hiking. Nice, fairly gentlre terrain today, and Janice really did great on her first day out. It makes me remember my Mom's first day on the trail, and it made me smile to remember how much fun it was to have her with me for that week and to share a piece of my dream.   We ended the night with a campfire and good conversation. It's always nice to be back out on the trail after a night in town.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: South Highland Road

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Happy Father's Day Dad!!! A good night's sleep in the tent last night at a nice site with Footloose and Jan. I always seem to sleep much better in my tent, and it only makes it more satisfying when the mosquitoes are bad. An awesome lunch today when we bushwhacked down an excitingly steep slope off the AT for cheeseburgers at the Canopus Lake concession stand, and more good eating when I Yogi-ed some food from a few curious day-hikers during the minor search and rescue operation we staged when Jan apparently got a little lost when she was separated from Footloose and I. No worries though, Jan's found and all is blue sky!
Date: 2004-06-21
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

A perfect day for hiking. Cooler, sunny and breezy. My string of good eating continued with a short pizza stop off the trail with Footloose and Jan before heading up to the next shelter for my afternoon siesta. I stretched the day out a long way, taking advantage of the solstice sunlight. I finished out the day sitting by the shore of Nuclear Lake before heading up to the shelter for a campfire with Footloose, Jan, and Rockhound.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Ten Mile River Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

A bit of rain most of the day, but it's hard to rain on a day's parade when it includes a surprise trailside hot dog stand at 10am, seeing Dover Oak (the largest tree on the AT), crossing into Connecticut (my 10th state!), getting the ultimate trail magic of ice cold Gatorade, being joined by Northern Harrier at day's end, and having yet another beautiful campsite under the pines on Ten Mile River. In to town tomorrow, but not before another good night's sleep in my tent. Having tented the last few nights and getting much better sleep, I think I'm finally catching up on sleep and being better rested.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Ten Mile River Campsite

To: CT 341
Miles today: 8.7

A short day heading into Kent, CT with Northern Harrier, Footloose, and Jan, who is heading home to New Jersey from Kent. A nice little quintessentially New England town, good food, and of course it's always nice to do laundry. Splitting a room tonight with Footloose and Harrier to relax a little and get some more rest. Lately, everyone seems to be feeling very worn down and shelter registers are filled with more and more pessimism and hikers talking about their "trail blues" and overall mental and physical weariness. Nearing the 1500-mile mark, the trail has apparently taken its toll on many of my fellow thru-hikers and friends. I've been feeling run down physically myself, but I'm just trying to keep eating so I don't start burning muscle instead of what little body fat I've got left! Very sad to hear that my very first AT hiking buddy Semicolon had gotten off the trail with shin splints and some terrible foot problems. Trying to digest it all over some drinks at the bar.