morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Hot Springs

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

4/20 Hot SpringsToday was an awesome zero day. We started the morning off with an AYCE breakfast cooked for us by Big Red's family. It was sooooo yummy. The cheesy potatoes were a hikers dream. I wish I had stayed longer, but the church bells were ringing. Went to a Presbyterian church (I think) and it didn't look as though they were having a service, but then I realized that in the small towns maybe people walk to church and that is why there is only 1 car in the parking lot. Well, the hikers almost outnumbered the congregation. It was an interesting service, definitly not like the Easter Sunday services we have back home with al the choirs and instruments.In the afternoon Neuroma, Switchback and I enjoyed a soak in the hot springs. What it really was were a whole bunch of hot tubs scattered next to the river and in the woods. They pumped in the hot spring water and ran the jacuzzi jets. It felt very good. After that I got a massage. It felt good, but the lady really worked out some kinks in my shoulder and neck and it hurt at first but in the end everything felt better.We had a group dinner at the Bridge Street cafe, the only restaurant open and I enjoyed a giant piece of cheesecake. Great way to end the day.
Date: 2013-05-12
From: Doyle Hotel Duncannon, PA

To: Rausch Gap Campsite MM:1171.7
Miles today: 29.2
Weather: few clouds

Was planning to leave at 0830. decide to stay to call my Mom and Sister to Wish them Happy Mother's Day. I left their card with my Brother, they liked the card very much, Mom said her Mother's Day was last week when she had all of her three children with her.The trail through town was very nice with the homes, all have some kind of star ornament. I thing it is because it was a Steel Town. Then it was time to cross Susquehanna River Bridge, I was warned before hand about the Bridge so I wasn't too surprised when the fake attack starts. She pretended to attack you so you can move away from her nest, this continue for a while. It is a long bridge, I tried to get a picture but she was too fast.The view of the Valley from the Mountain was beautiful. I met a Father ans Son on the trail. Dad was a Boy Scout Leader. He conduct reconnaissance of the trail, the boys were going to hike next week.The day was so nice I was taking it too easy. When I got to Clarke Creek it was about 1654 hrs, I decided to pick up the pace, didn't want to hike in the dark. I got to the Campsite about 1910, it was my fast 11 miles hike. I was flying down the trail, moving over the sharp rocks like a Ballet Dancer, with grace and finesse. I started to get cooler as i approach the tent site so it was a quick dinner and bed. The temperature dropped into the 30's.I saw my first Poisonous Snake, a Copperhead, he was sunning on a rock, try to get him to move, he didn't want to so I threw a few rocks at him. One rock hit him then he crawl under a rock. He was right on the trail camouflage very well. Good thing I was paying attention to where I was walking.
Date: 2003-04-21
From: Hot Springs

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

4/21 Hot Springs to Spring Mountain Shelter - 11 milesI got a late start today as I had alot of extra food to send back to Ed. Too much oatmeal, not enough luna bars :)I made a couple phone calls and was all ready to go to the post office, but it closed from 11:30 - 12:30. I made it on the trail by 1, but there was a great view of hot springs and the river early on, so I stopped there for a break. Then a few miles later there was a pond and I stopped there again with Light Walker and Sue. Light Walker found a snake which we later learned was a copperhead. Also saw some fish.Right after the pond was a huge area with small trees with white flowers. Someone later told me they were cinnamin trees??? Anyway, I got to the start of the trees and heard a very loud chorus of buzzing. The trees were full of bees. The sounds made me stop and question whether it was safe to continue on. It was, as the bees were occupied with the flowers. It was a really neat experience.I eventually reached camp right before dark. I was happy to see Charity and Rocky there. I ended up tenting near Kumugwee and Peppermint Patty, who also gave me their extra water. That was so nice to not have to make the walk down to the stream. There was a group of guys next to me and they had a good fire going. I met Big Paw, White Lightening and a few others too. Even though I only hiked half a day, it felt exhausting. I've come to realize that I have to take it slow when leaving a town and ease back into things. It also has to do with the fact that I refilled my food bag and it was stuffed full. When I left Hot Springs my pack weighed 36 lbs.
Date: 2013-05-13
From: Rausch Gap Campsite MM:1171.7

To: Eagle Nest Campsite MM: 1204.4
Miles today: 32.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was very cold, didn't sleep too well. So up early, breakfast and packed,I was out at 0730. It stayed cool most of the day. Around midday I had to put on rain jacket, my body generate enough heat in the wind to keep me warm.I promised myself I would not say anything bad about the Appalachian trail because I am the one walking. So I would just say today the trail gave me a good foot massage (you know the kind of massage the Russians have), painful but supposedly good for you.I had one big climb after the 1-81 bypass. I passed two hikers on the way up. I was in the Saber climbing gear, so no stopping until the top. The rocks started on the way up and didn't stop until I tented. They were a few breaks in between, nothing to writ home about. These rocks have jagged edges, they are really doing a number on my shoes. I have to slow down in the really bad patches. PA is still fun mostly flat, I can cover more miles. I planned to bank as many miles as possible so I can take it easy in the Whites and Maine.I made good time despite the rain. Arrive at campsite about 1830. I am going to relax and take care of my feet. I have an easy 10 miles hike into Port Clinton for resupply.Tonight going to be another cold one. I thought it was suppose to be warming up not cooling down.
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Jerry Cabin Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

4/22Spring Mountain Shelter to Jerry Cabin Shelter15.3Woke up to a light rain, but it wasn't enough for me to jump out of bed and pack up. Today ended up being very cloudy and cold. At lunch someone checked their thermometer and said it wasn't quite 50 degrees. burrrrrrrr. What happened to the great sunshine we had yesterday and the 4 day forecast of clear skies? I just hope it all blows out tonight and we get sun again tomorrow.I hiked most of the day in synch with Peppermint Patty, Kumugwee, Charity and Rocky. Had a great view of mountains from either White Rock Cliffs (what the sign said) or Blackstack Cliffs (what our books said). Shelter is full tonight and they have a fire going :( sad to be tenting, but at least it isn't raining - yet.Here is my great thought of the day: I carry a 2 liter platypus for my water, but usually carry about 1 liter. I am always craving a beverage with taste like Kool Aid or Gatorade. So I was thinking I should carry 2 one liter platypus thingies, 1 with Kool-Aid/Gatorade and 1 with water and a hose connected to each shoulder strap on my pack. That way I get the beverage of choice anytime I want. I know it doesn't seem that exciting to the average person, but I was pretty excited to come up with that one myself. Anything to makes things easier and tastier.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: Eagle Nest Campsite MM: 1204.4

To: Port Clinton Hotel, PA 
Miles today: 9.0

As I guess it was going to get cold last night. I was dress warmly so I was able to sleep. Up early but didn't leave until 0830, don't want to get in town too early. My pack was super light so I was Slack Packing today (so Saber do Slack Pack). A few rocks was on the trail but cause no problems. As I approach the Schuylkill trail, it is a touch climb for South-Bounder. I saw an older Hiker chugging his way up. I greeted him with nice climb to wake the legs up, he did not seam too amused by my comment. A few minutes later I passed another South-Bounder taking a break on the same climb (glad I was not going down hill). He asked if I was the fast hiker, I asked where he heard that. He said Inertia was asking if he saw me on the trail. I guess Inertia heaven't heard phrase hike you own hike (HYOH), why is the worried about me, he has it goo doesn't have to carry a pack. I am her doing my hike taking it day to day.Anyway got into town about 1035, the Hotel/Bar doesn't open until 1100 hrs so I was debating whether to spend $50.00 for Hotel or stay at the Pavilion for free but a longer walk to Hamburg. I decide on the Hotel. I check-in $50 plus $10 for keys and towel deposit. I will get back my deposit if I check-out at 0900 hrs, or it will be mail to my home address if I leave earlier. I won't be leaving before 0900 hrs tomorrow.I asked the lady if it is hard to hitch to Hamburg she said yes, so I empty my pack and walk the 3.4 miles to Walmart - Hamburg. Well what an experience. The speed limit went form 35 MPH - 45 MPH - MPH and Saber walking on the shoulder of the road. Truck wind was shaking me after they passed me, that was not fun. Got to Walmart, did my shopping, I stop at the Subway to get a Sub for dinner. At the Subway a guy and a girl came up to me asked if I was the Fast Hiker, I said no I just walk all day. They are Thru-Hiking, start at Harper's Ferry to Maine and will flip Harper's Ferry to Georgia. They met Inertia and his Mom, she gave them a ride to Walmart. I ask the Customer Rep at the Walmart about the side trail back to Port Clinton. She said my best option was to go back on 61, she use to do it daily when she didn't have a car. I stop McDonald the Burger King was on the other side of the street, too much traffic. Spend $20 for a 6000 calories meal (sorry First Lady I know I am supposed to watch the calories). I then made the walk back, safely, relax watch to nice easy day.Be back on the tail tomorrow.
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Jerry Cabin Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

4/23Jerry Cabin Shelter to Hogback Ridge Shelter - 14.3 milesLast night was really cold. This morning was also, but by the time I left the fog had lifted and the sun was starting to shine.I was really hoping that I would get to hike with Rocky and Charity this week, but they left the trail today to get a ride into Erwin with section hikers because Charity had an interview scheduled with a reporter and Rocky's foot was still hurting her. A few miles into the day there was a fantastic view and all around the view point were trees with diamonds hanging from them. It was beautiful. The flowers on the trees has water frozen over them, and the sun was shining on them. It was a really pretty site. Soon after that I hit Big Butt mountain. It was not as impressive as I would have liked it to be with a name like Big Butt.A rabbit crossed the trail right in front of me this afternoon, most wildlife I've seen in a while. It also seems like all wldlife is bigger out here, it was a good sized rabbit. not like the small ones we see in our yards in the Philly suburbs.I got to the shelter expecting it to be full, but it wasn't. There was space for me. The weather band had a frost warning going on so I expected another cold night. I'm sharing the shelter with Peppermint Patty, Sue, Finch, Dream Walker and Kiwi. I met these guys in church and we having been hiking to the same locations these past few days. Kiwi, Finch Dream Walker and Peter Pan (he sleeps in a hammock) all started around the same date and decided they had similar hiking pace and liked each other's company so all 4 are hiking together. They seem to be a really nice group of guys. Kiwi is from New Zealand. They all are in the 50-60 year age range. Very very nice people. I am happy that I have met up with them.
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Port Clinton Hotel, PA 

To: New Tripoli Campsite MM: 1241.6
Miles today: 28.2
Weather: clear sky

I didn't leave Hostel until 0915, wanted to get my $10 key deposit back. The trail out of town was not too bad, it went under PA 61 Bridge and then the first climb of the day, which is always fun after resupplying. Made it to top without stopping but boy was I sweating.I planned to hike shorter day because a severe thunderstorm was expected in the area. The PA Rocks were out in full force for most of the day, so I was slow going when rock skipping. There were a couple good views, especially Pulpit Rock.The thunderstorm never came. Got to the Tent Site about 1340 hrs, get water, and cook dinner. The temperature was low 60's so I enjoy relaxing after dinner, listening to the birds without having to get in sleeping bag. I am hoping that the weather has finally broken for the better. Hope to get a good night sleep.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Hogback Ridge Shelter

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

4/24Hogback Ridge Shelter to Spivey Gap - 15.8 milesMan, today I had some fire in me. I was really hiking at a good pace (for me). I met up with the 4 guys and Sue at one of their breaks, and above them on a ridge was Thirsty, Llama, Snack Attack and Cuss. Apparently they had camped there and were just getting moving. All 10 of us made the hike up to Big Bald together. That was so incredibly weird for me because I have been hiking alone since the smoky's only to be passed every once in a while. No one really talked as it was a long and tough climb, but to make it to the top and have awesome views was so rewarding. At these higher, but not too high elevations there is a white flower that covers the ground and almost makes it look like snow cover. Very pretty.A group of us ate lunch on top of Big Bald and I even curled up and took a short rest. I lost the 4 guys at the next shelter as I had to get some water, but at the end of the day I accidentally found them.I was at Spivey Gap about to take a pee break behind some nice rhodadendrums, when all of a sudden I saw Peter Pan walking around looking for a spot to put his hammock. I went across the trail in the other direction to get some relief and then went back and analyzed my data book. Do I go the 6 more miles to he next shelter or do I stop and enjoy getting to camp and eating at a reasonable time - before dark. We were supposed to be getting some rain, and according to a section hiker some tornados. I figured it was better to be close to a road in the bad weather that 6 miles from a road in either direction. Well, Peter Pan invited me to stay with their group. It was an awesome campsite right next to a good creek. Kumugwee and Peppermint Patty camped next to us and had a great fire going. After dinner the 4 guys and myself joined PP and Kumugwee at the fire. Kumugwee had each of us say why we are hiking the trail and what are we looking to get from the experience. Everyone's answers were excellent and unique!   Kumugwee talked about his recent trip to Costa Rica and how the people there strive to live a "pure life". It kind of summed up all the different things each one of us was looking for in our AT experience: to find fulfillment in the simpleness of walking in nature, to rekindle faith in humankind, to experience peacefulness and find inner strength we didn't know we had by trying something daring and new.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: New Tripoli Campsite MM: 1241.6

To: Leroy A. Smith Campsite
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and out by 0735. I was hoping for a big day to get me closer to the PA/NJ border. Well the rocks had their say, PA kept the best for last. You literally has to watch where you place each foot. On the way to Oven Bake, I had to climb a Boulder, first it was rocks, rocks, rocks everywhere. After I passed Oven Bake Shelter I was suddenly attacked by a vicious Dog, he want to bite me, I used my poles to fend it off until the Owner who was sleeping under a tarp outside of the trail was able to control him. About 30 mins after another dog, owner had to restrained her dog from attacking me. About 5 hours later another dog, owner had to do the same. I have been forming a negative opinion of dog owners on the AT. Dogs are allowed on the AT but they must be on leash, some owners think their dog are friendly and let them run ahead of them. I don't know that I am a Black Guy with 2 hiking poles, walking fast trying to watch where my feet going, looking for blaze and suddenly a dog is in front of you. I don't know if he/she will attack or not but the owner loom or move back. I have to wait for the owner to catch or restrain the dog because I don't want to have to get off the AT because of a dog bite, so please if you going to hike with dogs, keep them on leash.Well I made to Palmerton Super Fund Site AT bypass to quote AWOL guide "rocky year, steep trail", understatement of the what "AWOL" failed to say is that class v rock scrambling skills to tackle this climb.Where was the AT caution placard 1. Steep Dangerous Scramble2. Possible Rock Slides 3. Falls can be for 1000 ft4. Difficulty Super Strenuous with Backpack5. No for those afraid of heights (me)6. Now you have the option to used the blue blaze bypass following signs. Oops no bypass.Well being true to the purist spirit, Saber took a swing of water and start scrambling up. I must say it is good to be tall and have upper body strength. In no time I was having fund with the scrambling. I am now a mountain climber, Mount Everest next.The trail on top The Ridge Way was the best trail of the day, flat, grassy, green and an ever present view of the West Range and Cities. The day was very hot and water was scarce on the trail today. I was running low on water, so I decide to stop early at Leroy A Smith Shelter. It has a reliable water source. I put a lot of effort in today's hike without too much reward, except I am 26 miles closer to the border.I am camping at Smith, the temperature is nice, should be able to get a goodnight, ready to tackle the rest of PA.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Spivey Gap

To: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

4/25 Spivey Gap to Erwin, Tn.- 11.2 milesI hiked into Erwin today with Finch, Kiwi, Peter Pan and Dreamwalker. The mantra for the morning was Nolichucky by noon. Almost made it. We got there by 12:30. It was a great fast hike. At 10:30 Finch called Miss Janet's Hostel to see if there was room for us and she was already full. Darn... I have heard a lot of good things about her place and was looking forward to staying there. Well, when we got to the end of the trail there was a note hanging from a tree for me. Switchback got a room at the Holiday Inn Express and there was room for me. Unfortunately the other guys ended up going to the Super 8 as the Holiday Inn was full.A super nice lady (Jean or Jane - I can't remember) gave the guys a ride to the super 8 and me a ride to the post office and back to the Holiday Inn. When she stopped and asked if we were waiting for a ride I don't think she realized what she was geting herself into. Turns out she was meeting a friend to do some kayaking, cool chick in my book.When I got to the hotel no one was in the room and they wouldn't give me a key so I did my laundry and had pizza delivered from Pizza Plus. Everyone eventually showed up and it turns out I was sharing a room with Switchback, Charity and Rocky. We hitched to town, went to Sonic - a new experience for me as you order your food and get served outside, did some internet stuff at the library, and the big event of the day......went to the movies. We saw Anger Management. It was really strange. In a small town on a Friday night you would expect all the teenagers to be at the movies. Not so. It was about 10 hikers and 2 couples. It was a really funny movie. And for our group of hikers if anything goes wrong and we need to vent our anger, you will hear someone sing "I Feel Pretty" from West Side Story. It's especially funny when the guys sing it.After the movie we enjoyed the Holiday Inn's Hiker Special - free ice cream and talked and organized food.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Leroy A. Smith Campsite

To: Church of Mountain Hostel, DWG
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't leave until 0830, had to walk the 0.2 mile downhill for water. Started off with two, so I wont have to stop until Delaware Water Gap. I took it easy on the rocks and increase the pace when the trail condition improve which was far in between. When I got to Kirkridge Shelter, I knew it when it was only 7 mile to road. I met a Section Hiker going South, he said there was good food in Delaware Water Gap, I check my guide and saw a cost effective Hostel, Church of Mountain which allows Thru-Hiker to stay basically for free, so I say why not. I am only 3 miles from New Jersey. When I arrived there was a Section Hiker already here, he happen to retire from the VA as he put it. He was the Big Fish in the little pond.I showered and went to the local Diner. It was Lasagna and California Burger, food was good. I stop at the Gas Station for breakfast snack.Back at the Hostel I talked to a Cousin who lives in New Jersey and ask him if he can pick me up for the weekend, he was to check his schedule. Early Bed night, happy to be almost out of PA, no more snakes, dogs, sometime poorly blazed trail and way-not too many rocks.
Date: 2003-04-26
From: Erwin, TN

To: Curly Maple Gap Shelter
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: light rain

4/26 Erwin, Tn to Curly Maple Gap Shelter - 4.2 milesIt is so true how the town Vortex sucks you in. I was up early and eating breakfast by 7:30. But then I showered, organized food, packed up my pack, etc etc. Waited an hour for a ride that didn't show up and then hitched to town with Rocky. After hanging out at Miss Janet's for a short time we went to lunch at Erwin Burrito- Rocky, Granite, Dirty Frank and myself. Then back to Miss Janet's for some more time wasting. I finally left around 3 and made it to the Curly Maple Gap shelter in some rain, probably the most I've experienced yet. Right now it looks like 7 of us are in the shelter. Someone is tenting too, and Granite is supposed to show up. But who knows he could easily get stuck in town another night.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Church of Mountain Hostel, DWG

To: Cousin Home, New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My cousin called to say he will be leaving his home at 0830 to pick me up from the Hostel, so I had breakfast and pack up. He arrived about 0930 hrs, went to his home, then the store to get some fresh Alaskan Salmon and other goodies. Stop at the Barber Shop, 10 mins later I had a $21 bald head. I could have purchase a set of clippers and still come out ahead.Got back to the house, where I basically eat all day. He cooked the Salmon with Calaloo Rice and Vegetables Medley. It was so good I had 2 plates full. We chat for a while, I have not seen him in years, so lot of catching up to do. Got my laundry done, no need for re-supply. I have Mail Drop at Warwick, NY.Early Bed tonight, tomorrow I will be watching my football team Arsenal. I wasn't suppose to be worrying about what is going on in the world outside of the Trail but it Arsenal so I have to watch.After the last two days, its nice to just relax, be back on the Trail Sunday afternoon to continue my Journey to Maine.