morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-24
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 24.1

Today we achieved a new daily high after hiking 24.1 miles. We left the 501 Shelter at 5:37 a.m. and enjoyed a cool breeze for a good part of the morning. Actually, the weather was great all day.For the most part, the trail was relatively flat with the exception of a couple of short, very steep climbs. However, the rocks are becoming more frequent and a lot worse. Right now, my feet are really mad at me. Also, there was a two to three mile stretch where I could have kayaked down the trail. We are at Port Clinton and will zero tomorrow to get the phone worked on, resupply, and make a trip to Cabellas for a new air mattress. A word to the wise--stay away from the Big Agnes Q core mattress. I am on my second one. They replaced the first and the second one lasted only three weeks. The leak is so slow that you can submerge it in water and not find it.   I have been blowing it up three times a night. Also, I have talked to many thru hikers with the same problem. The Big Agnes tents, however, are outstanding.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Gave the feet some rest today. That is, we hitched a ride up to Hamburg for resupply, a trip to the Verizon store, and new air mattress purchase from Cabellas. The only problem was no one would pick us up. So we hiked back to the hotel.Tomorrow we will hit the trail once more. Rain is predicted the next three days. Rock climbing on the trail should be interesting. We have to be in Delaware Water Gap by Tuesday afternoon for a family visit.
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Port Clinton, Pa

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail JournalsDay 101 Port Clinton Pa. To Eckville Shelter14.8 milesLeft Port Clinton at 5:45 this morning. Climbed for a bit, but not bad. Rocks were their, but not as bad as we thought. Highlight of the day were Pulpit rock and the Pinacle a big pile of rock. Rocks seem to be the thing in Pa.Glad to be in a enclosed shelter, with flushing toilets and a cold water shower. Also called my wife who is at my sisters in Milwaukee for nephews wedding and got to talk to all my triplicate nephews, nephew Joe, niece Katie, sister and brother-in-law Mike and nephew Mike, almost made me feel like I was there very special.Tomorrow more rocks and 1 to 2" of rain, should be fun.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Pa 309
Miles today: 11.5

Trail JournalsDay 102Eckville Shelter to PA 30911.5 milesToday we had planned to get to Baked Oven Shelter. We did not make it, fell about 5 miles short. You know what they say about the best laid plans.We left Eckville shelter about 5:45 this morning in the rain. Has we climbed up to the ridge the rain got worse, the winds picked up and temperatures started to drop. Right away I took a fall on the rocks and slowed down a bit. When we got out to the first shelter about seven miles out we stopped to have a snack. Philco pulled on the Awol guide and noticed a restaurant about four miles north right off trail. Immediately we packed up and did the four miles at warp speed in one hour and fifteen minutes. Amazing how fast a thru hiker can move when you mention town food. So we get here, order then while waiting find out the owner as a room for rent. So looking at the radar with storms coming that's how we ended up a bit short. Seems to be the right decision the rain is really coming down.My plan is to get to Delaware Water Gap by Tuesday afternoon. Then my wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and grandkids will spend four days together for my 69th birthday. Yes Philco will also be there and Papa Al will hide the donuts.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Pa 309

To: Little Gap Road
Miles today: 18.6

We retreated our bug infested room at 5:50 a.m. and headed back on the trail. About 2.5 miles into the trail, we hit the Knife's Edge. This is a very narrow strip of lifted rock where the wrong foot placement could end your hike or life in a hurry. It is only about two tenths of a mile long; but I sure am glad we did not cross it in yesterday's storm. Once we put that behind us, we crossed many rock laden fields that seemed to take forever. But there was a slight mix of nice trail. From there, to Lehigh Gap, it was a minefield of sharp edged rocks and small pointy ones. The bottoms of my boots that I picked up in Harpers Ferry are shredded already.Early in the afternoon, we climbed the notorious mountain at Leigh Gap where we ended up using our hands to climb. Papa Al was just a bit nervous. If the pack shifted, you might be gone in a hurry too. I had it pulled snug tight to my back with the load levelers. The top runs for miles and is a superfund clean up dump. Your tax dollars at work! Lots of blackberries along the way, but no one was picking. Who wants to glow in the dark?After a long hard stressful day, we are tented under a pavilion behind a restaurant and ice cream shop.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Little Gap Road

To: Stealth Campsite mile 1283.6
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Trail JournalsDay 104Little Gap Road to stealth campsite mile 1283.621.2 milesLeft our campsite at Blue Mountain Drive Inn at 5:45. We had to hike up highway almost a mile, which doesn't count. Naturally since a gap or road was where we started it was uphill, we only had two small climbs today the rest of the trail was relatively flat.   That does not mean easy however, today was one of if not the hardest I've put in since leaving Springer Mountain. ROCKS, lots of ROCKS. They never let up, sharp pointy the kind that grind your feet to hamburger.   Tomorrow more of the same, but only for ten miles or so, then four days off trail. Philco and I both need a break we have been pushing hard to get here.   Also it is a well kept secret, but we are no spring chickens.
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Stealth Campsite mile 1283.6

To: Delaware water Gap
Miles today: 9.8
Weather: light rain

Left camp 5:43 hiked again over the rocks of Pennslyvania, however hiked with a light heart. About five minutes after arriving in Delaware Water Gap my family picked Philco and I up. We are presently in a house we've rented for the week, showered, fed, and loved with all grandkids here. It doesn't get any better folks.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: DWG, condo

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

The three young men you see in the photo are a thru hiking group. While. Walking they pick-up garbage left on the trail. Not sure, but I think at this point (1293 miles) they hauled out about 500 lbs. of garbage. This doesn't include the two large mattresses they carried out of the woods just south of the 501 shelter.Also two of them are hiking the rocks of Pennsylvania in sandals, unbelievable. Of u
Date: 2015-07-03
From: DWG

To: DWG
Miles today: 0.0

Today we went to a adventure park on 4th ofJuly week , guess what that was like, right like a zoo. My trail friend Glamper caught up with us and is staying till we get back on trail Sunday. While we were gone today Glamper and Philco ate my bag of movie butter popcorn. They were welcome to anything in the house, but that. I would trust either one with my life, wife or wallet, but when it comes to food they have no scruples.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: DWG

To: Campsite Mile 1315.6
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

The day started very early. Denise and family had a one and one-half hour drive to the airport for their 8:30 a.m. flight. Thus we were dropped off where we left the trail in Delaware Water Gap at 4:45 a.m. This was a sad time to watch my family drive away; but the next time I see my wife, I will be going home with her when I hike down Katahdin. It was a great four days with family; but leaving the noise of all the tourists celebrating the fourth of July was also nice We crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey and started our first climb of the day. I was not surprised to see the rocks of Pennsylvania had also crossed the river. Although, they did let up some as the day went on. Today was mostly a ridge walk with some beautiful views once the sun burned off the fog. We stopped for a sandwich and coffee at a very nice facility known as the AMC Mohican Center.It was a long day and it was after five when we set up our tents.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Campsite Mile 1315.6

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

Left our campsite at 6:05 a.m. this morning after experiencing a little excitement last night. A bear took a swipe at a bear bag right across the creek from us. It was hung; but he a got at it and ripped it open. Today was typical puds (pointless ups and downs) all the way through. Lots of rocks combined with the humidity made for a hard day. We were all very tired by the time we reached camp. We stopped at 9:30 a.m. this morning at a road crossing to buy a cheeseburger and fries. The break came at a good time because I was starting to bonk.The highlight of the day came in the form of trail magic from a 2014 thru hiker scout. It was quite a spread and really appreciated.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Pochuck Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

The day started at 5:40 a.m. The humidity was high. As we passed High Point Tower which is the highest point in New Jersey we still encountered more rocks.A high wooden platform beckoned us but once reached the top we could not see a thing. Dense fog obstructed our visibility.Many short steep climbs were the pace of the day. Finally, the rocks gave way to a more gentle trail. We got caught in the rain twice today. It actually felt quite refreshing. Our path took us in and out of New York a couple of times during the day.For a change, we are at a shelter at the top of a hill with a welcomed breeze and phone service.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Pochuck Shelter

To: 17A Greenwood Lake NY
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: scattered clouds

In one word--today's hike was difficult. The three of us are shot and Glampers is only 35. The first six miles or so were great including a board walk that must have been over a mile long.We stopped at a little farm deli place before starting our climb up the notorious "Stairway to Heaven". We enjoyed a sandwich, some fruit and chocolate milk. When I went to sit down on a picnic table, I noticed a sign saying hikers must sit at the table in the back behind the dumpsters. Bull!!!They took my money so like one of my heroes Rosa Parks, I sat in front. Guess I am getting tired of being treated like "hiker trash".Climbing the steep rock laden path to the "Stairway to Heaven" was a real bear; but the top came as it always does.We left New Jersey about 3:00 P.M. New York, however, hit us right between the eyes with a load of rock climbing. We even had to use a ladder in one spot.After 12 hours of a day from hell, we finally reached the highway. An ice cream order and a call for a shuttle were our first agenda items. Glad today is behind us.!
Date: 2015-07-09
From: 17A Greenwood Lake NY

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 18.2

An even 800 miles to go! Today was another day the trail put us to the test. Slack packing, however, made it a lot easier. We were driven to our trail head and hiked south. The first few miles took us through some beautiful forest with many giant hemlocks. After a bit, we went through"the lemon squeezer." Then the day got rough. In addition to the six or seven stowing poles, we had to use our hands on the numerous ups and downs. Twas a very interesting day. The end of day destination, again, was an ice cream shop. I try to write positive reports but also try to be realistic so those looking to see how it is up the trail will know what is coming. I enjoy each day and ever day is an adventure. Again the best experiences on the AT are the people. Today I ran into Fathom and Walnut who I have not seen in a month or so. These brief encounters make my day. Also, I met the two hikers from New Hampshire. I am sorry to say I do not remember their names; but they, along with two very nice ladies (wife and sister-in-law), gave out trail magic four miles north of Boiling Springs. A big thank you shout to those ladies. Papa Al never forgets a good cheeseburger!
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Bear Mountain Recreation 
Miles today: 13.5

A shorter day mileage wise; but a very nice hike today. We did not get shuttled out to the trail till 9:00 a.m. The trail had lost of PUDS (pointless ups and downs); but after we made an extended climb, we had a beautiful view of the New York City Skyline some 35 miles away. Totally awesome! You don't mind making a climb when you get a great view at the top. This afternoon we climbed Bear Mountain on a well maintained trail on stone steps with many ups and downs that treated us t a great view of the Hudson River. At the top was a memorial tower and, more importantly, soda machines. The trail through the park zoo closed at 4:30 p.m. so Glamper hurried down the mountain while Philco and I chugged down some sodas. By the time we got down, Glamper had a motel room for the three of us. I'm beginning to feel like I am on the princess plan. We also crossed the 1400 mile mark on the top of Bear Mountain.Today is Glamper's 36th Birthday. Philco bought him a bag of donuts. Who do you suppose will get the donuts?
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Bear Mountain Recreation 

To: Clarence Fahnestock Sp
Miles today: 21.1

Started out the day about 7:30 a.m by crossing the bridge over the Hudson River. As Philco and I approached our starting position, not only was one turkey buzzard perched on a picnic table along side the trail but several were circling us overhead. The trail buzzard did not budge as we walked passed him. Evidently he was waiting for his prey. Hopefully, it would not be Philco and I as the trail is starting to take its toll on these two old carcasses.After we crossed the bridge over the Hudson River, we encountered a 700 foot climb that made way for many climbs up and down small rock bluffs throughout the day. This got old; but we did have a very nice lunch break when the AT crossed right by a deli.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Clarence Fahnestock Sp

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Not a whole lot to report today. There was lots of highway noise and lots of drunks at the State Park Campground last night.We started our trek about 6:30 a.m. on a Blue Blaze Trail that connected with the AT. I was very happy to get back to the solitude of the forest. The Park people were very friendly and accommodating to us thru hikders. We did not have to pay for space and were allowed to set up our tents wherever there was an open site.The trail today had a few climbs; but in general, the footing was much better. Thus we were able to make decent time. Our "Deli of the Day" plan once again worked out. We stopped at NY Highway 52 for a sandwich and have enough to spare for supper.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Conneticut 55
Miles today: 18.4

As we left our camp site at 5:50 this morning, the heat and humidity were already high. We were doing well until Philco said he had to stop for a moment so I continued on. Normally, if he doesn't show up, I wait on a rock for five or ten minutes. I did the routine 3 times; but no Philco. I stopped to call my wife; but still no Philco.   I continued on slowly until I reached a road with trail magic. Finally, here comes Philco. He had missed a turn and hiked some extra credit miles. That is good. He has been eating too many donuts!The next chapter of today's adventure is about Glamper. He slept in and left about an hour or so later and still beat us to our pick up point. He passed me while I was waiting on Philco. So after lunch I gave it what I had; even running some of the downhills. It was close; but he had me by five minutes. I guess you can't beat the fountain of youth.This afternoon we left New York and entered into Connecticut. 10 states down and 4 to go!
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Conneticut 55

To: River Road South End
Miles today: 15.6

Cooper shuttled us back to the trail where we left off at CT55 yesterday. We are "slack packing" today. This is a term hikers use to refer to a very light pack. Cooper will pick us up and we will spend one more night at the Cooper Creek B&B. Mary and Cooper have been very accommodating to us. I would recommend them--very nice people.The day started out with a good climb. A little later the terrain changed as we dropped down and hiked along the river. The venue reminded me of hiking in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Northern Minnesota. We were making good time; but once again we encountered some very long climbs with numerous ups and downs along a rocky ridgeline. The plus side was that it offered many beautiful views of the Connecticut countryside. At the very end, we dropped down to what I refer to as a drainpipe-hence very steep and with lots of large stones. Caution was the word here.Once in a while I joke about my trail buddies Philco and Glamper. It is all in fun. They are quality people and have become very good friends. We have covered a lot of ground together through the good and the bad. The trip certainly would be a lot longer without them.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: River Road South End

To: Stealth Campsite Mile 1494.2
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: light rain

Once again this old coot is tired. Today the weather was great as we started our hike along the Housatonic River. The trail was very flat for the first five miles; then the climbing started and it was up and down for the rest of the day until we got close to the village of Falls where we hit a three mile road walk detour. The bridge had been removed so when we finished the detour; we were on the opposite side of the river with no access to the village or Power Company campground. We had no other option except to hike north on the AT until we found a flat out spot to camp. Low on water, and eating Honey Buns for supper, we have retreated to our tents to escape the mosquitoes. A couple of south bound hikers we met on the trail today warned me of a rattlesnake about ten minutes down the trail. Sure enough, there it was. It never did rattle; but just laid there. I was able to get a picture from about 4 feet away. Tomorrow I start my fifth month on the trail. A very adventurous journey it has been. I hope to keep going until I reach the top of Katahdin; then go home to my bride never to leave again!
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Stealth Campsite Mile 1494.2

To: Hemlocks Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We left our campsite about 6:00 a.m. The weather was cool enough that you could have worn a light jacket. It felt good not to have the high humidity.After about seven miles or so, we came to the town of Salisbury where we stopped at a little restaurant. I ordered two breakfasts and ate them both at the same time. Hiker hunger was kicking back in.Shortly after leaving town, we crossed the 1500 mile mark. At mid afternoon, we left Connecticut and entered Massachusetts. We were immediately welcomed with a few very hard, steep climbs. But the views were spectacular. The forest and landscapes are changing as our journey north continues. It seems a bit more like home except the hills are much harder climbs.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Hemlocks Shelter

To: MA 23
Miles today: 16.4

We didn't hit the trail until 6:30 this morning. We had camped on a ledge and it was a real treat to watch the sunrise. Most of the time we are camped in a lower lying valley.TLe day started off with a scramble over some rock ledges where I took a fall and skidded down a pretty good size slope. I left a little skin there; but not too much.According to AWOL's Guide, when you hit Highway 7, there is a pop machine .2 miles east. Philco and I walked east and west; but no pop. About this time, I have a mental meltdown and let Denise know what a hair brain idea this was to hike the AT. God bless her. She has listened to many of my meltdowns lately!Today's hike covered some very beautiful country. But, again, except for a few miles of farmland, the hike was difficult. As we head north, the mosquitoes are more plentiful; but so far not as unbearable as Wisconsin.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: MA 23

To: Goose Pond Road
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

Today is what I would call a "Blue Collar Hike"--nothing fancy, just a grind with most sections of trail being about the same. We did get caught in about a 30 minute torrential downpour. I also lost a bit of my favorite candy where a moust chewed a hole in my waist pouch.All in all, it was a very good day. I think that soon it will be time to make a decision about how hard I want to go to finish. I always said a few days one way or the other doesn't make much difference. But, I am feeling I need to wrap this thing up.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: Goose Pond Road

To: Kay Wood Shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: clear sky

By the looks of a few of the guest book comments, I need to clarify what I meant when I posted a few days ago that it was decision time. By opting harder-I meant adding more mileage per day; or alternately backing off and hiking less miles per day so that I could give my body more of a rest. Although Papa Al is a bit tired, I have no intentions of quitting; and I do plan on summiting Mount Katahdin in a few weeks. We got a late start after being shuttled out to the point we left off yesterday and had 20 miles to go. The trail, with the exception of one long climb, was much like yesterday's except with more mud and swamp. Actually, roots and mud would pretty much describe the trail cover surface today. The mosquitoes were out in full force and seemed to be thriving on our feet. The highlight of the day was trail magic given out by thru hiker Fig and his friend. After we departed, it was a short walk to a lady's house for free cookies. Upon leaving her, it was six miles to the shelter. We could hear a lot of thunder to the West and tried to beat the rain--but to no avail!
Date: 2015-07-20
From: Kay Wood Shelter

To: Mark Noepel Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started with a beautiful sunrise and a short 2.5 mile walk into Dalton, Massachusetts where we stopped and had a breakfast bagel, coffee, and juice. Upon our departure, we returned to the street where we thought the trail access was through town. PaPa Al questioned the lack of white blazes; but was told by my two trail buddies this was the only street it could be on. After about a half mile with no blazes in sight, we turned and hiked back to where missed our turn. We all seem to be able to navigate in the woods; but not so efficiently in town. About 1:00 P.M., we emerged from the hills into Cheshire, Massachusetts. The trail passed a deli run by a sweet elderly lady who knew how to make pasta salad and sandwiches. We gorged ourselves to the point where she hardly could believe the amount we ate. Then we began the long hard climb up Mt. Greylock. We are now camped three miles from the summit and will stop at a lodge for coffee and breakfast in the morning. Soon our "deli a day" plan will be over, so we may as well enjoy it while we are able.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Mark Noepel Shelter

To: Seth Warner Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Our day started with a three mile hike to the summit of Mount Greylock where we stopped at the state lodge and enjoyed a good breakfast. It was good to be back on top of the mountain and bask in the beautiful views. From the top, we descended to Williamstown where we found trail magic. As always, it was greatly appreciated. Our climb out of town was long; but not as steep as we expected. On the way up a steep rock climb, we saw one solo hiker take a bad fall. We made sure he was okay, but that came very close to being a catastrophe!At about 4:00 P.M., we crossed into Vermont. Tomorrow we need 1/2 mile to hit 1600. So slowly, but surely, it is coming our way!