morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Brown Mt. Shelter

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Started the day with a tough climb, over 2600' in 4 miles. After that the trail was not too bad. The weather was hot and hazy. Had thunder and a few rain drops around 3. Got to the shelter around 5 and it was empty. Later 3 women from Greenwood, IN who are section hiking came in. Even later 2 Rings came in. I am tenting because of the bugs even though it looked like a chance of rain.It started thundering again around dinner time and now it is raining. I thought about going to Montebello where I heard they have a nice B&B but I decided to put in a few extra miles and get to Waynesboro on Saturday to attend the Hiker Fest being sponsored by the Trail Angels.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Humpback Mt.
Miles today: 23.0

Today was hot. I worked up a good stank. had a steep descent and a couple of climbs this morning. There were some good views off the Priest and Three Ridges. The second half of the day was a boring side hill trail that was rocky and over grown with poison ivy. I was trying to make the campsite at Bear Spring but I ran out of gas. I am stealth camping near HumpBack Mt. Had a couple of thunderstorms last night but not much rain. Looks like it could do the same tonight. Picked off 4 ticks today --3 seed ticks and one dog tick.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: HumpBack Mt.

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early this morning. It was windy last night but no rain. Had limited views off of Hump Mt and Glass Hollow overlook because of haze. Trail was fairly easy with long climb after Paul Wolfe shelter. Got to Rockfish Gap around 11:00. Stopped at the visitors center and they called a Trail Angel to give Patch, Powernap and me a ride into town. Bill Combs came and picked us up and took us to town. Staying at the Quality Inn. Many of the hikers are at the church hostel.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Waynesboro, VA

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

Went to the Hiker Fest at the church last night. Had spaghetti, garlic bread, salad, and ice cream. They also had shuttles to Stavton if you wanted to go to the movies. I decided I would rather relax in my room. Had a heavy storm around 7:00 that lasted about 1 hour. Slept in this morning then went to grocery and did laundry. After lunch I walked to the Outfitters, which is about 2 miles outside of town and bought a new pair of boots. There were lots of hikers at the outfitters, including 2 Rings, Krispy Kritter, Draggin tail, Sherpa, Rabid, Hoofit and Nails. Red Stick and Erik the Red just got into town and had stopped there also. Will pick up my package at the PO tomorrow and mail home my old shoes, then hit the trail.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mt Shelter
Miles today: 6.3

Got a late start today so not many miles. The PO did not open until 9 and by the time I got back to the hotel it was almost 10. Ran into Erik the Red and Re Stick and they wanted to go eat. By the time we left Weasies' it was almost 1:00. We ran into more hikers. Red Stick and Erik were not sure if they were going to go back to the trail today so I left them and got a ride from Trail Angel Drue Muna who took me back to Rockfish Gap. It was after 2 when I started hiking. We found out at lunch that a body was found at Cornelius Creek shelter a couple of days ago. We speculated that it could be Island Boy and this was later confirmed. I met Island Boy last Sunday after leaving Daleville. He was at the second shelter. He was section hiking and just started 2 days before I met him. He was planning to be out for 3 months and was going to start out slow, hiking shelter to shelter. He was 60 and a big man. There was a big climb before Cornelius Creek so our guess is he succumbed to a heart attack. RIP Island Boy. Discovered two good size holes in my tent tonight. I don't know if a branch fell on it the other night or it was caused by rubbing on something. It was barely light when I put it away the other morning so I don't know for sure what caused it. Put some duct tape and sealer on it. Hope that works.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Calf Mt Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: clear sky

Great day today. Saw my first bear near Blackrock Gap about 50' from the trail and about 100' from the Skyline Drive. He just stood and looked at me. I took his picture then got out of there. Saw another bear about 2 miles from Loft Mt. This one ran away so all I saw was the rear end. Weather was cool and the trail well groomed and quite nice. Stopped at the Loft Mt camp store and had a drink and ice cream. Also stopped at the way side and had a cheese steak and fries for dinner. Got to the shelter around 6. Rabid is the only other hiker here. Did not see many people on the trail today. Ran into Just Blue Skies and Web Walker several times. They were planning to meet their cousin on the Skyline Drive. Last night was cool and it feels like it will be cool again tonight. Good Sleeping weather.
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mt Hut
Miles today: 20.6

Today I started my tenth week on the trail and I passed the 900 mile mark. Had some rain showers overnight so I awoke to a wet tent. The day was cloudy and cool with some light rain showers. My socks got wet from the vegetation. The trail was a little more difficult today with several minor climbs. It was slow going because my new shoes do not grip well on wet rocks. Still made pretty good time. Got to Lewis Mt camp store around 3. Stopped and got some refreshments than hiked the one mile to the hut. Staying with Whipper snap and his friend, a bunch of boy scouts and a section hiker.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Bearfence Mt Hut

To: Pass Mt Hunt
Miles today: 26.8

It was another perfect day for hiking with temperatures in the low 70s, sun and a breeze. Had a blackberry milkshake and french toast at the Big Meadows wayside. Got there about 8:40 after hiking 7 miles. Met 4 hikers from Romney, WV there. Shortly after I bruised the big toe on my left foot. It was black and blue. Despite that I decided to push on past Byrds nest #3 hut and hike an additional 4 miles to here. got here about 6:30. The shelter had a lot of people hanging around all thru hikers. I didn't know any of them. I guess I am catching up to new people. The trail had lots of views. This by far is the best section in SNP. The trail after Mary's rock down to Thorton Gap was extremely rocky. It was a slow, painful decent.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Pass Mt Hunt

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Another nice day. Got to Elk Wallow wayside right at 9 when they opened. Had the hikers special and a blackberry milkshake. Saw another bear about a mile past Gravel Springs but he was about 20' away and I'm guessing about 175 lbs. Got to shelter around 4. Decided to tent since there were 4 people already in the shelter including Warrior. The tent site is rocky and surrounded by poison ivy so I hope this was not a mistake.My feet took a pounding these last 2 days. The big toe on my left foot is black and blue and has a blood blister below the nail. The big toe on the right foot is sore but no visible damage. If they don't improve, I may need to look at new shoes.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Dicks Dome
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

It was muggy at 6 AM when I left camp. Got to Linden PO around 10. Hiked 1 mile in and 1 mile back to trail. Also stopped at Monteray Service Station and got a Dr Pepper and ice cream. Not much in Linden. Got to Manassas Gap and there were 2 trail magics, one south of the interstate and one north. The lady on the south end was just setting up when I arrived. She soon found out about the other and decided to find a different location. I had an orange there and then a burger, chips, Gatorade and slim jim at the second. These 2 guys did half the trail last year and are from near DC. Nice guys! It was very hot and humid today. Got to Dicks Dome Shelter around 4 and it was thundering pretty loud and close by. No rain yet but it is still rumbling. So far I am the only one here. I imagine that heat and the trail magic kept people at the previous shelter. Don't think I will tent to night because of the possibility of storms, although I imagine the bugs will be bad here since the creek is only about 20' in front of the shelter. I was able to wash up and wash my shirt since I arrived early and water is close. The blister on my left toe was huge so I lanced and drained it. Hopefully it will not cause any problems. Hope to make it to Bear's Den Hostel tomorrow and shower and do laundry. I really worked up a sweat today. Ace, Caribou and Lolo, and Shirtless all came in just before dark.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Dicks Dome

To: Bear Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Another hot and humid day in the 90's. Climbed about 10 miles of the "roller coaster". It was a tough day with the heat and blisters on my toes. The hostel is very nice and it felt good to take a shower and wash my clothes. They were really stinking. especially my socks. Took advantage of the hiker special where I get a bunk, shower, pizza, pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and laundry. Staying with Magnet and Trashman. There are also some section hikers one is named Katydid and forgot her partners name.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Bear Den Hostel

To: Loudon Hts Trail
Miles today: 17.4

Slept in till 6 this morning then I got up and made pancakes for everyone. Was in no hurry to leave since I wasn't going that far. Decided to get as close to Harpers Ferry as possible, camp out, then get an early start so I can get into town and out. Finished the roller coaster this morning then the trail was fairly level but very rocky. Weather was not as hot today, the high was suppose to be 88 degrees. Still very humid. Started raining tonight as I was hanging my bear bag. It was almost stopped now as the sun is coming back out. Today marked two milestones:PASSING THE 1000 MILE MARK ----AND leaving VA. I have about 2.5 more miles in WV.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Loudon Hts Trail

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got into Harpers Ferry around 7:30. Nothing was open so I walked around the historic section. Ate breakfast around 8:30 then went to ATC headquarters. Got my packages then went to PO. Stopped at the Outfitters and talked to him about my boots and pack. He didn't sell my boots so he could not do much. he called Osprey but got their answering machine. I hung around for a couple hours waiting for them to call back. I got tired of waiting so I left around 2. Had light rain most of the day but it stopped earlier this evening. Staying with Trashman and Snoopy who is spending her first night on her flip flop. I had my picture taken at ATC and was number 344. According to their latest statistics about 1500 hikers left Springer. Another state finished as I moved into Maryland.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Crampton Gap

To: Ensign Cowell
Miles today: 20.7

Continued raining throughout the night and into the morning. Nothing heavy but enough to make for wet feet. The trail was mostly well graded and fairly level, so hiking was relatively easy. Had several opportunities for water from public sources including Washington Monument. Staying with Trashman, Daily Dozen and Pyro the Wise. Weather was mostly cloudy, misty, and cool. The sun finally came out about 7 PM. Will be in PA tomorrow. Maryland has been a good state to hike. Good trails, water and shelters.
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Ensign Cowell

To: Tumbling Run
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a perfect day for hiking. Had a pleasant walk to the shelter. Weather was 75 degrees and low humidity with a nice breeze. stopped at PenMar Park for a couple hours. Stopped at each of the 3 shelters within 3.5 miles of each other. Spending the night with Trashman, Daily Dozen, Pryro the Wise. Stan and Candybar are tenting nearby. Met Thunder and Cowgirl along the trail. Crossed into PA this afternoon. Six states down and eight more to go. Will hit the trail midpoint in 2 days.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Tumbling Run

To: Birch Run
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: few clouds

Last night it was kind of cool. I woke up in the middle of the night and was cold. The 40 degree rating on the sleeping bag is a stretch. 50 degrees is probably better. According to the thermometer on the shelter it was 58 around 5:30 am. Hiked slowly to US30. The pizza shop did not open till 11 so I was in no hurry. Got there about 10:58. Had a small salad and a large pizza. Ate half for lunch and packed the other half for dinner. Passed on the ice cream. The trail was not too difficult. There were a couple of rocky climbs.   Will do the half gallon ice cream challenge tomorrow. Will also pass the midpoint. The shelter is nice. Staying here are Trashman, Daily Double, Pyro the Wise, Thunder, Stitch and Rattles. The Quarry Gap shelters were really nice. Had potted flowers and a bear box for food.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Birch Run

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

Hiked 10 miles and arrived at the Pine Grove Furnace General store to participate in the half gallon ice cream challenge. Before we got there, we passed the midpoint of the trail. I have now completed more than half. I ate one half gallon of Cherry Jubilee ice cream in about 40 minutes and received my wooden spoon as a token of this accomplishment. The AT museum was next door but did not open until noon. So I just relaxed until then. Before going to the museum I had a spicy sausage sandwich with fries. It got hot and humid again. We originally had planned to go to the next shelter which would have been 25 miles for the day. But the ice cream and heat did us in. Tomorrow going to Boiling Springs for shower and laundry.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hot and humid today but a fairly easy hike after a couple of climbs early this morning. Made it to Boiling Springs around noon. Staying at the Allenberry resort Inn. Nice place that used to have a hiker rate of $25/night. It went up to $40 a night 3 days ago. Still a good deal. Sharing a room with Trashman. There are quite a few hikers staying here, many whom I have never met before. I have been hiking with Trashman, Daily Dozen, Pyro the Wise for the past 5 days. This will probably end tomorrow as Trashman needs to see a doctor and is hoping he can do that tomorrow. Daily Dozen is taking a zero tomorrow. He will be getting off the trail in Pt Clinton most likely. Pyro will be finishing his hike at the end of the week. It was fun hiking with them all and they will be missed.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mt Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to have the $6.00 breakfast buffet at the Allenberry. The food was good and I ate plenty. Did not eat lunch. Left around 9. The trail was easy starting out crossing the valley. It was little hot but not oppressive. Had a climb up and down Blue Mt and a climb up Cove Mt. The last 3 miles were classic PA ridge walking on rocks. My feet were aching and I got a new blister on my heel on my left foot. Will hit Duncannon early tomorrow. Staying with Pyro, Winston, Churchill, Ace, and Coon Cat. Stan and Candybar are tenting nearby.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Cove Mt Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked into Duncannon, PA and arrived early in the morning. The Doyle Hotel did not open till 11 so went and had breakfast and did laundry. Got back to the Doyle a little after 11 as Vickie and Pat, the owners, pulled up. Sharing a room with Trashman, $35 for both of us. The hotel is really a special place and has a unique charm. Vickie & Pat are great. Pat had to go to the store, so we rode along with him and resupplied. The place is full of hikers including Bulldog, the Blind Hiker from MN. Some that are here include Daily Dozen, Krispy Kritter, Groaler Bear, Steve and Jake.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mt Shelter
Miles today: 11.2

Had a leisurely day today. Slept in to about 5:30 then went to breakfast. Went to the hair salon to watch the world cup until the Doyle opened up. Watched the match and then started hiking around noon. It was hot and humid. Had a climb out of Duncannon then the trail followed the ridge. The rocks were not too bad. Staying at the shelter with Trashman, Daily Dozen, Draggin Tail, Sherpa, Spacebag, and the ridge runner, Jeff. Walked down the 270+ steps to the spring tonight and brought back over 3 gallons of water for everyone. One of the longest hikes to get water while at a shelter.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Peters Mt Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Water is getting harder to find on the trail. Some of the springs at the shelters have dried up or been reduced to a trickle. Many of the springs along the trail are dry. the last several days had stretches of about 10 miles between water sources.Today started out very warm and humid. Had trail magic at the PA325 road crossing. Doodlebug and Digeradude took a couple of days off because Dude may have broken his toe and they were camping and doing trail magic before getting back on the trail. The trail was fairly level and not too rocky. Had an afternoon thunderstorm about 4 miles before reaching the shelter. Not enough rain to help out the springs. An easy day today. Staying in the shelter with Trashman, Daily Dozen, Cowgirl, and Jeff the ridge runner.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Hertlein Campsite
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail was kind of nice passing thru ruins of an old town and following an old stage coach road in the morning. Ran into 2 trail magics near PA443. Someone had left cold drinks at the first stop before the road. Trashman and I just finished a coke when JayZ came up telling us he was setting up near the parking lot. He thru hiked in 1996. He cooked up cheeseburgers and had drinks, chips, and donuts.We heard the US-Ghana world cup match was at 2:30 on Sat. so we decided to hike past the 501 shelter. It was tough passing up that shelter since you could order pizza and take a solar shower. The trail was pretty rocky to the campsite. There were several groups of locals at the campsite. The campsite had picnic tables, a stream, and a small pond where you could swim. We camped below the dam under the stars so we could get an early start. It was a long day and I was tired.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Hertlein Campsite

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

Up at first light and one the trail by 5:40. The trail was not too bad except for a few rocky areas. did not find much water. The climb down to Port Clinton has to be the steepest grade on the trail so far. Got to the Port Clinton hotel at 1:30 and had lunch and a couple of Yuenglings while we watched the match. The bar was filled with thru hikers. Staying at the pavilion with Trashman, Eureka (whom we met yesterday at the campsite), and Kisco Kid who is out for a few days. Did not get to the PO in time so I had my box forwarded to Palmerton where I hope to be on Monday or Tuesday.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: broken clouds

Ate breakfast at the 3C's restaurant then started hiking about 7:30. Had a light shower while eating. The day was hot and humid. Had a climb out of town then the trail was fairly level. Had some sections that were rocky around Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. After the Pinnacle the trail followed an old road. The Eckville shelter is an enclosed shed with bunks and has a solar shelter and a caretaker. Also staying here are Trashman, Achilles the Red, and Kisco Kid, Draggin Tail, Sherpa, and Barley came in later. Royce was camping across the road.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Palmerton Borough Hall
Miles today: 25.1

Did not sleep well again last night. It was hot and buggy. Had some thunder and lightning in the middle of the night with just a few raindrops. Got an early start and made the climb up Hawk Mt by 7. Had eleven miles under my belt by 10. I started thinking if I pushed I could get to the PO before closing at 5. The trail was rocky to very rocky or boulder in places. I just crossed a boulder field and it started to rain. Got to Bake Oven Knob shelter just as the rained stop. The rain greased the rocks and it was slippery for a while. Had some light rain throughout the afternoon. Got to the road around 4 and got a hitch to the PO. Got to PO around 4:30. My package that I forwarded from Port Clinton had not made it yet. I called the PO Friday morning -- I WALKED FASTER THEN THE USPS COULD FORWARD A BOX 40 TRAIL MILES!!!Staying in the basement of the borough hall. Palmerton is a nice, friendly town. The hostel is beyond full. The 14 bunks are full and several people have setup hammocks. Staying here are Trashman, Fireman, Mud Foot, Red Hat, Stretcher, T-Funk, Cowgirl, RokNRoll Eddy, Royce, Barley and a couple others.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Palmerton Borough Hall

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

Left Palmerton around 9:15 after stopping at PO. Package still was not in. Called Port Clinton PO and they said they sent it out last Friday. Climbe up the rocky trail where the zinc smelter has denuded the mountain first thing. Trail was rocky most of the day and mostly thru fern lined woods once past Little Gap. Not much water on trail in fact did not fill water bottles for the day. Only water was .6 miles off trail at 12 mile mark and .5 miles off trail at 15 mile mark. Got to Wind Gap around 6:30. Saw Draggin Tail an Sherpa talking to Bulldog at the trail head parking lot. Decided to stay at the Gateway Motel which is close to the trail. Wind Gap is a fair sized town but spread out over about 2 miles. Sharing a room with Trashman, paying $70 with no working phone. One redeeming feature was Dave the owner gave us a ride to and from the grocery. Saw my first rattlesnake today. It was about 3 feet long and about 5 feet off the trail, it was a beautiful dark brown.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Wind Gap

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

Went to PO early this morning and picked up 2 boxes, my food drop and one from Martin and Jim. Went back to the motel and packed up. Hit the trail around 11:15. The weather was perfect for walking, temperatures in the 70s. This morning, it was in the 50s. The trail was rocky and covered with ferns in many places. Had an enjoyable walk to the shelter arriving around 4:30. Staying with Trashman, Rainbow Monkey, and 2 section hikers.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Easy day today to the hotel in DWG. Arrived around 8:30 and ate breakfast. Took a shuttle from the outfitter to Stroudsburg to get some supplies and go to the library. There are about 30 hikers staying at the hostel. Many arrived yesterday and decided to stay over because the church is sponsoring a hiker feed tonight.Went to the other outfitter to see if they would help with my boots. They were reluctant to help because they would probably not get reimbursed from Vasque. I called Vasque again and I will send them back my boots for replacement. Judy will send my Asolo boots I started with to Kent, CT where I will switch. Hopefully the Vasque boots will make it that far.Tomorrow I will enter NJ. Seven states done, seven more to go. The rocks in PA received many complaints but I did not find them that terrible. The one complaint I have is that it takes so much concentration when hiking over rocks that you are focused on the trail and nothing else. It is hard to follow blazes. I also think it fatigues you because you have no time to relax when walking. I guess that is all part of the thru hiking experience.