morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Dahlgren Tent Camp

To: The Free State Hostel
Miles today: 998.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Beautiful day. Called for rain but didn't really get much. Summer is definitely here. Left camp about 7:30 and first stop was "The George Washington Monument". Great views from top. Then I headed to Annapolis Rock View. Big climb up and then a good view of Annapolis Academy. Maryland turned to rock today!! I think the planners of the AT just wanted to give us a taste of "Rocksylvania" coming up soon. My feet definitely are feeling the miles! So far physically I'm doing fine except some heel blisters that are a pain. Decided to stop at the Hostel which was only .3 off the trail. No brainer for me. Anytime I can get my miles in and still get a shower, pizza, laundry and cot, I'm all in!! The shelter area I was heading to was only .2 miles more up the trail. I'm lodging with a Grandfather and his Granddaughter who are hiking for a month this summer. How cool is that! She is entering her Junior year of college. I hope I still have legs to hike with Eli and Abigail!! We split two pizzas and when I went to give my share to the Grandfather he wouldn't take it. He said, "trail magic"! Very kind!Tried to call AW but we kept breaking up. I was able to text her though. Always miss her!Well I'm beat so I'll sign off for now! 50/50
Date: 2014-06-04
From: The Free State Hostel

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Almost done with Maryland! Two miles to go.Had a great stay at The Free State Hostel. Met RC Slowpoke and his Granddaughter Anna Banana. Good people! Left out of Hostel before 7 and headed over more of the MD rocks! Wow, talk about tough but very beautiful. The first big lookout was Raven Rock Cliffs where I stopped and rested my blistered feet. Called AW and had a great signal. Always a pick me up when I'm struggling a little. I was all out of bandages so I decided to try wearing two socks and it sure helped. I was considering making a town run to Waynesboro to get some band-aids and a few food items, but didn't really want to waste the time.Once I got to Pen Mar County Park I saw 4 Section hikers I had met earlier in the day who were from PA and hiking for a week. You can have pizza delivered there! I was going to order some but they kindly offered me some. So not to be rude, I excepted! Ha! I was packing up to leave and skip the town stop, when I met up with Lightfoot and Caveman. A married Navy couple. There father has been section hiking with them for the last week. They were heading into Budget Inn in Waynesboro and asked if I would like to go? Dang! These offers are so hard to turn down when your hungry, tired, and hurting! I went!! We all went to dinner and just got to know each other. Very enjoyable and the Father even paid for my dinner! More Trail Magic!! Thank you!Lightfoot and Caveman are an impressive couple and must complete the trail by August 1st because Lightfoot has a teaching job in Charlottesville, VA. Good luck to both of you! We return to trail in morning and I'm sure after the 1st mile I probably won't see them again. That's how the trail works sometimes. I enjoyed meeting you three. The trail was beautiful and the woods have changed to more hardwoods, and more dispersed in appearance. The smells were pleasant. A lot of rock and boulder climbing which really wears on your feet and slows me down. Have to be real careful not to fall or sprain an ankle. The water sources were much better than yesterday and I tried to water up as much as possible. I got a little dehydrated yesterday so was trying to get back above the curve. I also ran into Right Here and Joe Hawk who were returning from a town resupply. I had planned on hiking to where they were going to camp, but, town called!! Saw several chipmunks and squirrels, one doe, and flushed a turkey which gave me a rush! Now just resting and getting pack ready for tomorrow. Still heavy pack with too much food because of two days of great Trail Magic! I feel so blessed to be out here!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Waynesboro

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: light rain

Good bye Maryland! Crossed the Mason- Dixon Line after only .2 miles. One more state down. Now PA! I think the 3rd longest state. Know as Rocksylvania, and it began today! Left Pen Mar Park at 9 and knew I had a long hard day ahead of me. The trail and weather was great until the end of day when there were some huge boulder climbs up and down. Gorgeous views though! Every time it felt really hot and sweaty a cool breeze came through' thank you Lord!Planned on hiking 15 miles to shelter but passed a huge group of Outward Bound inner- city kids from Baltimore who were going to camp at a shelter area that sleeps 8. Nice group, talked to them for awhile, but decided to Finnish day with another 3 miles or so and camp at Caledonia State Park. Hated paying 21 dollars for tent site but got a hot shower and peace and quiet! Well, not really! This park is so close to highway 30 and the truck traffic and road noise kept me awake until after midnight! I finally realized, hey dummy, put your ear plugs in! Off to sleep I went and didn't wake till 8. I did say I was exhausted and not thinking clearly. Didn't really see anyone all day. The trail was hard but had patches of nice soft trail. Perfect late Spring, early Summer day. Today was my 8th day back on trail. I definitely don't have my trail legs yet although I'm doing respectable miles. The only physical concern so far is nasty heel blisters that I can't seem to keep bandages on due to sweaty soaking feet. A little frustrating but this to will pass!NOTES TO My GRANDKIDS:Eli you would of loved all the salamanders and toads Papa saw today! I miss you from here to the moon!Baby Abigail, well your almost a month old, but Papa can't wait to see you after the trail. You will change a lot in 3-4 months. I'm blessed to be your Papa!I hope both of you get the hiking gene, it is so beautiful in nature. That's about all this tired hiker can write! Good night AW! 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Birch Run Sheltet
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Beautiful day. Trail was really nice with only a few ups. Hardly any rocks today. Where did they go? Stopped at Rocky Mountain Shelter for an early lunch. What great shelters in PA so far. I met the Trail Maintainer at this shelter and talked to him for awhile. This part of trail is maintained by the PATC club. The shelter had hanging flower potts and was extremely clean!! Finished the day and planned stop at Birch Run Shelter a rather easy day considering the last few. Trying to back off the miles a little to heal these blisters. Only 9.6 miles into Pine Grove Furnace State Park, where the famous one-half gallon ice cream challenge is. You have to eat One-half gallon of ice cream in one sitting to earn the right to be awarded with a wooden spoon! Come on, who isn't in for a gluttonous challenge!! Ha! Just found out today that the "all-star AT Hall of Fame Festival is tomorrow at the park. What luck. Should be food in the future! The park has the AT Museum and Earl Shaffer's shelter he slept in. He was the first person to complete the AT Thru-hike and was a huge proponent and advocate for the AT. Should be fun!Have to get some sleep! Goodnight AW!50/50 Out
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Birch Run Sheltet

To: Stream Campside near James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Highlight of day was passing the official halfway point of the AT! I was confused by the 1st sign I saw because it was just a little plastic covered sign saying your halfway! A little disappointing consider "the big deal it is" ! At least to us crazy hikers. After a little while longer, there it was in all it's majesty! The real sign with flags! Now that's what I'm talking about !Hit Pine Furnace Park a and store for a cheeseburger and cokes! Then went to AT Museum. Pretty cool! Had all the legends of the trail with stories about them.   No, I didn't partake in the half-gallon ice cream challenge. Didn't think it was smart with diabetic history and many more miles to hike! I did cheer the 20 something's on though! Oh to be young again!! Left the park for a 7 mile hike to a great stream side camp. Camped with Taz, a very nice guy from Tazmania. Heading to Boiling Springs tomorrow for a laundry, shower and yes, food!   Good day Mate!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Stream Campside near James Fry Shelter

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

What a tough day! I must of hit a wall or bonked out today! Left camp at 6:30 am, my earliest yet, but just felt tired all day! WalkThere were some nice boulder climbs and a view or two, but I didn't really feel to good today! Felt like I was walking in molasses eall day. Finally walked into Boiling Springs and after about a 1-2 mile walk, stopped at the 1st Cafe I saw. It was great. Had a huge pastrami sandwich with a bowl of Lobster bisque! Awesome! I felt so much better and headed to the Allenberry Inn. A very old and historical inn that honors some of the great fly fisherman! They had a display in the basement of the inn, with all the histories of the fly fishing greats. As an avid fly fisherman, I was in heaven! I met up with several other thru hikers and had a good time just talking trail, highlights and future strategies. Taz, Solo, Owl, Crocks, and a few others. Taz and I are taking a zero here tomorrow. I need some time to heal some blisters and get ready for the rocks. My first zero after about 12 days or so. Not bad!Just relaxing, eating and feeling human! ha! Talked to Awesome Wife for awhile and hit caught up on the home front! Love you and all you do to support my crazy dreams!My Grandson Eli's birthday is tomorrow so can't wait to talk to him! live you and Sister Abi!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Boiling Springs

To: Allenberry Inn
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day! Awoke to a great breakfast. Gray Ghost and a few others were getting ready to head out. I thought about heading out also but needed to resupply and give these feet a day of rest!Lounged around and watched old movies on TV. Seems kind of weird but I enjoyed the day. Taz and I got a shuttle to Walmart by Gary, a realnice guy and very reasonable shuttle rate! I would highly recommend him. Called my Grandson Eli and wished him a happy 3rd birthday! Love that boy! He is so smart and a lot of fun! Talked to my daughter Jessica and just got caught up on family and baby Abigail who was born on May 14. Plan on dinner and then in morning heading out early. I highly recommend the Allenberry Inn for any hikers! Great place to rest, eat and just hang out! 50/50 Out
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Allenberry Inn

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Slippery when wet! Lots of mud but easy terrain until the end of day and one big up. Taz, Crocs and I at shelter area. Plan on getting an early start and head into Duncannon for lunch at the Doyle.Very humid today! Not much else to say or I'm just tired!50/50 Out
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 12.0

Wow, got hammered by a thunderstorm about 4:45am! It started to thunder and I gave it a quick thought to pack up and tear tent down before it hit! I didn't, and paid the price! Dang! Everything in my tent got soaked except my air mattress and down sleeping bag. All my gear was soaked!! My air matress acted like a floatation device! Go Taz and Crocks! I know you got up and packed on!! Good luck Mate! I finally got packed, water logged, and started my trek to Duncannon , and the infamous Doyle Hotel'! Very muddy and slippery trail with brutal rocks! Slightly sprained my ankle twice and ran out of drinking water with 7 miles to go. Not a very pleasant day! Made it to the Doyle, and after food and drink felt much better! It's amazing what a shower and food will do! The owners of the Doyle were great! They provide such a great service to the hiker community! They have an awesome since of humor! You would have too, to deal with hungry, stinky hikers everyday! Ha!They even took us to get resupply. What a great place. The Doyle was previously built by the "Annhieser Busch" company (sp ) back in the 50's! It use to be a four star hotel, but is really run down now, and basically has become a thru- hiker icon!! I think every thru-hiker since the beginning has made this, a must, stop! Glad I did. Met several hikers today, Just Dan from Illinois, Pit Stop, Mando, Rosie, Young Beard, And several others staying at the Doyle! Plan is to hike out in rain tomorrow and next few days! I hope to be better prepared. The rocks of PA are showing there ugly face! ToughHiking! My plan is to stick to a 15 mile average until I build up my Trail legs! Trail Note: I miss Awesome Wife terribly, but I comforted by knowing she is totally behind my dream ! I truly have the best wife, friend and partner! Thanks Babe! I have met some great people so far on trail. I wish I could catch up to, Right Here, Marshal Art, Gray Ghost, or Joe Hawk! Good people, but in reality, I may not. They have been on trail since Springer and have trail legs, whereas I have been on trail for two weeks, and just beginning to get adjusted and trail legs! This is tough folks! Definitely takes a whole deferent conditioning. How do you train from sea level to mountains? You can't! Oh , but I love the challenge! Blisters in all!!! Ha! Eli, I got a scare today! I was hiking along and heard a crazy crash through the woods, a bear about made me go the bathroom in myPants!! All I could see was a black butt and trees being ripped down! It wasn't too close but it definitely woke me up!! I think I scared him as much as I was! Love you buddy! Tell sister Abi hello!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Doyle Hotel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

You just never know! I left Duncannon after a great breakfast at Goodies. The fog was thick and humidity high! But so were my spirits even though I was carrying way too much resupply and my pack was really heavy!After a big up out of Duncannon, I reached the boulders! Very slippery and yep, had 3 falls! One fall was really hard and heaved my pack sideways. My knee hyperextended and I got caught in a weird position that I couldn't get out of without taking pack off. After taking stock of my body and knee, I felt really lucky not to have serious injury to knee. Thank you Lord!After getting pack back I noticed I ripped one of the shoulder harnesses! It was hanging on by a few threads! Not good! This could be considered a major malfunction! I wasn't sure what to do. I decided to hike on and think about it. After several more miles, I decided to check my guide for options. None were very good, but it looked like Hamburg was the only option to get pack repaired or replaced at Cabellas. Not what I wanted to do and wasn't sure how to make it happen. I looked at guide and found a shuttle possibility. It would mean jumping about 50 trail miles North to get to Cabellas. Again, not what I wanted to do but I was more afraid my pack would come apart in the middle of no where! I decided to give this a try, and fortunately I was able to get a shuttle for $115 dollars! Ouch!! So here I sit in Hamburg with ice on my knee, fully fed, showered and clean!! Cabellas in morning, can you say "cha-ching"! Not a cheap misfortune! But it could have been much worse! I'm not seriously injured, and just have a broken pack! Ha! So I will decide what to do after I get a new pack! By the way, I was really sick of the pack I was carrying anyways! So there!! 50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-13
To: hamburg
Miles today: 0.0

Recovery day! Gave Cabellas my money and got new pack. Sent old pack home. Day off I walked about 7 miles getting everything done! Hope this Kelty z55 works out! Left knee a little sore but I think I'm good to go. Watched some of the US Open and just lounged all day!Heading back to the PA rocks in morning. Supposed to be good weather for next few days! Yeah. Maybe the trail won't be as slippery! I can hope! Ha!50/50 Out
Date: 2014-06-14
From: hamburg

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

What a great day! After one big up out of Hamburg, the trail really was nice. The weather couldn't of been better! Nice breeze, temps in 70's! Calling for decent weather next few days. Maybe if I'm lucky PA will let me go before the rain returns! Lots of day hikers out enjoying the trail today. The highlight of day was the view from Pulpit Rock! Also, as I was nearing end of day, the trail became perfectly smooth next to a great flowing stream! Beautiful!!Met up with Joe Hawk, Tetaman, and a few other thru-hikers! Nice to be able to tent on flat grassy ground! The little things that mean so much. The Caretaker who is responsible for this shelter area does a great job! Flushing toilets, trash receptacles, water that you don't have to filter! Ah! Life is great! Probably a tough 17.5 miles tomorrow with plenty of rocks and ups! Bed by 7! Hiker midnight! 50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

What another beautiful, hard, rocky day! Happy Father's Day to all Dads! Got text from Daughter and Awesome Wife! Thought a lot about my Dad who passed away years ago! Hiked off and on with Joe Hawk, Bones, giggles, and Jersey Girl, Kentucky. What a surprise when the trail went right by a B and B with full restaurant! Had to stop, had lasagna, with meatballs, salad, 6 glasses of ice water, and a dark beer! It was great! After lunch Trail Magic was provided by Dan, the husband of Jersey Girl. They are retired folks and very hospitable! Jersey Girl is section hiking the whole trail and her husband provides constant trail support! Really inspiring!Hiked over the Knifes Edge, a little Harry! Lots of rocks! Plan is to hike 9 miles into Palmerton and go to jail! Yep, Jail!!! They have a hostel in the town jail. Kind of a trail landmark! Hope to get shower, eat real food, and head out! Some of the worst and hardest trail is coming up until were out of PA! I've really enjoyed PA so far but that may change!! Ha!Camped at Bake Oven Knob Shelter! Just snacked for dinner as I was still full from lunch! Thanks for words from Awesome Wife today! Your such an encourager! Eli I meant to tell you the bear I saw the other day was a good bear! Also, saw a huge Rat Snake today! It to was a good snake and left Papa alone! Give your Sis a hug for me!50/50 Out!
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: garage hostel
Miles today: 20.0

Left shelter at 6:30. Earliest departure yet. I knew I had a big day and wanted to get to Palmerton, the jail for shower and food! Made about 9 miles pretty fast. After town stop, the huge climb out of town, up the rock scrambles!! Did I say, huge! It was hard, very hot, but an adrenaline rush! I was hiking with Joe Hawk and we had planned to hike another 13 miles to a garage hostel we found out about and run by Mechanic Man and his wife! All was well and I had heard I was only 5 minutes behind Joe Hawk when everything fell apart! In other words, I got lost! Yep, big surprise! Some how after climbing another big boulder ascent, I got off on an old AT trail that faded into nothing but sharp brambles! Got cut up pretty good! Ended up at an off- season ski resort! Nothing open but I was able to use the vending machines! Thank goodness because I had been out of water for the last 2 hours! It was a hot day and I was thirsty!! 2 cold drinks later I felt much better! I didn't get to where I planned before I called the shuttle guy and scheduled a pick up! At garage hostel with Several other hikers. Funny were all thrilled to have a garage floor to sleep on and a hot shower! We also were taken to get something to eat! Onward to Delaware Water Gap and put PA behind me!!!
Date: 2014-06-17
From: garage hostel

To: Kirkland Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My feet are killing me!! The rocks of PA are brutal! Ok, I know longer like PA! Ha! Done whining! Only 6 miles until I'm done with PA!!!!!!!Left the garage hostel at 7 and hiked in hot weather all day! Finished about 5pm! Tenting at Kirkland Shelter with Murphy, Joe Hawk, Tatiana, Marshal Arts and a section hiker! Also hiked with Mombo for awhile. A really fast and strong hiker!Joe Hawk spotted a huge rattle snake that I saw! Oh, I would like to get out of rattler territory too! I know, no whining!! PA does that to people! They say you can wear a pair of shoes out just in this State!Here comes New Jersey! Tired! 50/50 Out.
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Kirkland Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Out early and excited to get to Delaware Water Gap! Only 6.8 miles to finish PA! Feet are crying but I'm happy! Feel like I'm making real progress and getting my trail legs back! Finding my stride!Camped with Tatiana, Joe Hawk, Murphy and back at shelter was Marshal Art. The tent area was small and not flat, so I slid down all night! We all left together and they soon got ahead of me. I was excited to get to town but just hiked at a leisurely pace. There were some good views and even a small waterfall. Ok, so everyone knows by now how I got my trail name 50/50! My Awesome Wife gave it to me because for years I've been directionally challenged. So here is the truth, this year I've gotten lost, well not really lost, lost, but let's say turned around a few times! At last count from Springer Mountain to here, I've probably hiked about 40 miles extra! Sounds like a lot but not really. One time I hiked 4 miles on the wrong trail so had to turn around for a total of 8 miles! A couple of shorter losses of 2-3 miles etc.. Folks, it really isn't that hard to do when your tired or not paying attention! Ha! So that is my disability! I'm having a great time on trail and have met so many fun people already! PA was really tough with the rocks and climbs but beautiful! Don't like the snakes but what are you going to do!Eli, Papa has seen several snakes, rattle snakes, bull snakes, and a few I don't know. All good snakes because they didn't bite me! Also some cool lizards and newt looking things. Only one bear siting! I heard it crash through woods before I saw him! Miss you and sister Abi!First stop in town was the infamous bakery that has a hiker special of a hot dog and a piece of apple pie! Delicious! Then onto the Pocono Inn! Laundry, shower and bed! Less than appealing place but the price is right! Plan to join a few hikers for pizza later and stop at mini-mart and outfitters for a few items.Amazing how so many hikers are into the World Soccer Cup! Many hike from town to town to catch the matches. I've learned a lot about soccer the last week talking to them. It's not baseball, but interesting! Ha!Plan for tomorrow is to hike to the Mohican (AMC) supported camp ground. Can get a shower, food, and decent tent sight! Are you seeing the trend? Showers, food????Only 11 miles tomorrow! A Nero! What we call a short hiking day that ends with food, shower, etc.. You get it!Miss Awesome Wife who is working hard keeping our business and home life together! I owe her big time!!! 36 years in July, my best friend and love of my life!! She is Awesome! I don't care who reads this journal and thinks I'm corny! She is so much support, and encouragement! Thank You!!!! What an adventure!50/50 Out!