morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry - Towns Inn
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

Harpers Ferry - Towns Inn - 19.8 miles. RainOver 1000 milesVirginia completeHarpers Ferry psychological 1/2 way pointThe Bears Den was a great place to stay, but it's time to move on. I was up at 5:30 and gone by 6. While the weather forecast was for rain in the morning and thunderstorms in the afternoon, it isn't raining; so it's time to get some miles in while it's dry. I finished up the Roller Coaster and the rocks lessened. I stopped at the side trail to the Blackburn Trail Center to eat an early snack at 9am. From there the trail to David Lesser Shelter was easy. I was there by 11:30. I had to stop to get water, so I had a snack there too. Amazingly the weather has held off so far. It has looked like rain all morning and it occasionally sprinkled, but it hasn't rained yet. So much for that. Maybe an hour after leaving David Lesser Shelter, the rain started. Well I can't complain, it did let me get 14 miles in before the rain started. The rain continued until I was within a half mile of the bridge over the Shenandoah River. I never bothered with a rain coat; it's too warm for that. If I put it on, I would be soaked from my own sweat. So I might as well just get wet in the rain. As I neared Harpers Ferry, Sugar Plum caught up to me and we walked to the ATC Headquarters together. First, I went to the Post Office down the street to pick up the new tent I bought online. I sent the old one home as well as my down vest, knit hat, pant legs and some miscellaneous stuff. Once back to the ATC, I had my picture taken for the record. I was the 310th hiker through Harpers Ferry this year. While I was at the ATC it was pouring outside. So when it came time to leave, I didn't want to walk the 0.2 miles back to the trail, or the 0.7 trail miles to the Historic District where I had reserved a hostel bunk for the night. Fortunately, one of the people there volunteered to drive us, which I immediately accepted. I reached the Towns Inn Hostel shortly after 5pm. Lime Green was already there, showered, and was off to dinner. I got cleaned up, then went to dinner at the restaurant next door so I wouldn't have to walk very far in the rain. Today I passed the 1000 miles hiked mark, completed Virginia, and reached the logical halfway point of the trail (the physical halfway point is another 70 miles north). It feels great to have completed this much of the trail. I've come a long way since starting in Georgia.
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry - Towns Inn

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Harpers Ferry Hostel - 2.0 miles (Nero)West Virginia completeI thought about taking a zero today to resupply and check out Historic Harpers Ferry. However, I decided that since I had a resupply box waiting for me at the Harpers Ferry Hostel a couple of miles out of town, it was better to spend the day in Harpers Ferry, then walk the 2 miles up the trail and spend the night at the Harpers Ferry Hostel. There, I could retrieve my box and resupply tonight instead of doing it during hiking hours tomorrow. After breakfast, Sugar Plum and I walked back to the ATC Headquarters so we could complete the section of trail that goes from the ATC to the Histotic District. We skipped that section yesterday due to the storms. Afterwards, she continued north and I went back to the hostel to gather my stuff and to spend the day checking out the town. Harpers Ferry was first designated by George Washington in 1795 to be the site of a US Armory which would build rifles for the army. The idea was to take advantage of the water power available from the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers which converge there to power the machinery. Later, when President Jefferson commissioned the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Meriweather Lewis came to Harpers Ferry to take advantage of the skilled craftsmen there to supply his expedition with the equipment they would need to explore the frontier. Still later, in 1819, the use of interchangeable musket parts was pioneered and perfected here. In 1835 & 1836, the C&O Canal builders and the B&O Railroad raced to complete a transpotation highway through the gap at Harpers Ferry to take goods to market. In 1859, John Brown's famous raid on the armory here in an attempt to free the slaves helped spark the civil war. During that war, Harpers Ferry was devastated in the fighting. The city changed hands 8 times during the course of the war. After the war, floods ravaged the town. After checking out the town, I packed up and walked the 1+ miles to the Harpers Ferry Hostel. I got there about 5pm. I walked a total of 2.0 trail miles, a nero. ( a Nero is a near zero mile day).
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.5
Weather: clear sky

Pine Knob Shelter - 21.5 milesAte at Old South Mountain InnI was up at 5:35, got my pancake breakfast, hiked the extra 0.3 back to the trail, and was hiking on the trail at 7 am. The first mile and a half along the C&O Canal is completely flat and smooth. A beautiful place to walk with the Potomac River beside the trail. Then the trail turns off and climbs Weaverton Cliffs, a mile of rocky uphill. After reaching the top, the trail remained rocky for another mile, then improved. The rest of the hike to Gathlin State Park was smooth, flat, and quick. Upon reaching Gathlin, I stopped for a snack. While there Feather and Wild Turkey came up. I haven't seen them since Georgia, and I assumed they had gone home. They are a young couple from Pitman, New Jersey, less than 5 miles from where I live. It's nice to learn they are still on the trail and doing well. I hiked on. After a few miles, I came across a black snake in the trail which curled up and didn't want to move. While I was watching it, All Smiles caught up. He just stepped around it and it slithered off. We walked together and talked until we reached Rocky Run Shelter. I stopped there to eat and get water. This shelter has a resident cat. Apparently he lives there. He tried to steal food from the hikers and me, so I gave him scraps from the sausage I was eating. Later he saw a chipmunk and caught it. However, he started to 'play' with it instead if just eating it, and it got away. All shelters should have a cat. I'll bet there aren't any mice problems at that shelter. As I left the shelter, I saw Sugar Plum coming up the trail; so we walked on together. When we got to South Mountain she saw the restaurant there and wanted to stop. So we went in and got a full dinner. Afterwards we hiked to the Washington Monument with Z who also ate at the South Mountain Inn. After checking out the monument, we all walked to the Pine Knob Shelter for the night.
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: broken clouds

Deer Lick Shelter - 22.7 miles1% dayStopped in Waynesboro, PaI was up at 5:30 and gone by 6:00. The walk was a mix of a smooth, easy trail and difficult rocks. However I made good time even though I stopped for 2 lunches as usual. Sugar Plum caught up to me about Raven Rick Shelter. After passing High Rocks, we called Peggy Weller about a ride into Rozerville. We had both independently met Peggy when she was hiking near Pearisburg, and she gave each of us her phone number and said to call her if we needed anything when we got to PennMar. It's funny, she told us that out of all the people she met during her 4 day walk, we were the only 2 she gave her phone number to, and now we were both calling her together. She agreed to pick us up at PennMar Park and take Sugar Plum to the Rozerville PO, and both of us to Waynesboro to eat. We stopped at Hardee's where I got a cheeseburger fries and coke; then a Blizzard at DQ, and we finally stopped at Subway where I picked up a 12" sub to go. I will carry the sub to the shelter and eat it tonight. We got back to the park about 5 pm and have another 5 miles to the shelter. Considering the time, I hiked quickly and reached the shelter by 6:30. I was doing more than 3 mph.
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Birch Run Shelter - 23.2 miles1% dayStopped at an Italian restaurant Up at 5:30, gone at 6:00. The first couple of miles were easy. I was at the Antietam Shelter and the Old Forge Park by just after 7. I stopped to make use of the facilities there and saw All Smiles. After the park, the trail turns uphill and gets rocky. I cruised on by the Tumbling Run Shelter thinking some people might still be sleeping. About 6 miles along, I came across Z eating breakfast as I have each day for several days now. We talked and he told me there is an Italian restaurant 0.4 miles west at Route US 30. I'm in. As I continued, I caught up to and met Huff and Puff. Then I caught and met Stats, a professor and Dame. I am impressed how many new people I still meet after over a thousand miles of hiking. All of them said they were going to the Italian resaturant. Next I came across Dream Time and Old Goose, and walked out to US 30 with them. They continued on while I turned to go to the restaurant. All Smiles was already there and Dame arrived right behind me. I went in and got a seat. Then Stats, Huff and Puff, and finally Sugar Plum arrived. I ordered a large Stromboli. When it came I couldn't believe how big it was. Even I can't eat all that! I ate 1/2 and had the 2nd half wrapped up to go. I'll eat it tonight. We walked back to the trail with 10 more miles to go. The climb up to Quarry Gap Shelter was hard with a full stomach. When we got there, we stopped for a break. This is a beautiful shelter. The caretaker puts flowers out. He has hanging flower baskets and a flower garden. Eventually I went on. The trail continues uphill over more rocks, then levels off and eventually comes to the Birch Run Shelter where I stopped for the night. Today was my third 20+ day in a row and tomorrow I should reach the 1/2 way point. After all this work, finally the 1/2 way point. Tomorrow night I should be at the Pine Grove State Park, the home of the 1/2 Gallon Challenge. Thru hikers eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream to celebrate completing 1/2 of the trail. I'm going to give it a try. Tonight is unusual. This is the first time I am in a shelter where girls outnumber boys. There are 3 of us here; 2 girls, Dame Quixote and Sugar Plum, and me.
Date: 2012-06-07
From: Pine Grove State Park - Iron Masters Hostel

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Alex Kennedy Shelter - 15.7 milesOver 1100 milesBased upon our plan to go to the banquet in Boiling Springs on Friday, we discussed either going to Alex Kennedy Shelter or all the way into Boiling Springs. On the walk through Pine Grove Furnace Park, we stopped at the old furnace and walked a mile on bike paths; but after that the trail turned uphill and into the woods, as usual. The early climbs were not hard and I reached James Fry Shelter early. I didn't stop. Shortly, I caught up to Trog, a 72 year old thru hiker who I have met several times and who has been slack packing with Old Goose and Dream Time. I enjoy Trog and walked with him for a while. Dame, Z, and Sugar Plum caught up just as I was reaching Pa Route 34. Green Mountain Store is 0.3 miles east from here, and we had planned to stop there for lunch. When we walked over, All Smiles, Blue, and Wiffle Ball were just finishing up. I got a cheese steak hoagie, chips, and soda. Afterwards I had ice cream for dessert. We joked that with all the food stops we were making we were either: the Pro Leisure Club, or as I suggested, the Eating Club with a hiking problem. After eating we hiked on. Sugar Plum and I reached the turn off to the Alex Kennedy Shelter about 5pm and stopped to wait for Dame and Z so we could decide whether to stay here or just continue on another 4.5 miles to Boiling Springs. While we waited, a thunderstorm approached and we decided to just head for the nearby shelter. Dame arrived 20 minutes later, Z just tented nearby. The storm passed quickly but we were already settled in for the night; so we are staying.
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Boiling Springs - Allenberry Resort
Miles today: 4.1

Boiling Springs - Allenberry Resort - 4.1 milesAT Hall of Fame BanquetI was up at 6 but didn't leave until 7. The walk into Boiling Springs was easy. A couple of small ups, then a down, and a hike across several farm fields before reaching town. I stopped at the AT Regional Office there. It is small and didn't have much. Continuing on, I hiked with Sugar Plum to the Allenberry Resort where the banquet is to be held and which has an AYCE breakfast buffet. We got there and reserved rooms but could not check in yet. We went for breakfast and were joined by Wiffle Ball, Huff and Puff, and Magpie. It was a great breakfast. After breakfast we went to the pool. I mainly went because they had showers there and I could get cleaned up even though I didn't have a room yet. After showering, I got in the hot tub with Blues Clues, Dame Quixote, and Sugar Plum, Z was sitting next to it. We stayed in the tub for over an hour; it's very relaxing for all those tired muscles. After the hot tub, we were able to get our room. I am sharing the room with Z. Z is a retired teacher having taught kids between junior high and college. He is also retired from the Army where he was an Army Ranger. He is very smart and interesting. We got our clothes washed and I hung out in the room, reviewing my stuff and I talking to my wife. About 6 pm Z, Dame Quixote, Sugar Plum, and I went down to the reception preceeding the banquet. I bought Gene Espy's book and got him to autograph it. He is a very interesting and friendly guy, although he is in his 80s now and frail. Later, we were able to talk with Grandma Gatewood's daughter, Lucy. She was very interesting, relating many stories about her mother. Grandma Gatewood had 11 children and worked very hard raising them before finally setting off for her AT thru hike when she was in her 60s. She was the first woman thru hiker and eventually completed it 3 times. She will be inducted into the hall of fame tonight. The actual ceremonies started at 7:00, and included a buffet dinner. The talks were interesting, and included the induction of 6 new people into the hall of fame. I was very glad we took the opportunity to stop here.
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Boiling Springs - Allenberry Resort

To: Duncannon PA - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: broken clouds

Duncanon PA, Doyle Hotel - 25.4 miles1% dayI was up at 5:30 hoping to leave at 6:00 to start the 25 mile walk to Duncannon. While I was downstairs in the lounge waiting for Sugar Plum, whom I am going to walk with today, Lucy, Grandma Gatewood's daughter came in and sat down. Z, Sugar Plum, and I spent another hour talking to her and we didn't leave until 7:15. The first 15 miles of the walk today is across Cumberland Valley; walking through fields and strips of woods between fields. It was as flat as can be. When we reached Route US 11, we took a 0.3 mile detour to eat at the Middlesex Restaurant. It was only 10:30, so Sugar Plum got breakfast but I had a cheeseburger for lunch. We were back on the trail a little before noon and continued across the valley. About 1:00 we reached the Scott Farm where Dame Quixote was sitting eating lunch. She passed us while we were at the restaurant. We stopped to talk to her, but I didn't eat anything since we had just ate. As we were getting ready to leave, All Smiles, Wiffle Ball, Blues Clues and Cowtail showed up. I haven't seen Cowtail since Franklin, Ga. We walked on, finally leaving the valley behind and re-entering the mountains with 10 miles to go. The climb up to Darlington Shelter, and a second climb after it seemed hard. They weren't as big as previous climbs but it's late in the day, so we took a break at the top. Finally we came to the viewpoint over looking Duncannon, which means only 2 miles to go. The 2 miles were very rocky and steep down. It was very slow going, but we knew we were close to the end. Finally we reached the bottom of the rocks and the road. From here is is an easy 0.4 miles walking along roads to downtown Duncannon and the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is a run down, dalapidated building and the rooms are sparse. I have a single bare light bulb, a bed, and an old wooden chair. That's it. When I tried to open the window, it almost fell out. I ate dinner at the bar downstairs and went for ice cream up the street with Duck, Cowtail, and Sugar Plum.
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Duncannon Pa - Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon, Pa - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Duncanon Pa, Doyle Hotel - 0.0 miles11th zeroAnother day off. On the 13th I will meet Bob Bair, an old friend from work whom I enticed to try backpacking a few years ago, and who will join me on the trail starting at Swatera Gap for a few days. So I have 3+ days to make about 30 miles; I can do that in 1 1/2 days. I was reviewing what I needed for resupply when Dame Quixote called and asked if I wanted to go to breakfast. She stopped at Cove Mountain Shelter last night, and didn't make it to town until this morning. We went across the street to Goodies, but they were closing. They are a breakfast only restaurant and it was 11am. So we walked up the street to Sorrento's Pizza Shop and split a large pizza. Afterwards, she bought fuel and hiked on. She is not staying in town. As Dame was preparing to leave, we saw Z coming up the street. He likewise had camped last night and was just getting to town. We gave him the leftover pizza from our lunch. Z is spending the night here, so Z and I are the only ones of the 4 in the Eating Club that are still here. (Sugar Plum left town this morning, and Dame didn't stay in town). It is sad to see the Eating Club break up. I have enjoyed everyone's company very much over the last week. But that is what happens. I have been in several groups over the course of this trip, and each time people come and go as some are faster or slower than others, or people take time off in town, or temporarily leave the trail to visit friends or family. Tomorrow I will walk on alone, as Z will be staying in town taking a zero day. I will meet new people or re-meet people I already know. I just don't know who they are yet. During the afternoon I resupplied, washed my clothes, and talked to my wife. For dinner I ate at Zierdelli's Pizza Shop. This town doesn't have a large variety of food joints. After dinner, Z and I went to the same ice cream shop that I was at last night.
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Duncannon, Pa - Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Peters Mountain Shelter - 11.3 milesSince I am meeting a friend at Swatera Gap on Wednesday, I'm only walking 11 miles today. So I didn't get up until 6:00. After getting ready I went to breakfast at Goodies with Z. When I returned I leisurely packed up, finally leaving the Doyle Hotel about 9:15. The trail travels the length of Duncannon and the first mile was a pleasant walk along city streets. When you reach the north end of town, the trail crosses the Susquehanna River on a walkway next to route US 22/322. I live about a mile from US 322 except in New Jersey, not Pensylvania. Immediately after crossing the bridge, the trail goes into the woods and turns steeply uphill, climbing 1000 feet. It's hot and humid and the trail was rocky, so the climb seemed long and hard. Finally, I reached Clark's Ferry Shelter and stopped for a little break. After my break, the trail was flat but remained intermittently rocky, keeping me from making very good time. Including a second stop at Table Rock, I made it to Peters Mountain Shelter by 3:30. The shelter is a nice 2 story with the picnic table inside. Very nice. But the water source was way down the mountain. The register says there are over 300 steps on the way to the water. I made sure I got enough so I will not need to go back, and I took a milk jug from the table to bring back extra water for whoever else arrives and wants some. It seems strange that I didnt make any side trips to pick up food since I left Duncannon. This evening it's just Skunk Ape and me. It looks like rain but the forecast says it won't start until later tonight; then rain all day tomorrow.
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Swatera Gap - Days Inn, Lickdale Pa
Miles today: 24.1

Swatera Gap - Lickdale, Pa - Days Inn - 24.1 rainy miles1% dayI got up at 5:30 and checked the weather. It was raining lightly. The forecast calls for rain all day. I debated staying here all day and telling my friend, whom I plan to meet tomorrow, that I would be a little late. So I went back to bed to wait awhile to see what the day was going to be like. I got up again around 7. The weather was the same, light rain. I decided to go for it. The weatherman is never right anyway. I packed up and left at 8:00. Within about an hour after I left, the light rain changed to rain and it continued all day. I was completely soaked. At first I was trying to keep my feet dry, but that was useless. By 11:00, I was just wading through ankle deep water with no regard. My shoes and feet (and the rest of me) were completely soaked. I can't get any wetter, so there is no reason to avoid anything. I hiked on without stopping. I didn't want to stop and take my pack cover off in the rain, so I just kept going. It was 18 miles to the next shelter, Raush Gap. I arrived there a little before 3pm. The shelter had no roof! They are replacing the roof and right now all there is is a couple sheets of plywood with nothing on them. A section hiker, Sarah, was there. She was squeezed under the plywood with a tarp to shed the water that comes between the sheets of plywood or blows in from the breeze. I stood under a corner of the plywood and finally took a break and ate some lunch. I wasn't going to stay there, so I packed up and headed out. Six miles up at Swatera Gap, I can go 2 miles south to Lickdale and get a hotel room for the night; off I went. I reached Swatera Gap about 5:30 and put out my thumb to get a ride. It took about 20 minutes before a guy in a pickup pulled over. I guess a dirty, soaking wet hiker doesn't look like someone people want to stop for. The guy took me right to the Days Inn; very nice of him. When I arrived, I found Gumpy, Peeper, All Smiles, Hawk, Wiffle Ball, Rocky, and Sunshine were already there. They had all camped at Clark's Creek, and hiked 18 miles in the rain to get there. I got my room, showered, put my laundry in the washer, and everyone went to eat at the Dairy Queen/Subaro across the street. I called my friend and asked him to pick me up at the hotel in the morning. He agreed.