morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-11-01
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Raining, windy & warm, 60 deg. Heavy rain in the morning, so we went into town early to re-supply. It started to clear by late morning. We decided to hike this afternoon and stay at the Church of the Mountain hostel tonight in Delaware Water Gap.The trail was rocky, wet, and very slippery going up Kittatinny Mt. A 15 knot wind out of the south combined with rising temperature nearing 70 soon dried things out nicely - tuned into an excellent summer-like hiking day. By mid afternoon we were down to one layer and shorts! We found some interesting rock art hiking around Sunfish pond and later crossed the Delaware river into PA. We soon were on Main St and quickly found the hostel. We unloaded our gear and went out for dinner at the DWG cafe.
Date: 2013-11-02
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Cloudy & cool, 42 deg.Slack packed today and had nice views from Mt Minsi with partially clearing skies by late morning. We had lunch at the Kirkridge shelter, which is adjacent to a large communication tower. Trail conditions were good until Wolf rocks - lots of nasty, sharp boulders. We hiked on to the Rt 33 trailhead and went into town for the night.
Date: 2013-11-03
From: Wind Gap

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 20.3

Clear,cool & windy, 41 deg. The trail was surprisingly easy today. Great hiking conditions - saw several day hikers. Nice views climbing back up on the ridge, a little rocky but not bad. The rocks in PA tend to have sharp corners that are angled upward (ie don't lie flat) which makes it tough on the feet. We had an early lunch at the Leroy Smith shelter, which is right adjacent to a high voltage (345 KVA) transmission line - it was electrifying! We saw several large gliders riding the air currents on the north side of the ridge today. Winds were 10-20 knots out of the NW. We passed a Zinc mine superfund site late in the day along the ridge before coming down into Palmerton.I called 'Soul Flute', a young musician/hiker from Palmerton, who I met in the Whites. I was glad to hear that he successfully completed the AT in late September with 'Norush'.
Date: 2013-11-04
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Blue Mt B&B
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Clear & cold, 28 deg. It was very cold crossing the Lehigh river this morning, but we soon warmed up climbing the 1000' back up onto the ridge. Overall, hiking conditions were good today. The boulder fields of Rocksylvania are getting more frequent but there are still several smooth, easy sections in between. When we arrived at the PA 309 trailhead, we were disappointed to find that the Blue Mt B&B was closed. Our friend Frank, whose parents live nearby, had recommended it and we had really been looking forward to staying there. Fortunately we found a nice motel, had dinner and were able to turn in early. We crossed the '2000 logged mile' mark today! Note: this log includes the AT approach & getaway trails, as well as all the spur trails to overlooks, Gulf Hagas, and shelters/huts etc in between. Only 210 'AT' trail miles to go!
Date: 2013-11-05
From: Fort Franklin

To: Windsor Furnace shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Cloudy & cold, 31 deg. It warmed up nice into the mid 50s but remained cloudy all day. Several nice viewing areas: Dan's pulpit, the Pinnacle with a huge rock mound, and Pulpit Rock which is adjacent to a large observatory. When we arrived at the shelter we were surprised to find someone already there - unusual during the week this time of year. He said he was heading N and had been on the trail for 6 months. He didn't have a stove or water filter. We were tired after a long day and turned in early.
Date: 2013-11-06
From: Windsor Furnace shelter

To: Shartlesville, PA
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: broken clouds

Overcast & cool, 44 deg. During the night the hiker we had met earlier at the shelter got very sick and called 911 for help. A short while later a pickup truck pulled up within 100' of the shelter and two men with EMTs rushed in to assist him. They ended up taking him & all his gear to a hospital. We didn't sleep much after that and decided to get up early and head into Port Clinton. We found some trail magic along the way at the PA 61 trailhead and had lunch at the Port Clinton train station. Since rain was forecast for tonight, we decided to slack pack in the afternoon and head into the next town for the night.
Date: 2013-11-07
From: Shartlesville, PA

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Rainy and warm, 53 deg. Re-supplied and went to the local library until the weather improved around noon. The trail was wet but still fairly smooth & firm. We passed the Rentschler marker near PA 183. He had been a local MD, who had originally blazed this section of trail in the 30's.The weather gradually cleared, cooled, and became quite windy. The trail got rocky again - we didn't get to the shelter until an hour after dark. We were greeted there by the reflective eyes of two outdoor cats. This is another unique 4 wall, one room shelter, which provided excellent protection from the wind. The bunks are located around the perimeter and there's a picnic table in the middle with a huge 10'x10' skylight overhead. With a clear sky and cresent moon tonight, the stars were incredible.
Date: 2013-11-08
From: 501 Shelter

To: Swatara gap
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Clear and cold, 33 deg. I found a tick on my right leg this morning snuggled under my winter longjohns. It got me pretty good - but Cricket was able to dig it out in pieces. We decided to be cautious and headed to the local clinic, where I received an anti-biotic.We didn't get back on the trail until noon today. It was cold, windy, and raw with snow flurries up on the ridge. The trail was pretty easy and we witnessed a beautiful sunset as we approached I-81. It was dusk when we got to the gap, where we headed to the comfy Days Inn in Lickdale.
Date: 2013-11-09
From: Swatara gap

To: Clarks Creek
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Clear and very cold, 27 deg.We saw several day hikers and hunters today. It was a bit alarming that very few of the hikers wore any orange. At one point near the start, we came around a corner and found a rifle hunter standing right on the trail. It was the first rifle we'd seen on the trail - must be the first day of rifle season.Great trail conditions today. Hats off to the local club that maintains this section.We had lunch at the Rausch gap campsite where there's an interesting diversion well in an adjacent stream. It raises the downstream pH to a level where the native fish can survive. Part of the stream's flow is diverted through a limestone bed to raise the pH and is then fed back into the stream. The upstream, untreated pH is highly acidic (3-4) as a result of coal mining operations a century ago - makes me wonder about all the 'shale fracking' going on today in our quest for more oil!The skies became overcast in the afternoon. The forest was quite stark and barren as we came into Clarks creek. Just about all the leaves are down now on the ridge with the exception of a few oaks.
Date: 2013-11-10
From: Clarks Creek

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 18.0

Clear and very cold, 28 deg. The sky became overcast and a westerly wind started up late this morning. We only saw 6 other hikers on the trail all day today and no hunters (no hunting in PA on Sunday). Had lunch at Peters Mt shelter and later had decent views from Table rock. The wind kicked up to about 20 knots in the afternoon - downright chilly on the ridge, a full 3 layer day.The trail coming into town seemed like it would never end. It twisted, turned, and went up & down along a rocky ridge before finally dropping down to US 22 and a long bridge to cross the Susquehanna river. We hiked on into Duncannon and stopped for burgers and overnight stay at the Doyle hotel. We caught up with 'Karma',a young woman from Philly I had met months before at a Glenclif NH hostel, later at the hotel.
Date: 2013-11-11
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Conodoguinet Creek
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Clear and cold, 35 deg. The Doyle is an old (100+) wooden hotel that uses individual, wall mounted, gas fired heaters in place of the original CI radiators. They have an open flame and look a lot like a gas stove burner with pilot light & sparker. I woke up very alarmed during the night thinking there were probably a dozen of these burning in this wooden structure tonight and here we were up on the third floor! I slept lightly the rest of the night.We got up early and had a great breakfast at Goodies across the street before heading out. The trail was rocky today and the weather became overcast around noon.
Date: 2013-11-12
From: Conodoguinet Creek

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Rain/mixed snow early, windy & cold, 35 deg. The weather cleared and high winds (15-20 knots) picked by 11:00. We hit the trail a short while later and had very good hiking conditions heading into Boiling Springs. The trail dried out quickly even though the temperature never made it out of the 30s today. The trail was particularly level and easy, our favorite so far - included sections along a river and through woods & fields. Boiling Springs is also a real treat - what better place to spend a cold fall night! It's a beautiful town with a lot of history and great tavern. We stayed at the Allenberry Inn/Playhouse and had a whole lodge pretty much to ourselves.We now have < 100 miles to go!
Date: 2013-11-13
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Pine Grove Furnace SP
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

Clear & cold, 30 deg. The trail started out smooth & easy through cornfields coming out of town but soon became more difficult with rolling hills and rock mazes. There were still some traces of snow up on the ridge as it stayed in the 30s again all day. We hiked to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, where the original charcoal fired furnace is still located. It looks much like one at Katahdin Iron Works back home in Maine. There is also an impressive looking AT Museum nearby but unfortunately it was closed for the season.The days seem to be flying by as we get closer to Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2013-11-14
From: Pine Grove Furnace SP

To: Caledonia SP
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Clear & very cold, 24 deg. Chilly, but great hiking conditions today.A cold NW wind picked up mid morning but fortunately it shifted to SW. Temperatures climbed into the lower 50s. The trail was pretty easy today. We passed 3 shelters along the way - all had good water sources and were some of the cleanest & nicest we've seen, particularly Quarry Gap shelter. It had two separate bunk areas with a covered picnic table/eating area in between - very unique.We hiked on to Caledonia State Park and headed into Fayetteville for the night.< 60 miles to go!
Date: 2013-11-15
From: Caledonia SP

To: MD-PA Border
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

Clear & cold, 31 deg. The sky became party cloudy around mid morning and temperatures soared into the upper 50's - a nice, two layer hiking day!The trail was similar to yesterday with lots of small ups & downs and several rocky sections. There is hardly any color left in the upper ridge forest with the exception of a few maples. The fallen leaves are brown and very bland. We had lunch at the Tumbling Run shelters, which are also quite unique: two separated bunk areas (one designated for snorers!), with a setback covered picnic table/eating area in between.We crossed the Mason Dixon line into MD and now have < 45 miles to go!
Date: 2013-11-16
From: MD-PA Border

To: Pine Knob shelter 
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained overnight; cloudy & chilly start, 38 deg. The weather cleared early and turned into a nice indian summer day - sunny and 65 deg. We had lunch at the Ensign Cowall shelter and saw lots of weekend hikers today. We got some great views at Raven Rock & Black Rock cliffs before it clouded over again late in the afternoon. We made to the shelter about a half hour before dark and had a camp fire. < 25 miles to go!
Date: 2013-11-17
From: Pine Knob shelter 

To: Ed Garvey shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Rainy & warm, 50 deg. Light rain ended mid morning but it stayed dreary pretty much all day. While hiking up on the ridge the visibility was limited to 50' - 100'. We climbed the 'other' Washington monument today - a stone structure built and dedicated by the village of Boonesboro on 7/4/1827. We also passed a War (Civil) Correspondent's monument in Gathland SP, where we had our last hot lunch on the AT in their sheltered picnic area,Later we were surprised to see a Billy goat grazing along the trail just before reaching our destination, the Ed Garvey shelter. This is a really neat two story shelter. We're lucky to be up in the dry loft on our last night on the trail!With less than 10 miles to go, we plan to be in Harpers Ferry at high noon tomorrow to complete our AT adventure and to meet up with our trail friend 'Bus', who we had hiked with through GA, NC & TN.
Date: 2013-11-18
From: Ed Garvey shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 6.5

During the night it was very windy as the weather pattern shifted. The sky had cleared by early morning, a near full moon was setting in the East, and it was a balmy 52 deg. We took our time today heading into town. We stopped at the Weverton cliffs for a snack with great views of the Potomac, but still no sign of Harpers. We descended down off the ridge for our final stretch along the river. The temperature had climbed to 70 deg and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. I was soon down to one layer and shorts!The river was on our left and the old C&O transportation canal was on our right. It's water was stagnant and pretty well covered with leaves but it was chock full of wildlife. We saw an otter and 22 turtles as we strolled along toward Harpers.When we got to the bridge at noon, our friend 'Bus' was there to meet us and give us a big hug. Finishing at HF may not have been as dramatic as finishing at Katahdin, but this was very special - sharing a near perfect day with our best AT friend! We hiked on together to the ATC headquarters up in town - just like old times! After checking in, we were toasted with sparkling cider by the ATC staff. We then headed to the Teahorse hostel, where we celebrated some more with cake and ice cream.Reflecting on my AT experience: I went to seek nature and found it absolutely amazing. I learned firsthand that it's the fellowship, kindness, and sharing along the way that truly makes the journey such a rich experience. The AT is really about people. From the hikers; to the trail angels; to the trail crews & clubs; to the hostel, motel, & tavern owners etc: I thank you all, and I thank God for His many blessings that came our way to make this adventure possible. For now, there are more trails to find before journey's end...
Date: 2013-03-12
To: Initial Journal Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This represents my initial shot at filing a trail journal entry. I fully expect this to be a learning experience, just as my planned AT hike will be a learning experience. I'll tackle photos in a next entry?I will offer a bit about myself: I'm a 67 year old backpacking newbie. I retired about a year ago and was committed to re-gaining some level of fitness and losing some weight. I quickly moved from long sessions of treadmill to hiking outdoors - huge improvement. This peaked my interest in backpacking and I read books on the AT and have spent months now investing in hiking and camping gear. More recently, I've been testing gear and performing conditioning hikes. For example, yesterday I hiked 10 miles on the Indian Head Rail Trail with my approx. 30# backpack. I am a regular "lurker" on Whiteblazes and Trail Journals - fantastic resources for this adventure. I've posted a few questions (as JetLag) on WhiteBlazes and have been really impressed with the genuine assistance offered by experienced hikers. Thanks!
Date: 2013-03-13
To: Second Test Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Test Entry #2: this represents my second entry - need to have three before they start getting posted.Did another 10 miler with 30# backpack today on the Indian Head Rail Trail. Rec'd two more items to pack away for the trip - a long-handled titanium spoon and a Rite-in-the Rain notebook and pen. Total weight keeps inching upwards, so I need to be careful about any new additions.Until next time.
Date: 2013-03-15
To: More Learning How to Use TJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Learning how to use this Trailjournal is helpful, as it is forcing me to learn how to best use my new camera, how to upload pictures, and, generally, how to maintain this journal once I get hiking and must depend, for the most part, upon my DROID phone. I successfully posted to my journal (under pictures) a picture (of myself) taken with the DROID using only the DROID to upload to TJ - a tech breakthrough for me. Next I took another picture (of myself) using my new Panasonic TS20 waterproof camera; uploaded it to my PC and transferred it to TJ, where it will eventually become my thumbnail. For an old fart who never had a "smart phone" til recently, this is pretty cool stuff. I actually think that I am starting to get the hang of this new gadget!Also, more importantly, probably, I hiked the Perimeter Trail of Rosaryville State Park today - about 9.5 miles. With 30# backpack, completed in about 3 hrs 15 minutes. Essentially flat but at least thru woods with a few ups and downs - not the usual flat asphalt trail that I normally condition on.That's it for now, I'm exhausted learning how to use my phone and my camera in a single day!
Date: 2013-03-25
To: Final Prep Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: snow

Arrived safely at Hiker Hostel thanks to the generous lift by fellow McDonalds coffee club member, Larr Barnes. Larry, I owe you big time; thanks again.Hostel is cool log cabin with view of the mountains. Plan is to arise tomorrow; eat breakfast at 0730 and get shuttled tp Springer Mnt fo launch. Weather forecast is dry; but quite cold withTemp in Suches,GA town nearby to dip to 21 i.e. colder on the mountain. Will keeper's you posted.
Date: 2013-03-26
From: More Learning How to Use TJ

To: Hawk mountain
Miles today: 8.1

Day 15, 4, 3, 2, 1 we have achieved liftoff.Shuttled to Springer Mnt parking about 1030. Summited Springer with temp at 220730Hiker degrees, wind gusts about 40, and snowing. Got to Hawk Mnt ;and set up Tent and ate spaghetti. Dove into tent to stay warm.
Date: 2013-03-31
From: Low Gap

To: Cheese Factory
Miles today: 13.4

Happy Easter. Rained all nite but stayed reasonably dry. Packed up wet tent and headed to Cheese Factory. Hiked with Peaches and Blimey. Much of day hiked with HikerGirl who is hiking for veterans. Had several hard climbs but best mileage yet, 13.4 . Last 2 hrs poured rain and had to set up wet tent during rain. So cold donned dry clothes and dived into sleeping bag for nite.. Got trail magic; lady provided me with apple and Solo provided Easter candy and a root beer.
Date: 2013-04-01
From: Cheese Factory

To: Vista
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rained all nite but stayed dry. Hiked with Blimey up Tray Mtn and Kelly knob. Vista campsite aptly named. Camped with Tags, Saracha, Blimey, Peaches and Nick. Plan to do NERO tomorrow to Dick's Gap and Hiawasee for R and R.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Muskrat Shelter

To: Long Branch
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

After bitterly cold night in shelter with 14the other hikers seeking relief from greezing rain in shelter designed to hold 6 hikers. Hiked 21 miles to Long Branch and caught up with my original hiking partners. No pain in knee. I am hiking well enough to keep up with the trail youngsters. Weather has finally warmed up.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: Long Branch

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 3.6
Weather: clear sky

NERO (3.6 miles) to Rock Gap and shuttle to Budget Inn in Franklin, NC. Amazing couple anonomously paid the breakfast bill at Ms Lois' for 9Muskrat very hungry hikers -seeking trail magic. Later we went to AYCE pizza at Vitos and watched NCAA.h
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Treated to pancake breakfast by Franklin First Baptist Church; thank you First Baptist for trail magic. Hiked 14.7 challenging miles to Wayah Bald Shelter. Wayah Bald has beautiful stone tower. Hiked with Peaches, Tags, Sriracha, Chaos, Dip N Sip, and met back up with Blimey. Trail still littered with trees from ice storm.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Wayah Bald

To: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Perfect hiking weather; got to 70 degrees. Extremely long hard day of hiking. Feet tired and sore. Shared room at NOC with Tags and Sriracha. Restaurant served "hungry hiker" one pound hamburger; stil needed fudge brownie sundae for desert. MSR Hubba tent mfr says my tent is covered under warranty so I will work with outfitter tomorrow to see what can be worked out. Unfortunately MSR in CA, so I can't do anything before noon. I will be left behind by my current hiking crew; will need to do big miles fast to catch up.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

To: Locust Cove Campsite
Miles today: 10.3

Start of third week on trail. Weather clear and warm. Outfitter did not have Hubba tent so I will continue to use my repaired tent. Hike out of NOC was a killer. The first 6 miles was all up hill and took 4 hrs to hike 6.9 miles. Hardest 10 mile day yet. Try for Cable Gap tomorrow with short miles Thurs into Fontanna Dam. Needto keep eye on approaching cold front.
Date: 2013-04-10
From: Locust Cove Campsite

To: Carter Gable Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: few clouds

Got early start 0750 hrs which allowed us to camp more leisurely. Climb up Jacob's Ladder hard -day like carrying all of your baggage half way to heaven. Temps in 80's. Headed tomorrow to Fontana Dam to beat forecasted thunderstorms. Both heels have hot spots due to severe inclined climbing
Date: 2013-04-11
From: Carter Gable Gap

To: fontana Dam
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: clear sky

NERO (5.4) into Fontana Dam to beat the impending storms. Staying at Fontana Village Lodge - a very nice facility; sharing a room with Pretzel (Nick). Provisioned for a planned 5 day hike thru the Great Smokey National Park.
Date: 2013-04-18
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot
Miles today: 18.0

Decided to hike into Hot Springs due to forecast fo storms. Shared a rather spartan cabin with Tags but at least out of rain. Hiked in another T'storm - stayed dry with rain gear and pack cover. Trailfest going on in Hot Springs - got an excellent pot luck meal from community. Plan to ZERO due to forecast and for needed R&R.
Date: 2013-04-27
From: Ash Gap Campsite

To: Roan Mnt, TN
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Extremely long day of hikinvg. We have left NC and are now in TN. Two states down and only 1213partially to go. Hike over Roan Mnt wasn't too bad although rain started. Got to a series of balds and the winds were about 40, the temp about 40, and rain and so we could barely see. Storms forecast for tomorrow so Tags and I are taking a ZERO in a very nice B&B in Roan Mnt. R&R needed.
Date: 2013-04-28
From: Roan Mnt, TN

To: Roan Mnt, TN
Miles today: 0.0

Again, excellent decision to ZERO. Rained 2-3 inches at least. Sparky and Violet arrived in afternoon with Sriracha. She had had a particularly bad trail day and was wet and cold and in poor spirits. Tags got her to go get hot shower and I made hot cocoa and popcorn. She is strong and her spirit quickly improved, enough for her to accompany us to Bobs Dairyland where we all ate huge hamburgers, BBQ, and fries and milkshakes.
Date: 2013-04-29
From: Roan Mnt, TN

To: Upper Laurel Fork
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Following an absolutely amazing gourmet breakfast at Mnt Harbour Hostel, had arather easy hike to campsite by waterfall- great white noise for sleeping. Another beautiful waterfall -on Jones Fall. Passed the 400Clfton mile mark.