morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Had a good sleep in my tent. Apparently the rest of my group struggled to sleep because of an older gentlemen named Long John who was a terrible snorer.My right shin had bothered me the day before, so I hoped that the two Aleve that I had taken the previous night would help the inflammation. I started slow today to give my shin a break. The hiking was very flat early on, and my shin felt pretty good. Ate lunch at Pinefield Hut. The day was pretty mild. Highs in the mid-seventies.Hiked with Spoon in the afternoon. We made it into camp in time to build a fire and relax around camp. The same crew that was at the previous shelter showed up again with the exception of Long John to everyone's delight. Everyone stayed in the shelter because it was supposed to start raining early in the morning. Green Bean's dog Fern slept beside me. Midway through the night Fern started pawing at my neo-air matress, so I had to physically push her away. In the morning I inspected the mattress and found no damage.Oh, I saw my first bear today. Saw a small bear, maybe a cub running away from me near the trail. Just saw the bear's bsckside for a few seconds before it disappeared into the underbrush.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: light rain

Tough day. Woke up to a light rain. We got the forecast the previous night, and we knew it was coming. But it was still tough to get out in the rain. However, there was something to look forward to. 12 miles into the hike was a camp store at Lewis Mtn. Campground. Plus, late in the day we would have the opportunity to resupply and eat at a restaurant at Big Meadow Wayside.Started hiking in light rain but within an hour it was a steady rain. My hands started to get cold after two hours in the rain and my right shin started barking again. At that point I was just hoping to make if to Lewis Mtn. Campground and check out my options.Made it to the camp store after four hours in the rain, and it was such a relief. The camp store was warm, and the manager/ sales clerk was a former thru-hiker who let us linger in the store to warm-up. I bought some snacks and consumed a bunch of calories in an effort to warm myself up.Everyone eventually made it to store, and Mule and Turtle convinced Mav, Goose, and Green Bean to split a cabin with them. I was on the fence. I was pretty chilled and wasn't looking forward to walking another 12 miles in the rain. Eventually I decided to keep going. I put on my rain pants and put on my hat, and this warmed up a lot. Plus my shin stopped hurting. The 8 miles to Big Meadow wayside were easy and flat even though it was raining.I made it to Big Meadow wayside around 4:45. I had just enough time to resupply and grab a burger before the restaurant closed. The resupply wasn't great and the food was a little overpriced, but the burger tasted so good and I was able to warm-up. After dinner I hiked the four miles to the shelter. By that point it was just drizzling. When I got to the shelter, I met a section hiker named Chris. We shared the shelter, and I tried to spread out my gear to dry to no avail.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Tried to wake up early so I could eat breakfast at Skyland and still hike 28 miles. Didn't leave until 7:40 and made the restaurant around 9:20. I was hoping for a breakfast buffet, but that didn't happen. Still ordered a big breakfast and enjoyed sitting in a nice dining room. Spent about an hour charging my phone in the lobby and checking the news and baseball scores. My beloved Cincinnati Reds are struggling in the early part of the season.Left Skyland around 11 with 24 miles to hike. The day was pretty uneventful. Saw some decent views in the afternoon when the cloud cover finally dissipated. Made it into the shelter around 7:40 pm and met done section hikers.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 28.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early hoping for big miles. The forecast was calling for some rain over the weekend, and I wanted to try and make as many miles as I could before the rain. Hiked the 13.6 miles out of the park. Right before U.S. 522 which goes into Front Royal, I came upon some more trail blessing. The trail passed right behind a neighborhood, and a hiker friendly couple left some water, sweet tea, and some goodies for hikers. The goody bags had Cliff Bars and Snickers. Those extra calories really helped because I was low on food and feeling weak.Stopped in for a break at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter and was really impressed. The shelter had a shower and a sun porch with a bench and chairs. Wished the miles could have worked out do I could have stayed there. Decided to skip Manassas Gap Shelter due to multiple people telling me about black snakes and copperheads in the shelter. Passed a lot if day hikers in the early evening who came out to see flowers called Trilium. Very beautiful. Made it to Dick's Dome Shelter around 7:15 and decided to tent since the small four person shelter was full.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

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

Got on the trail by 7:15. Potential severe thunderstorm were predicted for the afternoon, and I wanted to make the hostel before it started. First part of the hike was flat and the surface was pine needles. Doesn't get much better than that.By mid-morning it was muggy and the insects were out in full force. Around eleven I started the infamous roller coaster section, a 13.5 mile section of the trail with ten steep, rocky ascents and descents. In order to get to Bear's Den Hostel, I needed to go over seven of the ten climbs, most of which were about 400 feet. The first two climbs were not that bad, but after the fourth climb the cumulative effect started to take it's toll. When I finished the seventh climb and made it to Bear's Den Hostel, I was really tired.Got to Bear's Den by 2 pm. Met Scott and Marie Wheaton who were former thru-hikers. They helped me get settled and offered me cookies. Got a shower and dried out some of my gear. Started to rain around 4 pm and some section hikers rolled in shortly thereafter.The Bear's Den is a very nice hostel. The caretakers, Justin and Patrice are really nice folks. The place is clean and spacious and hikers have access to a kitchen and large seating area. The hiker special: pizza, pint of Ben & Jerry's, shower, bunk, and laundry is well worth it.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up and went to church with Scott and Marie Wheaton. They invited me the previous evening, and I was thrilled to accept. The church was called Cornerstone and featured contemporary worship followed by excellent Bible teaching.After church Scott and Marie invited me back to their home for lunch. Their daughter gave me a nice card. Their family was really loving, and I was blessed to meet them. Scott dropped me back off at the hostel around 12:30.Even though it was cold and rainy, I decided to make the push for Harper's Ferry. The weather was supposed to worse tomorrow. Plus I was rested, hydrated, and well-fed. Left the hostel by 1 pm. The first hour was okay. I had to finish the roller coaster section, so I managed to work up quite a sweat which kept me warm. After the climbs, the sweat began to chill my body. My hands started to feel numb after two hours in the rain. After three hours in the rain, I was starting to have trouble gripping my trekking poles. Started to have difficulty with zipping and unzipping my pack. I knew that I needed to keep moving at a fast pace in order to stay warm enough to avoid shivering. Hiked the 20 miles nearly nonstop, pausing for quick bathroom breaks. I paused briefly at the VA/WV state line but decided not to take a picture because it was raining pretty hard. But I had made it through VA.The last six miles went by fast even though I was completely soaked and miserable. The thought of a warm shower and bed plus passing 100 miles kept me going. Eventually I made it to the Shenandoah River, and my enthusiasm for making it to the psychological halfway point got the better of me. I shouted for joy as I crossed the river. I was no longer cold and miserable. I had passed 1000 miles on the AT.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Woke up to a cold, wet day. Winter storm warnings were posted for parts of MD, PA, and WV to the west of here. Not a good day to hike. Slept in a little and then headed downstairs to the continental breakfast. I restrained myself a little knowing that my parents would be here tomorrow and that would include a nice dinner at a restaurant.Iced my shin for a while updating my trail journal. After that I ventured out into Harpers Ferry. I was surprised by how small the town is. I expected there to be a few more shops and restaurants but the town appeared to be very quiet.Walked over to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) office and introduced myself as a thru-hiker. I had met two volunteers and a staff worker. Very nice folks. I got my picture taken and then filled out an info card. When the office worker placed my picture into the photo album, he wrote "#14" beside it, which means I was the fourteenth thru-hiker to pass through the ATC office this year. Of course, it's not a race to Katadhin, but it's nice to know that I won't endure crowds of other thru-hikers as I travel north.Walked down the street and eventually stopped at the Country Cafe for lunch. This seemed to be the only place open on a Monday afternoon. Also hit the 7-eleven for some snacks before heading back to the Econo Lodge. The Econo Lodge, perhaps formerly the Comfort Inn, is pretty nice. They do have one washing machine and dryer for guest use.
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Stayed in the hotel as late as I could because Mom and Dad weren't scheduled to arrive until 1:30 or 2:00 pm. Left the hotel around 10:30 and then headed over to Jefferson Rock to dry out. My shoes were still wet from Sunday evening. Met Mom and Dad in lower Harpers Ferry. We parked the car at Laurel Lodge and then walked to get lunch. Hit the outfitters for new shorts and then stopped by the ATC office to show my parents around.Went to a nice dinner at the Dish in Charlestown. The Laurel Lodge was very nice. Great host, great accommodations, and a wonderful breakfast. Mom was a little spooked by the place. She said that it reminded her of the Adam's family.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Got a good start to a great day with a delicious breakfast at the Laurel Lodge. My dad and I had packed the previous night, so we started our hike soon after breakfast. We walked about a mile to the footbridge over the Potomac and then walked three miles down the C&O Canal path. Our first climb was up South Mtn. Dad did a great job. It was obvious that he had been training for this, and together we were able to keep a good pace.Dad's first experience with shelters was the Ed Garvey shelter, not exactly the typical AT shelter, but at least he had some idea of what this evening's shelter would look like. We ran into Andy and Ron, two section hikers I had previously met in Shenandoah. It was neat for Dad to meet folks that I had already interacted with. Pushed on for another hour and a half before stopping for lunch. We climbed another hill after Gathling State Park. Dad was again up for the challenge.Towards late afternoon we ran into Ron & Andy again at an overlook. Then we headed downhill the last two miles to the shelter. Dad's left knee started barking, so we took it slow.When we got to the shelter we met Solar Eagle. I did a poor job of cooking couscous, but Dad managed to eat all of it. Right as we were about to fall asleep, Spoon showed up.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: MD 17/ Wolfsville Rd.
Miles today: 15.5

We decided to do a short day based on a the weather forecast and Dad's left knee. We woke up around seven and were on the trail by 8. Mom met us just after the Backpacker's campground at the Old South Mountain Inn, near Boonsboro. We went into town and got some breakfast at a coffee shop. Spoon joined us.Spoon and I wanted to make some miles, and Dad and Mom agreed to slack pack us. So we hiked an unevenful 15 miles to MD 17. Dad hiked south on the AT and met us with about two miles to go. His knee was feeling much better. That evening we drove to Hagerstown and ate a nice dinner and stayed at the Hampton Inn. It didn't rain until that evening.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: MD 17/ Wolfsville Rd.

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a little big of a late start. Spoon and I, of course, enjoyed ourselves at the breakfast buffet. We both woke up early to eat. Mom and Dad drove us back to the trailhead, and I said my goodbyes. They headed on to Charlottesville for Dad's Business School reunion at Darden.Spoon and I hiked into Pennsylvania today, completing our sixth state( GA, NC, TN, VA, WV & MD). Hiking the last few miles in Maryland was tough with the amount of rocks on the trail. I'm beginning to worry that PA may be miserable.The day was cool and windy but Spoon and I kept up a good pace throughout the day. Eventually made it to Tumbling Run Shelters where Spoon met a nice fire to warm everyone up.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: High Mtn. Haven Hostel
Miles today: 20.9

Spent a very cold night at Tumbling Run Shelters. Temps dropped down into the low 30s. I had switched out my 15 degree bag for a 40 degree bag in anticipation of some warmer temps. Alas, last night was not my night.There are actually two small shelters ( each holds 4 people) at Tumbling Run. I started out in the first one with Spoon and a section hiker named Justin. Within an hour I realized that Justin's snoring was going to keep me awake, so I switched to the next shelter. Much quieter but equally as cold. About midnight two hikers arrived at the shelter and one put down his sleeping bag next to mine. He snored even worse than Justin. I decided not to move because I was just too cold. Needless to say, not a good night's sleep.Got on the trail around 8. There was rain forecasted for later in the day, so Spoon and I were trying to make big miles and make it to the shelter by 4 pm. It was overcast and the temps were in the forties most of the day. Not sure it ever broke fifty. One of the coldest days on the trail for me. Terrain in PA so far has been very easy. Flat and the rocks haven't been too bad. Today's terrain was the easiest I've encountered so far with the exception of some rock jumbles.We stopped for a quick lunch at Birch Run Shelter and met the caretaker, Keith Champagne, aka Birchy. He noticed that our was carrying the Bearbell Chicken, which is a life size rubber chicken that is designed to draw attention to the Wounded Warrior Project. I had been carrying the Bearbell Chicken since Waynesboro, VA after I received it from another thru-hiker named Murdock, who is a veteran of the 1st Iraq war. Anyway, Birchy noticed the Bearbell Chicken on my pack and immediately declared that we could stay at his hostel for free. Apparently he had posted that promise on the Bearbell Chicken Facebook page.It wasn't hard to convince Spoon and I to stay at the hostel. We were pretty chilled and the thought of going inside for the night seemed like a good one. Birchy led us up to his house. The hostel is really just two bedrooms in his house. We had previously met Mountain Rose, his mother, who was preparing a spaghetti dinner. Very nice lady. Birchy showed us to our room and then talked to us about shower and laundry. Spoon and I expected that we would be left alone to nap or rest, but Birchy was nice enough to entertain us with stories until dinner time. Mountain Rose cooked a nice meal. Maverick and Goose showed up at the end of the meal, and we saved them a little food. In the morning Mountain Rose made us cinnamon pancakes.Forgot to mention that Birchy made two facebook videos of the Bearbell Chicken with Spoon and I as the main actors. Hope the video doesn't go viral.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: High Mtn. Haven Hostel

To: Backpacker Campsite outside of Boiling Springs
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: clear sky

Big day. Sun finally came out and warmed us up. The four of us(Mav, Goose, Spoon, and I) passed the official halfway point today. We took some pictures. I'll try to post soon.Made it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the little general store there. They didn't have any half-gallons of ice cream for the traditional half-gallon challenge( eat half-gallon in one hour). That didn't stop Spoon and Goose from each buying a quart of ice cream and eating it in the sun at 10:00 am. I stuffed myself with honey buns and Snickers. Hiking was super easy today. It was a wonderful day to be on the trail. Eventually made it to the Green Mountain General Store where we bought sub sandwiches and more snacks. We kind of wasted the day away lying in the sun with full bellies.All four of us made it to Alec Kennedg Shelter but Goose and I decided to push on towards Boiling Springs to the bacpacker's campsite.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Backpacker Campsite outside of Boiling Springs

To: Duncannon, PA/ Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

Cold night last night. Didn't sleep well. My forty degree bag is just not cutting it. Woke up to frost all and dew all over my tent. Nothing like starting your day with wet tent in your backpack that leads to other things getting wet.Left the campsite around 7:15 and walked the half mile into town. Met Goose and Spoon and we grabbed some breakfast at the Getty Mart. Consumed about 1200 calories of honey buns, danishes, and coffee cake. Just junk but I'll burn it off in a couple of hours and be hungry again.The sun was out today and the temps got into the upper sixties. The first 12 miles was walking through farmland in the Cumberland Valley. Not very scenic but it was flat and soft terrain. In the afternoon I climbed over a couple of ridges and made my way into Duncannon. Stayed at the famous Doyle Hotel, old Anheiser Busch hotel. The hotel is a dump, but it's the only place to stay in town. There's hot water and a bed. The restaurant/bar downstairs is another story. Great atmosphere. Food was excellent. Had the special, the Jambalaya.Shared a room with Groundhog. Goose and Mav also there. Spoon got sick from drinking a half-gallon of chocolate milk and didn't make it into town. He's okay though.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Duncannon, PA/ Doyle Hotel

To: Campsite near Yellow Springs Village Siteq
Miles today: 24.6

Got a late start to the day but it gave me a chance to catch up on my blog. Left town with Goose and Mav around 9:20. We walked in a light rain for about twenty minutes, butig eventually stopped and the sun came out. Got humid very fast.Climbed a short mountain after crossing the river. The climb wasn't bad. Hiked with Goose in the morning. Trail wasn't too rocky. We did see a garter snake and then a black snake 100 feet later.At lunch Goose waited for Mav to catch up and I pushed on. Hiking was uneventful except for the two black snakes I encountered in the rock jumbles. Eventually made it to Rattling Run and cooked dinner. The hiked another 2.5 miles to a campsite.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Campsite near Yellow Springs Village Siteq

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain softly hitting my tent around 4 am. Forecast was calling for am showers, but I was hoping that I could get packed up before the showers hit. I slept/ waited in my tent until around 6:30 when the rain stopped. Still had to pack up a wet tent. Hiked all day in a foggy mist. Temps probably made it up to the low sixties. I wasn't chilled like a couple of days ago but I didn't get too hot.Terrain was fairly forgiving and downhill in the morning. In the afternoon there were several long rock jumbles. Very thankful I haven't broken a trekking pole or gotten hurt.Made it to 501 shelter tonight. It's an enclosed shelter. I'll be nice and cozy tonight. A section hiker named Download offeredto give a couple of us a ride into town for dinner at a local dinner. Got chicken parm and a box of maple donuts for dessert. A good night indeed.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: 501 Shelter

To: PA 61/ Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 24.4

It stormed for several hours last night. Was glad to be in an enclosed shelter. The day started just like the previous day, foggy and misty. Warmer but still no sun. Putting on wet socks and then putting them into wet boots is never a good way to start the day, but I needed to make miles. Left the shelter around 7:30. Caught up with Mav soon after and he gave me the scoop on how Sigma Chi works at USM. Eventually, we ran into Groundhog and hiked into town.Terrain was mostly flat but rockier than ever. Tough day on my feet. My boots are rubbing some of my toes raw. Of course, wet boots and socks didn't help. Was happy to get into town to allow my boots, socks, and feet to dry.Stayed at the Microtel with Mav, Goose, and Groundhog. Nice place. Ate dinner at Logan's Roadhouse and did resupply at Walmart. Going to be upper 80s tomorrow. May be s shorter day.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: PA 61/ Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Short day. Woke up around 7 and enjoyed the continental breakfast at the Microtel. It was cloudy and misty outside again, a familiar scene. Decided to walk to Cabela's Superstore. Think deluxe Bass Pro Shop. Decided to buy some trail runners since my boots were rubbing my toes raw. Got a free shuttle from a Cabela's employee from our hotel back to the trailhead about 12:30.Easy day. Eventually got sunny and very humid. High in low 80s on the mountain. Rocks were tough in some spots, especially since they were still wet. New shoes felt great today. Last five miles were on road grade. Made it to the shelter before rain and thunderstorms. Eckville Shelter is an enclosed shelter adjacent to caretaker's house, 1/4 mile from trail. Like staying in a rustic cabin tonight. Very nice to be dry.Tough day tomorrow with famous "Knife's Edge" section of trail. Supposedly very tough rocky section. Btw, Mav picked up a rat snake today. Brave man.
Date: 2012-05-05
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: broken clouds

Oh the rocks of PA. I've been hearing about the rocks since I got on the trail in Georgia. Today it arrived. I was the last one to leave the shelter around eight. It rained the previous night, but we stayed dry in the shelter. The morning consisted of hiking up a small mountain, around 1,000 ft. Once at the top I walked on rocks, over rocks, between rocks, around rocks, pretty much just always felt rocks under my feet. They hurt, especially after walking for hours over the sharp pointy kind. The highlight, or in my case, lowlight of the day was hiking along knife's edge, a precarious path along the top of some steep slanted rocks.Definitely the hardest day on the AT for me. At least if didn't rain. Had some decent views at Bake Oven Knob Shelter. Made it to the shelter around seven and had a fire and cooked some instant potatoes. Hope tomorrow is better.