morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter, MD - Day 96

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD - Day 97
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

A trail adventure day. The views of the day were at the original Washington Monument. What made the day memorable was time spent with Trailtalker. We had met briefly two months ago. We hiked this afternoon together sharing about our hiking and other major life events. By the time we reached the shelter, we were BFFs. Then we got the giggles at the shelter. Rightlane said we were acting like his middle school girls. Whatever anyone said made us laugh even harder. Downunder shared some of his leftover potatoes with me and I acted like it was the best gift I had ever received. He said he didn't know all he needed to make a woman happy was potatoes and he would try that tactic back in Australia when he returned. All the hikers were entertained by our silliness, then we slept soundly. Crossing I 70Rosy Eagles photo of Rocky Run Shelter
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Ensign Cowal Shelter, MD - Day 97

To: Campsite 14.5 miles, PA - Day 98
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

My feet hurt! I thought I had a pebble rubbing my toes, but could never find it. I did not know a blister could trick me that way. I finally developed a full blown blister. Now I will have to suffer until it heals. Adding to my woes, the rocks in Maryland have been treacherous. Now we have entered Pennsylvania and more rocks are predicted. PA is called Rocksylvania among hikers. The highlight of the day was the Chinese buffet in Waynesboro. Tomorrow is a new day. Jill's Favorite!Mason Dixon Line
Date: 2016-06-26
From: Caledonia State Park, PA - Day 99

To: Toms Run Shelter, PA - Day 100
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

HALFWAY! The day started great with a Seventh Day Adventist Church setting up breakfast. We had already eaten, but had no trouble eating again. About an hour later a day hiker gave me his extra lunch. It was a tortilla with peanut butter, Nutella and marshmallow! I made a sticky mess! Then we hiked to the HALFWAY point. We are settled at the next shelter. All the guys plan to do the half gallon challenge tomorrow: eat a half gallon of ice cream to celebrate hiking halfway. I will cheer them on and may celebrate with a half PINT.Pinto Tink Tank's photoNora and TurnipToms Run Shelters photo by Pilot
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Toms Run Shelter, PA - Day 100

To: James Fry Shelter, PA - Day 101
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: broken clouds

Best fun day on the trail! We had a short hike in the morning to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 3.6 miles. Then the fun began. We all got burgers at the grocery store. Mine was a bacon cheeseburger, something I never eat. It was huge! After satisfying the initial hunger, we visited the AT Museum. Taking advantage of Lake Fuller, we went swimming. I hope the opportunity to swim happens often. It was fantastic! Back at the grocery store, Tick Tock and Rightlane bought their ice cream. They finished the challenge in less than 30 minutes. The good times ended and we hiked 7.3 more miles to James Fry Shelter. Wild Child and PandaTick Tock & Righlane Beginning Half Gallon ChallengeMiddle of Half Gallon ChallengeEnd of Half Gallon ChallengeRightlane Got the Giggles! (Too much sugar perhaps?)James Fry Shelter by Ringer
Date: 2016-06-28
From: James Fry Shelter, PA - Day 101

To: Allenberry Resort, Boiling Springs, PA - Day 102
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After hiking 5 miles, I navigated thru the rock maze which lasted over half a mile. It was really fun and not too hard. One place I had to crawl up. It reminded me of Old Rag in Virginia. Then the first section of corn fields began. This is a very flat section. However, my feet continued to get worse. I was hoping to get help in Boiling Springs. Fortunately, there was an outfitter, so I bought new shoes, even though the others were only 4 weeks old. When I began hiking, my boots were size 9. The replacements were 9 1/2. The new shoes are size 10! I had a late lunch at a tavern, but that didn't stop me from having lots of pizza later. We stayed at the Allenberry Resort, which is being sold and only rents to hikers as a courtesy. On a floor of 20 rooms, only 4 were rented. It was fun to have the whole floor virtually to ourselves. Turnip and Nora at Boiling SpringsVolton's photo of Entering Boiling SpringsTime for a map review!The Appalachian Trail goes thru 14 states, 2,180 miles and in regards to elevation, it's likeclimbing Mt.Everest 16 times!
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Allendale Resort, Boiling Springs, PA - Day 102

To: Darlington Shelter, PA - Day 103
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: few clouds

I got a late start because the Post Office opened at 9:00am and I needed to send my old shoes home. The guys went on saying they would eat breakfast at a diner about 8 miles out. Rightlane hiked with me because he needed the Post Office, too. The cornfields continued for around 10 miles. I was happy for this because it will help break in my new shoes. I am happy with the shoes, because every rock is now not concerning. Overall, I am pleased with the shoes.Rightlane just crossed over a stile.Trillium's photo of View Before Darlington ShelterFlame's photo of Darlington Shelter
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Darlington Shelter, PA - Day 103

To: Doyle in Duncannon, PA - Day 104
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Duncannon! We plan to stay at the Doyle. Rumors abound about the sad state of the rooms, but it is an icon on the AT, so it is a must. It would be a short hike of 11.3 miles. However, the guidebook shows 6.2 miles of very rocky terrain. Most of the 6.2 miles was not very rocky. However, the last part was very challenging. Duncannon is an old city, with many buildings empty on the street we are on. The Doyle lives up to the hype. The restaurant food was great, the rooms are dirty. It looks like a hotel in some old westerns. The woodwork is fabulous. We all have had lots of laughs about our stay here. It's so bad that it's fun to commiserate together. The grocery store provides a shuttle, so resupply was easy. Lodging at the Doyle can be checked off the list.First View of Duncannon
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Doyle in Duncannon, PA - Day 104

To: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA - Day 105
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Goodies Restaurant serves a great breakfast. Hiking out of Duncannon begins with almost 2 miles of road walking, including a long bridge over the Susquehanna River. There was a peregrine falcon on a light post. After a thousand foot climb, the trail follows a ridge for over 20 miles. Some places were very rocky, slowing my pace quite a bit, making today's eleven miles a tough day. To add to my misery, the water source at the shelter was straight down with 300+ rock steps. Tomorrow's challenge is to hike 18 miles. Left Turn's photo of Water Source Sign at Peter Mountain ShelterPeter Mountain Shelter photo by Weka and Kea
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA - Day 105

To: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA - Day 106
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

News from the Homefront: Tim went to the doctor last week. "The doctor said I have gotten 10 months younger since March 19th!"Spice's photo of Rausch Gap ShelterInside the ShelterLooking out Rausch Shelter, photo by SpiceTrail at Rausch Gap, photo by Upload and Stitches
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA - Day 106

To: 501 Shelter, PA - Day 107
Miles today: 17.5

A great day to have a birthday! The guys were great today. They sang Happy Birthday to me at the first break spot and then again at lunch. They even told some day hikers it was my birthday, and those four sang to me. Then a southbound section hiker sang too. It was lots of fun. Thanks to all who sent birthday wishes in my guest book and on Facebook. Another milestone came today as we hiked to the spot of 1000 miles to go. Now we are in 3 digit range. Our shelter tonight is the 501 Shelter where we had pizza delivered. I will have pizza for breakfast tomorrow! Goodnight from my hammock, where I can hear fireworks in the distance......Southbounder Sang to me. He's a Doctor at Georgetown.White Owl found the first BerryRocky Trail before 501, photo by Zig Zag1,000 Miles to Go! White Owl, Tick Tock, Rightlane, Downunder and IWOX 501 Shelter, one of the 2 shelters that you can have pizza delivered! The round plastic skylight gives much appreciated natural light. Sleeps up to 10 hikers.Photo by JackoSmilin' Jacks photo showing skylight outside.Midnight Strider great shot of 501 ShelterBorder Line, the 501 CaretakerFirefly's Veggie Pizza at 501.....now, if that doesn't make you hungry, nothing will!
Date: 2016-07-04
From: 501 Shelter, PA - Day 107

To: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA - Day 108
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Boulder Field after 501 Shelter, photo by TwistedEagles Nest Shelter Brought in Via Helicopter in 1988Fiddler's Father, Paul saw this helicopter fly over his farm!Pocket's photo of Eagles Nest
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA - Day 108

To: Port Clinton, PA - Day 109
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

Today accomplished 9 miles. 8.5 was the typical Pennsylvania rocky terrain, then a steep drop.We all socialized at the barber shop while Rightlane and Downunder got haircuts. Then my friend, Fiddler picked me up and took me to his house. I met Fiddler in 2009 when he through hiked southbound. He and his brother Randall came to my house in 2010 to do a bike trip. I visited Randall's farm and even babysat his 6 week old son Levi and 2 year old son Max. Raw milk from the farm tastes great. I met Fiddler's Mom and Dad, and his fianc© Naomi. What a great day of returned Trail Magic!O'Ryan's photoHikers cross 4 or 5 tracks at the bottom of the hill into town. Photo by Rocketman PrincessHiker Red Robin stated "No they don't cut women's hair but love to shoot the bull and offer hikers coffee, cookies & good well water to replenish our bottles "Rooster's photoQuasi BirdBaby Levi
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Port Clinton, PA - Day 109

To: Eckville Shelter, PA - Day 110
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

The day had two more major climbs to Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle. After those tough climbs, a posted map showed that the trail had gone in a horseshoe direction to get to those views. The day dragged on and I arrived at the shelter after 7:00pm. One hiker told me that someone was looking for me earlier. I suspected it was "It's a surprise" who had signed my guest book and said he would find me to return Trail Magic. He wrote me a note in the shelter register, but did not tell me who he was. I went to bed wondering who the mystery man was.Goodbye Fiddler and Geraldine!View From the PinnaclesCaretaker's House in front, smaller one in back is the shelter for hikers. Thanks Red Panda for photos!
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Eckville Shelter, PA - Day 110

To: Camp Near Power Lines - Day 111
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: broken clouds

We all had a second breakfast of fruit and donuts. Later in the day we got the leftover fruit at a road crossing. Thank you Chainsaw! The day ended pleasantly with supper at a restaurant, then a final 2 miles to a campsite. Mystery Surprise, CHAINSAW!Note reads: Limit of One Per Hiker Please**Does Not Apply to Residents from Crimora, VA
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Camp Near Power Lines - Day 111

To: Walnutport, PA - Day 112
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: broken clouds

Another "do the miles" day, complete with PA rocks. The difference today is we have Jeanette and Chuck picking us up and taking us to Bethlehem. Their son, Yeti-Man, stayed at my house in 2011. They drove to Waynesboro and we went out to eat. Jeanette invited me then to stay at their house when I hike. Jeanette and Chuck drove two vehicles to pick us up, take us to Burger King, then shopping and then to their home. We enjoyed baked ziti, burgers and hotdogs, salad and roasted corn on the cob. Yeti-man came over and we sang Happy Birthday and celebrated with cake and ice cream. Thanks Jeanette and Chuck!UGH! Looking forward to being out of the rocks soon!Photo by GAME TimeJill hugging ChuckWhite Owl, Chuck & JeanetteYeti-ManYeti-Man
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Walnutport, PA - Day 112

To:  Leroy Smith Shelter, PA - Day 113
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Jeanette and Chuck got us back to Lehigh Gap for an 8:00am start. They knew about the huge rock climb in the first mile, so they offered a slack pack. Because of the state of my feet, and not wanting to slow the group, I carried only water, snacks and my raincoat. The climb was fabulous! It was technically the most difficult so far, but it was short in comparison to some others, taking about 45 minutes. It was fun because all 6 of us stayed together. Being very foggy, there were no views. Fortunately, the rain held off. The afternoon was drizzly. The PA rocks still gave some trouble, making my arrival at the Leroy Smith Shelter late. White Owl saw a storm coming on the radar, so I ate quickly and went to bed by 8:00pm. I remember the storm starting, but I slept thru the ending.What a Group!!.....a few days after this posted, someone commentedin the Guest Book about this photo:"a rose among the thorns"...henceforth I will think of you as Rose! Smile."Bridge crossing from PA to New Jersey!!Photo by White OwlPhoto by White OwlPhoto by White OwlJEB's photo of Leroy Smith Shelter
Date: 2016-07-10
From:  Leroy Smith Shelter, PA - Day 113

To: Campsite past Kirkridge Shelter, PA - Day 114
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

More PA rocks! The rocks hurt! However, I am very thankful that there are long stretches without rocks. Then there's a gap, meaning you will descend, but then you will have to climb up the other side. Sometimes, the downhill can be even harder than the up. Today we reached Wind Gap. Both descent and ascent were small challenges. 7 miles later we crossed Wolf Rocks, a long stretch of Boulder hopping.Shortly, we came to a camping spot where two teenage boys were set up. The 16 year old was making a documentary of the AT and wanted to interview us with a video camera. We agreed and spent about a half hour discussing our hikes with him. If his video goes viral and I become famous, I will take care of all my journal readers. The camping spot past Kirkridge Shelter was our home for the night. It was an open field with a great view. Since there was no place close for my hammock nearby, I set it up as a tent for the first time. It will do in rare cases, but I didn't have much headroom. We watched fireworks in the distance then headed to bed. White Owl photo of a PA RockWhite Owl photo of a PA Rock with RightlaneWhite Owl photo of a PA Rock & IWOXThe InterviewersIWOX's Hammock Tent, photo by White OwlIWOX Thinks is a Cool Picture
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Campsite past Kirkridge Shelter, PA - Day 114

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA - Day 115
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were woken up early by fellow hikers at 5:11am! I quickly went back to sleep, after noticing that the hammock seemed very we. When I got up at 6:30, everything was soaked, even more than after the thunder storm the night before. I took my tarp down a slight hill where everything was completely dry. The tarp was dripping everywhere, so I used my bear line as a clothesline. This made a late start, around 8:30The 7 miles to Delaware Water Gap, included a few bad rocks, but the road walks were nice and flat, so we arrived by noon. The twins were leaving town, so I got my hugs and said goodbye again. White Owl, Rightlane and I had decided to take a much needed 0 day, so we went to the Pocono Inn for a 2 night stay. Tick Tock wanted to move on, so we said our goodbyes. Southpaw and Downunder planned to hike out Tuesday morning, and they stayed at a Church hostel. After a lunch at the Pie place, we resupplied, then had a pizza for supper and crashed. Snake photo by White OwlComing into Delaware Water Gap, photo by The Wanna BShuttle Ride!!
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA - Day 115

To: To Rest My Sore Feet! - Day 116
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

It was great to see Flash and Wolverine again, Hilton and Kalaidescope, then Nora and Turnip! After relaxing the rest of the day, napping and keeping the feet elevated we went out to dinner. In walked So Free and Nala! We had expected them to catch up. It had been 3 weeks, so it was great to see them. Tomorrow, I have to get serious about hiking again!Sarah Jones Poster in the Outfitters at Delaware Water GapRacoon bought Sarah's Poster in 2009 during Trail Days. Below is a closeup of it. An assortment of AT signs!So Free & Nala
Date: 2016-07-13
From: To Rest My Sore Feet! - Day 116

To: Campsite after 12.6 Miles - Day 117
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Our planned departure of 8:00am happened at 9:30. Actually, I don't mind a late start leaving a town, because I get to enjoy the town that much longer. The first part of the day was crossing the Delaware River. The traffic was very close and the bridge vibrated when the big trucks passed.Our first destination was the Mohican Outdoor Center where Rightlane had new tips for his poles sent. We arrived before the tips! Fortunately, the mail came within the hour and his package was included. While there, I took advantage of the deli and had second lunch of sandwiches and soda. Then we hiked 3 more miles to a campsite. The terrain today was easy on my feet and all my blisters are healing (thanks Jeanette for the Bag Balm). Hiker midnight tonight is 8:00pm. Heading for the ridge out of Delaware Water Gap, photo by UltreyaSunfish PondAT heading South from the Mohican Outdoor CenterLewis and Clark's PhotoWalking along the NJ ridgeline north of Mohican Outdoor CenterPhoto by Stumpknocker
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Campsite after 12.6 Miles - Day 117

To: 15.5 Miles Stealth Camping - Day 118
Miles today: 15.5

As we were packing up, Flash came over and said Wolverine was sick. We suspect Lyme disease. We encouraged Flash to contact Wolverine's Mom and gave him options for getting help: hopefully the staff at the Mohican Outdoor Center could help. Then, Turnip came over and said he was sick. We gave him the same advice. Wolverine had several tick bits. Turnip did not have any ticks, so hopefully he doesn't have Lyme. I spent a lot of time praying for their recoveries. The objective for the day was a diner in Branchville, NJ for supper, around 15 miles. The terrain still has rocks. Hiking today were two groups from summer camps. The first group was about 50 kids with Type 1 diabetes. They were having a great time! Since they were hiking North, it took a long time to get by the group. I enjoyed their questions: I was asked my trail name at least 20 times. Some asked how far I had hiked and were impressed with the 1300 miles, with 900 to go. Finally reaching the front of the group, I was told by one young girl, "You can do it, I believe in you!"The second group was about 20 teenagers out for 40 miles. I like seeing people out enjoying the trail. When we finally reached Branchville, the diner was closed, the steakhouse next door was closed, so we walked to a tavern. The bacon cheeseburger was delicious, and we dined outside by Lake Kittatinny. We then hiked about a mile up to a nice viewpoint, set up camp and watched the sunset. Lake Kittatinny photo by Grey Ghost
Date: 2016-07-15
From: 15.5 Miles Stealth Camping - Day 118

To: High Point Shelter, NJ - Day 119
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I hoofed it up Sunrise mountain and found the guys taking a break at a pavilion. It did not take much convincing, they were ready to go. The hiking was relatively easy, but the heat was oppressive. We were each given a Pepsi at the state park headquarters. I gulped mine down and headed for the beach. It was a beautiful lake and I was in it in no time. The guys just wanted to use the shower, then eat. For the second time, we had hamburgers for supper. Everything closed an hour after we arrived, so we were very rushed. We were just grateful for even that hour. About 7:00pm, we headed for the shelter. Another great day on the trail! Next four photos taken by Rightlane, thank you!Break Spot
Date: 2016-07-16
From: High Point Shelter, NJ - Day 119

To: Camping Near a Stream - Day 120
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

NEW YORK, NEW YORK!White Owl had a package at the post office in Unionville, NY, so he left camp at 7:00 am. I got out by 8:00. The town was 7 miles and I hiked pretty fast. The terrain was mostly flat and I made it to town by 11:30. For the third day in a row, we ate out. This time we had a great pizza in Unionville. After 2.5 hours in town, we hiked on.White Owl had received a text from Tick Tock that there is trail magic for him in Vernon. When he called the number, a section hiker he met in Grayson Highlands invited us to her house. Because of this, we hiked another 7.9 miles to camp, so we could get up early for the ride. On the Way to Unionville, photo by FeatherwoodFrankenstein PhotoIs this where you had pizza Jill?Photo by Blueberry BearWingnut photoPhoto by Bogey and SlimRAWizard's Photo
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Camping Near a Stream - Day 120

To: Timewarp's Mother's House - Day 121
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: broken clouds

We got an early start because Timewarp's Mother (Laurie) could pick us up at 10:00am. We reached the famous New Jersey Boardwalk, nearly a mile long, with a suspension bridge. It was easy walking. At one bridge there were turtles sunning. Laurie picked us up and took us to resupply at a Shop Rite. Onward to her house in Warwick, NY. The afternoon was spent swimming and sharing hiking stories with Laurie and Kevin and Laurie's sister. Later, their friend Suzie came over just to hear about our hike. It was a great time to relax. Later, Laurie's Mom joined us for supper: lasagna, chicken, and salad, followed by apple pie and Ice cream. Thank you Laurie and Kevin for sharing your home and your lives with us!Quote from the Home front:Jill is like the Ford Focus, she has a foot activated rear tailgate, handy if she is hiking too slow and in front!Roughing it!
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Timewarp's Mother's House - Day 121

To: Cascade Brook Camping - Day 122
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: fog

Breakfast was prepared by Kevin, a retired New York police officer. We enjoyed pancakes, sausage, bagels and coffee. Did I mention there was coffee? I thought I would have coffee every morning, but now I only get coffee off trail and boy is it good! Stairway to Heaven is the first part of today's hike. It was a tough rock climb, with a great view as our reward. We could see the High Point Monument in the distance. Lunch was at a shelter, then on for a few more miles, in a short rain shower.The guidebook shows a ladder. It is re-bar installed right in the rock climb. The guidebook states, "Despite the unimposing profile, rocks, abrupt ups & downs make this section challenging." Thanks for the warning AWOL! It was a very difficult 1.4 miles, making our day a 10 hour hiking day, arriving at camp at 7:30 for a late supper. Even so, some slack packers came by still trying to make 3 more miles to the Creamery for ice cream by 9 pm. So Free was one of them, and he told us Nala is off the trail due to poison ivy. Also in the group was Dangles and his dog Moe who also started the trail March 19. I hope to see all of them up the trail!Rightlane and KevinThanks Kevin and Laurie!Stairway to HeavenStairway ViewI'm in Two StatesSo FreeIs that how you use re-bar Jill?