morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-25
From: calf mtn shelter

To: loft mtn campground
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: clear sky

In the shenandoahs there are tourist trap called waysides that offer food that i dont have to cook or carry but nobody could tell us how far apart they were so i had four days of food, which meant i could go five days comfortably. Today we would end at our first wayside. We set off fairly early wanting to be sure to get a spot at the campground on the holiday weekend. About 6 miles in we were to take a five minute break but another hiker came along and it turned into almost an hour. His name is journeyman and he is taking his wifes ashes to katahdin, dude that was heavy. He is a super guy with a super attitude. He is a fella i hope to run into again. He told us of a quote from his gramma. He said he was a slow hiker but his gram would say 'a drip will fill a bucket'. I like that saying so im gonna use it in the future, thanks journeymans gramma. We set off againand eventually met up with al. Al doesnt like trail names so his is al. Cindy and i took him to the grocery in buena vista so i knew him a little already. We hiked along and talked about things from politics to real life to trail life. He said he was told that blackrock hut was not to be missed so we planned a lunch stop there. Well, not sure why someone told him that, it was just another shelter but we chatted with some section hikers that were driving up the trail, hiking spots they wanted to hike until the money ran out, good plan. After that there was only 7 miles to go and they went fast. It was the fastest twenty mile day yet, not complaining. We got to the campground, got a spot and went down to the campstore to take a shower. I gotta say, paying $30 to set up two tents seems a little steep to me but it is what it is and we werent going any further. From the store we walked down to the wayside grill with three other section hikers. They are a couple and the husbands brother, nice folks. They sometimes go by the three amigos even though they dont always get along so i will call them 'the three sometimes amigos'. They are working on section hiking a couple weeks every year and getting closer all the time. I know its reduntant but again, they were really nice people. After dinner it was a mile and a half walk back up to the tent site. As we were setting up all around us were people bbq-ing. I had just eaten but would certainly eat again if the offer came by. Smeeling all the food and seeing all the big fancy motorhomes with fold out cots covered with thick matresses made me a little sad. My first 'poor me' moment. I felt like the peasant with all the kings around us. I chewed on a bag of gummy worms to drown my sorrows and hit the hay. My moment was short lived when i got to thinkin, all these people would be back to work shortly and i would continue on with this epic adventure that is bound to be the epicest of epicness. How could it not be?
Date: 2014-05-26
From: loft mtn campground

To: south river picnic area
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

Leaving loft mt campground the trail goes all the way around and back within 50yds of the campstore. Would it surprise anyone if i said we went to the store for coffee? Thats what we did. Our buddy al was there getting coffee so of course we chatted. We drank coffee and charged up phones. Al left and journeyman came by so we chatted. After two cups of joe we needed to get going. It was already getting warm, too warm for comfortable hiking. By the time we had gone 5 miles we caught up to al, he would atay with us the rest of the day. Really nice fella, i get the feeling i will travel with him some in the future. The trail through the shenandoahs is obviously through mtns but now the hills are more like 700' max for the most part, not 1500' average like we have been going over, and the trail is more user friendly, less rocky. So as we passed over mtns and gaps with nice views we talked and walked and walked. Usually going up the hills conversation slow, not sure why. We took a lunch at a ranger station. Sitting and eating i noticed a spot on my leg that did not look like dirt. It was my first tick so i brushed it off. Its head stuck under my skin it would not be brushed away so i got out my tick key provided to me by my primary health care provider. It worked flawlessly, i had officially removed the first ever tick that has tried to eat my blood, i murdered him shorly after. Leaving our lunch spot we came across 'the three sometimes amigos', also taking a lunch under a shade tree. Over a hill of 750' we had one big one in front of us of 1200' but the good news was that there was a shelter half way up for to take a break at to get water. Just after leaving we crossed the 900 mile point!! Thats a long way. It was funny because all that was there was a small rock that someone wrote 900 on with a marker, the good thing was they made the zeros with smiley faces. I really get excited about the hundred mile points. Up and over the rest of the mtn we made it to our first xhoice of camp spots that didnt turn out to be to our liking. It was the site of a former shelter so we had thought there would be some flat ground to tent on, there wasnt so we moved on to camp at a picnic area. Just as we got back onto the trail we saw a momma bear with two cubs, awesome. They hung out for a minute before scurrying away. We got to the picnic area about 6:30 with still a lot of weekenders there cooking and having their get-togethers. The plan was to cook dinner and hang out till near dark then set up tents. Thats what we did. The best part was there was a bathroom with a sink. The little sign next to the building said 'comfort station', thats exactly what it was. As we got in our tents a coupke cars drove by. I totally expected one to be a ranger saying we could not stay but the plan went flawlessly, no ranger. This turned out to be one of the best places we have camped, right next to trents store. Little things like a water spiggot makes this guy a hoppy boy. Never take a spiggot for granted.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: south river picnic area

To: lewis spring
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

With campsites spread out and a nice schedule layed out to get to harpers, today would be an easy day. The three of us set out for lewis mtn campground where al was meeting his wife and daughter to hike with him for the day. Just after getting going we saw a big ol fat bear. He didnt hang out long enough to get a picture but he sure was a fatty. We got there about ten and drank coffee and ate till about eleven. Al met up with his family so we hiked on ahead to get to big meadow campground. With the advice of the fella who works at the lewis mtn camp we thought we had a simple flat walk in front of us. Im not sure what he was thinking but judging by my shirt it was not flat, not at all. I didnt have much faith that it would be because a few of his other stories didnt sound that believable. To be honest there was a stretch of about a mile that was truly flat but thats it. At the campground we came to the grill first so we ate. Then we got told to go to the lodge to get a campspot. A mile to the lodge we got told to go back down the road to the ranger station. Bad directions are one thing when youre driving a car but when youre walking its really bad. Back to the ranger station we got a spot so we got our tents up and headed to the laundry and the shower. We had to buy laundry soap to wash but it was a full size box for $8! So sad. What were we gonna do? Not use soap with our gross clothes? Bit the bullet and used the soap. A dollar for a five minute shower and things were finally coming together. We headed BACK up to the lodge, the only place with wifi so for to get on the internet and type my journal entries. Ironicly eniugh as i typed the last entry about the 'three sometimes amigos' they walked in to the lodge, soaked from the pouring rain that juat let loose. Captain said he left his tent open and his shoes outside. Not the best. Since we were here and it was raining, we ate here even though its a little more expensive than the grill. So for the rest of the night we just have to pick up dry laundry and settle in my tent for the night. Doesnt seem so bad does it? I dont think so either. The big blister on my heel is getting better every day. Things are getter better even when i thought i had it the best. Happy day
Date: 2014-06-03
From: harpers ferry

To: crampton gap shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

First thing in the morning is breakfast. Today was a fancy hotel breakfast will some of the fixins. After that i got my pack together so after i got back from the phone store i would be ready to go. Captain got all his stuff arranged and was being picked up by the rental car company at the ATC. Thats pretty good service. We walked up together and waited for our rides. Jim and jean showed up first so i said good bye to captain phillips. Hes a good fella and im gonna miss him but the air quality in the woods should improve hiking solo. He was pretty bummed out to have to go home after getting so far but life happens while youre in the woods and if you have to go you have to go. So, on to the phone store, got a new phone, got back to the hotel to rescue my pack and even had time for a quick lunch before getting back on the trail. The Kelloggs are truly good folks, i couldnt thank them enough for coming down and running all over for me. I think i will keep them around for a while. Due to the late start and wicked high humidity i figured on only going to the second shelter to tent. The trail walks along a rocky bank until you get into the old section of harpers ferry then you go right thru town. I really like the old timey buildings and cobble roads, totally my style. So i made my way along the streets and out of town. You cross the river on a big old railroad bridge and then some of the easiest walking yet along an old canal. Thats where i caught up Taz and walked with him to the first shelter where he stayed the night. Hes a good guy that i hope to see again but you never know. It finally stsrted to cool off a little by this time so i moved on down the way for five more miles where i came across some historey. It was the Gathland state park. An author named Gath had built this place and had a massive monument erected in honor of the artists and writers of the civil war. Pretty impressive estate he had here. Lots of reading to do, i hope i retain at least some of it. So much history in this area. From there it was only a half mile to my home for the night. I carried some water as the guide said the spring was not too pretty good. I found a nice little spot for my tent and cooked up some noodles. Tonight was the first time it was warm enough to sleep without my rainfly on the tent. Looks like summer is getting near, i better head north. I also made arrangements with an old friend to stay with her tomorrow night. Shes not old. Im pretty excited about that because it has been far too long since i have seen her. I expect this to be one of those meetings where no matter how long its been its like old times, and will be good to catch up. Laying in my tent looking up at a couple stars i can see thru the branches and smelling the cooling air i think i could never have guessed i would be here living this crazy life. Fortunate.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: foxville rd

To: rocky mountain shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning i woke up on the comfortablest air mattress ever and i thought, 'now this is living!' I got up, put on my walking clothes, brushed teeth, and did some packing. Heidi got ready for work then came out and asked if i wanted eggs. She bought them just for me, she doesnt even eat eggs, how cool. She asked if i could eat six, she bought a half dozen. I said i would do my best and i got the job done. We loaded up and she drove me back to where she had found me. It was a great visit and its nice to have the kind of friendship that no matter how long it has been its still like it was. We said good bye and i was off up the trail under overcast sky. It was nice because it was cool but slow going from the rain the night before. The rocks were slippy and the mud was greasy. The sun started to come out as i got to Pen mar county park so i took a break to eat and give my ma a call. I walked and talked for a bit when the first big event of the day happened, i crossed into PA and over the mason dixon line! I was once again in the north country and it seemed good. Moving on about 6 miles later i came to a group of people that i assume are out for the weejend on a church group or city kid group. There were probly 20-25 people all about ten feet apart, all stopped on the trail, some sitting, some standing, some laying down with their shirt pulled over their head. The strange part was that not one person was talking to anybody else. I moved on with no delay, i didnt want any grumpy to wear off on me. I usually stop in to see the shelters as i pass and in this stretch were some of the nicest. One even has a snoring and non snoring shelter. Tumbling run shelter is especially nice with tons of tent sites but i was moving on another 6.5 miles. I was glad to get there but was not glad to see the good sites were all taken by a bunch of loud people. Bones, Scrambles, Owl, Sunshine, Young beard, and i all ate dinner on the picnic table by the shelter trying to figure out what to do. One little funny was that while we were eating, someone noticed that we all have to same cook pot. Must be a good one. In the end we ventured back up the hill to the trail and found a tent site up there which was good because we could still hear the loud people down below. We chatted for not very long as it was nearing sunset and past our bedtime. So there i was, laying in my tent, living the dream.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: palmerton

To: palmerton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is the first zero i feel like i NEED. Im tired, feet sore, knees sore, and just tired. I got everything dry and clean last night so my plan was to do as little as i could. All the previous zero days it seemed like i ended up walking all over rather than resting. Today i did pretty well at relaxing. I packed up all my stuff that was spread out over the entire room and we headed back toward palmerton to find something. We got back into town and found they were having a big car show, perfect. There were a ton of cars all shined up looking their best and fried food to be had as well. We walked around a little then got food then sat on a bench for to eat the food and watch the people. We sat for a good while just watching the folks go by, one of my favorite things to do. Then we took a short walk around town and met a few other hikers in the palmerton hitel. We watched the soccer game on a big tv, talked about nonsense, and had a couple drinks. Cindy got some scoop from a local about where we could stay close by for easonable price. I said good bye to my friends and we headed for a place to stay. A nice room for $65 bucks made me happy. The bonus was that there was a restaurant right down the way for dinner. The beacon was the name of the place. Good food and tons of it. Our waitress lady was real nice and asked what we were up to, i told her about the trail. She was interested and had some questions like most people do. She gave me her name so i could send her a postcard when i make it to maine. Then we walked back to the room and went to bed. It was a good zero and im ready to get back at it tomorrow, especially with the forecast being beautiful!
Date: 2014-06-15
From: palmerton

To: wind gap
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: clear sky

I got a late start today, i had to type a couple more journal entries before setting off to make more. I got to the trail at 10:30 with hopes of making it to wind gap or someplace close by. The climb out of palmerton is just that, a climb. Its rocky and steep! A few places the hiking poles were more trouble than they were worth, you needed both hands to hold on to the rocks to pull yourself up. It was slow going but fun being something different. On the climb up i caught up to dirty harry and bug bear, a couple from england. I had met them the night before at the hotel, nice folks. We chatted along as we clumb for a bit and then the terrain leveled out so we could walk on the boulders instead of climb them. I walked with them for about an hour before they took a break and i moved on. It wasnt terribly hot and i was rested so i figured i would make a mile. The trail was rough but only for sections, then it would be good walking again. The rumor we were all told that PA is rocky is not untrue but i feel a little bit exagerrated. Its rocky but the way people tell you about it, you think youre going to be stepping stones for miles and days at a time. Nobody would ever make it through if that were the case. It certainly slows you down in places but im gonna say it wasnt that bad. Anyway with a long dry ridge today it was nice to see the trail magic of gallon jugs of water near smith gap. There was probly 10 gallons of water left out there for us to take as needed. I saw two black snakes today both of average size, that was about the excitement. I passed right by the shelter as i was getting close to wind gap and wanted to be done hiking. I found a nice spot for my tent and set up camp. I was glad to have done the miles i wanted to even with the late start, this meant that if i was going to meet my cousin in delaware water gap i would have plenty of time to get there, or pass right thru and meet them in branchville the next day. I would hate to have a real strict plan, that would be too easy.
Date: 2014-06-21
From: palisades pkwy visitor cntr

To: palisades pkwy visitor cntr
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The plan for the day was to resupply, find a new platypus bag, and get on the trail sometime in the afternoon. That would not be how the day would go. I slept till 7 which is late but was awesome. Then i laid in bed, that was good too. I actually got up out of bed to put clothes in the dryer then laid back down till 8. This was a good start to a day. Brenda cooked up some breakfast of pancakes, bacon, and eggs. I had plenty of everything. Somehow it was 11 ish before we went to the groxery to get food for the next few days and after noon before we set off to find a water bag for me. There were two choices for places to go, a small place, or eastern mountain sports. We had to swing by brendas parents house and then would head to get my water bag. We decided that ems was the place to try, even though the small store was closer. I was sure ems would have what i needed. Well they didnt and it seemed like to help didnt exectly care about my ability to filter water. Might as well check the other store. American terrain outdoors was the name of the small store. I walked in, asked the fella if he had a 2 liter platypus bag, and paid for it all in about 3minutes. I wont count chickens again before i have chickens. We picked up food on the way back to the house then all just kind of hung around. It was well needed and since it was well into the afternoon i was not going back to the trail today. Tomorrow is another day and im already ahead of schedule so why not. Its good to have all my stuff caught up and all resupplied and feet up to help the swelling. Its also good to eat home made mac and cheese. Its been a good visit with family. Tim, Brenda, Chris, and Dan will go on my thank you kist for the help along the way. Its also good to have good people.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: rt 55 pawling

To: stealth camp 
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I have to say that yesterday i got a couple presents from home via jeanne k. She handed me two envelopes. One from deb camp and one from dick hughes. Both of these folks have been following me on my journal and now have done their own version of trail magic. I appreciate what they did more than they could know. I feel i owe both of you an in person thank you when i get back. The crazy thing is that in debs care package she sent small united states flags. Now i had a flag for my pack. She didnt even know i wanted one, kinda makes me wonder how things like that happen. So this morning i laid in for a bit and got up at 7 for a bit of coffee. A little later jeanne and i went to set up trail magic again. We set up in a different spot, next to the dover oak. It wasnt long and the first hiker came by, his name was quaker. Then union jack stopped, followed by cornwall and cowboy. Cornwall and cowboy needed a ride to a friends house so after a while of chatting we took them to their destination. Then jeanne shuttled me to the grocery store for a tiny resupply and to lunch at a nearby diner. By the time we got back to jays house it was already 2:00. Days pass so fast when youre doing errands. I said good bye to my hosts and jeanne took me back to rt 55 where i got off. The good thing was that i knew i would get trail magic in 5 miles. I got started at 3 which is a very late start so i intended to only hike a short distance. I made it to the magic in a couple hours where i met haiku. He was impressed with all that was there. After that i only went a little more than a mile till i found a suitable tent spot. I got eaten while setting up so i hung my food and jumped into my tent. I just had a snack for dinner and took advantage of my early finish by typing up some journal entries. I was up on the hill before the train tracks far enough away that it wouldnt disturb my beauty sleep. I had a good day and made a bit of progress too. I found out that my friends were just ahead of me so i would see them tomorrow. Things were all good in my world.
Date: 2014-06-26
From: kent, ct

To: cornwall bridge
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

I woke up and first thing i did was check the weather. The current condition was 75 degrees and 98% humidity. You gotta be kidding me. Oh i was demoralized. I didnt want to do this again. It would have been very easy to talk me into a zero. Bubba and looper had planned on going to cornwall bridge to watch the U.S. soccer game against germany. That would make it only an 11 mile day. Sounded good to me. We got on the trail by 8 and it was just as good as i thought it would be. It rained last night so everything was wet and extremely humid. These are the worst hiking conditions for me, not only does it feel like you cant breathe but there is a 35 lb packback hanging on you. I felt cranky. I wanted to yell, 'get off my damn back' 'nothing touch me'. It was hilly from the start for the first four miles. Soaked right from the start. I do not like this, not on a boat, not with a goat. Thank god after the early hills there was a long flat spell the followed the housatonic river. Then the trail turned up the hill for the final section of the day. It was about a mile and a half up a hill to the road. What a way to end a day. We made it to the road about noon, all tired. It felt like we had hiked all day, again no more energy or desire to go any further. We did have to walk about a mile and a half to the motel but there was a gas station on the way so we got cold drinks and drank them. Drinking something cold is sooo nice when you feel like youre cooking. We had heard good and bad about the hitching post motel but were willing to take a chance since it was our only option. The place was actually real nice, with a tv and an air conditioner. Oh they had a shower too so i was thrilled. We drank drinks and watched the soccer game. Then we walked to the general store to do what? Get food. I had a nice sub and cole slaw. I of course got some more drinks, i felt like i couldnt get enough to drink. Then we went back to the room and took a power nap. All of us were whipped. We hung out the rest of the day doing very little. Im hoping tomorrow brings better weather, i would even take rain. I cant even plan how far i want to go tomorrow because if its gonna be that humid again i wont be going far, not far at all. This is all part of the adventure and makes for a good story and builds character but im over adding character. All this and im still glad to be here. Something is not normal here.