morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Blackrock hut.

To: Big Meadows campsite.
Miles today: 20.9

 It was really noisy in the shelter last night, so I got limited sleep. I felt pretty unwell, mainly effecting my balance. I set off and just plodded along. There were no views at all today. I stopped at Lewis mountain campsite for lunch. Tom was nowhere to be seen. I raced the second half of the day to get to the cafe, where I had dinner. After that I was feeling much better. Tom found me and said he had walked on the road, no wonder I missed him. We walk down to the campsite and I set up my tent. We put on some laundry and went to Tinmans trail magic. I left early to get a shower. Hoping for a good nights sleep, I need it! Well bye for now, Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Hightop hut.

To: Byrds nest hut.
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I was packed up after a decent nights sleep. Tom and I walk well in the morning to get to Elkwallow wayside for lunch. I was struggling with pain in my shin. We had a long break of 3 hours. I found a spot under a tree and read my book, it was good to be off my feet. The weather was again hot and sunny. Tom was playing frisbee with Orange blaze, don't know where they get their energy! We eventually pushed on to the Hut and I set up my tent. I definitely prefer it, I sleep better and no bugs bitting me. I finished my book so will need to keep an eye out for another one.Well bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Byrds nest hut.

To: Gravel springs Hut
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

We had a late start after a good night. The weather was perfect and we had some good views for a change across the virginia valley. We arrive at the Skyland restaurant for lunch. Tom, Orange blaze and I had a nice feed there and just chilled out as we were only doing a short day. I had pain in my right shin so was glad. I am camped at the shelter so hope for a good night. Well bye for now. Mayo
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Byrds nest hut.

To: Front Royal Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept well and packed up and on the trail for 8.00. I was well doped up with pain relief and my shin was not to bad. The weather was lovely and sunny and the views were great. I was glad to get to the hostel to rest my leg. We did laundry and showers and then got a shuttle into town to eat and re supply. I plan fairly short days to Harper ferry to rest my leg. I checked my weight and was 10st 1 lb so have lost about 9lbs. Well bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Front Royal Hostel

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: broken clouds

Tom and I slept late and hit the trail at 9.30. The weather was warm but cloudy. I walked with out pain in my shin most of the day so was pleased. I saw 2 black snakes on the trail in the morning, so many snakes around. Just as I reached Jim & Molly Benton shelter the heavens opened and it pored down for around a hour. As it was raining Tom, who had arrived, and I had a long break. We then pushed on after the rain, but got no real views all day. It got really humid and uncomfortable in the afternoon, I seem to always be damp! We are in the shelter tonite and have a nice fire going, keeps the bugs off! Hoping my legs will continue to improve. Well bye for now.Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Morgan Mill stream.
Miles today: 16.1

I slept well & was up and on the trail by 8.00. My legs felt OK to start with & Tom and I made good progress. The trail was fairly easy, but it was around 80f so was sweaty work. We passed through Sky Meadows State Park, with some nice open views. These were the only real views for today, it was the long green tunnel! Stopped for lunch at Rod Hollow Shelter and had a good break. By this time my right shin was painful again, but manageable. My phone's touch screen keeps failing, but luckily Sheila rang me when I had signal, it is the only piece of my kit which lets me down, it seems to be the humidity. Arrived at the campsite by 16.00 and had a wash in the stream, it felt good! Going to hit the sac early to give my leg time to heal. Well bye for now, Mayo
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Morgan Mill stream.

To: Blackburn AT center
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: clear sky

I was woken by Tom throwing stones at my tent. We hit the trail by 8.00 and it was immediately hard. This section is called the 'Roller coaster" , 13 miles of 500ft ups and downs. It was 86f and after 7 miles my shins started to hurt, and by the end I was really struggling. Around lunchtime we walked off trail and had lunch at a cafe. We left Virginia at last and entered my 5th state West Virginia. I also passed 1000 miles today!!!! Once at the hostel I decided to camp as it was cooler outside, it was still 80f at 20.00. The hostel staff cooked up a dinner of spagetti which was great. We plan to get off early tomorrow to get into town and get all our chores done, and rest my legs.Well bye for now, A sore Mayo.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Blackburn AT center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: haze

We were up at first light and on the trail by 6.00. My legs did not feel too good, but we push hard for town. The trail was really nice and easy but I was increasingly in pain., and fell behind Tom. The last few miles were steep downhill and I was in a lot of pain with each step. I was so happy to reach the hotel. It was only 10.30 so we left the packs and walked into Harpers Ferry, which I found painful even without my pack! It got up to 96f, I was glad we had finished for the day. Tom has developed a nasty rash on his back and face. At first we thought it was poison ivy, but now think it is a sweat/heat rash. Tom went to Walmart to get something for it, so hopefully he will feel better tomorrow. Roo and Taz are here, they are coming off the trail due to injury which is really sad. Such nice people I will miss them. I had a shower and feel human again, it won't last! Tried to ring Sheila but out of credit so no joy, it is really expensive, but worth it. We plan to go into DC tomorrow which will be great, my first visit. I hope my legs heal up with the rest from the trail. Up early to catch train to DC tomorrow cannot wait!Well bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

We were up at 5.45 and getting ready when I noticed that some of my kit had been left at the laundry. Also my leg was not feeling too good.. So we decided to have and rest day and do DC tomorrow. Tom walked up to the launderette and found my things. I spent the morning doing minor repairs and boxing up my winter gear to send to Socks to hold for me until later in the trail. Around 12.00 we walked up to the post office and posted my box. We were waiting for the bus when Badger, Sprout, Sherpa and Sparks arrived. I haven't seen those guys for an age. It was great to catch up with them. We got the bus and Gypsy girl was on board, I thought she was ahead of me. We re supplied and ate at Walmarts, then headed back to the hotel to relax. Tomorrow DC hopefully!Well bye for now.Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry.

To: Harpers Ferry.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We were up early again! This time we got the 6.56 train to DC. Once there I got on an open top bus to tour the city sights. It was the best way to see as much as possible with less walking as my left leg was still uncomfortable. It was a hot day again but less humid. It is an impressive place with lots of open areas and lakes. Around 17.00 I got the train back to Harpers Ferry. Tom had gone off to do his own exploring. It has been a long tiring day, but worth it. When I arrived in at the hotel River Rat was here with his girlfriend Heather, a really nice couple. They invited me to their room for a beer and a chat. I've met so many wonderful people out here. I will be back on the trail tomorrow, I hope my legs are fully healed. I may need to take it easy for a while. Well bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Harpers Ferry.

To: Rocky run shelter.
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a good sleep and got up at 8.00 and went down for breakfast. Tom and I then checked out and walked up to the ATC office to have our official thru hikers photo taken. Tom decided he would go to the medical center in Charlestown to get meds for his rash which is no better. I decided to head out, so started by crossing the river and following the canal. My leg was still very sore and I didn't known how far I could go. There was an easy climb on to the ridge then a lovely flat trail. I arrived at Ed Garvey shelter and had my lunch break. I was feeling OK, so pushed on. I could walk at my own pace which was good. I reached the Gathland State Park and got a coke from a vending machine, nice and cold. It was a perfect walking day, warm with a nice breeze. Long time arrived at the park, I last saw him and Click in Damascus. We walked on together and chatted away, which took my mind off my leg. We reach the shelter and as it was still early I decided to carry on with him to the next shelter. We came to Whiterock cliffs and got our only real view of the day. After a short break we headed down to the shelter, and this was the most painful part of the day. I am in the shelter and feel my leg is no worse than at the start of the day. We will see what tomorrow brings. No sign of Tom he must have taken a long time at the Doctor's.Bye for now.Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Rocky run shelter.

To: Ensign cowall shelter.
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: few clouds

I was a little cold during the night. Typical, since I just sent my sleeping bag away. I was up and away by 8.00. I walked slowly to break in my leg and was pleased to note an improvement in my shin splint from yesterday. Longtime caught me and we walked together to the Washington monument, which we climbed for a great view. We stopped for lunch at the Pogo campsite. Click arrived and was struggling with her feet. They decided to stop at the next shelter with me. I suggested going into Smithsburg for a piza which they were very happy to do. We walked into town and Longtime and Click ordered a massive meal which filled the table. Click managed to get us a lift back to the trail, girls are sometimes useful, ha ha, and we walked to the shelter. Tom was here, he had arrived earlier and wondered were I was. He has some meds so hopefully his rash will settle down soon. I am in the shelter and it does not seem as cold as last night. Really nice day, great views, great weather and great company. How my shins continue to improve.Bye for now, a happy Mayo
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Ensign cowall shelter.

To: Tumbling Run shelter.
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept next to the loudest snorer on the planet! So not surprisingly I slept poorly. I was up and away by 7.30. It was humid as I climbed on to the first ridge. I was soon wet with sweat, but what's new. Around lunch time I reached Pen Mar Park which had food and was full of people. Turned out there was live music and dancing, 40,s period! Tom, Longtime and I relaxed for 3 hours. Longtime got a message from Click who was overdue, that she had fallen. When she limped in, she had hurt her ankle and wrist. We got ice and packed her ankle to reduce any swelling. They decided to head into town so Click could rest. I will miss them both, they are great company and lovely people. Hope they can catch up to me later down the trail. I entered PA today my 7th state. Tom and I headed on to the shelter. Once we arrived we both decided to camp as there were some nice flat spots near the stream. Hope for a good nights kip. My shin splints are nearly gone, so hope to walk with no pain tomorrow. I am really pleased to have managed this injury, whilst still making some progress.Bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Tumbling Run shelter.

To: Birch run shelter.
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

I slept well and set off a head of everyone, to start the first climb up to Chimney rocks, with nice views. It was a nice day for walking, not too hot. Mapless a German guy walked me and we chatted the time away. Not many views today but a nice path. My Legs felt good all day. In shelter tonite.Bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Birch run shelter.

To: Pine grove furness state park.
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept poorly due to being cold again. It's hard to believe it can get so cold after such a warm day. I set off by 8.00 and really enjoyed the trail and the lovely weather. I walked with Tom and Mapless through the morning. We passed the official marker for the Half way point of the AT!!! We got pics and moved on. We came across a rattlesnake on the trail, who was rattling at us, he was not happy! We arrived in Pine grove and hit the shop. I had burgers and chips and ice cream. I decided not to do the half gallon ice cream challenged after seeing how ill some hikers became afterwards. We visited the AT museum and signed the book. We chilled through the afternoon, and I decided to stay at the Ironmasters hostel. Eventually Tom also decided to stay. It is a really nice place, I had a great shower, which I needed. They serve pasta for supper and waffles for breakfast. I heard that Click is taking 2 days off to let her ankle recover, hope her and Longtime are back walking soon. The next few days are predicted to be in the 90's, humid and thunderstorm. Could be interesting!Bye for now,Mayo
Date: 2011-06-08
From: Pine grove furness state park.

To: Boiling springs.
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

The hostel was really nice and I had a good nights sleep. I was up and showered early, then went down for my waffles and coffee, nice. Tom and I hit the trail by 8.00 and made good time to the Green mountain store where we had a lunch break. The food was great, I had a sub and ice cream. It was really hotting up with temps in the 90's and high humidity. We started some climbs of a few hundred feet, normally no problem, but I over heated and was really finding it tough. We finally reach the valley and got lost in the fields. Ended up walking the rail track to get to town. Boiling springs is a really nice place, very quaint. We had piza and went to a local ladies house who let us camp on her lawn. It is a really humid, hot night not sure how much sleep I will get. Plan to be away early tomorrow to beat the heat.Bye for now,Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Boiling springs.

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up at first light and walking by 5.45. I didn't sleep well due to the heat and humidity. We crossed the 12 miles of low farmland , with the heat gradually rising. we climbed to Darlington shelter for a break. We decided to push on to Town as it was only 12.00. The afternoon was really tough, it was so hot, in the 90's and worst still very humid. I was really struggling again but stuck at it and we finally arrived in town around 17.00. We got a room and I did laundry and shower and felt better. I am so tired, I think it's the heat. Plan a short day tomorrow. Also need to re supply. I contacted Gossamer gear about some holes that have developed in my tent, but they just said stitch it up, easy to say hard to do. I was disappointed with their response. It's been a hard day, perhaps my hardest on the trail.Well bye for now,A very tired Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-10
From: Duncannon

To: Peters mountain shelter.
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

I slept really well and boy did I need it. We were up around 8.00 and went to the cafe across from the hotel for breakfast. Tigger joined Tom and I. We did a re supply and then I went to a barbers and got a trim, I now look great, Ha Ha! We headed out of town and stopped at a Subway for lunch. I set off ahead of Tom and crossed the wide Susquehanna river, with the truck thundering bye and started the climb up to the ridge, it was nice to be in the quiet woods again. It is hot again, but not quite as bad as yesterday. I stopped at Clarkes ferry shelter to get water and rest. I got some nice views from the rocky ridge line, but the rocks soon passed and I made better progess. Reached the shelter and had dinner, left over Subway. A thunder storm rolled in, glad to be in a shelter. I needed an easy day after yesterday.Bye for now,Mayo
Date: 2011-06-11
From: Peters mountain shelter.

To: Second mountain.
Miles today: 20.3

What a thunder storm! It hit around 2.00 and was really close, the whole shelter was shaking. My make shift bug net worked well and I slept OK. I was up and away by 7.30.I walked alone for the first few miles until Tom caught up. It was misty and overcast but still warm and humid. There were no real views, which is a feature of PA so far. As we walked along our second ridge we had the constant noise of shells and heavy machine gun fire in the distance. It was from a firing range and was like being on the edge of a war zone. We reached Rausch gap at 16.00 so decided to push on a little further and camp, to make tomorrow an easy day. We camped and the next thunder storm has started, its raining hard, hope I stay dry!Bye for now,Mayo
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Second mountain.

To: 501 shelter.
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a wet night but I stayed dry. We packed up and hit the trail by 7.30. The tent was wet, actually everything is wet! We crossed the interstate and into a parking area. Just then a car rolled in and a guy shouted to us that he was doing trail magic. He pulled out chairs and started cooking burgers. We ate until we were full. His name was JZ, he is a triple crown hiker, really nice guy. He had his pictures from his PCT and CDT hikes, so beautiful. We finally left and immediately found it hard due to full stomachs. It was misty all day, the trail was again wet and muddy. We had a short break at William penn shelter, then pushed on to the 501. Once there we headed into town to do laundry. We got a lift quickly but after half a mile one of the cars who had passed us had crashed and was on its roof! The road was blocked for 1 hour. We believe the lady was OK with just a broken leg, she was lucky as she crossed the road hitting bank which flipped her over! We finally got into town and managed a quick lift out again. The shelter is fully enclosed so less bugs. Into town tomorrow and I have a package from Sheila with camera, Mp3 player and watch, so I will be able to take pictures soon!Bye for now,A lucky Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-13
From: 501 shelter.

To: Port clinton.
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

I was cold during the night, but slept OK. We were up and on the trail by 5.45 as we had a long day planned. The weather was purfect for hiking not too humid. Tom and I moved along quickly, the path was level and not too rocky. When we had views they were nice and clear. We passed Sparks breaking camp, not seen him since Harpers ferry. We made town by 15.30 and I went to the post office, but my package had not arrived, will check again tomorrow. I had planned to stay in the B&B but would you believe it was closed on Mondays and so was the Hotel? What a strange town. So I camped at the town pavillion and then Tom and I called for a shuttle to Hamburg, where we re supplied and had dinner. I really hope its not too cold again tonight.Bye for now,A frustrated Mayo.
Date: 2011-06-14
From: Port clinton.

To: Eckville shelter.
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

I was awoken by the noise of the traffic on PA61 what a peaceful place Port clinton is! I packed up and had breakfast. There was no sign of life from Tom so I left him a note and headed to the Post office. I think Tom will be taking a zero, as he does not want to be in Delaware water gap until the 21st. Just before Kerry his wife joins him on the trail. My parcel had not arrived so I asked them to bounce it to Delaware. I started the climb on to the ridge and found it easy, as it is a perfect day for walking. I stopped for a break on Pulpit rock with a great view. I chatted with a father with his young daugther and told her about Kevin's thru hike. I walked the ridge and reached the road to the shelter around 15.00. A hiker was walking towards me, when I suddenly realised it was Peter now known as Twigg. It was great to see him after such a long time. We chatted for a while and then he moved on. I hope to see him again soon. Gypsy girl, Clutch, Gladgirl, Raindance and Arthur Dent are here. We ordered pizza to be delivered to the shelter, which was great. There is a great grass camping area near the shelter so I am in the tent. I should sleep well tonite, although it will be cold.Bye for now,Mayo
Date: 2011-06-15
From: Eckville shelter.

To: Bake oven knob shelter.
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

Packed up a wet tent due to condensation. Hit the trail around 08.00 and found the climb up to Dans Pulpit hard going. The weather is perfect again, beautiful blue sky, and not humid! Chatted to Gypsygirl, Clutch and Gladgirl and then moved on.I stopped for a break at Allentown shelter and then the girls arrived. In the afternoon I had lunch with Gypsygirl at a nive view point. I then hit the knife edge rocks which was fun and had great views both sides. It required good balance and nerves of steel! Ha Ha. I finally arrived at the shelter and pitched my tent, it was very buggy. I went down the hill for water and followed a blue blazed trail, no water! I climbed back up and took the other trail and found water after 0.2 miles. I was pretty tired by the time I got back to camp. I made dinner and hit the sac. I found a tick embeded and removed it, nasty things. There was no blood so hope I caught it in time. The last thing I want is Lymes disease. I plan a short day into town tomorrow.Bye for now.Mayo
Date: 2011-06-16
From: Bake oven knob shelter.

To: Palmerton. 
Miles today: 8.4

I slept well and was packed and away by 8.00. I walked with Arther Dent and Raindance into town. We reached the road crossing by 11.00. We couldn't get a hitch so walked along the railroad into town. We had lunch at a diner and then booked into the Jailhouse hostel. We did laundry and later a whole bunch of us hikers trash had dinner together. Timber was here and as usual we had some great banter, he is such a funny guy, for a German! Ha ha. Only a short day but nice. bye for now,Mayo
Date: 2011-06-17
From: Palmerton. 

To: Wind gap.
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: moderate rain

We packed up and a group of us hikers hit the local cafe. After, we hitched back to the trail. We started the climb up from Lehigh gap. It was really steep and was basically a rock climb of 1000ft. It was great fun with great views. We then started the long hike along the ridge. We had 20 miles of ridge walking with little views. Around lunchtime a thunderstorm started and it rained heavily for the next 3 hours. An hour before we reached the gap the rain finally stopped. We hitched into town and were glad to dry out and get showers. We ordered pizza to be delivered to the room and had a great feed. It has been a good day inspite of the weather. I'm here with Raindance and Arther Dent.Bye for now,Mayo