morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Felt tired today so I cut it short and only did 13.1 miles. I also got a later than normal start (7:30am) and stopped at a wayside to get some food. Had bacon cheeseburger, fries, chocolate shake, a banan, and a ice-cream. Then Long Portage and I went to the other side of the store and placed everthing out to dry. Tent was soaked. As we were doing this "Long Distance Man" came in with trail magic. So I had pulled pork sandwiches (2), beans, chips & dip, and veggies. Life is good on the trail. Hike onto the next shelter as a mentioned above and stopped. Met 3 section hikers (Minnie Mouse, ?, and Evil Queen). They had been at the place that Hike-On's protege, Lavender Rose, had stayed after ending her hike. It is a small world out here. They are looking forward to meeing him. Anyway, as I cut it short today, I plan on reading for awhile. Get back into my routine of a 6am start in the morning. I have a plan. Will be in Harper's Ferry about a day ahead of schedule.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: few clouds

Easy day. First 10.5 met up with Rookie. Had seen him off and on since Symms Gap Meadows. Doesn't speack much but very well spoken. He went into Front Royal. I was tempted but passed it up. Long Portage is at shelter tonight. We plan on hiking into Lindea tomorrow morning and getting something to eat at the convenience store. Also here is Sam. He just graduated from High School. Sttarted @ Waynesboro and is hiking to Katahdin, then back to Waynesboror and hiking south. He will be at next shelter that I plan on staying. I owe him 2 Snickers.
Date: 2008-06-17
From: Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked with or near Long Portage for most of the day. He isn't a bad as what some say. He just like the company. And it is nice to chit chat every now and then. wWent into Linden this morning (about 1.2 miles each way) for an ice cream and gatorade. Oh, also had some chips. But needed to get some meal.s It was a scheduled re-supply for me anyway. Didn't have to buy much as I ate in the park at Waysides, etc. Portage and I are down a ways from the shelter. All of the tent sites up near it were taken. I usually pick these spots (at a distance) anyway. Already decided that we will drop down to a restaurant for lunch tomorrow. We will be 80% (or so) done with the Roller Coaster, so we will deserve it. Blackburn Center tomorrow night. Might get some magic and get a meal. Kept a Ramen just in case though. Going to read now. Of note (only to myself) did 130.6 miles last 7 days. My biggest.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Center 
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Great day. Made it to the Blackburn AT Center Home of the PATC. Have been hiking w/ Long Portage for a few days so I asked if he wanted to drop down for lunch. We went to the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant. The owner was working (waitress, bartender, cook, bus-person, etc.) and made us feel at home. We are fairly dirty at this time. Looking for a shower tomorrow. Made a logistical mistake by sending my food drop to Harper's Ferry Hostel. Can't get my box until after 5:30pm. So, will have to spend time Friday mailing journal, maps, and memory card home. Plus will have to walk to and from the Post Office. Not a killer. Will do what I have to do. This is my last food drop but have other map drops where I send stuff home. So, will have to look more closely at where I have them mailed. The Roller-Coaster wastn' all that tough. It might have been if this were the beginning, but after GA, NC, & TN....enough said.
Date: 2008-06-19
From: Blackburn Center 

To: Harper's Ferr Hostel
Miles today: 19.0

1,000 miles and VA (and W. VA) in the dust. Have now finished GA, NC, TN, VA, and WV. At the unofficial half-way point. Looking foward to Boiling Springs which is passed the real 1/2 point. Long Portage is leaving for a week. Doesn't bother me that we are parting company. He talked too much. On my own again. I am staying at the Haper's Ferry Hostel. The caretake has family (w/ young kids) visiting...enough said. Might write more about it tomorrow. Want to get packed for an early start.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Harper's Ferr Hostel

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

Easiest 20+ miles day yet. Might as well capitalize on the easy terrain and do the 20's now. Phoned Sherpa yesterday and she is having a hiker bash either Friday or Sat. She will pick me up in Duncannon. Pegasus and Unicorn are going to hitch to get there. Low IMpact is supposed to be right behind me. He will be there as well. Should be a gret time. One problem is that I might get to Duncannon too early. Maybe I will do a double or triple zero. We will see as I get closer. Saw a dozen nude male hiker today. I thought nude hiking day was tomorrow. No woemn though....
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Seemed like a fairly strenous day. North Maryland, coming off High Rock was rocka dn tough. But I'm here. Bif was telling me last night that he is through. His wife is picking him up in Duncannon. He wants to be home. I know how he feels. It is tough being out here this long with loved ones at home. Tomorrow will be shorter than today. Might actually sleep in. As of right now, I am the only on at the shelter. Two section hikers moved on and the only thru-hikers I saw all day, Neon & CC Rider went to the next shelter. Mosquitos are finally out. First significant number that I have seen in 74 days. Still not sure what I am doing in Duncannon. Leaning towards doing 3 zeros?! Hmmmm. What tough decisions I have. I did finish MD today. Into PA!
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

I feel like a slacker today. Slept in until 5:45am, ate lunch at the concssion in Caledonia State Park; and quit hiking at 2pm. Life is good on the trail. If I go any further it gets me into Pine Grove Furnacne State Park too early. I plan on staying @ the Iron Master Mansion Hostel. I do not intent on attempting to eat a 1/2 gallon of Ice Cream. I think that I could do it but why put my digestive system in that much trauma! Half-way tomorrow. Wow, it is har to believe. I have been out here 75 days today! All of these milestones keep you motivated. Unlike hiking VA, which seemed endless. I also have zeros and trail magic awaiting me. Like I said, "Life is good on the trail." CC Rider and Neon should be by in a bit. They stopped in the park to swin and shower. Met Hare today. He started the Benton Mackay Trail in late March. From Montana. Might run into him again later down the trail. I'm now going to read most of the afternoon.
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Irn Master's Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Another easy day, setting myself up for Boiling Springs in Duncannon. Then the work began! Went to the hostel to see if they had any bunks available and there was a u-haul parked out back. Made arrangements for a bunk and mentioned to them that after I hit the camp store, I would help a bit. Luckily Hare was at the store and he told me that he would help for awhile. Two hours later, and who knows how much elevation gain/loss (we moved stuff to the second floor, attic and basement) and most of the stuff was moved. They were very kind and let us stay for nothing. Kinda trail magic? So a much longer day but still a nice one.
Date: 2008-06-24
From: Irn Master's Mansion Hostel

To: ATC Campground, Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.1

Had a tour late yesterday of the Iron Master Mansion and its secret rooms for the underground railroad. It was somewhat of an eerie feeling going down through the secret door into the rooms. I tried to imagine what was going through the escaped slaves' thoughts as they waited, hidden, for the next step in their attempt at freedom. I'm sure I failed to understand! Got an early start and made it to the ATC Campground just south of Boiling Springs. It is ok, they have a porta-potty here and have an area mowed to set up tents. As of right now I am the only one here. Didn't see any other thru-hikers today. Will do a big day tomorrow (26.0 miles) to get to Duncannon. Almost a marathon. But should be easy hiking as a lot is farm land.
Date: 2008-06-25
From: ATC Campground, Boiling Springs

To: Duncannon Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: broken clouds

Lake and I cruised today. A mimimum of 26 miles in 9 hrs & 45 mins. That includes breaks and 30 min that I waited for Lake at the last shelter junction. Lake was at the campground when Hare and I returned from dinner. It was nice to see him again (last time was in Waynesboror). Today was his last day on the trail for a week. He is dheading home to take care of some business and to plan the second half. Not sure if I will see him again as I will have about a 5 day lead on him. It was nice of the ATC to have a campground outsid eof Boiling Springs, but it is also right next to the railroad tracks. Needless to day, NO sleep. I am staying at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. The place is over 100 years old. It is a pit, but an icon on the trail. So.....got my bounce box so trying to get everthing done today. That will leave tomorrow more of a relax day. Hope to get more rest than during my last zero.
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Duncannon Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a relaxing zero day. Saw another thru-hiker call it quites. The party is saturday so I am going to hike 18 or so and then call Sherpa to pick me up. It will be great to see her as well as several of the others that I started with. Many of them stayed at the Hiker Hostel that first night -- 8 Apr 08. Won't be getting a really early start as the Post Officd doesn't open until 8am. But should be done NLT 5pm. Probably much earlier dependant upon the PA rocks. Ordered my girlfriend flowers today to be delivered tomorrow. Should be a nice surprise for her.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Duncannon Doyle Hotel

To: Sherpa's House
Miles today: 17.8

Wow, where to begin? First, Sherpa and her husband, George, opened up their home and gave all of us trail magic. I can not express enough of my appreciation for the hospitality we received. Most of us spend nearly 3 days (late Jun 27 - early Jun 30) in their home. They fed us, housed us, and shuttled us. Sherpa basically put together a party for a group that hiked together early in the trip. I feel honored that I was included, as I had not seen them since before the NOC. At the party was Sherpa, George (her husband), Shamrock (me), Low Impact, his girlfriend (my apolizies that I can't remember her name, it might be Aaron?), Pegasus and Unicorn, Lactose (he has been hiking w/ Pegacorn), Wookie and Freefall, Danger Mouse and Popcorn (Dange Mouse started @ Springer some date, but had to get off trail w/ foot problems, and Popcorn is her husband), Jamei (George's oldest daughter), Bear (a dog that SHerpa found @ standing Bear Farm) and Gini (a dog that Pegacorn found in VA who is also hiking with them).Sherpa has been going through withdrawals since leaving the trail. So, I think that she really enjoyed having us around and listenting to our stories. It was great to see Pegacorn and Low Impact again (we had started the Approach Trail on April 9th at the same time). Unfortunately they aren't hiking together any longer as Low Impact picked up the mileage. He is trying to complete by 1st of Sept. It was so refreshing listtening to their banter back and forth. All three of them seem as if they are really enjoying the whole experience. We discussed finishing the trail. This is really the first time that I have allowed myself that luxury. We talked about all summiting Ketachdin together. But, realistically that probably won't happen. We have just gotten spread out. But, who knows, anything can happen on the trail. I will continue to sign the registers so they can be aware of my location. And we swapped phone numbers. As I approach the end, I want to know if they are within a few days of me. I would slow down if it became feasible for them to catch me. Low Impact might easily catch me as he is doing some very big miles. He might even pull away. But, the bottom line is that we have to each hike our own hike.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: PA Route 443/Green Pt, PA

To: PA Route 443/Green Pt, PA
Miles today: 15.6

I was a little sad leaving but it was time to get back to the trail and to begin the process of finshing the second half. My next goal is the 2/3 mark. Had a pretty easy day today. Was a little disappointed that I didn't find the Green Point Store. Guide was nit very descriptive on its location so I missed it. Was looking forward to ice cream? Well enough rambling for tongith. Sherpa, if youare reading this, don't buy that book I told you about. Santa just might bring it to you for Christmas!
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Sherpa's House

To: Hertlein Capsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Only 1007.4 miles to go. Had a good day today. Got the feet a little wet from the wet grass but otherwise a cool day. Met 2 section hikers -- "Willing" and "Hole." They are from MN. Had seen them last Friday when I had hitched to Sherpas. After PA 501 the rocks got a little worse. But I have found that if you just slow down a bit they aren't too bad. Guess we will see if that holds true over the next couple of days. Not sure what I am doing tomorrow. Port Clinton or Hambarg. Will make a game time decision.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Hertlein Capsite

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 18.9

970.8 to goMan did I make good time. Did nearly 19 by 1:30! Anyway, decided on going into Hamburg and staying at the Microtel. Wow are they expensive. Also, replaced my tips to my treacking poles while in Port Clinton. Won't second guess my decision on Motels as I am still under budget and the air conditioning worked. I have been struggling with what defines a long-distance hiker. One person told me that if it requires a re-supply, others if it was longer then a given amount of miles. I think it is a long-distance hike when you have gear start to wear out (i.e. the pole tips, my shoes, and the pack -- more on that in the future). Well just going to enjoy this very expensive room. Will go down for dinner in a bit.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Hamburg, PA

To: .5 past Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Passed up the Eckville shelter, thought the caretaker's personality left something to be desired and now I am in my tent in the rain. Oh well, hopefully it passes and I get dry by morning. Got great news last night during dinner. We recieved an offer on my condo and we accepted it. They want to close quickly so my fingers are crossed. Probably means that I can stay retired. Surprisingly sore and tired today even though low mileage. Guess some days are like that. Going to read.
Date: 2008-07-04
To: Blue Mtn BB Slept in Empty Apt
Miles today: 11.0

Rained most of the night and lightly till mid-morning. Then it poured. When Liberty passed me, he mentioned a restaurant on PA 309. I must have missed it in my guide. Anyway, there it was 1000 yrds west of the AT Junction. Went in soaking wet. The waitress (owner?) was pretty nice to us. She did make us sit on some older chairs. I don't mind, I was wet and I'm sure guite smelly. Liberty said that he would split a room w/ me, as it was also a B&B, but the lady said they were booked. We looked out and it continued to pour. So, I asked her again if she was sure that they were full. She assured me that they were booked. A little time passed, as we ate lunch and it continued to pour, so I asked the waitree if she knew of any other lodging close to the trail, she said no, but that she would ask someone. We ordered dessert and Ken came out and asked us what we were looking for. We told him someoplace dry. He shawed us a vacant apartment upstairs and asked us if $20 a piece sounded reasonable. Well, it was still pouring so I immediately pulled out my $20 and handed it to him. Now the place was fairly dirty as it hadn't been cleaned since the last tenant moved out, but to us it was golden. We went back downstairs and ate our desserts and just as we were finishing, Forcast and Moonshadow came in. We now had 4 occupants. We moved our stuff to the apartment and talked until dinner and went back downstairs to the restaurant and Icarus was at the bar. We now had 5 occupants. Life on the trail is good!
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Blue Mtn BB Empty Apt

To: Straup B&B
Miles today: 13.6

Man was it hot in the apartment! But it was dry. Left early as I wasn't sure of my plans. Foggy and misty all morning. When I got to the last shlter fore Lehigh Gap, I checked my phone and the Straup B&B had called to let me know they had a vacancy. So, I hitched into Palmerton where I got a shower. The caretaker did my laundry. I got my tent and pack cover dry and at least as of now, I have the entire house to myself. I think the owners name is Valerie. Very nice lady. Have to remember to send picture after I have summitted. She has only had 2 people send her photos. Well should walk down and get my food and a bite to eat. Then will come back and relax. Life is good onthe trail.P.S. It seems as if this section has taken longer than it should. So, I plan on picking up the pace after Delaware Water Gap. I am, however, exactly where I planned on being. Ijust need to get a day ahead of schedule by Vernon, NJ.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Straup B&B

To: PA Route 33 
Miles today: 20.4

Had a great evening @ Straup house. Had the whole place to myself! Then the morning started out wonderful w/ breakfast, Orange Juice, fruit, homeade granola (and as Valerie stated, "it is a closely guarded recipe," all th epancakes I could eat, and sausage. Then she gave me a ride to the trail head and I started my ankle twisting day! Climbed up the ridge to the Palmerton Superfund site. Because of the zinc smelting it completely deforested the entire ridge. Efforts to restore vegetation are slowly working. Now to the rocks. Maybe because it was such a long day (20+), but the rocks seemed much worse today. Several times I scraped my foot against sharp edges. Man that hurts. I guess tomorrow is supposed to be worese! Saw Hi-Low and Steadfast today. And met Gator. Might have met him earlier but can't recall where. My feet and ankles just ache today. Will be glad when tomorrow is over!
Date: 2008-07-07
From: PA Route 33 

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Let me say that the 8 miles between Wind Gap and Fox Gap is ankle twisting. Brutal! Enough said. Dropped down into Delaware Water Gap just after lunch. Seems like a great little town but the lodging options were expensive or cheap. So re-supplied and slept in Stroudsburg. Glad to see my seventh state completed and hit the less than 900 miles to go! Milestone after milestone. I was looking at the big map today and man am I getting up there! Forgot to mention that I met Gator yesterday. A thru-hiker that started in late March. Also saw the Proffesor today. First met him in the Smokies also saw him in Glasgow and Daleville. I think that he is the earliest hiker that I keep seeing. All for now. P.S. Forgot to mention trail magic @ Fox Gap.
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Buttermille Falls Trail
Miles today: 20.7

Well NJ has rocks but nothing like PA. After lunch actually walked on more normal mountain trails. The motel in Vernon called me today (only the second time I had forgot to shut the phone off) and I now have reservation for Thur and Fri. That enables me to shave 2 days off as I will have to hike this segment in 3 days now. So, after the zero on Friday, I will net 1 day. Should gain another day in the next segment as well. I can't really see taking these areas slow as they aren't the most outstanding sections. Althought I did have some good views of the Valleys today. Made good mileage even thought I started at 9am. Stopped at the Mohican Center for lunch. Had a nice Deli sandwich and a pop. Spent about an hour there. Am realizing that I am really close to where an uncle lives. Was going to call this evening but lost signal as I dropped down to this campsite. Will try tomorrow. Well, going to plan tomorrow and then read or sleep.P.S. Forgot to mention that I went over 1,300 miles today. Interesting that the 100 mile marks don't seem as big as they did early on.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Buttermille Falls Trail

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: moderate rain

Started early as planned as I knew it would be a long day, but I underestimated the terrain. It was much tougher than anticipated but I made it to the shelter. A tough 23.7 miles. Another factor is that it is very humid. My clothes have been dripping wet for 2 days! Summer has arrived in force. I stopped @ Gap's Tavern for a burger/fries for lunch. Hit the spot. It is very hiker friendly. Met another NOBO late today --Tread Lightly? He started in March. Vernon tomorrow. 19 miles plus 2.4 road walking. But need to get to Post Office to make my zero smooth. Another early start!
Date: 2008-07-10
From: High Point Shelter

To: Vernon
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: clear sky

Forgot to mention in earlier posts that PA has without any question, overall the nicest shelter. Although I did not sleep in any of them, I could appreciate their upkeep. Today was as easy as yesterday was hard. Mostly great trail with only a few ups and downs. Did nearly 19 miles by 1:30pm! Got to walk on the boardwalk. A lot of work went into that project! I am taking a zero tomorrow. Life is good. Also, going to start the next section w/ mor moderate mileage. I will still be about a day ahead of my proposed schedule, so will take it a little easy. Saw no thru-hikers today. Still tired from yesterday. So, will call it a night. Sure would like to sleep in.
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Zero Day

To: Wild Cat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Perhaps because I was not expecting it, but the section from the NY line to NY Rte 174 was tough and with the exception of the 8 miles in PA (the rocks), my least favorite portion of 1,350+ miles. Enough said. Had trail magic 3 times today. Twice w/ much needed water and once with a pop. It hit the spot. Got ice cream @ Bellvale Farms Creamery and for about 10 minutes I was a celebraty. Had numerous people approach me asking what I was doing. Felt weird to be stared at!One thru-hiker and 4 section hikers are also staying at the shelter. Oh, 2 more just came in. I could tell it was the weekend, a bunch of day hikers were on the trail. Another easy day mileage wise as I am only going 14.3 Works into my plans.