morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-06-14
From: Riprap Parking Lot on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

To: Pinefield Gap on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park
Miles today: 17.0

Day 71. Start of Week #11 - if you can believe it - I certainly cannot! Hiked 17.0 miles from RipRap Parking Lot to Pinefield Gap on Skyline Drive in SNP. Trail conditions and weather were superb and my body parts did not betray me. These factors resulted in a quick and thoroughly delightful hike. During the first hour, while I was apparently asleep, I stepped over a rattlesnake. The hiker directly behind me then yelled ¢snake¢ at top of her lungs. It both scared the snake and me too. It was at this time I must have woken up to get a photograph. Next we entered Blackrock Summit, which has some of the most amazing views in SNP and also some of the largest rocks and boulders on the Trail. Towards lunch time, we were able to overtake ¢Pappy¢ - after all he is 87 years old! Pappy is a thru-hiker who has designs to be the oldest ever thru-hiker on the Trail. (My personal desire is to be the best looking thru-hiker ever on the Trail.) We crossed Skyline Drive multiple times today and executed several stream crossings. Met another new Thru-hiker, McNasty at Pinefield Hut. McNasty is from Virginia and recently retired from the US Army (Wished him Happy B-Day since it is Flag Day and the Army¢s Birthday). Also talked with General at Hut. Great day, but could have been a tad better if Blonde Lady had met me at Trails End. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-15
From: Pinefield Gap on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

To: Pocosin Fire Road in SNP
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: few clouds

Day 72. Hiked from Pinefield Gap in SNP to Pocosin Fire Road in SNP for total of 17.7 miles. Saw several deer, many squirrels and chipmunks, no snakes, and one black bear today. Crossed Skyline Drive several times today and was treated to outstanding vistas each and every time! Unusual tidbit for today: I had no major stream crossings today which is highly unusual! Today¢s highlights: 1) passed 900 official Trail miles today - Yeah! and 2) picked up at Trails End by Blonde Lady! Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-16
From: Pocosin Fire Road in SNP

To: Crescent Rock Overlook in SNP
Miles today: 15.0

Day 73. Hiked 15.0 miles from Pinefield Fire Road to Crescent Rock Overlook in SNP. Had three guest hikers with us today. Harriet (Ozzie¢s wife) hiked the entire section of the trail and provided many interesting insights. Kevin, an FBI Agent, joined us on the Trail and proved to be a very strong hiker. Psych, a retired USAF officer, hiked with us for a short while until I started telling him jokes and then he mysteriously got a burst of energy and hiked away from us! Saw a multitude of day/section hikers today due to excellent weather and free entry into the SNP.  Observed routine flora and fauna in the SNP today with the exception of the superfluous snail that had everyone diverting off the Trail with stark terror. Saw several magnificent views as we cross-crossed Skyline Drive. Trail surface was rocky today which made for slow, deliberate hiking. The best part of the hike was at Trail End where I was not only met by Blonde Lady, but also by my two daughters, Sarah and Grace. What a great Father¢s Day gift!Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-17
From: Crescent Rock Overlook in SNP

To: Brahms Gap
Miles today: 15.4

Day 74. Hiked 15.4 miles from Crescent Rock Overlook to Brahms Gap Overlook, both in SNP. Hike was fairly easy today due to mild temperatures, low humidity, gradual climbs and descents, and fairly smooth trail surface. Saw a multitude of day hikers probably due to good weather and Father¢s Day. Lots of bear activity was reported along Skyline Drive. We saw a large black bear crossing the road on the way to TrailHead. Two separate thru-hikers mentioned to me that they each had seen five bears earlier in their hike. I did encounter numerous squirrels and chipmunks once again today! Saw several individuals rappelling off the rocks. Met by Blonde Lady at Trails End. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-18
From: Brahms Gap in SNP

To: Jenkins Gap in SNP
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: few clouds

Day 75. Hiked 16.9 miles from Beahms Gap to Jenkins Gap, both in SNP. Although it was extremely hot and humid and I drank four liters of water, we completed the hike in less than seven hours. The terrain was somewhat rocky and it had its share of fairly steep ups and downs.  We saw a medium sized black bear and I took several pictures of him. (The black bear got several good pictures of me running away from him!) I also encountered a fairly large copperhead snake as I was filtering water from a spring. Met two new thru-hikers: Stretch (USMA 2010) and Ms Roberts (FL).  Ran into Crayola, who we have not seen in several weeks, at Gravel Springs Gap. Met by Blonde Lady at Trails End. Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-19
From: Jenkins Gap in SNP

To: Manassas Gap in Front Royal
Miles today: 15.9

Day 76.  Hiked 15.9 miles from Jenkins Gap in SNP to Manassas Gap in Front Royal. Completed the entire Shenandoah National Park section today. Trail was mostly mundane today but I did spot some pink and white wild roses next to the Trail that were absolutely beautiful. I also saw one of the most interesting shelters on the AT, the Jim &Molly Denton Shelter. We ate lunch there but did not remain overnite. In addition to the Shelter being superbly maintained, it had a porch area with Adirondack chairs, a horseshoe pit, a gazebo with picnic table, a privy with toilet paper and hand sanitizer, and a solar shower! All the comforts of home!  We were drenched by afternoon thunderstorm only 20 minutes before completing the hike - but it was most welcome since it cooled us off tremendously! Once again met by Blonde Lady who celebrated her birthday today - what a great present - to get to see me looking like a drowned rat! Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-20
From: Manassas Gap in Front Royal

To: Ashby Gap near US 50 and VA 601
Miles today: 12.0

Day 77. Hiked 12.0 miles from Manassas Gap to Ashby Gap near US 50 and VA  601. Easy hike, all things considered - fairly level terrain, cooler temps, lower humidity, few steep climbs or descents and a good breakfast! At start of hike we observed a stone wall that was erected along a short portion of the Trail by persons unknown.  Since we are off Skyline Drive and back into the green tunnel in the forest, we saw no vistas today. However, we did travel through a meadow of Sky Meadows State Park and I was able to rest on a special bench for hikers and I did photograph some flowers that were beautiful and aromatic. Wild life observed today were squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and a box turtle. One unusual tidbit today: I encountered NO section, Day, or Thru-hikers on the Trail today-highly irregular! Once again met by Blonde Lady who then took me out for a milkshake! Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-21
From: Ashby Gap near US 50 and VA 601

To: Snickers Gap
Miles today: 13.9

Day 78. Start of Week #12 on the Trail. Hiked 13.9 miles from Ashby Gap to Snickers Gap. Hiked less than two hours and then we were greeted by RAIN. Crossed several streams with foot bridges today. Trail was extremely muddy and slippery due to massive rains over night. Saw numerous animal tracks in the mud-deer, raccoon, and bear. What a difference a day makes - yesterday we did not see any thru-hikers and today we must have seen 20 different ones, some we knew and others were new like: Sir Charles, Handstand, Pony Boy, Strider, Ray Rack, and Rocky. Entered the Roller Coaster which is a 14 mile stretch of extensive climbs and descents. Should finish this section tomorrow afternoon. Highlight for today - surpassed the 1000 mile mark on the Trail!Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-22
From: Snickers Gap

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 79. Hiked 7.4 miles from Snickers Gap to Blackburn AT Center. The order of business for today was rain, rain, and more rain. And boy did it rain! Most of the hike today was walking up what seemed like deep streams and creeks. There were two stellar highlights to today¢s hike. We finally hiked out of the state of Virginia after being there for 35 days!  Hello West Virginia, state #5. Second and most importantly, one of my college buddies, Howard Hempenius, came to hike the AT with me - and he probably could not have picked a worse day, weather wise! But that did not deter him. He slapped on his pack and donned a poncho and off we went. I had an absolutely grand time walking, talking, and rehashing old memories with him. Blonde Lady picked us up at Trails End, another highlight in itself. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-23
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: light rain

Day 80. Hiked 12.5 miles from Blackburn AT Center to Harpers Ferry.  Ozzie and I hiked without Wander Woman today since she had previously completed this section. We started off in rain (again) and found the Trail to be saturated. As a matter of fact, it was like fording a 12.5 mile wide stream or creek! Saw a couple of interesting plants and flowers which included the milkweed plant that is favored by the Monarch butterfly.  Met three new lady thru-hikers: Sawbones, Squeaks, and Butterfly (not the one that likes the milkweed).  Walked across bridge that spans the Potomac River. This is the river that George Washington supposedly threw a silver dollar across - that is most likely true since a dollar went farther in those days!  We arrived in Harper¢s Ferry and were greeted by Blonde Lady and Howard ¢Dutch¢ Hempenius, a long time friend and classmate. I registered as a thru-hiker with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and then had lunch with Ozzie and Harriet, Blonde Lady, Dutch, and his wife, Maureen. Another great day on the Trail as I bade both hello AND goodbye to the state of West Virginia.  Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-24
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Turners Gap, MD
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 81. Hiked 17.5 miles from Harpers Ferry, WV to Turners Gap, MD. Visited and viewed several historic sites in Harper¢s Ferry before taking the old C&O railroad bridge into my sixth state, Maryland. The level and flat terrain made quick hiking for Ozzie and me. We met a multitude of hikers traveling in the opposite direction which made for exceedingly slow progress when we always paused to talk with them and inform them about thru-hiking. Around 9:00 am the sun made a rare appearance which startled both of us and all other hikers in the region! Later that morning we hiked into Gathland State Park and were treated to invaluable Civil War and turn-of-the-century information. Throughout the day we hiked in numerous areas that were home to Civil War battles and skirmishes. This made for a fun, interesting, and educational experience. The most interesting thing in the State Park was the War Correspondents Monument, which was massive! Had some pretty good views from White Rock Cliffs. Met new thru-hikers: Boomerang and Stair Stepper (father and son) and Send It (Ohio). Met by Blonde Lady and got ice cream at Nutters in Sharpsburg, MD. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-25
From: Turners Gap, MD

To: Raven Rock Road (MD491)
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 82. Hiked 17.5 miles from Turners Gap to Raven Rock Road (MD491).  After hiking less than a mile on the Trail, we arrived at Washington Monument. This monument was built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD and was the first monument to be dedicated to George Washington. From atop the monument you can see the states of Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.  Today¢s hike afforded several scenic views, but was mostly concentrated on stepping on or around an abundance of rocks. Rocks were everywhere and every description! And I hear it gets worse when the Trail enters Pennsylvania which is only five miles away! I did receive Trail Magic today when I crossed the road to Smithsburg. ¢Slug,¢ a Thru-hiker took a zero day so he could supply cold drinks on a hot day to fellow thru-hikers. Water and Gatorade were very much appreciated. Met a new thru-hiker, Round-about-Rath, who is flip-flopping. He started in Massachusetts and is hiking to Georgia. After Georgia, he will return to Massachusetts and then hike to Maine.  Another good day on the Trail except the right knee is complaining much more. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-26
From: Raven Rock Road in Maryland 

To: Rocky Mountain Road in Pennsylvania 
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

Day 83. Hiked 19.2 miles from Raven Rock Road in Maryland to Rocky Mountain Road in Pennsylvania. Started hike on very steep and very rocky upslope as I departed Maryland. Entered Pennsylvania, my 7th state, after hiking only two hours. It is rumored that PA is the rockiest state on the AT. I will let you know. Saw and observed  a large owl for several minutes this morning - it was majestic! Also saw a colorful oriole this afternoon and did not realize how vibrant it¢s plumage was! Crossed the Mason-Dixon Line and entered into northern territory around noon time today. Ozzie and I must have crossed a dozen roads today as we negotiated the Trail. Drivers seem to have little regard for old, slow hikers trying to get to the other side of the road. This is true on not only paved, divided roads, but also gravel and dirt roads! Stopped at three shelters today. We ate lunch at Deer Lick Shelter along with five other thru-hikers and two day hikers. We visited Antietam Shelter and experienced Trail Magic for the second day in a row! Finally we checked out Tumbling Run Shelter which is very unique. This shelter has a floral arrangement on the picnic table which is in a gazebo. It has a clothes line, upscale privy, bear poles, two fire rings, pea gravel common area, and now get this - separate snoring and non-snoring sleeping areas!  All in all a good day. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-27
From: PA233 near Mont Alto State Park

To: Shippenburg Road
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: light rain

Day 84. Hiked 15.9 miles from PA233 near Mont Alto State Park to Shippenburg Road. Hike was fairly easy today with gentle climbs and descents. Weather was slightly cool with frequent rain showers throughout the day. We did have to scramble over some larger rocks in places. We traveled through a short rhododendron tunnel and a small evergreen forest. We passed by a small cabin in the woods that is rented out to certain individuals by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Yesterday I saw what I thought was the best shelter ever on the AT and mentioned it in my comments. Well, what a difference a day makes - I was mistaken! The best shelter is the Quarry Gap Shelter with two sleeping areas, tent pads, porch swing, hanging plants, potted plants around the entire area, a garden bench, two covered picnic tables, bear box, clothes line, and a privy,that for whatever reason,is handicap accessible with a wheelchair ramp! Met by Blonde Lady at Trails End.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-28
From: Shippenburg Road

To: HunterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 85. Hiked 17.4 miles from Shippensburg Road to Hunter's Run. Ozzie only hiked with me in the morning before he departed for several days in Wisconsin. However, during that time, we reached the official and certified halfway mark and also passed the 1100 mile benchmark!  We hiked into Pine Grove Furnace State Park where we visited the AT Museum and saw one of the very first AT shelters (and it was primitive!).  But before we entered the State Park, we experienced Trail Magic. I was treated to a quart of the best and coldest chocolate milk I have ever had! Yum Yum.  In the afternoon I hiked alone and covered over eight miles in 2 1/2 hours, which was moving fairly quickly. Met new thru-hikers: Newt (MD), Butch Cassidy, and Sundance Kid. I neglected to report yesterday that I met a family of Thru-hikers: Chin Strap (Dad), Yertl (Mom), John Travolta(Son), Squeaks (Daughter), and Funshine (Daughter) all from Minnesota.  Excellent temperature for hiking and  gentle ups and downs made for Happy Trails. Blonde Lady greeted me at Trails End.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-29
From: HunterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run

To: Trindle Road (PA641)
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 86. Hiked 14.9 miles from Hunter¢s Run to Trindle Road (PA 641). Today was a taxing hike because the heat and humidity were high. Traveled through a rock maze about three miles into hike that was both challenging and fun. I actually had to scramble over several rock formations. Thru-hikers, Safety and Sir Charles, both passed me at different times after the maze. During the hike in the morning, I was feeling somewhat drained and then I received a cell phone call from Ed Talley that boosted my spirits and even put a little pep in my step! I met Rebound, who was slack packing south bound, and about a dozen other section hikers today. Around noon, I entered the town of Boiling Springs where I visited the local ATC, topped off my water, and had a quick snack. The Trail in the afternoon was flat and muddy. Several miles of the Trail passed through corn and wheat fields in the open sun, which made for hotter hiking! Met new thru-hikers: Prime and Elmo, both from Alabama. Blonde Lady was once again at Trails End.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-06-30
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

Days 87-88. Took two zero days to visit Brenda¢s sisters and Mom. Mom is recovering well from minor stroke in HealthSouth. On Saturday visited REI in Baltimore and purchased new pair of trail runner shoes. Attempted to get hiking poles repaired, but no luck! On Sunday attended church at Grace Baptist in Lewisberry, PA. Good service and made to feel most welcome. After church, picked Ozzie up from Harrisburg Intl Airport and transported him to Pine Grove Furnance State Park to start backpacking in an effort to marry up with me later this week. Hope to have Wander Woman with us by Thursday also. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-07-02
From: PA 641

To: PA 850
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Day 89. Back on the Trail after two days off - which felt like an eternity! Hiked 12.4 miles alone from PA 641 to PA 850 while waiting for Ozzie and Wander Woman to catch up with me so we can continue our trek to Katahdin. Ed Talley called me on Saturday to inform me that he and Brad Miller had hiked 5 miles at Steele Creek Park in 1 1/2 hours that morning. He challenged me to do the same. Well, all things NOT being equal, I accepted the challenge today since I would be hiking solo. The terrain was relatively flat but the heat index reached 110 at noon. Temps were in the high 90s all day. I started the hike in mid-morning and completed the 12.4 miles in 3:40 hours and 4 liters of water! I think that was comparable to Ed and Brad. Challenge met! Passed several major road crossings today like I-81, US 11, and the PA Turnpike, as well as numerous other paved and gravel roads. Much of todays hike was through corn fields and in direct sun. Used several fence stiles to transit farmer fields with various livestock. Ventured upon a seven foot black snake that got my heart beating a little faster! Stopped for lunch at Darlington Shelter with a privy named Taj Mahal - a two holer!  Met new thru-hikers: Spot (PA), EasyBake (TX), and Wingman (MI).  Received Trail Magic at Trails End in the form of ice cold drinks and ice cream - what a welcome and needed treat! Picked up by Blonde Lady once again. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos Ive posted on trail journals under photos.
Date: 2018-07-03
From: Zero Day

To: Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Day 90. Took another zero day in order to allow Ozzie and Wander Woman to marry up with me. Tomorrow we will be slack packing together for the first time in almost 2 weeks! During the zero day, I took Blonde Lady out to lunch and then shopping at a mall in York, Pennsylvania. While in the mall, as incredible as it may seem, we ran into our daughter Sarah¢s best friend from King College.  Amy had just recently moved to this area with her husband.
Date: 2018-07-04
From: PA 850 Trail Head

To: Susquehanna River
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: light rain

Day 91 and the completion of 13 weeks on the Trail. The Three Amigos are reunited again! Hiked from PA 850 Trail Head to the Susquehanna River, a 10.9 mile hike on this hot and humid Independence Day! Met new north bound thru-hikers: CC (CA), EasyWind (MD), and Snail Trainer (Eng). Met south bounder on only  his second day on the Trail and named him View Finder. He is from NY but started the Trail at Duncannon, PA because of the views he found on the internet! Today¢s trail was rated very rocky for almost six miles, but I found it no more difficult  or demanding than stretches of the Trail in any of the other states. I did sight several scenic views and I was able to photograph a ballistic box turtle on the Trail! The Trail today not only went through the mountains, but also through fields and the town of Duncannon. Nice way to spend Independence Day reflecting on our freedom and how we continue to remain free. Blonde Lady met us at Trails End once again. Happy Trails.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.
Date: 2018-07-05
From: Susquehanna Riverr

To: PA 325
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: broken clouds

Day 92. Started Week #14 by hiking 15.9 miles from Susquehanna River to PA 325. Temperature was very hot and humidity was very high. The Trail was difficult today because of the extensive rock fields. I had to be extremely careful with foot placement in order to not turn an ankle or twist a knee. Hiking proved to be very slow. Water sources were very scarce today also.  Several scenic views were noted when a power line crossed the Trail. Other than visiting Peters Mountain Shelter little was remarkable concerning the hike with the exception of the huge quantity and huge size of the rocks! Met a Trails End By Blonde Lady in the White Volvo.Be sure to check out all the photos I¢ve posted on trail journals under ¢photos¢.