morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up early this morning and packed up all my wet stuff. Had a couple of good climbs today and lots of wet trail. Parts of the trail were literally a creek. All the rocks were slippery and me and Buffalo each took a spill. Feet are really wet and hurting a little bit. We decided not to stay at the shelter and push the extra 5 miles into town. Staying at Grace Lutheran Hostel. They have a room with cots and showers. We also got a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread and salad. Then ice cream, brownies and cheesecake. All this for free, they just ask for a donation. The evening turned sunny, so I was able to dry my stuff out. It is official, my phone is broken, don't know when I will be able to get into a Verizon store. Don't know when I will be able to post again either. Going to the post office tomorrow and Krogers to resupply before entering Shenandoah National Park tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up this morning and went to Weasies for the AYCE Pancake Challenge. Buffalo won so I had to carry out a beer for him. It was 12 to 7. Got a ride from Bill Gallagher to the Verizon store. Luckily my phone is under warranty but I don't get it until Front Royal, VA. He then drove my back to Krogers. I resupplied then went to the P.O. to send a mail drop ahead to Harpers Ferry, WV and picked up a mail drop from my Dad and Nina. Beef jerky, sticks and cheese, peanuts, jelly bellies, and trail mix. Thank you guys so much, trust me I will eat it quickly. Got hot dogs, buns, mustard and ketchup to pack out to the shelter tonight for dinner. Hitched a ride back to the trail and entered Shenandoah National Park, made it to the shelter and started boiling dogs.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 26.2
Weather: broken clouds

Felt very full this morning after eating 8 hot dogs. Pushed on to Loft Mtn Wayside, basically an expensive restaurant in the Shenandoahs with basic food. Had an early dinner. Cheeseburger, two blackberry milkshakes and a blackberry sundae. Got there just as the rain started, got lucky this time. Saw a deer walk right up to the wayside. Going to bed early, not cookig dinner, too full.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in this morning, which felt good for a change. Left around 7:40. Buffalo and me set off for Lewis Mtn Campstore. Hit it by mid afternoon. It had all the snacks you could think of and they had 99 cent beers. Ate 2 moonpies, cheerwine cake, Dr. Wham, milk, chocolate milk, cheese, sandwich, pepperoni and a snickers ice cream bar. Carried out a six pack to the shelter. Well while I was at the shelter socializing, the problem bear in the area decided to come destroy my tent, even though my food bag was hung on the bear pole. Buffalo was in his tent only about 15ft away while this was happening and he could hear crunching. My tent is totally destroyed. I will have to sleep in the shelters until I get to Harpers Ferry, WV and can get a new tent.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the shelter this morning and saw six deer, a black bear and a bobcat. Made it to Big Meadows Wayside with Buffalo and Professor for breakfast. Had an egg, ham and cheese biscuit and biscuits and gravy and a blackberry milkshake. Later we made it to Skyland Resort and went to the Tap Room for an early dinner. Had a cheeseburger, blackberry ice cream pie and some beer, a couple of pepsi's and candy.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Byrd's Nest #3 Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

Left the shelter this morning and took a quick detour out to Mary's Rock. Probably the best view we had in the Shenandoah's. Hiked on towards Elkwallow Wayside, the last one in the park and we took advantage of it. Chicken strips, snacks, milkshakes and some beer. Made it to the sheeter, which was crowded. Sleeping in here again until I get my tent, sigh.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter and hauled butt to Terrapin Station Hostel, where my cell phone was waiting for me. Left the park boundaries, which I was excited about. The only nice thing about Shenandoah was the waysides and campstores, too many tourists and day hikers and crossing Skyline Drive 10 times a day kind of sucked. Sweated like crazy to the shelter this afternoon, where in the book, it said it had a solar shower, this was not the case. Supposedly the shower has been broken since 2007. Hanging here with Buffalo, German Shepherd and Professor. Can't wait to get my tent.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 28.2
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter this morning and the day went by pretty quick. Decided to push on to Bears Den Hostel. Entered the roller coaster, 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents. The hostel was about 9 miles into it. I got to the hostel and I was dripping in sweat it looked like I jumped in a pool. I got the hiker special for $27.50. It included bunk, shower, laundry, soda, pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Well worth it, plus I added another pint of ice cream to it. Here with Buffalo, Ben and Cayenne.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: clear sky

Left the hostel early this morning and finished the roller coaster. Made it to Harpers Ferry, WV, 4 states down, 10 more to go. I am happy to leave Virginia, it is the longest state on the trail, my phone broke in VA and my tent got destroyed by a black bear. In Harpers Ferry I went to the ATC headquarters and had my picture taken and put in the album and I found out I was hiker number 200 to pass through. I left Amicalola, back in Ga, as hiker 467. So somewhere along the way I have passed 267 people, either literally passed them or some have dropped out due to illness or other circumstances. Went to the outfitter and got a new tent, finally, I am very happy. Weighed myself on their scale and it said I was down to 166lbs, I started at 187. Then went and checked in at the Towns Inn in historic Harpers Ferry, right next to the AT. The building was built in the 1840s. The town is very neat and full of history, I would love to come back later and spend the weekend here. Splitting a room with Buffalo, Professor and Portrait.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I was going to leave today, but I decided to take a zero day in Harpers Ferry. Ran into Porter and Pace at Secret Six Tavern. Good to see them, I haven't seen them since Atkins, VA. Splitting a room at the Comfort Inn with Buffalo, German Shepard and Cayenne. Ready to hit the trail tomorrow and get to Duncannon, PA for a weekend off.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: US 40
Miles today: 22.4

Left Harpers Ferry this morning around 10. Crossing the Potomac and walking along it was pretty neat. Crossed the WV/MD stateline today. 5 states down, 9 more to go. Crossed a lot of Civil War historical spots today. Also made it to Washington Monument. A monument made out of stone by citizens in Maryland, I believe back in the early 1800s. Climbed to the top and had a view out to WV and PA. Made it to Dogpatch Tavern with German Shepard and Cayenne. Had an awesome pit ham sandwich and some PBR. The owner let us camp there behind the building. Ready to get through Maryland tomorrow.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: US 40

To: Falls Creek Campsite
Miles today: 19.1

Left the tavern this morning and started towards PA. Passed a huge Boy Scout Troop today, it almost feels overwhelming being surrounded by all the noise and questions after being in the woods for a couple of months. Made it to Pen Mar Park, where there was a lot of people out for Memorial Day. Too bad I couldn't score some food. But I went to the consesion stand and got some hot dogs and ice cream. Crossed the MD/PA border after that. 6 states down, 8 more to go. Made it to the campground where I ran into Buffalo again, he did the four state challenge with Porter and Pace yesterday. Four states(45miles) in one day, VA/WV/MD/PA. He zeroed here at the campsite. Here with him, German Shepard, Cayenne, River Rat and his girlfriend. Also, I just found out that the story about my tent is on whiteblaze.net and has over 5000 views. Some of the peoples versions are inaccurate, but whatever.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Falls Creek Campsite

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

Forgot to mention yesterday that I crossed the Mason Dixon Line when I entered PA, so I am officially in the north. Left the campground and ran into Portrait, had lunch near Rocky Mountain Shelter and we scored some food from some weekender's who were getting off the trail today. Buffalo, German Shepard and Lemur caught up and we all walked into Caledonia State Park and got some trail magic. Annette from Michigan had fruit, candy and soda. Made it to the shelter after that, one of the best so far.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Random Campsite
Miles today: 19.6

Woke up and headed towards the halfway point. Hit Toms Run Shelter and waited for Buffalo, German Shepard, Cayenne and Portrait and we all crossed the halfway point together about .5 miles later. Lots of celebration and pictures, halfway done, sweet. Made it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park and did the half gallon challenge. You try to eat a half gallon of ice cream in under 30 minutes. Me, Buffalo and German Sheppard did it. I chose cherry jubilee, did it in 25 minutes and topped it off with a cherry coke. Then we all went swimming in Fuller Lake and went to the AT museum. After that I headed back to the trail to head towards Duncannon, while they all stayed at the hostel in Pine Grove. Feels weird to be camping by myself after a few weeks of always having someone else here with me. Oh well. The weather is starting to get really hot and the bugs are coming out. I hear them buzzing all on the outside of my tent, luckily.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Random Campsite

To: Little Dogwood Run Campsite
Miles today: 12.9

Left the campsite later than usual this morning, maybe because it was hot and I was sweating all night. Crossed PA34 and made a quick detour to Green Mountain Store only .2 miles off the trail. Got a sub, ice cream bar, chocolate milk and chips. Went back in for a pint of ice cream, red velvet cake ice cream by Hershey, not afiliated with hersheys chocolate. Ateast that's what it said on the container. Two gatorades and an RC. Plus I ate my own lunch from my food bag. Im sure my body appreciates the extra calories. Another hot day today, but a cool front is supposed to come through tonight and knock down these higher than normal temperatures. Pushing a little further tomorrow to get closer to Duncannon. Its gonna be nice to get off for a day and let the body rest.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Little Dogwood Run Campsite

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

Porter and Pace came into the campsite lastnight and we all talked and sat around the fire and smoked a couple of cigars they packed out of town. Woke up this morning and got a little bit of a late start. Walked through a big corn field on the way into Boiling Springs, PA and got some trail magic. A 12 pack of Pepsi in the field. Walked into town and went by the ATC mid atlantic office. Crazy Goose and Ducky were there and offered me some leftover pizza for breakfast, which I accepted. Went to the fly fishing outfitter and bought a neat rainbow trout coffee mug and went to the PO to mail it home. Met Porter and Pace at Caffe 101 and had french toast and coffee. Boiling Springs is another nice, quaint town. Hiked with Porter and Pace the rest of the day. Flat walking today through huge corn and wheat fields and pastures. The temp wax excellent and had a nice breeze all day. We went to Middlesex Diner in Carlisle, PA for lunch. Turkey club sandwich and a slice of coconut cream pie. Hiked on to the shelter after that. Here with Porter, Pace, Crazy Goose, Ducky and Hand Me Down. The temp is supposed to get to 48 tonight, looking forward to it.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Duncannon by 12 and went straight to the Doyle, a hotel built in the early 1900 by Anheuser Busch. It has a bar on the bottom and hotel rooms on the above floors. Met Porter and Pace there and had some lunch and beers with them, which Porter bought, thank you very much. Then Momma and Poppa Pace came and we all sat at the table talking. I had another lunch and beer which they bought, thank you guys very much. Great people. Waited around town until about 5 when Emily, Terry and baby Lakin picked me up. I don't think Lakin liked my hiker funk, because he started crying when I got in the car. We drove over to Middletown to Kerry and Eric's house, which was amazing. If I remember right it was built in the 1830s, was used in the underground railroad to hide slaves between the attic and basement and then as a pharmacy in the 1960s. I took a shower and my feet almost made Eric and Kerry throw up. They had some of this friends show up, Jim, Christine and Stacey. We had steak and plenty of MooseHead. They all made me feel very welcome. Then around 11 Kerry went to get a pack of cigarettes and came back. At about 11:30 Brittany came walking around the corner and surprised me, it was so awesome to get to see her for the first time in about 70 days. Kerry's trip to get cigarettes was really to go pick up Brittany at the airport, tricksters. What a great day!
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Duncannon, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After staying up until 2:30 in the morning we had a late start today. We all went to an Indian restaurant in Harrisburg, which was a first for Brittany and me, and got to meet Rob. Then Kerry gave us a tour of Harrisburg and showed us the capitol building, which is probably the nicest one I have ever seen. Then we briefly stopped by Bass Pro, which was huge compared to the ones I have been in. Then we went to Hershey's Chocolate World. Rode the ride through the "factory" and watched a 3d movie. Bought plenty of chocolate also. The place is huge, has an amusement park, arena for concerts and the street lights are shaped like Hershey kisses. Went home and took a quick break then headed to Jay and Christine's for another cookout. Same people as lastnight, plus Becca, Kevin, Darby and Mike, I think were the names. Once again everybody made me and Brittany feel very welcome. Headed back home and went to bed, very tired. Another great day.
Date: 2011-06-05
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

Woke up and went to Brownstones, an old bank now a restaurant, for breakfast. After breakfast Emily, Terry and Lakin left. It was great to see them and to finally see Lakin. I went upstairs and finished packing and Eric and Kerry gave me and Brittany a ride to Wal Mart on the way to Duncannon. Grabbed some quick resupplies and was out. Got back to Duncannon and dropped off at the Doyle. Went inside and Pace was there, he got to meet Brittany. Said my goodbye to Brittany, it was a wet one and they drove off. I just want to say thanks to everyone back in Middletown who made Brittany and me feel very welcome and like one of the family. Thanks to Kerry and Eric for letting us shack up at your place. Thanks to Emily and Terry for picking me up. And thanks to everyone that helped with Brittany flying up here and keeping it a surprise. I started to leave Duncannon and felt like crap. I think not enough sleep. I was crossing a bridge and Kerry, Eric and Brittany drove past me, they said they stopped at an antique store. What's funny is, I walked across two bridges that we drove across to drop me off at the Doyle. Crossed the Susquehanna River and then went up into the woods. The whole time I was sweating and felt bad. I found a campsite just south of the shelter, stopped, setup camp and passed out at 7:30.
Date: 2011-06-06
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Tried to sleep in a little bit this morning, didn't get started until about 9. Felt a little bit better but very tired. Hiking seemed very ling today, no views and hot. Made it to a campsite with a creek just south of the shelter. Cooking dinner and then going to bed early again.
Date: 2011-06-07
From: Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Slept in again this morning and I am feeling better. Had a pretty nice walk today, had to take my shoes off to wade a creek. Then it got hot and I ran out of water for around 6-7 miles, which has happened before, but not in this heat. It sucked but I finally hit a water source. They are calling for a heat index of 100 tomorrow. Made it to the shelter, which has a caretaker. There is a solar shower, that I took advantage of and a spigot for water. Also, pizza can be delivered here, so I took advantage. Ordered a medium pizza, pretty much loaded and a Pepsi, feeling better now.
Date: 2011-06-08
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Another hot day today and a late start this morning. Saw a deer this morning. At lunch I found a deer tick in my elbow. They are so tiny I could barely see him, I probably have more on me and don't know it. Hot, sweaty, bugs, mosquito's, rocks, copperheads and rattlesnakes in the rocks, poison ivy and deer ticks. Pennsylvania you are one hell of a state, but I'm not going to let you break me. Only 85 more miles and I'm in New Jersey. Made it to the shelter by 3:30 and called it a day. It will be a short walk to Hamburg tomorrow and to Cabelas.
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 9.3

Got up early this morning to try to beat the heat, it didn't work. I saw a groundhog when I was scrambling over some rocks. I had a really steep climb down to Port Clinton, walked over to the P.O. on the corner of hwy 61 and put the thumb out. Didn't take to long and a truck stopped and gave me a ride to Hamburg. Checked in at the Microtel and saw Porter, Pace, Deva and Crop Duster. Showered and did some laundry. Headed over to Wal Mart and when I left a good size storm started blowing through. So I went over to Logans Roadhouse and ate some dinner while the storm passed. Headed to Cabelas tomorrow to get some new shoes. I am really dissapointed in my Montrails, they only have 500 miles on them and are falling apart, I could of got rid of them about 50 miles ago. My first pair of shoes at the beginning were North Face shoes and I got 850 miles on them, 120 from last year. So I am definately thinking about getting some North Face shoes tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-10
From: Hamburg, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Slept in a little bit and went to the continental breakfast. Hung out for a while and then went to Cabelas. I spent a few hours there, but they didn't have everything I wanted. I think I like Bass Pro Shops a little better, as far as selections. They did not have any North Face shoes so I had to go with a pair of Merrell's. I hope they hold up pretty good. Had lunch in their restaurant, seafood buffet, pretty good. Went back to the hotel and just hung out for the rest of the day.
Date: 2011-06-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

When I woke up I was still feeling kind of crappy, runny nose and fever. I went back and forth on staying another day and I decided I would. I just had to move rooms. I am happy with the decision, I have one more full day to relax and I already feel a little better. Right now I am 55% done with the trail, so I figure I deserve my first double zero anyways. Hanging out the rest of the day and going to Cracker Barrel for dinner. Ill be ready to hit the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up this morning feeling better. Took my time getting ready and called Cabelas to ask about their shuttle service to the trail. Unfortunately, they can not do it until 11:30. That is too late so I just walk down the highway to the trail, trying to hitch but no success this time. Stopped at Windsor Furnace Shelter for lunch and ran into River Rat, Giggle, Sherpa and Sprout. I haven't seen River Rat since Pen Mar Park, Pa and I haven't seen Sherpa and Sprout since somewhere outside of Damascus, Va. It was nice to see all of them. Made it to the shelter for the night and it is another shelter with a caretaker. It has a shower, flushing toilet and water spigot. All great things to take advantage of. Also, I ran into Cayenne at the shelter, but she moved ahead. She thought that I was way ahead of her, but after time off in Duncannon and in Hamburg, she caught up to me. It was good seeing her too. Going to bed early tonight.
Date: 2011-06-13
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early this morning to get a jump start on some of the miles while it is still cool out. Had lunch on Knife Edge, really good view. While hiking I saw some commotion on both sides of the trail. On one side was a baby turkey and on the other side it was a hen. She started freaking out and making noises, then they both ran off. Made it to the shelter, here with Napless, a section hiker getting off tomorrow. Feel tired tonight, long day full of rock scrambles.
Date: 2011-06-14
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

Slept in a little this morning. The weather was great all day. Had a very neat rock climb out of Lehigh Gap with a good view back to town. I had to put my trekking poles away and use my hands for some of the climbing. Walked with ToTo for a couple of hours today. I have been seeing him off and on since TN. Rain came through this evening and now the wind is picking up. Pushing to Delaware Water Gap tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-15
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

Got an early start this morning so I could get to town at a decent time. The day went quick. Made it to Kirkridge Shelter and had lunch then pushed into Delaware Water Gap. Went to Church of the Mountain Hostel and met up with Toto. We went to Water Gap for dinner and then I checked into Pocono Inn. We walked to the bus stop to take the bus to nearby Stroudsburg to go to Wal Mart but we missed it so we call a taxi. Went to the laundromat so Toto could do laundry then to Wal Mart to resupply. Back at the hotel now and my phone is acting up again. I can't make phone calls or text. I couldn't get online for a while either but now I can. Verizon his sending me another phone when I get to NY.
Date: 2011-06-16
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Rattlesnake Spring Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

Took advantage of the hotel this morning and left town late. Crossed the Delaware River and entered New Jersey. Seven states down, seven more to go. Had lunch by the river at the Kittatiny visitor center. Walked by Sunfish Pond, a glacier pond and one of the seven natural wonders of New Jersey. Found some blueberries and ate them on top of Kittatiny Mtn. After a lookout tower I saw a deer cross a gravel road to the left of the trail. Made it to the campsite, Pickle is camped her also. While I was eating dinner a deer came out of the woods, walked through camp and about 15 feet in front of Pickles tent.