morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-06
From: Duncannon

To: Clarks Ferry
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: overcast clouds

1150.91163'Clarks Ferry ShelterWe woke up this morning and determined that we would take another Zero to let my rib and ankle heal a bit and pass on the 100% chance rain day. Patrick, our new trail angel who took us to the Inn last night picked us up thus morning to take us back to the trail. We treated him to breakfast over which he talked us into hiking on. The trail was varied and mostly not to difficult but about a mile and a half stretch was all about finding our way through a slippery Boulder field at the ridge of the mountains.   Yep, I fell again but with no further injury. This time as the last time it was my pole slipping out from under me that caused the fall. Today if I stepped down too far, my rib hurt. If I pushed myself up with the poles or a rock or let myself down with my pole or a rock or a tree, my rib hurt. If I twisted my ankle, it hurt my ankle and my rib. If I stubbed my toe, my rib hurt. We prayed and prayed for our family back home and kept walking through the cold rain. We didn't stop for a rest or a snack or a drink. Even when I fell, it was get up and moving again as quickly as possible in order to stay warm. We are sharing this shelter so far with Nibbles and Cookie. Stuck, who started in Georgia stopped in to get warm but thinks he will be going on to the next shelter.   I will be ordering a sleeping pad for shelter visits as soon as possible. There was only room to set up one hammock in here and not really that. It has not stopped raining. Hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Date: 2016-05-07
From: Clarks Ferry

To: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA
Miles today: 6.7

1157.61131'Pocket, Grey blaze, Ebu, Almost, Pete, Be Happy, we're just a few of the many, many hikers we met today. The shelter we are at is full and there are several tents outside.The trail today between the last shelter and thus one was relatively easy. There were a couple of spots we had to boulder climb and the trail was littered with rocks of various sizes but there were long stretches where it was relatively level. Still be made less than a mile per hour due to my ankle and rib. Even people who claimed they were old and had joint issues passed us like we were standing still.Section hikers built a big fire and are talking well past hiker midnight. BUT they brought and shared homemade cookies and Pringles.Bob was able to hang both our hammocks in the shelter tonight but I had to climb up onto the table to get into mine. The next shelter is 18 miles away so it looks like I'll be digging a hole Monday morning. At least I have a privy for Mother's Day Morning.We continue to pour our hearts out to God as we hike with heartbreaking news from home and ready to give up the hike at moments notice should we find that support systems fail.
Date: 2016-05-08
From: Peters Mountain Shelter, PA

To: tent site 
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

1162.61388' Once upon a time a squire and his maiden were walking through the woods searching for something to cheer the hearts of their princesses. The sun and the trees made the trail dappled with light and shadow. Suddenly a large black butterfly landed on the trail before them.   It's wings were spread out showing the bright irredescent blue on the tail. "Quick!" said the maiden we must capture a picture for our sweet Princesses.   The squire tried to get the camera set in time but just as he was about to take the picture the haughty butterfly flew away with her nose in the air.   The maiden called out softly, please come back. Our Princess would be so cheered by a picture of you.   The black butterfly ignored her pleas. A little blue -violet butterfly danced around the maidens head and offered to let them take a picture of her. But when she came to a stop on the trail, she was unable to keep her wings open and with them closed, she looked just like all the brown leaves that were scattered on the trail. Sadly the maiden rejected her offer. A larger red-orange butterfly flew by and also offered to let them take a picture of her for the princesses. Again however, when this butterfly posed for the picture it also was unable to keep its beautiful wings open and so it too blended in with the leaves on the ground. Once again, the maiden had to reject the offer.Just as the squire and the maiden were about to give up, a very large yellow butterfly flew three times around the squires head then three times around the maidens head then landed on the ground before then keeping her wings spread wide. "Oh, Thank you," smiled the maiden and the squire took the picture. Then the squire and the maiden posted the picture here for all the princes and the princesses of the kingdom to see.
Date: 2016-05-09
From: tent site 

To: tent site
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: overcast clouds

1171.01479I hope the grandkids are enjoying the trail names of some of the people we meet.Yesterday and today,we met many new faces:Step and a Half Mushroom Maji(Doc) Rock (told me the name odd the operation I had as a kid and a lot more info but I had no way to take notes)Lois and Clark (thinks he is superman)Cosmos Atlas Boodie (yes, named after his rear)SeemMostlyKtrain Thirty-eight Christmas Tree NiraLead Dog (a lady) Slim Jim (slim is an understatement)Goose Sonic Pineapple Briscut Today we did a little higher mileage but the trail was not as difficult as usual. There was a long section, maybe three miles that was constant up,up, up. Seemed like at between a 30-45 degree angle most the way.   We met a man going SOBO(southbound). He was Norwegian maybe. He told us the way ahead of us would be easy so he obviously didn't have a great handle on the English language. Lots of rocks but only a couple of short boulder fields to cross, so maybe that meant easy to him. Knowing that my granddaughter started her chemo today kept our heart aching and our prayers constant. I am surprised I didn't fall. My rib is doing much better. I met a man yesterday who was a foot specialist (see above). He said my problem is likely going to be chronic whether I take time off or not. He made some good suggestions. I think I need new shoes and that would help some. I have some ready to be sent. It is just so hard to figure when we will be places. We are so slow!   We will be completely out of food by the time we reach a "possible" resupply. But we keep hiking.Zip -tie keeps getting further and further ahead. We wish her well! Everyone passes us. We don't pass anyone. That's okay. We keep hiking. We are at a large tensite and TowTruck who took done days off is here as well as several others.   We are too tired to visit.While we were setting up camp a doe wandered along the trail. She looked straight at us and took a few steps toward us. Then casually left. Bob was able to capture a picture but not get it in focus.   .
Date: 2016-05-10
From: tent site

To: 443 and 72
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: clear sky

1171.01479I hope the grandkids are enjoying the trail names of some of the people we meet.Yesterday and today,we met many new faces:Step and a Half Mushroom Maji(Doc) Rock (told me the name odd the operation I had as a kid and a lot more info but I had no way to take notes)Lois and Clark (thinks he is superman)Cosmos Atlas Boodie (yes, named after his rear)SeemMostlyKtrain Thirty-eight Christmas Tree NiraLead Dog (a lady) Slim Jim (slim is an understatement)Goose Sonic Pineapple Briscut Today we did a little higher mileage but the trail was not as difficult as usual. There was a long section, maybe three miles that was constant up,up, up. Seemed like at between a 30-45 degree angle most the way.   We met a man going SOBO(southbound). He was Norwegian maybe. He told us the way ahead of us would be easy so he obviously didn't have a great handle on the English language. Lots of rocks but only a couple of short boulder fields to cross, so maybe that meant easy to him. Knowing that my granddaughter started her chemo today kept our heart aching and our prayers constant. I am surprised I didn't fall. My rib is doing much better. I met a man yesterday who was a foot specialist (see above). He said my problem is likely going to be chronic whether I take time off or not. He made some good suggestions. I think I need new shoes and that would help some. I have some ready to be sent. It is just so hard to figure when we will be places. We are so slow!   We will be completely out of food by the time we reach a "possible" resupply. But we keep hiking.Zip -tie keeps getting further and further ahead. We wish her well! Everyone passes us. We don't pass anyone. That's okay. We keep hiking. We are at a large tensite and TowTruck who took done days off is here as well as several others.   We are too tired to visit.While we were setting up camp a doe wandered along the trail. She looked straight at us and took a few steps toward us. Then casually left. Bob was able to capture a picture but not get it in focus. (See Photo)  .At the end of today's trail I had to cross a stream via a tree trunk. I was on my hands and knees shortly after starting. The water was rushing under "the bridge"
Date: 2016-05-12
From: William Penn Shelter PA

To: 501 
Miles today: 4.2
Weather: overcast clouds

1193.11459'We were up and at 'em quicker than anyone this morning and we had hot oatmeal and hot chocolate. It actually took awhile for anyone to pass us. They must have been taking their time with breakfast. HA! The trail was relatively easy again today. There was maybe 3/4 of a mile of boulders but, again, it was not raining and they were kind of fun. We had a short day today only going to the 501 shelter. At this shelter it is a tradition to order Pizza but our friends, No Regrets and Fifty -six, had already ordered and were willing to split the cost with us. Bob and I set up our hammocks and joint tarp using our three tree set up. I am really looking forward to being able to sleep comfortably, more comfortable than a motel bed and definitely more comfortable than the floor of a shelter. The shelter is full of thru-hikers that started in Georgia, the beginning of the bubble has caught up with us.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Hwy 183 Rock and Soul Hostel

To: Shoes and pads and ankle rest
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zip-tie went on her way today. Funny how I love that girl knowing her for such a short time. She is totally awesome hiking this trail by herself, keeping her faith, and cheering all hikers as she goes. Finished her blog from the start and I see why she is doing so well. She did a much better job of preparing for this hike. Hope to see her again but in reality it is unlikely as she will be several days ahead tomorrow. She has already covered that portion of the trail Bob and I will be doing tomorrow and the next day. The hostel she introduced us to is beyond awesome. Staying in hostels and getting to know locals is a part of the trail experience. The owner of this one is a retired state police officer. He is young. Although the official name of the place is Rock and Sole, he calls it his "shed and breakfast" though the price of a stay also includes a dinner.   His wife is a premiere cook.   Tonight we had Chicken Florentine and a delicious salad followed by Banana cake. For breakfast we had an egg/veggie casserole with crumbled sausage and toast along with a bowl of cut fresh fruit. The first night we had some pulled pork sandwiches, spinach / strawberry salad, potato gratin, and coleslaw. I would love to be adopted by this family. Today we took a zero and picked up my package from the post office (my new shoes) along with a sweet card from my son and daughter in law and two of my sweet grandchildren.   I love your artwork Whitney and Claire. Thank you. Thank you also Ashley. We also went to Cabella's and purchased the sleeping pads I wanted, a smaller knife for Bob and a new headlamp for me. Mine does not work right when it is misty. I hope this one will. No way to test that out. We would have packages ready to send to John to hold for us but we accidentally picked up a military flat rate box instead of a regular one. We will go to church with our hosts in the morning then they will take us to the trail and we will see if we can do a whole day in a half day when slack packing. Craig, the owner, told us about a way up to the trail (half the distance to Port Clinton) that supposedly passes some nice waterfalls. We will see. It is called Sandy Springs Trail. It means 2 1/2 miles longer walk tomorrow and Monday (5 extra miles total) but doable miles in the two days. My foot hurt like crazy this morning but settled down this afternoon. I am not sure what is up with that ankle. The 5 extra miles will not show in our totals as they are not AT miles. Bob and I have the hostel to ourselves tonight. It is very nice.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: PA 183

To: Port Clinton Pavillion
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

14.51217.0I am so exhausted but feel like I need to write something. We are currently hanging from the corners of a very large Pavillion at the edge of Port Clinton, PA. Bob and I doubled up on one corner. Every other corner is also taken by a hammock. The pavilion is about 84x36. There is a privy we can use across the street and down a little. This is important information. We picked up a refill of water as we were walking through town from a spigot labeled "hikers welcome."We did the trail from 183 to Port Clinton in two parts. The first part we did after church on Sunday slack packing ( caring only snacks and water). The second part we did today. Yesterday was a beautiful for the most part and if today had been the same and if I had the same energy we might have made it to the campsite on the other side of town, but it was not and I had not.   I never had energy today and trail was rough. The miles listed for today are really split between Yesterday and today. Between yesterday and today some of the people we met were:Tribe, Goldie, Warrior, Rabbit, Lightning, Popeye and Olive Oil, Gilligan and Maryanne, Faceplant (yes, he did), Draggin, Melted Soul. There were many more but who can keep track.Yesterday it hailed beebee sized hail on us for 10 minutes then the sun came out. Today it was very hard to find a good place to rest. We kept our eyes open for the right place but much like a familiar fairy tale; that log was too short (I would bender be able to get up off of it), that rock is too high ( to hard to get on), that log /rock is just right ( tall enough that I can stand up when we are ready to go, yet short enough that I can sit comfortably and still take care of toe issues. Yes, I have toe issues.The calculation of miles on this journal is silk messed up. I either just messed it up somehow or it has been messed up all along and I am just now seeing it. Anyway, we are just short of 200 trip miles upon reaching mile 1217.0 as we did today. It will be 300 miles at mile 1223.1
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Port Clinton Pavillion

To: Windsor Furnace 
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

1222.9No matter what our auto calculated totals say, we are in fact .2 miles from reaching our 200 miles as we started in Harpers Ferry at the 1023.1 mile.Today we had a quick cup of oatmeal then packed up to head out. We stopped by the Barber Shop to get a free cup of coffee and visit with the local Barber, Frank. He told us of his rodeo days which brought him to Texas on occasion and his music days. He had enough instruments to have a jazz band playing and sometimes he does. Bob went ahead and got his hair cut but left his beard soft for my sake. We finally headed out of Port Clinton at 10:45. We were going only to the first shelter but for us that was enough. We had a long steep climb out of the village then down up down up down through plenty of rock fields and one large boulder field. I developed a large, very large blister on my heel. I stopped to treat it several times and even resorted to a needle which I never do normally. I am not sure it helped as the blister refilled faster than anything would come out. On the same foot I have an ingrown toenail on the big toe also has a blister on the outside and on the tip. But I am living the dream hiking the AT.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Windsor Furnace 

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: scattered clouds

5/18/161232.0623'Today was a crazy awesome day. We went to the pulpit and the pinnacle today. The views are amazing especially from the pinnacle. We traveled mostly on smooth (for PA) trails but had some major boulder fields to traverse as well. Today's trail ended with a gradual downhill through a very lovely glade. I could do this section again with pleasure but not this year. Bob saw a large black snake sunning in the rocks (see photo) as we were headed back down from the pinnacle. It is a blessing he didn't step on it. He took pictures for our grandson who loved the last snake pictures. Another awesome thing was the group of observatories near the pulpit. There were three observatories and another building that held a library. The property way up on this mountain was perfectly manicured and owned by an an amateur astronomy club. Trained members had free access to the telescopes and the library. There was no room at the shelter tonight but camping allowed across the street from the shelter. The first bubble ( first large group that started in Georgia) may have caught us. We found spots for our hammocks. It is raining us to sleep, very pleasant.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: broken clouds

5/19/20161239.41382'We we able to start early today. First we charged up our phones and read zipties log entry. This time a take off from a Johnny Cash song "just like a snail. I walk the trail " We had been forewarned that it was going to be a rough trail all the way to the next shelter and they were correct.   If it was not a boulder field it was a very sharp rocky trail, hard on the feet. The areas we went through were beautiful, however, whenever we were able to look up from foot placement to see. Bob saw a deer first thing and when we got to DAN's Pulpit the view was so spectacular and the weather so fine, it was hard to leave, but we had four more miles to hike to the shelter so we eventually hiked on.   We passed by three groups of school kids. At the third sighting, the teacher was passing out snacks to the kids and asked what they wanted.   I piped up, " I want a tall ice cold gatorade."She stopped us and ask if we would mind telling the kids about thru-hiking.   We told them about "leave no trace ethics" on the trail and trail magic ( to explain my gatorade comment) and trail angels, and flip -flopping.   Their teacher handed is a small bag of smore Gorp then and we told the kids (teens) that the teacher had become a trail angel and had given us trail magic. At the shelter we thought we were going to be alone and had our hammocks all set up on the trees we picked out when three young hikers came in. They have been hiking from Georgia and went on and on about doing thirty mile days and night hiking etc. Their energy and enthusiasm was contagious but we didn't catch it. We were too beat. Nice kids though, Puzzles, Magic, and Spidey.When they went down for water, they offered to get us some, very kind.
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Allentown Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

5/20/20161249.41365'We started out thus morning with breakfast on our mind. We heard there was a restaurant at 309 and the AT, only four miles ahead. We ate a couple of granola bars to satisfy the need for something in our stomach with morning meds and then set off, dreaming of eggs and bacon and hashbrowns. The trail was mostly an old forest road so it was fairly easy going for Pennsylvania. We arrived at Blue Mountain B&B before 10. Unfortunately it didn't open until noon. He did sell us a couple of fountain drinks and allowed us to sit on his porch to eat our breakfast, more granola bars this time with peanut butter on them. Leaving there we began to see Rocksylvania again but really not too bad. Bob's great eyes spotted a female turkey. Our noise made her duck down and then when we came closer she ran away but not far. We think maybe she had a nest there. Even later we startled a very large black snake beside the trail.   As he slithered away he shook his tail in the dry leaves.   It sounded like a rattler.Them suddenly a boulder field that went on forever arrived and worse the   blazes led us up to a sharp ridge of boulders that we were to somehow balance on and walk along the top. This "fun" area is called the knifes edge and that is an apt title. It was very dangerous, precarious, and frightening. If I am redundant so was it.We finally crossed it safely and after another half mile of boulders we stopped to rest. I had to lie down to calm my heart. It was at this point we met Tink. She also almost had a heart attack getting across the knifes edge. She stopped at our resting spot to see if we knew If there was more of the same. We could not reassure her.We had a rocky but nice trail for awhile again until about a mile and a half short of the shelter we were looking for. At that time another large boulder field presented itself, climbing up to Bake Oven Knob, a popular day hike and there were many groups up there. You could look off on any number of spots to get a view of one side or the other of the mountain, beautiful. But the thru-hiker continues on to the other side of the Knob to another much more precarious section of Boulder hiking, again very dangerous and ridiculous. I am certain that Grandma Gatewood didn't hike either of these areas. I was sure that Tink was not happy with this part of the trail either.The trail finally calmed down and we hiked the last half mile in peace.Tonight we used our new mats and are bedded down in the shelter, with no good trees to hammock.
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Palmerton- Lehighton, still PA

To: Healing
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

You'd think we would sleep in on a zero but our auto internal alarm clocks are still set at 5 and our hike midnight remains 8 PM, though we did stay up a bit later last night so we could recharge the phones enough to have some video time with our granddaughter and daughter. Bob asked the desk if they could possibly move us to a room with a tub so I would be able to soak my sore leg muscles tonight. He moved us. Who knows what he will charge for this room with three full beds. The day really began however with worship at Lehighton Bible Church. We were happily surprised that in addition to the three -four hymns we expected they also had a choir presentation and a chorus time using a small pamphlet of choruses. One chorus we sang was copyrighted in 1938 and another in 1958. They used the King James version Bible and did a responsive reading from the old testiment. They are slowly working their way through the Bible. The preaching was from a series the pastor was doing on law vs grace. We enjoyed it very much. The pastor took us on to Palmerton after church where we enjoyed Dinner   at the Palmerton Hotel and dessert at Claude's Creamery which were highly recommended to us. Bob Yogi'd a ride from a customer we were enjoying conversation with so we made it back to the motel in time for Bob and I to each take a long soak in the tub for my leg muscles, and both of us to tend to our feet. Mine were swollen after the tub Doak so I iced them several times. Bob soaked his on Epsom salts.I do so miss my family!   With that we, one by one tried to "hang-out" with family. We were able to video chat with four out of six of our children with at least part of their family. We hope the catch the others on our next town night.