morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Tagg run campsite

To: Darlington shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

Day 69Tagg run shelter to Darlington shelter 26.32016 total miles 1135.3   Today started with super sore feet that required 3 ibuprofen and a mile of walking before they felt decent. I made my way to the general store down the hill and waited 25 Minutes for them to open to get some breakfast. Then it was 9 miles to Boiling Springs for a super feet insole purchase as my poor feet seriously some type of relief. A cinnamon apple turnover and Dr Pepper later I was back on trail as I hiked a 17 mile stretch through the Cumberland valley, which is dead flat farmlands. It was very scenic and fast as I was able to cruise at 3.25 mph. Stopped in Carlisle for dinner at a diner .5 off trail for an app and bacon cheeseburger and 5 waters. 6.5 more miles to my stopping point for the night and I was ready to stop. It fried me to drop another $50 for insoles! I swear these shoe companies are colluding with insole companies and Merill and basque will be getting some strongly worded emails from me when my hike is over!! I think my feet are just going to be a the burden I'll have to bear this entire hike, the new insoles seemed to be better then what I had but time will tell. Overall, good food and hiking today. The rocks of PA. start tomorrow Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-15
From: Darlington shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 70 Darlington shelter to Duncannon PA. 11.32016 total miles 1146.6   I was up early as usual and hiking by 5:50am. I had 11 miles to Duncannon and planned on a 22 mile day. In the last few miles before town NH bob caught up with me and we hiked into town together. Bob lost his hiking partner, helter skelter, who went into DC from Harper's ferry for few days. We were coming down the many stone steps as we descended and talking about grandma gatewood when I heard a crash behind me! It was bob who had caught a toe on a root or rock and went flying face first down the rocky trail. Unbelievably, he claimed he was unhurt, not sure how though. He got very lucky and reminded me how quickly a hike can end. We went to the historic Doyle hotel in town because its historic and they have cold beer and good food. Bob offered to buy me two rounds of beers and o could tell he wanted me to stay in town with him. After I got my third, hiking more was looking very unlikely. We had lunch and agreed to split a room for $17 each. The Doyle is 111 years old and it shows, but very unique and I'm glad I stayed. I ran into Odie from the hiker yearbook and he mentioned trail angel Mary in town was possibly facing brain radiation! Got some expertise there I thought, so I walked down to her place which was filled with hikers. Turns out Mary has lung cancer and it may be spreading to her brain. I explained how it was for me and answered a couple questions she had. I asked how she got her start being a trail angel. She said in 2001, she found herself homeless. She had a car and job, so she decided to tent at the campground in town from 3/15-9/15 to save money. While there, she got to meet many of the hikers that come through Duncannon and the rest is history! I found her story inspiring as we often can very good things out of bad situations. After saying goodbye to Mary, I went back to the Doyle and slept from 3:30-5:15. Next, to the Christ Lutheran church for hiker feed! Spaghetti meatballs garlic bread and best of all fresh brownies and homemade strawberry ice cream! I had a couple servings of everything and left stuffed. I went back to the Doyle and slept from 6:30pm to 5:00 am. I guess these long days and getting less than 8 hours a sleep night caught up with me. Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-16
From: Duncannon

To: Rausch gap shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: moderate rain

Day 71Duncannon to Rausch gap shelter 29.02016 total miles 1175.6   I was up at 5am after my Doyle sleep fest and packed up, ready for an early breakfast at Goodies across the street at 6. NH bob joined me, he was zeroing in Duncannon today, so eat and I left out to overcast skies. It was a dreary day. Foggy, no views, just miles of hiking around rocks. PA hasn't been so rocky as everyone said, but there are rocks. One SOBO, put it well, after a day your hiker brain will adjust. Mine adjusted today. 29 miles of my eyes gathering every little spot to step and my legs and feet going where they should. I had one close call, but for a damp day on rocks I was very happy to stay on my feet all day. It rained for about an hour from 230-330, but I was already damp with sweat, which wasn't going to dry in such high humidity. I finally got to the shelter at 7 and it was packed with early 20 somethings. I made my dinner and eat as they talked for the sake of talking. I was happy to tent away from them! Almost hiker midnight(9pm), got to sleep.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Rausch gap shelter

To: Hertline campsite
Miles today: 23.1

Day 72 Rausch gap shelter to Hertline campsite 23.12016 total miles 1198.7 Today was a bit of a blur as I had a bit of hangover from my 29 mile day yesterday. I hiked, I took ibuprofen and Tylenol, I eat and drank water. Just I as do everyday. Today was my rockiest day PA thus far and feet are felling it right now as I lay in my tent. 80 more miles or so and it will be done. I stopped at the 501 shelter today, which was cool. Chips and cookies there as trail magic and you could get pizza delivered, but I resisted, but I was oh so tempted! I only hiked a 12 hour day today and I'm in my tent at 7:30, which is the earliest I've camped in a long time. If I'm going to get such early starts, I need to stop earlier to get my rest as I'm getting worn out from long days. I forgot my hat during break today, so next pic of me, I'll most likely be donning some new headwear. My son Colin's 16th birthday today, Happy birthday bud! Short on words today, off to sleep.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Hertline campsite

To: Windsor furnace shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 73Hertline campsite to Windsor furnace shelter 24.22016 total miles 1222.9   I was up and hiking at 5:30am as I just can't predict how fast the miles will go by with these PA rocks. Turns out, pretty fast today as I hiked 19 miles by 1:30 pm. The big news of the morning was that my streak of no catholes has ended! Mother Nature called and I was 6.5 miles to the next privy. Luckily, I was in a nice fern forest so I was able to get plenty off trail for my virgin voyage. It went exceedingly well and it was a relief literally and figuratively as well. I hitchhiked into Hamburg PA for Burger King, a small resupply and socks and sock liners at Cabela's. I found several instances of angry and impatient people over the silliest things. It was strange as I never witness that on the trail, just me cussing at rocks. Everyone was in rush and disgusted at any wait and slow thing. I've learned to be slow. Going anywhere by foot is slow. Georgia to Maine is slow, but I've definitely learned slow isn't bad. We go to fast in our world today. I saw a beautiful buck hiking my last 5 miles of the day and he was the first deer in PA that hasn't bolted at the slightest noise or sight of me in this state. One other thing about PA, there is a lot of poison ivy along the ridge lines here!! I don't know how I haven't gotten any yet. Only hiking 9 miles tomorrow as the Common Ground retreat center has generously offered me a free night after reading my trail journal and were interested in hearing about journey on and off the trail. After 8 days of no laundry, one shower and 199 miles hiked I'm ready to clean up! Off to bed.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-19
From: Windsor furnace shelter

To: Common Ground. Retreat center
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

Day 74 Windsor furnace shelter to Common Ground Retreat center 9.12016 total miles 1232.0      Today started with a short hike up to the Pulpit, where I had the best vista of PA! It was roughly 6:30 am and the sun, clouds and Rolling hills were just beautiful! I did have roughly an hour in some pretty rocky terrain, but view made me not so cranky about it. Past the Pinnacle and boom. Rocks were gone and smooth road! PA is weird like that, it goes from hell to heaven in an instant. I got to Eckville shelter and gave Mike from Common ground retreat center a call letting him know I was there. He arrived 15 later and I thanked him again for his very generous offer. It turns out his father passed from brain cancer at the age of 31, when he was only 2 years old. I hate hearing stories like that, but that's real life. It can be wondrous and tragic. Myself and a couple other hikers went into town for dinner at an Penn. Dutch restaurant. They had scrapple on the menu, but I kept it traditional American. We are having an early breakfast tomorrow here and hopefully back on trail by 8ish. I'm less than 2 weeks from home and super excited to get there. Next 12-13 days are going to be grind though, bugs are coming out. Just another thing, rocks will ease up in a few days and bug infestation will begin! I've given up on the notion that I'll ever get to the "easy" part of the trail. Something will always hurt, I'll always be damp, and something will always be challenging physically or mentally during my day hiking. That's what makes it fun though for us twisted folk. Anyone with sense has quit. Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Common Ground. Retreat center

To: Outerbridge shelter
Miles today: 24.2

Day 75 Eckville shelter to George outerbridge shelter 24.2 2016 total miles 1256.2   I had a lovely breakfast of fruit salad, coffee, oj,granola, eggs, toast and sausage at Common ground retreat and they got me to the trailhead at 7:30am. My warriors blew their shit at history last night, but oh well, miles to be had. It was 92 today and the first 7 miles were uphill and/or rocky. I didn't make good time. The gnats are out and they go in my eyes, nose and mouth. It was a very dry stretch today, so I had to conserve water in the heat and with my late start it got hot quickly. Today was the worst day of rocks yet. Google knifes edge AT and you will find pictures of the scariest part of trail I've hiked yet. Having suffered a fall and severe injury last year on far less imposing trail and balance and depth perception not being my strong suits I was not comfortable with the terrain, but just pressed northward. I did 24 miles today in almost 12 hours, by far my slowest moving day since I started, but I got to where I wanted to go. The heat, gnats and rocks were a real challenge though and if there was a swear jar out here I may have filled today alone! I'll be out of Pa. in a day and a half and I'm ready for a change of scenery! Till next time,Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Outerbridge shelter

To: stealth campsite
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 76Outerbridge shelter to stealth campsite 23.02016 Total miles 1279.2   The day began with a thunderstorm, which I meant I slept in till 6:00am, woohoo! Another trail journaler, conducter had set up his tent without the rain fly, so watching him wake to the storm was amusing as he scurried to get his sleeping bag and tent out of the rain. I hit the trail at 6:30 and I knew we had a 1000 foot vertical rock scramble to start the day out of Lehigh gap. It was legit rock climbing, which with a 25 pack and trekking poles that are rusted so they won't collapse made it interesting. I managed to get through it and was proud for doing so. There only one part that I was really apprehensive about, but found some good hand holds and just went for it. I noticed the same thing yesterday on knifes edge that could really detect my body odor during these very fearful climbing moments! I have two theories on this. One is that you really can smell fear, a fear phormone is released or something. My other theory is your adrenaline heightens your senses, thus I can smell what I usually don't, in which case, I smell horrible all the time! If anyone can explain this phenomenon I'd appreciate it.   After hiking through the superfund area, which is where they dumped huge amounts of zinc from smelting for 90 years, I hiked into trail magic at little wind gap. Hot dogs hamburgers, soda and water! The trail here is super dry and water sources are unreliable or off trail, so this took the pressure off rationing water as tightly for the day. I had 15 miles to wind gap, where I needed to resupply my snacks, get water, hydrate and eat town food. It was rocks the entire way and around 2:30 I fully lost my shit by myself in the middle of the woods. The going was so slow, despite my best efforts to move with some pace, just too many small to medium size rocks. I screamed,"F*** these f***ing rocks! I'm over this f***ing shit!". I just had to let my frustration out. I stayed frustrated till I hit wind gap, but I made it. Next challenge, hitch to town. The north is not hitch hike friendly, but I got a ride after 20 minutes and 250 cars not giving a second thought.   To food giant for 28 snacks or so, then to Burger King, where for $11 you can seriously grub! Over to the gas station to hitch back to the trail, only about 10 minutes this time. I had a very steep ascent out of wind gap and was dripping, but was just looking to go a couple miles and find a smooth spot for my tent and call it a day. Found my spot set up and it's 8:15 now as I wrap this up. Little music then bed. Trying day, sorry to all the PA. rocks that I verbally abused today, but you deserved it.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-22
From: stealth campsite

To: Camp Rd.
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 77Stealth campsite to camp Rd. Campsite 24.62016 total miles 1303.8   My last day in PA.! Today wasn't as bad as the last two for my last 13 miles or so in PA. However, after missing a turn off for the trail and hiking down a service road a half mile before realizing my mistake I was regretting committing to white blazing the trail. White blazing is hiking every step of the trail. So I hiked back up the service Rd., found the trail and hiked down into Delaware water gap. I caught a ride down to the apple cafe for two scrambled eggs home fries toast and a stack of pancakes. Hiked up to Zoe's for some minty mint ice cream before I left town. I crossed the bridge along I-80 and there it was, I was in NJ! I never thought I'd be happy, never mind ecstatic to be in NJ. I had to do some road walking to get to the state park, but saw a black bear less than a mile in, which was a great start. The terrain remained rocky making my pace a bit slow, but there were some good views and sunfish pond was nice. I called it a day a bit earlier than I planned, but rain is expected in the morning, so I want to get an early start so I don't have to pack up in it. Besides, I was feeling dehydrated by the end of the day and I didn't want to push it. 7 states down, 7 to go! The next five should go fairly quickly. Looking forward to cooler day tomorrow.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Camp Rd.

To: rutherfordshelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 78Camp Rd. campsite to Rutherford shelter 29.02016 total miles 1332.8   I was on trail by 5:50am as predicted morning showers never materialized. The trail was rocky in bits, which I can manage. I plugged away all morning and got to gyp's tavern by 1:45 pm. Cheeseburger, fries, iced tea and Dr Pepper later I was refreshed and ready to add on to the 18 miles I had already hiked. I got on trail at 3:20 and motored! My first full day out of PA and I was feeling like my old self, positive vibes and big miles. I rattled off 11 more miles by 8 pm and called it a day. I was savaged by mosquitos setting up camp though. I saw some turkey, another bear and a friendly deer today as well. I did chat with two thru hikers who seemed to not be enjoying their hikes. One traumatized by the rocks of PA and the other by the rains of Virginia. Maybe they will make it to Katadin maybe they won't. They didn't bring me down though! Outside of slamming my right knee against a log and some bug bites at the end of the day, today was great. Too bad I'll be out of NJ early sat. morning as I have enjoyed the hiking, the scenery, views, and wildlife. 9:00pm, hiker midnight, time for sleep.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-24
From: rutherfordshelter

To: Vernon NJ
Miles today: 23.5

Day 79Rutherford shelter to NJ 94 Vernon 23.52016 Total miles 1356.3      I was hiking by 6:05 this morning and cruised into the high point visitor center to find a twenty something trail family had stealth camped there. Friendly as ever, they seemed annoyed by my presence, so I moved on quickly. Hiked past the highest point in NJ, which has a huge Phallis erected on it. Rather strange, actually. Stopped at the Maury property, where a farmer has erected a shelter outdoor shower and privy for long distance hikers. Cool place, had an early lunch there. The afternoon was great as I hiked through the Wallkill wildlife preserve and then some other park that was all boardwalks. It was very different and different is a thru hikers best friend some time. I ended my hiking day early as I was planning on going into Vernon NJ. Stopped at the farm before hitching in for ice cream, but that ended up being a mistake as a bunch of hikers showed up as I was getting ready to go to town. Luckily 5 of us got a ride from a lady with a mini van to the church hostel in town. 10.00 dollar donation to stay and I tented outside. Shower, handwash hiking clothes and a quick resupply. I decided to join some hikers I met earlier in the day at a pub down the Rd called scullys. We could hear live music from the church, so it sounded promising. It was a hopping place! Jam packed with people we were able to find a table and order. Everyone had a drink and soon we had split four pitchers of beer! This was more than I had planned on drinking, but hey! I inhaled the food I ordered and made the perilous walk back to the church stopping at Burger King for more food on the way.   Vernon is the first trail town I've been in that have actually seen black people! All these little towns and nothing but white folks, so that was noteworthy. I did see two much older women at the bar that had to be in there eighties jamming out to the live music in their pearls. I got a picture with them as everyone else was 20-60 years younger than them. I may have a slow morning tomorrow due to excessive beer intake and total disorganization of my stuff, but I'll be cruising into NY after mile 9 tomorrow. NJ has been really beautiful and a welcomed sight after PA. Sounds of traffic, gotta try to get some sleep.Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-25
From: Vernon NJ

To: stealth campsite
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 80Vernon NJ to stealth campsite 23.02016 total miles 1379.3   I slept terribly last night after drinking a wee bit more than I had planned. Traffic in Vernon was significant late into the evening and I've grown accustomed to the quiet of the woods. A pesky mosquito was in my tent which further disturbed my rest and the town birds started their singing at 4:15 am. All in all I got 4 hours. I had breakfast at the Mixing bowl with Rucker, a 6'3 female thru hiker. Packed up, hitched out of town and was on trail at 7:30, which is good for getting out of town. It was nine miles to the NY border, and quickly another was in my rear view mirror. NY wasn't welcoming as injured over huge boulders for a couple hours exposed to the sun. However, I hit trail magic five times today!!! That was huge in staying hydrated and having water as NY is very dry right now. I came to a stream and a girl was sitting there soaking her foot. She looked at me and said,"you look familiar!". She replied,"umm..we had breakfast together this morning!" It was Rucker and truly a brain cancer moment! Surgery and radiation can make recall tricky at times. It was funny though. I met Bigfoot who aiming to complete the trail in 3 months and a week! He has been flying since Springer, but I hiked with him a bit or tried at least. It turns out we have been within days of each other since Damascus. Made me realize just how consistently I have been putting in big miles. We had very similar hiking philosophies, but keeping up with for five miles was enough for me! He's just too fast. It was a rather tough day on little sleep, so I was happy to get my 23 and call it a day.   Bear mountain tomorrow then the trail is supposed to ease up, but that could just be another trail rumor. Good day, thanks to all the trail angels who made it a whole lot better!Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-26
From: stealth campsite

To: Hemlock springs campsite
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 81Stealth campsite to hemlock springs campsite 26.12016 total miles 1405.1   Today was one of those days that feel like more than one single day. I probably had my best nights sleep on trail last night, which was sorely needed. The morning was rough though, as I was lethargic and the miles seemed to pass slowly. The state park was nice, but when your grinding out miles fighting weak legs and heat, it's hard to bask in the beauty of your surroundings. Your focus is on putting one foot in front of the other and follow the blazes. I created a fantasy/expectation that my sister would surprise me at Bear mountain. The thought fueled me for few hours when I needed it. She wasn't there, but this is a good example of the mind games one must play with yourself to move north some days. Bear mountain had pristine trails, but all the Spanish people cooking was torture!! The is a very large Eastern European population here and I saw more drop gorgeous women today than I have this entire trip! That includes trail and trail towns. I actually scolded and broke up a little make out session one couple was having on the trail. Told them I had been hiking 81 days and wasn't seeing my wife till this coming weekend and it gets damn lonely in the woods! They laughed and complied. Hiker midnight, gotta sleep like now! I'll be in CT Wednesday morning by the look of it. Living Proof
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Hemlock springs campsite

To: NY52 stealth site
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 82Hemlock springs campsite to stealth campsite NY 52 Stormville 28.42016 total miles 1433.5   Ugh...I'm not a happy camper at the moment. Which is 8:32pm. I hit the trail at 5:50, breakfast at the Appalachian deli was awesome! The profile for today seemed like it could make for quick miles, so abandoned my promise to only do 23. 28 miles on any type of terrain takes time. The deli and pizza place at mile 28 closed at 8, so I figured I better get there no later than 7:20. At 4:45 I hit RPH shelter, which was really nice and I could have had pizza delivered too. Rain was starting. Most people would think this would the easiest decision, just stay! I have a tendency for these little adventures and some work out better than others. I decided on adventure this evening. As I set out from RPH the rain immediately increased, no big deal. I had 5 miles with a good bit of climbing, so I couldn't use the alpine pace. I straight hauled ass. I shocked myself how fast and long I could sustain this break neck speed. I took one short break to chug a liter of water. I left RPH at 5:05 and got NY 52 at 7:05, but where was the deli? Checked my guidebook, .4 east, shit! Finally got there and bought a half gallon of OJ and ordered a pizza. There is supposed to be tenting allowed behind the building. Wrong! A meadow a mile more away from the trail! No way! Eat my pizza and drank my OJ. Walked back to the trail determined to find one piece of suitable dirt to set up my tent. Started north and within minutes I look to my left and there was a gravel dead end. I bushwhacked through a bit of forest and found my home for the night. Warm and dry finally! This was more of a misadventure and I wish I had stayed at RPH. Win some, lose some. Rain in forecast tomorrow and all my hiking stuff is already soaked, should be a blast. Living Proof