morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Trail of Hope Hostel
Miles today: 13.2

After a shorter than planned day and a restful evening and sleep...not to mention downing one of my favorite meals...Pinto bean burritos, I was anxious to get going. A shower and town food are a real draw...not to mention clean clothes after 5 days. And of course the ever present rain expected later in the day.The draw of town is powerfull on the AT. My legs seemed too fresh this am based on past days. Once back on the ridge I was making good time...hoping to make the road to Fayetteville by 2:30 or 3. PA is not called Rocksylvania for no reason. And supposedly I'm still a few days from them. So the rain showers start about mid-day and then the rocks...bolder and climbing over them slippery dudes begins. And of course I begin to slow down...considerably. Given the conditions my desire to reach town increases and keeping my concentration and focus on the current task becomes a conflicting battle. What a relief it was to finally hear traffic and know that I was on the final decent Once at the road, the pentacostal church sponsored hostel was only a .7 mile walk. I knew several who were going to be there and the odd guy from last night had told me it was a really nice place too. Upon arrival a man came to me as I was approaching...wonder how he knew I was a hiker. The place was a buzz. People everywhere enjoying a picnic/worship service. Hikers invited to partake. Thanks for the two hot dogs and chips/drink. Really nice people running the place and a lot for $22...linens, fairly well stocked kitchen with breakfast food and we got the leftover desserts from the picnic (and an invite to church the next morning)Shower, laundry shared with two others and food and I was ready for bed after conversing by phone versus text with my bride (the day before her birthday).Blessings,
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Trail of Hope Hostel

To: Birch Run Shelter 
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: clear sky

Another day of trying to out hike late afternoon showers and thunderstorms What a pain to get soaked again after cleaning up at the Trail of Hope Hostel. Per the usual I was just a bit slower than the rain. Luckily not by much...just damp that would dry on me before bed. Taco mac for dinner. One of my favorite freezer bag meals. The shelter was very nice with bunks for eight. We had two on the floor and twice as many in tents. I like nice shelters and always glad when I get there in time for a space...only in the rain...otherwise tenting.Today the thru-hiker bubble for the year began catch up with us. These folks have been hiking from Georgia since early March, have gotten in incredible hiking shape, and this year have experienced a lot of unfriendly weather conditions. The weather conditions I've been describing are old hat to them. Most are well under my age and piling on the daily miles. I likely won't see them again after today.Tonight at the shelter we had a group of about six guys who met on trail, decided to travel together and even get off for a week together. Visiting New York seemed to be the chosen thing. All very interesting young men. Glad to meet them. Here in PA the shelters seem to be in much better shape than most south of Harper's Ferry. Some sites even have two....not one for men and women...for snorers and non! Tomorrow, shortly after breaking camp, we will pass the 1/2 way mark on the AT. Did I tell you I have met a slack pack hiker from Edgewood? Actually I've seen him a few times now. Mike is one of our local doctors. Since he is walking south we meet. Today he informed me that the new mid-point marker is easily missed and not very remarkable. I know there is a very nice one at a long standing previous mid-point location. Will have to keep my head up tomorrow. Not easy on rocky trails.Well friends today is my brides birthday!! I think of her a lot while hiking. More so today of course. She enjoyed the company of our granddaughter Aubrey today for a while. I know that was the making of a good day. Blessings,
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Birch Run Shelter 

To: Pine Grove Furnace SP and Ironmasters Hostel 
Miles today: 10.1
Weather: clear sky

Highlight of today was the 1/2 way mark on the AT. Easy trail today heading to a very popular PA state park. Many local area residents out hiking on the holiday. Fun chatting with a group at lunch stop. I meet them again almost at the finish. One of the guys even bought me an ice cream at the famous Pine Furnace Grocery. There they have a famous 1/2 gallon challenge. Eat that in one hour and it's free.Left Eddie Spaghetti at the last shelter before the park drying his gear. On the way in I mis-stepped and took the third fall of this first week of hiking. This one could have been bad as I hit the top of my head on a rock. Luckily most of the energy of the fall had already been disapated by my legs and sticks...knees too a bit bloody. Sat down for a few minutes all was ok so headed onward to the park. I had called ahead to reserve space at the hostel there, but it did not open until 5pm. As a result I would hang out with hikers and others at the store for a few hours. The store is quite a popular place with local park users andAT hikers. The ice cream challenge is it's reputation, but its short order grill is excellent too. Since I was eating later at the hostel  just next door I resisted all but the awesome fries and some ice cream...but not the half gallon size.Seemed a lot of folks were there for late in the day the final day of a long weekend. The park, the site of a former iron mine, is known for its lake. The lake is the old mine and is 90 feet deep! Cold I bet but I know people were swimming today from the clothes seen at the store.Just a bit down the road from the store is the AT Museum. It's in a neat historic building once part of the mining operation. It closed at 4 so I hustled there after eating. It contains one of the original 5 shelters built on the AT by Earl Shaeffer, the first to hike the entire trail. We should not complain about today's shelters. Ironmaster's, where I will be staying is the historic main building for the mine. It's been converted to a,hostel by a conservancy group with a full-time innkeeper. At five I checked in via Jeff the innkeeper, a former Presbyterian minister soon to be catholic priest. Tonight there would only be a few here. It would feel empty as it hold about 40. Dinner was pizza...the meat lovers variety for hikers wanting protein and carbs. Don't know the brand, but it was good. Dinner and breakfast here is only $5 more than just a spot to sleep!!After dinner I retired to the front porch overlooking the park to enjoy the final remnants of this day.Blessings,
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Pine Grove Furnace SP and Ironmasters Hostel 

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter 
Miles today: 8.0

After yesterday's early arrival and long wait for hostel to open I was ready to hike. The next two days would be my longest over moderate terrain once the climb back into the mountains from the park was completed.We were served a great breakfast of eggs, bagel, waffles and orange slices. On the trail, starting immediately out the front door of the hostel, the first few miles were in the park and flat. In the park the AT takes us by the 90 foot deep lake formed from what used to be the iron mine from which the park is named. Amazingly there was someone swimming laps in the in-lake pool at 7:30 am. I was feeling a bit stronger...finally, after one full week of hiking. Once back on the mountain, I soon got my rhythm and moved along at a good pace. Eight miles in there is a very popular general store only .2 of a mile off trail. Many stop there for lunch...me too. Even planned my food for that event. Down the mountain nearing the store, I began the first of several road crossings. Nothing unusual one stops looks both ways and goes. I did and stepping downhill just slightly, I suddenly became dizzy, blurred vision, and the bump on my head began throbbing and right eye watering. Whoa! Held myself up easily with my sticks and probably only stopped for a minute or two. I needed to get to that store quick and figure out what to do. I tell you I was a bit scared.At the store were two other hikers who had been at the hostel last night. The lunch they were starting to eat looked and smelled good. I took that as a good sign.Unfortunately cell service stunk and I had trouble connecting with my most trusted advisor. She was at her Mom's house working. Between making contact with her, the folks at the store helped me connect with a local shuttle driver. It was obvious I needed professional opinion after the head knock yesterday.It would be a while before my ride so I did eat lunch. While doing so I self diagnosed...jump ahead to Duncannon where I was taking a day off anyway...rest and hopefully get back out on Thursday. Upon pick up I was taken to urgent care in Carlisle then picked up again and taken to Duncannon. Everything checked out OK. No significant problems but did get concussion just odd it took a day plus 8 miles of hiking to show up. The docs diagnosis was like my own...rest, plus a good dosage of ibuprofen.So that's my day after such a good start. The bright side is that even while I have now a new missing piece of the AT, I now have more time to meet Cathy later this month.Blessings,
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Red Carpet Inn

To: Duncannon, PA 
Miles today: 0.0

Well today only a few things on my agenda that needed doing...the PO to pick up a few re-supply items and then send forward to next stop; eat a burger, beer, and fries at the most famous hotel, The Doyle, on the AT. After that back to the motel to pack up to leave tomorrow and rest, rest and more rest.Part of the deal at the motel is reasonable shuttle to and from town. Only the most brave, young or you name it actually stay at The Doyle. It's over 100 years old and room rent is only $25. That alone encouraged me to stay elsewhere . It is however the epicenter of AT activities as the trail passes right through town and by the hotel.Walking up to the hotel, I recognized a hiker exiting a shuttle whom I recognized from earlier on the trail. Unfortunately he was hobbling along very badly. I greeted Lion heart as he greeted me. We ate lunch and hung out together for about two hours before I headed back to the motel and he continued to wait for his girlfriend to arrive from New York City to pick him up. Lion heart is a really good guy. Even with 32 years difference in age we had a lot to talk about besides trail stuff. Sad for his injury and will pray for his healing to be quick. At motel it was nap time, then dinner time, then this journal time, and in a minute, wife call time....followed by bedtime and back to hiking around 8am tomorrowBlessings,
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Duncannon, PA 

To: Peters Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 11.0

Late start today at about 8:30 after shuttle in from the Red Carpet Inn. I was dropped off at The Doyle in the center of town. The first few miles out were basilly level. The trail crossed two rivers that intersect at Duncannon. A quiet beautiful scene. Once out of town the Trail immediately head back up to the mountain ridges of eastern Pennsylvania. Today's hike was not easy after getting up. Several boulder fields needed negotiating which proved slow for me after my fall. I need to remain cautious but also need to get my mojo back.It proved to be a long day. At several locations the forest opened for amazing views of river valleys on both sides of the mountains. And these are large rivers. I will have to look up the names and correctly get down which is which.Peters Mountain Shelter is large. Easily room for 16 to 20. I arrived early, only two there. Met Bloodhound a remarkable 70 years of age hiking the AT for a second time. The water supply was way down the mountain....320 rock steps to be exact. We took turns timing each other....average about 25 minutes round trip. Soon the young men thru hikers began arriving...filled the shelter by throwing gear wherever. Us early arrivals glad we had already eaten and had bed space setup. I wonder if the wrong choice had been made...tenting? Fortunately the night went well. Phone reception was good so I called into my Friday men's group for a few minutes.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Peters Mountain Shelter 

To: Yellow Spring Campsite 
Miles today: 13.4

A very wet year for us hikers on the AT. I really don't like this wetness. Mostly this is because wet gear is heavy!! Started hiking about 5 minutes after saying bye-bye to my Bible study brothers. Bloodhound and I hiked together today. I may have found a partner for the next few days. After the crowd at the shelter last night, I was expecting a lot of those young guys to pass me today. Not that many did. Someone said they hear that the guys had partied quite enthusiastically in Duncannon the night before. The day contained two very long gradual climbs. At the start of the second, I heard that a young lady had fallen and like me hit her head and was bleeding. Don't be scared the person said. Shortly she caught up with me. She was a hiker..Seed..whom I had met in Duncannon. The wound was indeed nasty. Having just crossed a road I suggested she go back and seek help. Not...she pressed on. Tough young lady!Several at the campsite tonight. A great spot but no water. . we all filled about 2 miles before camp. Bloodhound and me carried dirty water in our filter bags just to have enough for dinner and to get to the next water tomorrow.Early arrival at camp is great. Plenty of time to set up, eat, and relax before sleep. Rain expected again tonight, but tomorrow no rain predicted.Tomorrow I head to town for the night. The big city of Lickdale. Blessings,
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Yellow Spring Campsite 

To: Lickdale PA
Miles today: 10.7

I hiked as far as I could today so as to get into town as early as possible. The draw of clean clothes and a shower is huge. And today I will have to hitch so who knows how long that will take.I had offered to share with Bloodhound but he was uncertain if he wanted to. Got to the road in good time but the trail head was at the peak of a hill and on a curve, not a good spot. Walked down about 100 yards. Soon War Cry went thru and hollered that Bloodhound had decided to join me. Great! Now the cost just got cut in half. Soon after he joined up a car with AT decals made a u-turn and picked us up.In town we quickly showered and used the provided laundry. While that was going the Wendy's next door was magnetic. After that we dried tents and napped. Went to subway for dinner and Speedway for a few items of resupply. I slept great....and the motel breakfast awesome. Blessings,
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Lickdale PA

To: PA 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

After a good breakfast we went to the road leading back to the trail some 2.5 miles away. Soon after sticking our thumbs out a couple, staying at the motel and also hiking gave us a ride. The couple from Boone, NC were hiking the entire AT by slack packing using their own two cars. Dropping one off at the days endpoint and the other at the beginning. An expensive but fast way to hike.Except for the nice beginning at a canal path and historic bridge, not much today. But of course there was the usual hike up the mountain at the beginning. Two pretty good and long ones today. The 501 Shelter we are going to was equipped with indoor bunks and managed by a caretaker. Rain as has been usual for too many days, was forecast for this afternoon. The goal...reach the shelter before the rain. That got done. One thing unexpected also at 501 was that it was close enough to a road, a town, and a pizza place to order in food. Rocketman, an honest to goodness, former rocket scientist and one of the most interesting guys so far this year, coordinated orders...most everyone ordered too much. The draw of town food is just too much. Also at the shelter were: Sam and Luna, Mr. Tea, Bloodhound and me. Two more came in after dark and in the storm that was underway. Good night sleep needed. Tomorrow will be the longest day planned before I meet Cathy at Delaware Water Gap. Blessings,
Date: 2017-06-05
From: PA 501 Shelter 

To: Eagles Nest Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Hard rain last night. No one anxious to get out and go. Luckily rain had stopped early and we dealt mostly with "tree pee" early on. But like many days so far rain was not far off. I left the shelter with pack cover on. I do not like hiking with that thing on...it feels like I'm dragging a balloon around. More PA rocks today and one of my longest days too. Certain to have a long day I paced more diligently to conserve energy the best. God is Good: One thing I left out of the June 1 entry, but it was no small thing. I had been craving lemonade for a couple of days. Long distance hiking and water every day gets tough to drink. I carry some stuff to add, but was really in the mood for lemonade. Out of the blue...and no coincidence (Dave Ramey you hearing this) a day hiker moving south, offers me some vitamin water he is carry to hand out to us. The flavor.....lemonade!!! And did I ever enjoy and need that. The guy even carried away the empty bottle. Today we passed another cool monument. It marked the location of an outpost used during the French and Indian War used to warn of impending attack. See picture. At the turn off to the shelter, several of us from the previous night were congregated deciding whether to move on or hike .3 miles off trail to this shelter. Bloodhound and I were firm on our plans to go. Others joined too and so we had another night with our friends Rocketman and Mr. Tea. Two other ladies our age came in soon after....one EB (Early Bird) is from Mason, OH. At the shelter we commenced drying out what we could. Luckily it only rained a short bit today. That would soon end. About dusk we for the umpteenth time heard rumblings from the heavens. Sheltering is a must during rain and we expected a crowd.  Sure glad we were first in to claim spots.Nasty night but late or early next morning the stars were showing and hope finally for a nice day of hiking.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Eagles Nest Shelter 

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.0

Port Clinton is a tiny town with no hostel, no shower or laundry facilities. But for me a very important stop. They do however provide some good services to hikers, much of which I did not know about until we arrived. While not much, what they do provide is adequate and done so with much enthusiasm. We arrived at about 11:30. The PO did not open until 12:30. While I waited, Bloodhound headed to The Pavilion, a large covered facility provided by the community free of charge for hikers to camp, either under without tent or in the yard with tent. Rain forecasted so us and about 15 to 20 others were under and with plenty of room for everyone. A clean portable potty was also provided. On the way there a local resident stopped me and pointed out his neighbor's outside faucet for use by hikers at the Pavillion. Without laundry or a shower to take, we soon had staked our claim to an area in the Pavilion and headed to lunch and other places. First stop the barber shop...the designated location for hikers to hang out and recharge cell phones. What a neat place. Three chairs in an historic building that  also includes a flea/antique /consignment shop...all owned by Frank the Barber. Fox skins were $60. Local guys loved talking to us hikers. Haircuts were a mere $8. A couple younger hikers all talented musicians, were jamming with instruments from the store. Fun when Frank stopped cutting a guys hair, picked up his harmonica and joined in. Next stop the Port Clinton hotel, just a couple of notches above The Doyle in terms of accommodations but a great restaurant. Bloodhound and I ordered cheese steak sandwich and fries...huge portions. We should have shared!Final stop...the Port Clinton Peanut Shop....a really well endowed candy store in this tiny town. One must wonder how they stay in business. After selecting a few munchies it was back to the Pavilion for the night. The usual night storm would keep things interesting for the night and for the hike up and out tomorrow. Blessings,
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Port Clinton

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter 
Miles today: 6.0

Last night we decided to hike short today and pick up miles over the next few days. First was breakfast at the Three C's restaurant, a very popular place not far from the Pavilion. Eggs, toast, scrapple and home fries for me. Perfect to tackle the usual steep and rocky climb back up the mountain. Before the hill climb out we walked almost the full length of town plus as the Pavilion is at the end opposite. Good walk length to warm up. Guess what we also anticipated more rain today. Thankfully not much more than light showers early was the order. We got to our shelter early. Another hiker, Joe, was already there. Joe was already sleeping....turns out this was his first day out as a section hiker (like me). Joe, a retired professor, had been assisting with shuttle driving at a hostel in Virginia. He was obviously hurting from his first 6 miles on the AT this year. We also learned during the night that he is a world class snorer! We spent the day relaxing and drying out clothes from the morning exertions and brief rain. Dinner was early. With this shelter being close to the trail several hikers stopped by before continuing on. A friend from sever all days back, War Cry, also showed up to camp for the night. She had taken a day off the trail. This shelter is actually close to an area park and roads. In addition to other AT hikers we saw several day hikers. Near dusk we heard a commotion coming along the trail toward the shelter. Turns out it was a local guy, whose name I could not understand, and two others who hike the area to hand out trail magic. Literally without stopping he hollered..."Trial magic, beer, whiskey or chips." We all chose chips which were actually cheese puffs. A yummy before bed snack!! Tomorrow more rocks. Blessings,
Date: 2017-06-08
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter 

To: Eckville Shelter 
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Today it was up and out early. Our destination was the Eckville Shelter known for its shower and the only shelter with a flush toilet! One issue and our desire to get there is that it's small with only about 8 bunks. First come, first serve. About mid-hike I met up again with Eddie Spaghetti who again I didn't expect to see again. It's always fun to see people again along the way. Except that we had a rather long stretch of trail, maybe 2 miles, without the PA rocks. That means, among other things, that one can hike at their regular pace. Bloodhound and me arrived early as desired and took 2 of the three lower bunk spaces. Since we had a good amount of time we leisurely set up in the shelter and took showers. Amazing how a shower and putting back on dirty clothes still feels great. Now that shower, a sun shower, without much sun for days, was just a bit chilly. Nonetheless it was still great. One of the well known trail legends was at the shelter today visiting the caretaker...Bag of Tricks. As one hikes north several shelters actually have caretakers, who manage the facility and assist hikers as necessary. My understanding is that they are paid employees of the ATC. This particular location is just out the back door of the caretakers house. Bag of Tricks was visiting the caretaker when we arrived. Bloodhound had met him several days before in Duncannon. Bag of Tricks had oranges for us...awesome on a hot day. Later he stopped by with soft drinks and fruit. Remember Joe from the shelter yesterday? Bloodhound and me wondered how he would do today. He showed up and as per yesterday immediately went to bed and slept...including entertaining us with his world class snoring. Not a joy before bed much less at night. Poor guy was hurting but still moving on. Tomorrow another long climb early and of course more rocks. Blessings,