morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-22
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 193.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1217.2Percentage of AT Completed = 55.6%If I had known the trail was this rocky, I wouldn't have planned a 24.1 mile hike from the 501 shelter into Port Clinton. But I went ahead and did it. The cost was swollen legs and feet and a few blisters when I didn't expect any. I saw thru hikers Packmule and Goldilocks in the Port Clinton Hotel restaurant and they said that was a long rough day. The day started with rain again so I thought I would try wearing bread bag wrappers over my Injinji liners, but under my nylon outer socks, thinking my feet wouldn't get soaked from the rain. They worked very well, but I think the slippery nature of the bags caused my feet to slide around inside my shoes, thus causing blisters. I won't use the bags again. It was great to get a shower and eat I the restaurant.   I order a Route 122 burger, with peppers, onions and cheese, and a huge basket of freshcut fries. The waitress said "woah, that's a lot of food". I said I'll finish it, which I did easily.   I'm planning on zeroing here tomorrow to rest my feet.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Port Clinton Hotel

To: Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Miles this year = 193.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1217.2Percentage of AT Completed = 55.6%I didn't get up until 8:00 this morning, as I'm usually hiking by 5:30.   What a treat. I walk the mile to 3C's restaurant for breakfast, since the Hotel restaurant is closed on Mondays. I order 3 eggs, hash browns, bacon, toast, orange juice, and a couple pancakes. It was nice to have my son Scott call during breakfast. We connected for a good half hour.   I lollygaged a couple hours there waiting for the post office to open at 12:30. I spent the rest of the day watching TV.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Port Clinton Hotel

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: light rain

Miles this year = 208.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1232.0Percentage of AT Completed = 56.3%Whenever I spend a zero day in a town I'm always glad to leave and get back on the trail again. Spending too much time in one place makes me feel like I'm becoming part of that community. I was out of the hotel by 5:30am. Pulpit rock offered a fantastic view of the Pennsylvania countryside. The trail was quite rocky for a while but the last five miles was a nice downhill slide to the Eckville shelter. This is one of those shelters kept up on a private residence.   The caretaker lives next to the shelter. There is city water, a flush toilet in the shower house, a charging station, and a trash can.   The shelter has six bunks, a table, and has windows and doors. We've got a full house tonight. VietnamVet, Polar Bear, Morroco Mole and his dog Lowuff, and Adventure. I'm down early.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 221.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1245.3Percentage of AT Completed = 56.9%My intention today is to hike 13.3 miles the New Tripoli campsite where there is a good water source. I intended to keep the mileage low because of the incredibly pace slowing rocks. Nothing wears me out faster than these horrid Pennsylvania rocks. When I arrived at the campsite, it was only 12:20pm. There were indeed many stretches of rocks but there was also a few miles of smooth trail, and the trail had been smooth up to the campsite. I turned down the blue blaze trail, and it went down, down. I decided I'm not going to stay here and go for Bake Oven Knob shelter. It's only another four miles. But the rocks started again. What a killer. It took nearly three hours to go four miles. AWOL's guide indicates a restaurant close to the trail at mile 1243.2. I have visions of ice cold chocolate milk shakes and a sandwich. At the highway I can see the sign. I anxiously walk close enough to see the closed sign. Rats! Guess I'll settle for warm water. At the shelter my first task is to get water. The guide says if the first spring is dry, go another 0.1 to the next spring. If dry go another 0.4 to spring three. I go to spring one, it's dry. Spring two, it's running but slow. I spend an hour dipping water. Polar Bear comes in but he going on to the next shelter.A scrapping sound wakes me around ten o'clock. I turn on the flashlight of my phone and look over the open edge of the shelter. A porcupine is busily gnawing the wood riser to the floor. He doesn't seem to mind that I am there. He stared into the light for a few seconds, then went back to his business. So if he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Little Gap Rd. - Blue Mountain Restaurant
Miles today: 12.7
Weather: moderate rain

Miles this year = 238.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1262.1Percentage of AT Completed = 57.7%I'm glad I walk those extra four miles yesterday, for today's 16.8 is now only 12.8 miles.   Today is the decent to Lehigh Gap, and the ensuing and horrendous climb up the rock face going north.   I had heard that the trail north of Lehigh was rocky, but once over the hump, the trail was quite smooth for a good five miles.   This is probably due to the relocation around the superfund site. Once past the relocation, the trail did get very rocky. My plan is to get off at 1262.1 and thumb a ride toward Danielsville, about 0.8 mile to the Blue Mountain Restaurant and Ice Cream. I hope there's enough traffic for a ride. I really don't want to walk any more today, it's too hot.   When I got to the road crossing an elderly gentleman named Blackie had pulled his SUV up to the trail, retrieved a large live trap out of the back, in which was a trapped squirrel. He explained that squirrels keep invading his bird feeders at home, so he traps them and releases them here. I ask him how far the restaurant is, which I already know, hoping he would offer a ride.   He said, "oh, it's only about a mile, not too far".   Not taking the hint, I said," I think I go out a see if I can thumb a ride".   He finally offered to take me.   What a welcome sight. The restaurant has a pavilion in back where I can spend the night. The pavilion has electric outlets and lighting. I change my clothes and rinse out my hiking clothes under the hose at the rear of the restaurant. Inside, I quickly down two large chocolate milk shakes. Then order a jumbo dog with chili, and fries. What a treat.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Little Gap Rd. - Blue Mountain Restaurant

To: Wind Gap - Travel Inn
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 254.1Total AT Miles Completed = 1277.5Percentage of AT Completed = 58.4%Traffic seemed heavy last night on Little Gap Road so I didn't sleep well in spite of the conveniences of water and electric. I couldn't find anyone to drive me the 0.8 mile to the trailhead so I just slogged uphill to the trailhead.   The guidebook says the Gateway Motel is only a tenth to the west so I walked up and it looks like remodeling is in progress, but they're not open. I walked back down toward the trailhead but stopped on the upside of a pull off. I put out my thumb to the whizzing cars and finally since young lady stopped and offered a ride. She drove the 2.7 miles to the Travel Inn where I'll stay.   I walk to get some first aid supplies, then to a Chinese restaurant, then to Sal's Pizzeria where I have an outstanding BLT sandwich. I arrange for a pickup at 6:00am tomorrow morning back to the trailhead. Only one more day of these Pennsylvania rocks!
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Wind Gap - Travel Inn

To: Delaware Water Gap - Church of the Mountain
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 269.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1293.0Percentage of AT Completed = 59.1%TheTravel Inn was quite an experience, as it obviously has seen better days. It is a cash only operation and there are several live in tenets. There is even a phone booth out front with a working phone. Does the phone company still support booths?My cab was early this morning. I came out of my room at 5:40am and there he was so I was at the trail by 5:50.   Many folks who live near the trail make their living shuttling hikers to and from the trail. It was another hot scorching day, 90 degrees plus. Since it is Saturday of Memorial Day there are a lot of day hikers climbing Mt. Minsi. out of Delaware Water Gap, a long two mile and arduous climb. Many of them are starting without water, and I warn several not to hike up without water.   The trail leads into town right next to an ice cream shop, not a common occurrence on the AT. I order two scoops of orange sherbet, and down it in minutes. Then I order it again. I walk across the street to the Church of the Mountain Hostel, run by the Presbyterian church.   This hostel is popular among hikers, and it is full when I arrive.   There are no more bunks left so I claim my spot on the love seat in the gathering room. A little short but very cushy. A man and wife in their upper 60s are here. They are doing a flip flop hike, starting in Harpers Ferry WV, hiking to Maine, then return to Harpers Ferry and hike south to Georgia. She is having painful issues with her ankles due to old scar tissue.   The Rock of Pennsylvania really aggravated her pain.   It is questionable whether she can continue. There is a barbecue downtown, and the older gentleman and myself go check it out. There are half chickens, pulled pork sandwiches, sausage and peppers, beans, corn on the cob; I can hardly decide I'm so hungry. I get a half chicken and the pulled pork. Many young hikers go out for pizza at 8:30pm, but most of us retire and turn the lights off.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Delaware Water Gap - Church of the Mountain

To: Rattlesnake Tent Site
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 280.4Total AT Miles Completed = 1303.8Percentage of AT Completed = 59.6%Like me, many of the more mature hikers are up and start packing at 4:30am. So in an hour some are hiking out. I plan a shorter day, just 10.8 miles to the Mohican Outdoor Center (MOC). The day starts with a two mile road walk across the Delaware river and I-80. I just crossed I-70 three weeks ago.   In the pedestrian lane of the expansive bridge is a state border sign painted in the sidewalk.   Pennsylvania to New Jersey.   I pause, thinking I've just completed my seventh state.   Seven more to go. The last seven will come more quickly as the states are much smaller. New Jersey only has 60 miles on the AT.   There are still about 25 miles of rocks in New Jersey, but they should start to lessen. I arrive at the MOC by 12:30 and inquire about a bunk. It's a holiday weekend and they are full. The MOC is vehicle accessible so people come and spend the weekend going on short hikes. I retrieve my resupply box I sent a month ago, and restock my food bag. I order a BLT sandwich and sit in the dining room when other hikers begin to show up. I decide to move on to a campsite three miles further down the trail. The weather is still nice but the forecast promises rain for tomorrow.   I sit on a rock and heat water for dinner and my pot starts to boil over. I'm not paying attention. I grab the pot but lose my grip and spill all the water on the ground. Some lands on my shoe and burns my foot. Luckily I have an extra Esbit tab. Esbit is a small cube of solid fuel that burns for 15 minutes.   I will post my journal and call it a night.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Rattlesnake Tent Site

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 301.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1324.4Percentage of AT Completed = 60.5%It rained hard all night, but my ZPacks Duplex tent kept me dry. What a great tent. I'm normally up early but the rain delayed my desire to get moving. By 6:00am the rain subsided so I pack everything up. By 10:00am the sun starts peeking through the clouds and the humidity becomes unbearable. I need to hike 17.9 miles to get to the Gren Anderson shelter. At mile 14.9 the trail crosses the highway that leads into Branchville New Jersey. I look to the left and I see the AT Deli. Next door is a Steakhouse, and then a gas station. I was excited thinking I can get whatever I want. I walked to the deli and the building was empty. I walked to the steakhouse but it is closed and for sale. The gas station sells nothing but gas. I asked the attendant in the booth by the pumps if they sell drinks. No, but I could get water from the restroom. I am alone at the shelter until 6:30. Cuffz and CQ are hiking southbound. He carries handcuffs and she is the Condiment Queen, picking up the little packets from gas stations. Their method is a little unorthodox. They started hiking the roads from Augusta Maine and picked up the trail in Hanover New Hampshire. They're hiking all the way to Florida and then plan ongoing to Puerto Rico. The pleasant acquaintance soon turns ugly. They become stressed with each other over trivial matters. She becomes upset because he's cooking supper, and feels she should do it. As he's cooking, he runs out of Sterno fuel. Now they are cursing at each other. Another female hiker had pitched her tent behind the shelter. She is young, attractive, and is from Germany, and brings with her the European sense of free sexual expression. She brings her food bag to the bear box (a heavy steel box to protect food from bears), wearing only a shirt and bikini underwear. She comes and sits on the edge of the shelter to introduce herself to Cuffz and CQ. Cuffz and CQ continue to bicker, and the young lady goes back to her tent. But now Cuffz follows her to her tent for a long while. CQ is so infuriated she packs her belongings to leave. Cuffz comes back to intercept CQ from leaving, and CQ lands a punch on Cuffz neck. They both go down the trail screaming at each other. Cuffz comes back alone. I say nothing.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Jim Murray Farm Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: moderate rain

Miles this year = 314.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1337.4Percentage of AT Completed = 61.1%I take my time getting started this morning thinking that today is only a thirteen mile day.   High Point is my intended destination. Walking down the trail spur I reach the privy first. It is brand new and fresh. When I get to the shelter, I am disappointed. It is old, 1955 vintage. The walls are stone and someone has stacked eighteen inch long logs across the front leaving a small opening to get in.   There is a dark, dank appearance, and I see chipmunks running in the front. I do not want to stay here. My trail guide shows that the Murray Farm Shelter is another 5.4 miles, and the terrain is not difficult.   I am the first at the Murray shelter. It is on private property owned by Jim Murray. Jim offers this space to long distance hikers.   There are electric outlets, and a water spigot out front. A father son team arrives, the father is White Cloud (cause he likes that toilet paper), and the son is Tower (very tall).   The father is thru hiking and the son has joined him today and for this week.   Thru hiker Polar Bear arrives. I last saw him in Delaware Water Gap at the hostel.   He hikes very fast and I didn't think I would see him again. It's uncanny how hikers keep running into each other.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Jim Murray Farm Shelter

To: St. Thomas Church Hostel - Vernon NJ
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles this year = 332.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1356.3Percentage of AT Completed = 62.0%Late yesterday afternoon at least eight other young hikers showed at the Jim Murray shelter. They are all part of the same crowd and hang together. They all wanted a place on the floor inside the shelter, but I assured them I will be the first one up this morning. I elected to moved outside and sleep on the porch.   At 4:30am this morning I didn't disturb anyone while I packed up.   As I started walking I could tell I needed a zero day. I haven't had a day off from hiking in two weeks. It turned out to be a relatively easy walking day and arrived at New Jersey route 94 by 11:30. Just as I stepped up on the highway a car was ready to pull out of the parking area across the road. I stuck my thumb out and he motioned for me to come across for a lift. The St. Thomas Church Hostel is the most caring place for hikers I've experienced. It is located in the basement of the church. The gathering room has a TV, a computer, a large futon which makes into a bed, another cot and three large easy chairs.   The next room is a large activity room with round tables and chairs. There is a laundry complete with detergent, and a bath with shower.   The kitchen, as most churches have, is setup to handle large gatherings of people.   The refrigerator is stock with food, ice cold watermelon and ice cream.   We are free to use all of this, but they only ask for a ten dollar donation, and the completion of several chores to keep the place clean. After I cleanup, I walk to the post office to pick up the box I mailed myself a month ago.   I also mailed home some clothes I no longer need with the warm weather. Next to the post office is the Acme Grocery. I think I'm going to change what I eat for lunch on the trail.   I've been eating my own blend of trail mix, some raisinets, and a nut bar.   This is either getting old, too much sugar, too much roughage, or a combination of all these. I bought tortillas, some foil wrapped tuna, and hard salami. For supper I walk to the pizza shop next door. Their sizes are small, 10", or a 16" large.   I don't think the small is enough so I order the large.   I bring it back to the hostel as other hikers drool.   I devour all but three pieces which I offer up to others.   Night comes early again.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: St. Thomas Church Hostel - Vernon NJ

To: St. Thomas Church Hostel - Vernon NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Miles this year = 332.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1356.3Percentage of AT Completed = 62.0%A zero day. What a pleasure to wake and know my aching legs have another day to rest. I walk to the grocery again to buy a salad and fruit for lunch, and an Italian sub for supper.   I'm just going to while away the day.   Yvonne and I talk frequently on the trail as this section of trail has seen very good phone reception, mostly LTE.   It has made my absence much easier to endure. We talk at least twice a day. Only thing about a zero day, they can be boring. I'll end it here.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: St. Thomas Church Hostel - Vernon NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 350.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1373.4Percentage of AT Completed = 62.7%Starting the hiking day at 5:30am can have drawbacks.   Staying at a hostel 2.5 miles from the trailhead, and trying to find a ride at that hour requires some skill.   I was up at 4:00am, packed up, and walked to the Dunkin Donuts shop next door at 4:50am. They open at 5:00 but the delivery truck person was already carting weekly supplies in the front door, so I just walked in. I ordered a egg and cheese croissant, a hash brown, juice and coffee. Two men and a lady walked in to order. So with my pack on I announced to all, "I need a ride to the AT trailhead if anyone is headed that way".   The lady who was at the counter turned around and said, "I'll take you". The moment I stepped into New York today, it was a rock climbing fest, which is quite enjoyable.   Although the light rain made the rocks quite slippery.   I fell twice today, not seriously though, just a matter of my shoes skidding on the wet rock surface. After seventeen miles of ups and downs I'm glad to get to the Wildcat shelter. I'm the first here, but soon a dozen other hikers arrive. Most set up tents, three of us are in the shelter.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 364.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1387.7Percentage of AT Completed = 63.4%This was the most difficult day on the trail in the three years on the AT. Some days I have enough strength to handle the trail, but other days I just don't have it in me. Today was one of those negative days, especially when coupled with the steep terrain and the massive rocks to climb over.   Hats off to the trail angels who stock several gallon jugs of water at the road crossings. In this section of New York there is very little to no water available. If not for them, I don't know what I would've done.   As I approached one road crossing, a trail angel named Headley had lawn chairs set up, a little table with some cans of soda, and a five gallon pail filled with apples, oranges, bananas, and of course gallons of water. My day was planned to end at the Fingerboard shelter at mile 1387.7, but when I got there, no water. The spring has gone dry.   That was not good news.   I'm dead tired and no water.   I check my guide, and at the next road crossing, another 1.1 miles, then down the road another 0.3 mile is a swimming beach, restrooms, and water.   I find an ice cream vending machine and put in three dollars for an ice cream sandwich. I think I would have paid ten. I fill up all my bottles with water and head back to the trail. I'll head north and stop at the first flat spot I can find and pitch my tent.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Ft. Montgomery - Bear Mountain Inn
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: moderate rain

Miles this year = 379.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1403.2Percentage of AT Completed = 64.1%Today was a total washout with three to four inches of rain, and fifty mile per hour winds. It didn't start until I climbed to the top of Bear Mountain.   This year I tried a different raincoat, and decided to try the Packa.   A Packa is a combination pack cover and very lose fitting raincoat. So far I like the performance. The problem with most raincoats is they fit too snug causing heat buildup and sweating.   The Packa allows plenty of air to circulate. Bear Mountain has well groomed trails, for visitors to trek to the top.   A sign near the bottom says there are over one thousand steps from top to bottom. As I near the bottom I try to call the motel where I sent my resupply box, and ask for a room.   My hands and phone are so wet, the screen doesn't respond to my touch. No rooms available.   I really didn't think a reservation would be needed on a Sunday night, but a lot of hikers are passing through. I offer to pay the owner to bring my box, which he does willingly. He asks me where I will go, and I said, "I guess I'll go to the Bear Mountain Inn". They are very expensive.   I did get s room in their remotely located cottage at a reduced rate, which includes breakfast.   I spent the evening drying my clothes with an iron and hair dryer.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: Ft. Montgomery - Bear Mountain Inn

To: Fahnestock State Park
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 400.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1423.4Percentage of AT Completed = 65.0%A bright beautiful morning. After the included breakfast of eggs and sausage and oatmeal, I got a late start.   Heavy traffic crosses the Bear Mountain Bridge every morning.   I have to cross the lanes of traffic and the cars pause to let me cross.   The bridge is the lowest point on the AT, at 200 feet above sea level. That means I will be climbing as soon as I leave the bridge. This is an unwritten but unbreakable law of backpacking.   When your pack is at it lightest with little to no food, the hiker will descend into town.   Once resupplied with days of food, the hiker will always claim the mountain out of town. I meet lonely a few people on the trail.   A lady with two pit bulls coming the opposite direction warns me to pause while she gets a good grip on her dogs leashes. As I pass the dogs are in full attack mode.   I'm pushing through 20.2 miles today to get to the Clarence Fahnestock State Park.   There is a shower, flush toilets, picnic tables, and water.   It is a welcome sight.   Several others also made the long walk as well.