morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: 1148.4
Miles today: 1.7
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 76, Wednesday. Today is a Nero day. We covered 1.7 miles and currently at mile marker, 1148.4.After a pretty poor night of sleep at the Doyle Hotel, Spongebob and I walked across the street for breakfast. We ate with , My Friend (another hiker), who I meet several weeks ago. We then packed our backpacks and headed out on our very short 1.7 mile walk to a parking lot near the Susquehanna River. This is where we would wait for our trail angel and my dear friend, Randy W! He and John own a B &B in Mount Joy, Pa. He picked us up at 8:45 and drove us to their wonderful B&B (Cameron Inn &Estate). Wow!!! What a treat. We arrived at 9:30...we were served some wonderful coffee, cheese, cracker and grape plate. Yummmm. We then cleaned up and promptly left with Randy and John to see a bit of Lancaster County and lunch in Lititz, PA. We shared 4 different sandwiches...all excellent. After that we had the most delicious ice cream that I have had since being on the trail. After seeing more sights we returned to the B&B for an afternoon nap. I did mention that today is a NERO day (very little walking and a bit of rest day). Oh, I also picked up a knee brace in hopes of that helping my issues. Tomorrow when we hit the trail we will have roughly 145 miles of rocks before we exit PA into NJ. This will be a good test for my knee. After resting a bit I realized I probably needed more food for the next few days of hiking. So, John took me to the grocery for a few more high calorie items For dinner, Tyler, the chef at the B&B cooked a wonderful meal for the 4 of us. John also prepared some very tasty drinks and fresh salads for us. OMG... I want to stay here!!! Being treated like this and enjoying such wonderful company and conversations with old friends has been so special. Randy and John... Words cannot express how nice it was of you to accept not only me but my new friend Spongebob into your home and treat us with such love. It actually brings a tear to my heart. A good tear... One that makes me realize how lucky I am. You guys are truly Trail Angels! Thank you , thank you, thank you!!!On the motivational aspect of my journey: I find I am struggling a bit more lately. I love certain aspects of this adventure but I don't care for a lot of the day to day, routine, do it again... Logistics... Part of it. I am having to really concentrate on the " one day at a time" approach. Thanks again for all the encouraging entries in my journal... All of you... Strangers and friends... Are so very kind. Tomorrow I will hike out with Spongbob. We are planning a 15 mile day. Trying to cut back on miles to give my knee a break.
Date: 2016-06-09
From: 1148.4

To: campsite at 1162.7
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

Today is day 77, Thursday. I am currently at mile marker 1162.7. I covered 14.3 miles today. Spongbob and I spent last night with Randy and John at the B&B. We both slept very well and enjoyed wonderful coffee and conversation with Randy and John this morning. They took us to the trail head and we started hiking at 8:45. It was so nice spending time with them. I really wanted to stay... Like for a week, at least !!We had decided to cut our miles today because of my knee. When we reached the camping site... I wanted to hike a little more but Spongbob talked some sense into me ... Which can be hard to do...   We talked logistics and it looks like we can get 20 miles in tomorrow and the next day and hopefully make it to a Hostel.   I am now in my tent and Spongebob is hanging his food bag. He does not have a tent. He uses a tarp that is basically a roof... Then he puts a sleeping pad down on the ground.. Then s light sleep sack. I could never do that! But he said the tents make him claustrophobic. If you want a good laugh... Go to my journal guest book a view the entry written by Randy and Jon. It cracked me up. My knee did better today. My head did not. Still quite a bit of a struggle... Mentally. Staying motivated and focused. I'll hike my hike... As far as I can. I do know that tomorrow... I will hike.
Date: 2016-06-10
From: campsite at 1162.7

To: william penn shelter. 
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 78, Friday. I am currently at mile marker 1189.0. I did 26.3 miles today. I am at William Penn Shelter. I passed Swatara Gap, PA which is near Lickdale, PA. Spongebob and I started hiking at 6 this morning. I had a very good night sleep in my tent. It got down to 48 degrees which made it great sleeping weather. We had decided to hike 19 miles and then make a decision as to stop or push on. As we were approaching the 19 mile mark we ran into a mother and daughter who were handing out trail magic. So, after 2 Mountain Dews and some fresh fruit... We decided to shoot for the additional miles. This made for a long day but both of us are happy to have those extra miles completed. It will make tomorrow a 14 mile day to the hostel we are staying. We should make Hamburg, Pa on Sunday. I have had my dinner... Summer sausage and pop tarts!! Yumm ??Tomorrow is a special day for Chrissy and myself..... It is times like this that I wish to be home. But, she has been more then supportive regarding this adventure. Thanks Chrissy!!Thanks to everyone who wrote with words of encouragement regarding my tough mental day. I know that regardless of my decision... Now or in 2 days, 2 weeks or in Maine. Everything will be just fine.   What I do know is... I'm hiking tomorrow... And that is a good thing. To the woman in Maine who wrote... That is very cool that your daughter is hiking the trail. What is her trail name? Also cool that your sons nickname is Bunkie. He must be a good soul!! Ok it is 6:40 pm which means hiker midnight is in 1:20 hours I'll be tucked in my sleeping bag. Actually...ill probably be tucked in at 7:30. Good night.
Date: 2016-06-11
From: william penn shelter. 

To: mile marker 1202.4
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 79, Saturday. I am currently at mile marker 1202.4. I covered 13.4 miles today. We did the big miles yesterday so we could enjoy a light day today. We are at a new hostel... Run by a retired PA state trooper and his wife. And OMG... What a wonderful place. It is a small room with 2 bunks and one single. So max is 5 people. I love that! The stay also comes with dinner and breakfast. All for $35. That's a great deal. I'll put some pictures in the photo section when I have wifi. Last night I slept well in the shelter but I was glad I had ear plugs. A weekend hiker , who was sleeping on the second floor of the shelter, was a serious snorer. Spongebob and I were both up early and began walking at 6. It was a very good feeling to know we only had 13.4 to cover for the day. We got to the trail head at noon and we were at the hostel by 12:15. Showered in the outside shower, went into town to pick up more spam, ate a hamburger and now relaxing. So far PA has been an ok State ... I have had a lot of rocks but I have also been warned that the next 100 miles are really bad. Yikes. Oh well, one day at a time... In every aspect of this hike. My mind was better today and I look forward to hiking tomorrow. Someone asked... Why do I say: hiking or walking... And not always use the term hiking. The answer is : who the heck knows.. I don't... I just use both as they are the same. Oh guess what.... The lady who runs the hostel also cuts hair!!! So, I'm going to get a haircut today!! $10. Sweet. Did I say I was staying here for a week. I should!!! Such a wonderful little place. But I'll move on. Except, Spongebob and I are talking about slack packing tomorrow so we can come back and spend tomorrow night here as well. We will see if that works out. Stay tuned. I'm really happy to be inside tonight as a major rain storm is blowing in!!! Shout out to Jan L...... Smarty!! On the miles hiked. Now Jan... You know me... So why are you surprised? Oh, I also met hiker Goldberry today. She and her husband have hiked the last 3 months together but tomorrow she has to get off trail to return to work. Their two daughters are also hiking the trail but they are about 200 miles back. Their daughter, Leggs also keeps a trail journal. I was happy to meet Goldberry before she left the trail as I have been reading her journal as well. We have been told that supper is at 6 and we are having fajitas !!! Nice!!I know it is crazy how much food I consume. Shout out to Jen and Cody in Vermont. You girls are doing some really awesome hikes. And when I saw you pics of the cold damp weather... I thought back to my time in VT and how I stayed cold for 3 years.... Even in the summer. Keep posting your pics I love them.
Date: 2016-06-13
From: 1231.9 Hawk Mountain Road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 81, Monday. I took a wonderful zero today. The hostel is not walking distance to anywhere... Which is good... So I stayed here and did a few chores. I had to sew up a hole in pack, organize my gear and tried to keep my feet up. Trotter came in this morning so we visited and talked about our last few weeks. Then the best surprise happened. I was sitting outside talking on the phone when I saw a car drive up. I did not pay that much attention to it... Since I'm not from here and I would not have any visitors. Boy was I wrong!!! The driver got out .. Facing away from me... And I thought gosh that guy looks like Bernie T (my former colleague and partner for the last 8 years) and OMG... It was Bernie!!! I jumped up and had such a smile when he turned and saw me walking towards him. He had driven from DC to PA to see me. And he came with gifts... The best kind... FOOD!!! I could not believe it. We visited for 3 hours before he had to head home and I had to get ready for my hike tomorrow. Yes, I cried when he left. What an awesome friend. Love you Bernie!!He has always had the best advice... Regarding lots of things but mostly about this hike. He knows this is MY hike and I should hike it for myself not for expectations of others. Wise man. After he left I took another... Outdoor shower... At the hostel. Which I loved because the water was very hot. I spoke to my neighbor, Ms Betty, from Virginia who was willing to help me out if I needed things mailed to me on the trail. Thanks!!!Then Spongebob's niece, Anna and his sister, Mary drove in from New Jersey to drop Anna off so she can hike for a month with her uncle (Spongebob). I am feeling a bit quite ... At heart today. Especially after Bernie's visit. I am blessed in every aspect of my life. A wonderful family in Louisiana... My family in Virginia... Friends from so many places... And friends that really love me. It makes me reflect on all of my blessings. And how crazy things are now... With the shooting in Florida... You never know when it could be your time... So be sure to tell those you love... How important they are to you... How much you appreciate them... And most importantly don't forget about forgiveness.   And as Tim M said... Always be humble and kind. Tomorrow I will hike. Good night.
Date: 2016-06-14
From: 1231.9 Hawk Mountain Road

To: stealth site
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today is day 82, Tuesday. I am currently at mile marker 1252.6. I covered 20.6 miles today. And let me just say ... This section of PA is no fun at all. The boulders, rocks and oh yea I saw a rattle snake today. Two feet from me!! So needless to say... I want out of PA. I think I can cover the last 40.2 miles in two days so hopefully by Thursday evening I'll be in NJ. I never thought I would say... I want to be in NJ (sorry Chrissy). Ok about today. Spongebob, Anna and I had a great breakfast at the hostel and then Craig drove us to the trail head. The weather was perfect. The trail... And I am not exaggerating.. Is one of the worse hiking trails I have ever hiked. It is solid rocks, uneven, boulders, pointed rocks... If I don't twist an ankle I'll be lucky. As we were climbing a boulder field I stopped to look back for Anna and Spongebob when I heard something. For a brief second I did not know what it was and then my little pea brain registered that it was a rattle snake. I froze and look down only to see the snake right below me on the next Boulder. After a few curse words I was moving across the rocks. And guess what SB and Anna were doing.... They thought the snake was so cool, pretty and... Are you kidding me!!! I tried to take a pic but then I told them... Ok, I'm out of here ... I'll wait for you up the trail. Let's just say I am not a fan of snakes. The rest of the hike was the same.. Rocks and boulders... Even to the point on sliding down on my butt because it was so much of a rock scramble. With a pack of 30 lbs on your back... It makes this section quite challenging. Now we are set up for camping... I'm in my tent, Anna is in her hammock, Spongebob is sleeping on top of a tarp in a sleeping bag. I have called Peggy... My dear friend who lives in Scranton,PA and we will try to see each other on Thursday evening.. I am looking forward to that!!Trotter is staying another night at the Rock N Sole hostel. She will hike again tomorrow. We are about 40 miles apart from each other... On the trail. I ran into a hiker that I meet 4 weeks ago and he told me he thinks he has Lyme disease and is now getting off the trail to see a doctor. That is something that scares all of us who are out here. I am very careful about checking for ticks but sometimes you just don't catch it so enough. I had an interesting supper tonight.. My sandwich was:: a big slice is spam, 4 slices of summer sausage, peanut butter, powered cheese, mustard and honey. Oh my .. I can't believe I ate that!! But I did. It should be cool night tonight which means I'll most likely sleep well. That makes me happy. Thanks for following along. I appreciate your interest. Do something nice for a stranger today... I bet it makes your heart smile.   Good night... I'll be hiking tomorrow. I miss my family.
Date: 2016-06-15
From: stealth site

To: leroy smith shelter
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is day 83, Wednesday. I am currently at mile marker 1272.9 ( Leroy smith shelter). I covered 20.3 miles today. While some of the views and rock scrambles were pretty and a bit fun... I am so ready to exit PA. Tomorrow I have 20.1 to hike to make it to the NJ line. Our sleep last night was good. We left our camp site at 6:30. At 9:30 we reached a stream so we gathered water... Lots of water because there was no other source for 17 miles. So our packs were super heavy from the extra weight. Butttt... When we came to a road crossing we decided to hitch hike to a restaurant that was 1 mile away. We told Anna, who is 21, to stand out front, I stood second (and I could pass for her mother) and we told Spongebob to go hide in the woods . Well the first truck that passed... Stopped and gave us a ride. It took 15 seconds to catch that ride. We made it to the restaurant.. Ate well and we asked a guy who worked there for a ride back to the trail head. And he graciously said... Yes. Very nice!!!We are now at the shelter as it is calling for rain tonight. There are 7 people here and it is considered a 6 person shelter. And I think more will show up. It will be quite cozy tonight yikes !! I'm looking forward to seeing Peggy tomorrow when I get to the Delaware Gap. I am actually thinking of another zero day on Friday as PA has really taken a lot out of me. And I just feel really tired. Shout out to all my nieces and nephews... Love you guys. Geetsie, I'll be able to call you tomorrow !!Anna, Spongebobs niece has a trail name.... gecko. She is doing a great job hiking. She has been fun to have around. Chrissy.... You are the best... Love you.
Date: 2016-06-16
From: leroy smith shelter

To: mile 1293.3 PA/NJ border
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 84, Thursday. I am currently at mile marker 1293.3...more importantly i am out of PA and in NJ. I never thought I would be happy to be in NJ but I am ecstatic. Because it means NO more PA. Actually, I must admit I really enjoyed the southern section of PA. The farm lands were beautiful and I felt at home. But, the rest of PA was so full of rocks that just killed my feet. Enough said about that... More importantly: We left our shelter this morning at 6:30. We knew it was going to be a long day of hiking but the three of us were ready. As we marched on we did see some nice views of PA. The weather was misty all day which made for nice hiking weather. We also came across trail magic at one road crossing. It was an ice chest with cold cokes in it. Nice!! We arrived in Delaware Water Gap, PA around 3:30. We went to the outdoor store where Spongebob was interviewed by a local TV crew regarding his AT hike. We then went to a local pub for some food and a few drinks. Then to have ice cream and coffee before we walked across the bridge to NJ. My friend, of 36 years, Peggy R. was coming to pick me up, from Scranton, PA, so I could spend two nights with her. Meaning a zero on Friday. I am really looking forward to that zero as my feet are rather tired. Spongebob and Gecko will spend two nights at Gecko's home in NJ (Spongebob's sister) . We will meet again on Saturday to start hiking again.Peggy picked me up and we drove 45 minutes to her house. It has been 6 years since I have visited Peggy in PA. After a very nice shower and putting on some loaner COTTON clothes....we ordered pizza and visited with Peg's Mom, two sister, Theresa and Laurie and one niece, Amy. It is always fun to see the girls and catch up on how their families are doing. Peggy and I go way back and our relationship has always been a very special one. It is as though we saw each other yesterday...and we always just pick right up in our conversations. Love her!! And her family. I take a part of them with me on my journey...especially Theresa M.There is a lot about this journey that I am unsure about....each day brings something new. But, what I continue to find amazing is how new and old friends seem to all be so willing and anxious to lend a hand and be a part of this adventure. It tickles me and brings such a smile to my heart. I was always taught that to have good friends....you must first be a good friend. So, I can only hope that I have and will continue to be a good friend to all that are so sweet to me. No hiking tomorrow but I will hike on Saturday.Big shout out to all of Chrissy's family for following along.....except you Bill M    Thinking of you DJ and hope all the doctor appointments go well.
Date: 2016-06-17
From: mile 1293.3 PA/NJ border

To: 000
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I took a zero day today in Scranton, PA with my dear friend Peggy R. She gathered me from the trail yesterday and will bring me back tomorrow morning. It has been great seeing all of her family and catching up on things. I told her I walked all the way from Georgia just to see her    And actually ...she would be worth the walk. We are great friends.Tomorrow I'll be ready to hit the trail. Meeting Spongebob and his niece Gecko at the trail head in NJ at 9 a.m. NJ has 78 miles of the AT then it is on to NY.Funny story: Peggy's neighbor came over to visit and she looked at my (bare) feet and could not get over how swollen they looked. She keep asking me if I wanted to go to her house to soak them in her jacuzzi tub. Just to put her mind at ease I put ice packs on both of my feet while she was visiting. They are quite swollen but I would only expect that with all the walking I am doing. Good night.... I'll hike tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-18
From: mile 1293.3 PA/NJ border

To: 1315.2 csmpsite 
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Today is day 86, Saturday. I am currently at mile marker 1315.2. I covered 20.9 miles today. Peggy brought me back to the trail head at 8:45 a.m. Spongebob and Gecko met me there and we began hiking at 8:50. The trail still has quite a bit of rocks but nothing like PA. We walking our first 10 miles and then walked an extra .3 to get lunch at an outdoor center. While there I met a hiker, Sweet Potato, who I have never seen before. That is starting to happen more and more. Seeing and meeting new hikers. Fun. After our lunch break we heading out and came upon an old fire tower. Catfish tower. I climbed up to the top so I would have a 360 view of NJ. I could see a few lakes but nothing in the line of mountains... And I'm ok with that!!We came to a good campsite around 5:30 that also had a water source. So we decided to stay. We were the first 3 here and now there are 8 (total). Zack is camping next to me and I just pray he does not snore. I have slept near him in the past .... And OMG he snores like crazy. Yikes!!!I am having an issue with one of my toes... About 1.5 months ago I had a stabbing pain in the top of my foot. I literally... Walked through the pain and it eventually went away but I continued to have more swelling in that foot then the other. Well I was describing this to Spongebob (who is a doctor) and I told him that my index toe does not come up when I try to flex my foot. He said... I have "drop toe"   And it is because I have damaged or torn a tendon in my foot. Oh well.... As long as it does not cause any serious pains... I'll just have one crazy toe.... Out of 10...that's not too bad. Good night..... I'll be hiking tomorrow.
Date: 2016-06-19
From: 1315.2 csmpsite 

To: Mile marker 1335.7 (High Point State Park)
Miles today: 20.5

Today is day 87, Sunday. Happy Fathers Day to all you Dads out there!! What an important role you play in the lives of so many people. I am currently at mile marker 1335.7, high Point State Park (NJ). I covered 20.5 miles today. It is getting quite hot and humid. I totally felt the drain at the end of the hike today. The campsite last night was a good one but for some reason I did not sleep that well. We were up and walking by 6 a.m. It is important to get out early due to the heat. And, we wanted to finish in the early afternoon as SpongeBob's brother in law was picking he and Gecko up for the night. I am at a hotel and will meet them tomorrow at the trail head. Hiking with the two of them (SpongeBob and Gecko) is about to change. I will hike one more day with them and then they will go further north and walk Connecticut before NY. The reason for this is: SpongeBob's wife will join him soon and they will walk together for a bit. And then he has friends coming, from Hawaii, to join him and they want to walk the NY section. Bottom line is - - we all hike our own hike and his will take a logistical turn from here on out. He has invited me to "do the same" but my brain is already too full of logistical issues and concerns. I just need to keep walking North!!The hike today was uneventful but I want to advise those who are planning on doing the AT. NJ still has ROCKS. Nothing compared to PA but don't think they will magically disappear when you get to NJ. Not much else to share today. My feet are very sore but again....I would expect nothing less. Tomorrow I hope to make it to Vernon, NJ. I miss Chrissy.....and Sammi.