morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Darlington Shelter

To: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is the first day of my fourth month on the trail.  My 12-mile hike to the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA, marks the completion of approximately 1,150 miles total since I started this adventure. The trail was pretty rocky and I've been told it will get a lot worse before it gets better.I'm getting off the trail tomorrow for the long weekend. My wife is going to meet me here in Duncannon and we are going to drive to Asheville, NC, for ¢Geowoodstock XV¢.  Geowoodstock started in 2003 and is an annual geocaching event held somewhere in the US (location varies year to year) for the international community. It's about a 9-hour ride down to Asheville and 9 hours back, but I'll spend that time with my wife, see friends from all over the country, and get a chance to rest for three days. I've had this trip planned for a long time.Another thing I plan to do this weekend is purchase new shoes. The Oboz I'm currently wearing just don't have thick enough soles for the terrain. I definitely need new shoes. I feel every rock and the bottoms of my feet are very sore. I may be forced back into boots if I can't find the right shoe.We are currently staying in the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is infamous with hikers. The building is well over 100 years old and appears to have had very little recent upkeep done. As rough as it is, most hikers stay here, or at least stop for a meal. We decided to do both.The break is going to be nice and I definitely need the rest. My feet need a chance to heal but this four days is going to put us way behind many of our friends and possibly into a new bubble all together. It will be nice meeting new friends but I hope to see the others again too.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry at the Doyle hotel. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Maggie Valley, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I started my day with a trip to REI in Asheville for new shoes and ended up buying two pairs of Keen hiking shoes and sock liners. I also picked up some Mountain House meals and a few other small items. They had a 20-25% sale going on for just about everything I purchased and, since I'm an REI member, my dividend had come in. My total price for everything came to $12. Yeah!After my shopping spree, I spent the rest of the day enjoying time with my wife, visiting with friends, and trying a few of the fine local brews of North Carolina.  Tomorrow, I'll spend a little more time preparing to return to the trail, more food shopping, and will do some laundry. I¢ll also spend some time relaxing to heal up my sore feet.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from Maggie Valley, NC, near the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Maggie Valley, NC

To: Maggie Valley, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I had a wonderful time at the geocaching event in Waynesville, NC, this weekend. I saw friends from Texas and from New York. My wife and I had lunch with Scott (see picture) and Deb from San Antonio on Friday and then we spent much of today with my good friends Tom and Cheryl. I also had the chance to visit with David and Dee from Denton, TX. They're incredible and always a pleasure to see and talk to.  I also met up with my two friends named Sue from New York (you're looking great Sue!), Bill and his son, and so many others. It was great to see everyone and a nice break from hiking.As much as I enjoyed it, I couldn't spend the entire day visiting friends and hanging out. I also managed to finish my food shopping, get my laundry washed, and re-treated everything with Permethrin to stop the ticks and mosquitoes. In the morning, I'll repack everything and we'll head on back to Duncannon. On the way, we'll stop and pick up Beaker. Then, we will stay one more night in a hotel and start back on the trail first thing Monday morning.I'm afraid our break has put us several days behind most of our hiking friends but we'll catch up eventually. In the meantime, I'm looking forward to meeting other hikers on the trail.Tonight, even though there is a major storm rolling into the area, I'm safe, warm, and dry in our hotel room. Goodnight from near the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tomorrow, we head back out on the trail after a three day break to see our wives, visit with friends, and make a few changes in our gear. The picture shows most of my gear laid out on the bed in our hotel room. All I have left to do is stuff it in my pack and I'm ready to hike.One of the major changes I made was to my footwear. My feet have taken a beating the last few weeks and we're barely into the rocks of Pennsylvania. The Oboz trail runners just did not provide enough protection. The only thing I can think to compare it to is walking barefoot on Legos all day. Even after three days off, my feet are still tender. The shoes also didn't fit quite right (the toebox was too small and no matter how much I tightened them, my heels would slip up and down). I ended up with a raw spot between my two smallest toes on my right foot and blisters on both heels. I replaced the shoes but also added sock liners. As I type, my feet are still sore, but much better than they were just three days ago. Hopefully, they will continue to improve over the next few days.Another major change is to my sleeping equipment. I've traded my 35-degree bag for (I'm estimating) a 50-degree quilt. The sleeping bag was just too hot. To make the quilt, I purchased two 50"X70" down throws from Costco. I had my wife take a piece from one throw and add it to the other to lengthen it. I then had her sew in a foot box. She did a wonderful job and I ended up with a down summer quilt that weighs less than a pound.  I'm going to continue to carry my light weight thermals and a sleeping bag liner just in case it gets cold again. I've always planned to keep my down jacket for the entire trip so this is not an addition. Overall, I've probably taken another 1/2 lb. off my back and added some more empty space to my pack.Although I'm not looking forward to leaving my wife again, I am excited about getting back on the trail and testing my new equipment, even if they are calling for rain tomorrow and Tuesday. But tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in a hotel room. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Stealth Camping On the Trail
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: overcast clouds

After leaving the hotel this morning, we decided to stop at a Waffle House before hitting the trail. It just makes sense. We're passing it anyway and it's one less meal we must carry. As we were eating, it began to pour rain. It had rained much of the night before but we were hoping it was over. A quick peak at the radar screen showed this one would soon pass too and then clear skies the rest of the day. We slowed down, enjoyed our breakfast, and by the time my wife dropped us off, there was some blue showing. It didn't rain the rest of the day.Around noon, we were greeted by the trail magic sign in the picture. John, Mike, Charlie, and Phil Fogarty have been having a family reunion at their cabin at the edge of the trail for more than 20 years and they always invite any thru-hikers who happen to be passing through to stop by.  About 50 family members and friends were there and at least a half-dozen hikers. What an incredibly nice family and the food was delicious, plentiful, and much appreciated.Beaker and I hiked approximately 16.5 miles today. I was a little concerned about my feet and my new shoes but now that I'm laying here in my tent relaxing. I don't think my feet are in any more pain (at least not much more) than they normally do after a day of hiking. I think these shoes are going to do the trick but only time and miles will tell. I'm hoping my feet continue to improve each day. But, no kidding, these rocks in Pennsylvania are no joke and I don't even think we've hit the rough stuff yet.There is only a 30% chance of rain tonight but chances are supposed to increase after 8 am. I hope they're right and I have a chance to pack up before it starts...or better yet, I hope they're wrong and the rain misses us entirely. I believe there is a slight possibility of rain most of the week with an increasing possibility this coming weekend. As they say, "No rain, No Maine" (but, I for one, think we have had our fair share already).No matter what happens tomorrow, tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in my tent. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Stealth Camping On the Trail

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: mist

What a day! First, the weather man was totally wrong. It began to rain around midnight last night and was still raining at 9 pm tonight. Okay, it did stop a few times throughout the day but it was hard to tell when it stopped because during the lulls, it would just on us from the trees.Next, our original plan was to do 15-17 miles today and then find a nice camping spot. But, by noon, we had already hiked 13 miles. None of the camping sites we passed looked good. Actually, several spots had standing water in them. At some point, we decided to do 13 more miles and spend the night at a shelter. We finally pulled reached the William Penn Shelter at about 7:15 pm after about 26 miles. As I said the last time we hiked a crazy number of miles, ¢I'm not doing that again.¢ But, then again, I¢ll probably say it again. Not only did the last half of today¢s hike contain a 1,000-ft. climb, it also covered the rockiest portion of the trail that I¢ve hiked so far. The rocks are almost indescribable. They are as bad, if not worse, than anyone has told me. I'll try to get some photos in the next few days but so far, just trying to walk in/on them has taken my full concentration. Imagine walking through/over rocks, many loose and wobbly, others with jagged edges sticking straight up, and most of them being between the size of your fist and the size of a volleyball. And, to top it off, I've been told we haven't even entered the worst areas yet.Next, I've got less than 1,000 miles left to go!  It's going quick and I'm not trying to rush my adventure, but I miss my family and my home.  My picture today is of a raindrop covered wild rose. Sometimes, the fragrance of the roses on the trail is so strong it is almost overpowering. As I lay here in the shelter in my sleeping bag writing this, I can smell them in the night air. Not a bad scent to fall to sleep to.Talking about scents...I'm sure we stink...very badly at times. We do the best we can. We shower when possible, wash in streams, clean up with wet wipes, etc., but, we still smell. Funny thing though, we don't smell each other.  However, we definitely smell the day hikers when they pass us by, and for at least another 100 yards down the trail. The smell of shampoo, conditioner, lotions, perfumes, deodorant, lip gloss, soap, laundry detergent, bug spray, etc., is incredibly strong and smells like the person has just gotten out of a chemical bath. Tonight, I'm exhausted. My feet hurt, my muscles are cramping, and my body can't seem to stop trembling. But, I'm safe, warm, and dry in a shelter. I'm hoping the sun will be shining in the morning, but sun or rain, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's hike. I'm a lucky man to have the opportunity to live out this dream. I hope you have your chance too. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke this morning at around 5:30 am to a thunderstorm so I just rolled over and went back to sleep. At about 6:30 am, the storm had passed and we finally got up. By the time we hit the trail, the sun had come out and the day ended up being beautiful.At about 9 am, we met ¢Earnhart¢ at a road crossing. He is a 2016 thru-hiker who was setting up to do trail magic. If we had started out at our regular time this morning, we would have totally missed him. It just goes to prove that every cloud is a silver lining, or in this case, a Mountain Dew and a Snickers Bar. We visited a while until some other thru-hikers arrived and then we moved on. What a pleasure to meet him and his dog Clyde.At about 1:00, after a rough morning navigating the rocks, we stopped at a pretty little stream. We threw our Dews in the water to cool, hung a line and stretched our tarps out in the sun, and then soaked our feet in the stream while we enjoyed our lunch and cold soda. It felt almost Huckleberry Finn-like. Then, to complete the mental image, Beaker pulled out an apple, sliced it in half, and presented me with it...I didn't even have to whitewash the fence.Later in the day, we stopped and talked with "Cheap Sunglasses", "Rabbit", and "Piccolo". We met the first two several times in the past and enjoyed talking with them. We really enjoyed meeting Piccolo too. Piccolo is currently camping about 30 feet away from me, the other two continued up the trail.I attached a picture of a portion of the trail today. It wasn't all like this, but too much of it was. But even with the rocks, we hiked 18 miles today and my feet held up surprisingly well. Hopefully, they are finally on the mend and won't continue to be a painful concern for me.Tomorrow, we will reach Port Clinton where I pick up my resupply box at the Post Office. Afterwards, we will hitch a ride to the next town over so Beaker can resupply at the Walmart and get new shoes at Cabela's. We might even grab a slice of pizza or a burger while we're in town, but we hope to finish our errands early enough to return to the trail be at the next shelter before dark.Tonight, I'm tired once again, but I'm also safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Rock and Sole Hostel
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: broken clouds

As is so often the case, plans change.  Beaker and I had planned to get up early, hike to Port Clinton, pick up my mail drop at the post office, then hitch a ride to Cabela's about 2 miles away, find him some new shoes, return to the trail, and hike about 6 or so more miles to the next shelter.Things worked great until we arrived in town. The post office wasn't open yet so we decided to go to the nearby hotel/restaurant for lunch. As soon as we arrived there, two of my favorite people on the trail, Sitting Bull and Hoops, came running up. We hadn't seen them for about a week and thought they had gotten way ahead of us while we were off the trail. It was great to see them and we enjoyed an extended lunch while we caught up. Beaker and I then attempted to hitch a ride to Cabela's but had no luck at all. To be totally honest, traffic was heavy and there really wasn't a safe place for anyone to pull over. We ended up hiking the whole way there (more time lost).  After finally getting to Cabela's, and after about an hour of searching, we learned they did not have a single pair of size 14 hiking shoes in any brand or style. Beaker ended up calling his wife and she ordered him some shoes from REI. They will be delivered about 60 miles up the trail in about 3 days.By this time, most of the afternoon was gone. We decided a hotel might be our best option. At least we would be able to shower and get our clothes washed, but after several phone calls, we were still without a home for the night. That's when I remembered Sitting Bull and Hoops telling us about a great little hostel called "Rock and Sole" they'd stayed in a couple of days ago. Road miles and trail miles are often quite different so I gave them a call.  Not only were they willing to pick us up at the Cabela's, one of the owners was near our location and could be there within 15 minutes. It wasn't long and we were at the hostel. Showers were quickly taken care of and dirty laundry was turned over to be cleaned. Our stay included a dinner that was incredible and I'm sure breakfast will be too. After breakfast, we will get a ride back to the trail head.Although we only managed about 9 miles today, I thoroughly enjoyed the day and that's a big part of this crazy adventure! I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings.Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry. My wet tent and equipment is dry and repacked. My clothes are washed and I am clean. I'm sleeping in a nice bunk with fresh clean sheets and my feet had a little bit of a reprieve from the rocks this afternoon. Tomorrow is another day. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

We woke up this morning to rain. It ended within an hour of us starting our hike and was beautiful the rest of the day.Luckily for us, the rocks dried pretty quickly.  There were a lot of them on the trail and they were slick enough even when dry. I managed to remain on my feet all day but it was close a couple of times.We managed to make about 17.5 miles today but I felt the going was slow. For the last few weeks, my feet have been giving me trouble and the rocks are only making it worse.  Right now, I have about as much tape on my feet as I have exposed skin. I'm really hoping that once we leave Pennsylvania, they will finally begin to heal. Only about 60 miles to go!  About 8 of us stopped at a restaurant today for lunch. As we travel further north, restaurants and deli¢s near the trail have become more common. Although they are more expensive than preparing our own meals, they allow us to go further between resupplying and add variety (and probably needed nutrients) to our diet. I'm hoping they continue!The outlook for tomorrow is possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. But tonight, I¢m safe, warm, and dry in my tent. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Delps Spring Campsite
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

The day started out nice. But, by noon, it started to rain again and rained for most of the rest of the day.  We considered going into Palmerton for lunch but the climb out is one of the steepest on the trail and we really wanted to be over the top before the rocks got wet and slippery. We barely made it. Even then, it was scarier than I like. I'm just a little afraid of heights and this would have probably been pushing it for me if the rocks were wet.We continued on for a total of about 17.5 miles today. At that point, my feet had all they could take. I know I've mentioned it several times already and I don't want to come across as a total whiner but the rain, and now these rocks, have really done a number on my feet. Luckily for me, Beaker's wife is visiting in two days, so I will be taking a Zero (and, hopefully a Nero).  I don't think the one-day break will repair the damage but we will soon be leaving Pennsylvania, and the rocks, behind. If that doesn't do it, I may have to take a week off to recover. I'll just have to see how it goes. I might have to slow down some too.I had to set my tent up tonight on wet ground in a pouring rain. This is the first time my tent has been wet on the inside. I actually soaked up puddles with my hanky. I'm hoping the water is not coming up through the floor but I expect everything will be at least a little bit wet in the morning.Tonight I'm safe, damp, and a little chilled but I'll warm up in a bit. If not, I still have a dry puffy jacket I can put on. Hopefully, the sun will be shining in the morning and I can dry out some of my gear.  Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Delps Spring Campsite

To: Wind Gap. PA
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We're almost out of Pennsylvania¢¦just one more day to go! I know the rocks won't stop immediately at the border but they should start getting better soon. We stopped for the night in Wind Gap after only 10.6 official hiking miles. We originally planned to go to the post office to pick up Beaker's new shoes and get something to eat. But, once we arrived, we decided to stay because the nearest place to eat was almost two miles from the trail head, close to a hotel, the looming rain hadn¢t materialized, and finally, the condition of my feet. I spent the afternoon, drying my tent, sleeping bag, and other equipment; and soaking my feet in Epsom Salt.Beaker is meeting his wife at Delaware Water Gap at 3 pm tomorrow. He is then going to zero with her the next day. I plan on slowly make my way there and then zero in a church hostel with several other hikers I know. If my feet done improve by then, I might have to remain off the trail for a few more days.  I'll just have to wait and see how it goes.My picture tonight is of the rocks on the trail. The big rocks really aren't the problem. It's the smaller ones that are pointed that do the most damage.I also wanted to say thank you to everyone for the encouraging emails. Don't worry, I'm not quitting. I'm climbing Katahdin!Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in The Travel Inn in Wind Gap, PA. My gear and clothing are clean, dry, and ready to go in the morning. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0

I actually slept in until after 8 am this morning and could have probably slept later, but everyone in the hostel except me was already up.  I don't sleep that late even on the weekends when I'm at home.After getting up, I joined the everyone for a hike down to the local eatery/bakery/farmer's market/plant nursery for a cup of coffee, an egg sandwich, and fresh cinnamon bun.  All of it was superb.After breakfast, I caught a ride to a Walmart in a nearby town to resupply my food stores.  I also picked up more tape for my feet and some Epsom Salts (I noticed a foot spa under a side table at the hostel and planned to put it to good use).Upon returning to the hostel, I spent about an hour cleaning the spa machine, poured in some salts, and filled it with hot water.  It was incredible.  I¢d been concerned about being ridiculed, but other hikers were lining up to use the machine after me.  Now, more than 8 hours later, it's still being used.  Its steady use has also resulted in the added benefit of replacing the reek of old, wet, hikers permeating the entire hostel with a delightful fragrance of lemon grass oil, citrus, and menthol.  Possibly, the best this room has smelled since the hostel opened in 1978.After soaking my feet, I made a trip down the street to the local outfitters and picked up the few items that I couldn't find at Walmart, such as gas for my cook stove and a couple of dehydrated meals.  I also picked up some ¢Superfeet¢ inserts for my shoes and another new pair of socks.  Then, it was off to lunch at the local ice cream shop (in business since 1903) where I had the special:  two hotdogs and a chocolate malt.Afterwards, I went back to the hostel, where I packed my meals for the next five days.  I will probably need to resupply again sooner, but the next possible resupply location won't have the selection Walmart has.  So, I'm carrying as much as I feel I comfortably can.The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and trying to keep my sore feet elevated before heading off to dinner with the gang at a nearby pizza parlor and topped off with another piece of pie at the pie shop.I guess the bottom line is...almost a perfect zero day!  And, my feet are feeling much better!  I'm hoping the today¢s rest, the new socks, new insoles, tape, and spa treatment (and leaving Pennsylvania) might finally have my feet on the mend. Tonight, I'm safe, warm, and dry in the Church of the Mountain Hostel in Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania.  Tomorrow morning, I will enter New Jersey.  I'm excited to enter my 8th state.  Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.