morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Dahlgren Hikers Campground
Miles today: 10.9

Hated to leave Ed Garvey shelter, the Hilton of shelters. Our goal for the day was Dahlgren's Hikers campground. Nice place with free camping and hot showers. We hiked most of the day in the rain but it was off and on and the thunderstorms did not show up as predicted while we were on the trail. Hike was a tough 11 miles. We were beat when we rolled in. We did manage to set up the tent and cook dinner before a really big thunderstorm rolled in, we climbed in the tent and played cards as the hail pelted the tent and the wind made us pray the stakes would hold. When the day was do e we had logged about 32000 steps (lots of rocks today). Oh, and two clarifications, the steps we have shown are for my fit bit, Rebecca's actually run about 10 percent higher also yesterday I said we climbed South Mtn but I am not sure that was correct.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Dahlgren Hikers Campground

To: Free State Hiker Hostel, Smithsburg, MD
Miles today: 13.7

After a tough night and the forecast of a freezing night to come, we decided to hike 5 miles and get a ride to a B&B for the night. Unable to make that happen, a 5 mile day turned into a 14 mile day(decision made right after we were on I-70 overpass, when I realized that we had to hike another 9 miles the smile disappeared.) We arrived at our destination after 7 hours of hiking. Lots of ups and downs today and several rock fields to cross left us tired and hungry. A pizza helped fix that. Laundry and showers done, time for bed. Almost 35,000 steps today.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Free State Hiker Hostel, Smithsburg, MD

To: Cascade Md, Nostalgic Dreams B&B
Miles today: 9.8

Some tough ups and downs but a good hike and nice weather. Went over some really vicious rock fields as can be seen from the picture we hope will post. From the night in Dalgrens (our thunder storm night) we observed some drips of rain into the tent, not sure if it was just blowing in the vent or possibly a seam leak in the top panel we decided to hike to B&B in Cascade Md. Wanted to have time to repair the tent (takes at least 24 hrs for seam seal to dry), so we asked owner if we could stay 2 days and slack pack on Friday. We couldn't be happier - the Nostalgic Dreams B&B is excellent - really more of a B&B but with hostel pricing. Also, the generosity and general care has been excellent. Almost 29000 steps today.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Cascade Md, Nostalgic Dreams B&B

To: Pa 233 & AT crossing
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: light rain

What a wonderful thing "slackpacking" or hiking without your pack! Now I know what you must be thinking 5 days on the trail and 3 nights in hostel or B&B, but really we needed to repair the tent (I may poke a hole in it tomorrow!) This was a good day and the hike despite some really steep ups we were happy to log the miles and we did get done just before the rain rolled in. Tonight we will join our B&B host for a celebration of her 50th birthday. Too bad we had rain, will probably not allow the giant bonfire that was planned. Can't say enough about the Nostalgic Dreams B&B - great service. Tent is repaired, we have gotten to town to resupply, great promptness on our pickups from the trail and breakfast was "made to order"!I would also like to give a shout out to all those that have signed our guest book - reading those posts are really uplifting - congrats to Jorge for being first one!Just over 30,000 steps today.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Pa 233 & AT crossing

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.3

Nice way to start a Saturday - slept in till 9:00, then got up and packed and came down for Elizabeth's home made breakfast, quiche, hot zucchini muffins right out of the over and fresh fruit. Nostalgic Dreams could not have been more perfect. Lace and Elizabeth ran us back up to PA 233 where we started out hike for the day. Since we did not get on the trail till about 12:30 we decided to make it a short hike. A big up hill to start but in all a beautiful day. We walked through some mountain laurel that literally formed a cave that you walked through. This will be a spectacular sight in late May/early June when they bloom. If you want too impress someone come back for a day hike at that time. When we got to the shelter there was only two guys there but the caretaker had just finished painting half of the picnic table and one of the two shelter pods. We had to use a tent pad but that was fine. Good thing we got there when we did because 45 min later there were two boy scout troops that rolled in and took over the place. Good group and we had some lively conversation. One of the guys at the shelter was a us Ag Dept employee. He was training for a section hike on Sept, Springer Mt Ga to Fontana Dam. The shelter was quite nice - you could tell the caretaker was meticulous - he had even hung flower baskets. The Ag employee told us the guy was in his 70s and hikes up to attend the shelter every weekend, 2 1/2 miles with a 500 ft elevation gain! Steps for the day just under 20,000 - light day!
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3

Originally targeted to go to Toms Run Shelter ~ 14 miles, but when we got there and it was still early we decided to push ahead to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. At Toms Run we experienced our first trail magic - a family out for a hike brought gatorades for weary hikers. We hiked with them for about a mile then eagerly gulped down our drinks - just the thing we needed to help us push on to the State Park. At Pine Grove there is a relatively famous Hostel - the Iron Masters Mansion Hostel. Quite the place - huge but since we were going to take a zero in Boiling Springs we opted to stay in the cheaper State Park. Racquet and I were spent at the end of the day but we did manage to get set up and eat a hot meal before bed. I continue to "experiment" on ways to stay warm at night. I should have just bought a better sleeping bag. This is a great opportunity to practice kata. A few more day and cool nights and I will have it solved. Steps for the day totaled just over 44,000.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Once again we started out thinking we would just go about 7 miles but when we got to the shelter and reviewed the weather we decided to push further. I had to doctor my feet some, both of us have some issues but nothing that a days rest won't take care of. We had planned a zero day but with the tent repairs and slack packing we are actually a day ahead of schedule, so we plan to take our zero in Boiling Springs. NIce thing about this area is the tradition of eating a half gallon of ice cream at one of the stores nearest the marker. We decided to just split our half gallon (it was kind of cool and overcast to eat ice cream) and we will eat another half gallon in Maine - when we make it there to celebrate our true half way point. We have a PO pick-up to look forward to tomorrow (Thanks Jake!). Today's hike had a lot ups and downs and we even had to navigate several rock mazes. Late in the day it started to rain and has not stopped since. We landed in the shelter at about 7:30 and there were already 5 people there (max capacity 7) but two of them were sleeping in hammocks and their own shelter. One of the 3 in the shelter also had a hammock and he was essentially taking up 3 spots as he was hung from end to end. Not a problem since we got the last two bunks (this is a bit of a stretch since it was actually just floor space below two higher bunks about 4 feet off the ground above us. It was a snore fest all night. Racquet said I held my own - but not a good night sleep for her. Steps for the day just over 42,000.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Boiling Springs Pa - Allenberry Playhouse
Miles today: 3.9

Still making progress on finding ways to sleep warmer (for what it is worth Racquet is toasty warm every night!). Rained most of the night and the whole hike into Boiling Springs. Was looking forward to going to the Regional ATC office (they offer fuel and other stuff for a donation) but they were closed for the week due to a convention. Supposed to rain for the next two days - we picked a great time for a nero and a zero. Got the the Allenberry and they actually had our room ready (10:30 AM) - got quick showers and pulled on the only clean clothes we had and headed to their buffet. Great deal, all you can eat and that is exactly what we did! I am still stuffed - even after a nap. I must have looked like some yahoo, 3 days facial growth, hiker pants (shorts only), base layer tee shirt, sweater, white liners (thin socks worn under you wool socks normally) and ultra lite barefoot walker shoes. I over heard an older woman tell her lunch partner that she would have to stay and watch her purse when she went back to the buffet - probably thought I was ready to steal it. This place is pretty nice and even had a show at 1:00 today but we elected for a nap instead. May do the show tomorrow. I have boot problems - my Hy tec boots began to delaminate at the toes (welcome to PA rocks!) Trying to find a way into Carlisle to buy new and send these back. Steps for the day only about 12,000 but still counting.(ended at 13500).... Again, a big thanks for all of you who have sent us messages via the guest book. They are a real motivator.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Boiling Springs Pa - Allenberry Playhouse

To: Allenberry Playhouse and Inn
Miles today: 0.0

Safe in the ark! Raining all day. This has turned out to be a great place to hang out. I walked the half mile to town to forward excess food to the Port Clinton PO. Got stuck in a big down pour so I went to the fly fishing outfitter and chewed the fat with the owner until it let up enough to run over to the 101Cafe. I started ordering all sorts of things for breakfast,then the hostess stopped me and said "you just want the backpackers breakfast". It was great, two eggs, toast,sausage, fried potatoes and pancakes. In the afternoon Racquet and I went down for a beer and some soup and a sandwich at the bar at the Allenberry,then went to the game room/fly fishing museum to play some free games of pool. Ready to pack up and get ready to leave in the morning. A little worried that it will be really muddy tomorrow. Good news on my boots, Hi Tec is going to mail a new pair to Port Clinton. Steps for the day 6800.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Allenberry Playhouse and Inn

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Left Allenberry this morning after a day of rest. The trail was very wet but flat for most of the day. We ended with a steep 800 ft incline. Just NoBigDeal, me and 1 other hiker here at the shelter tonight. Word on the trail is that a theft of food happened here over the weekend. The culprit goes by Night Shade. We might have to take night watches to protect our things! Temp dropping to about 40 degrees so we are in for a cold night. Total steps 34,000.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.4

Rough day. Lots of wet areas, steep climbs and lots of ROCKS!! Had an encounter of the black snake kind. Brave NoBigDeal moved the snake so we could pass. Landed at the Doyle Hotel- a hikers refuge. Had a beer first then checked in. The building is 109 years old and let's say its full of character. Had a nice dinner here with our hiking buddy Boston and hope to get out early tomorrow. Total steps 31,500.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Got up early and Boston was already packed and heading out the door, could not sleep, too much light and road noise. Racquet and I made our way down to the little diner across the road and had big breakfasts. Then off to the trail, which was a 1 mile walk through Duncannon before we crossed the river and were at the base of Peter's Mtn. Hike was not as difficult as yesterday but some clothing malfunctions slowed us down. Some beautiful views along the way but it did start to cloud up and rain late in the day. When we got to the shelter only 3 other hikers here, in a shelter that sleeps 20! We got the loft to ourselves. Very nice set up and two of the guys in the shelter had a nice fire going already ( both were past Eagle Scouts - really nice guys. Tomorrow will be a tough day, need to go 18 miles to the next shelter. Even though it is 8:30 it is hiker midnight here! Total steps 31,700. Forgot to mention one funny story (funny to me anyway) with the clothing malfunction we had to do a quick clothing change on the trail. Literally we had not seen anyone for hours so we decided a quick change on the trail would be safe. Luckily we did get done without a hitch but literally 1 minute later a family of 6 came walking along the trail, boy what a show they just missed!
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Long hike today - everything hurts! Total steps 44,600. Luckily the hike was not brutal (as far as rocks go) but did have one big 1200 ft elevation climb. Rausch Gap shelter was pretty cool, small but it actually had a spring right in camp (not like the day before where I had to go down a steep 1/2 mile path). It was really windy when we got to the shelter and temps were dropping. Since we were the only ones there we decided to set up the tent in the shelter. This was kind of nice (and warm!).
Date: 2014-05-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Swatrar Gap - Hampton Inn
Miles today: 6.1

We will celebrate our 30th anniversary today. Choose the upscale Hampton Inn for the occasion! Sadly found out the tavern next go the hotel is closed on Mondays. Looks like we will hit the diner. Originally we were going to go all the way to the 501 crossing but yesterday just took too much out of us - still building our trail legs. We only did about 6 miles and the called for the local shuttle. Total steps 20500 which included a half mile trip to Dollar General for some food supplies. Dinner at the Diner was actually great and they served beer!
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Swatrar Gap - Hampton Inn

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Big climb to start the day, up about 1000 ft but then pretty flat. Overall not a bad hike and could see some views from both sides of the ridge. There was about a mile that was miserable. When you have rocks that are between the size of your fist and a football it is the worst. Too big to just walk over but not quite big enough to step on comfortably. Most rocks with gnarly sharp edges, ankle twisting foot piercing, boot chewing SOBs. Enough said about that. At the end of the hike you know you are close to the shelter when you reach Rt 501 (it is just across the road) but of course some trail designer with a sense of humor had us just within earshot of the road but we ran parallel for about a half mile. No worries, when we did get here it was all worth it. This is a completely closed shelter and two others were already here and had just ordered pizza ( they deliver to the road!). Steps today about 29,400.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

Started hiking this morning at 8. Seems a hikers life consist of hiking, setting up camp, eating, getting water, sleeping, breaking camp and doing it all over again. Today was long but we made it the 15 miles before the rain came. There are 6 of us in the shelter tonight. Oh, I forgot to say how much I love the PA trail- rocks, rocks and more rocks! If I make it through this state I just might make it. By the way, NoBigDeal loves the rocks- hahaSteps today about 37,000
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6

Packed up camp early and hiked .3 miles back to the AT. Almost turned wrong way when we got back to the trail, but Racquet saved the day and we headed towards Port Clinton. NoBigDeal's observation for the day, Racquet hikes faster when a beer awaits at the end of the trail! Hardest part of the day was the 1000 foot drop in the last half mile, very steep. Oh, and the rock situation. Seems it only gets worse from here until we hit NJ, so no more talk of the last 80 miles of rocks in PA. Once in town, marched straight to Union House and guy washing porch said "closed". But we have reservations, and he sent us in to meet the owner, Herm, who was inside drinking wine with friend and said come in and have a glass of my home made wine. So, we said sure. 3 hours later the huge jug of wine was gone and Herm cooked us a meal of lamb chops, broccoli, bruschetta and a medley of veggies! Best meal we have had. After meal, dipped into a bottle of Grand Marnier. Oh, by the way, thanks to Michelle for shipping NoBigDeal his replacement boots from Hi-Tec. Seems all Michelle's are great with customer service. Steps- 23,500
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Bit noisy since Rt 61 is a busy road and Union House is right on the road, but all in all a soft bed and a good night. Racquet slept in and I got up and walked the mile down to the 3C Family restaurant for breakfast. Upon returning I went into the local barber shop that is run out of the basement of the Union House, got the 8 dollar hair cut and met some other thru hikers who were in enjoying the coffee that Frank offers for free. Forgot to tell you that at the Union House a bath can occur in the bathroom upstairs but the shower is downstairs - you have to tell the barbers so they don't send any customers back at that time. Larry K you would love this place, typical small town PA and every one is very nice. Big day for us since our daughter was in town for a wedding and drove out to see us and shuttle us to Wallmart and Cabelas. Great to see her and Ryan. Steps - 11,000 (zero day!)
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hard to leave the Union house after our great dinner last night. Herm surprised us with an eggplant appetizer and more homemade wine. We managed to keep it to 2 glasses since we were hiking out in the morning. The steak and crab cakes were soooooo good. Got up early, packed, went downstairs to barber shop for coffee and goodbyes to Frank and Rocco-the local Itialian barbers. Headed out to the trail and had a steep climb to the Pulpit Rock. Stunning views! Headed toward the Pinnacle and ran into several showers. Sun popped out at the peak just in time for our arrival and we were rewarded with another wonderful view. From there hiked to Eckville and our last 5 miles of the day. Shelter is enclosed behind caretakers home with a 6 foot snake skin hanging on the window. NoBigDeal threw horseshoes with caretaker for a while and we do have a flush toilet!Steps - 37,000
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Eckville shelter

To: camping on trail
Miles today: 13.3

After playing cards last night, we hit the hay about 9. 15 min later in pops 2 hikers and a dog soaking wet! That rat terrier has come all the way from GA. Hiking by 8:30 this morning we put in 7.6 hard miles. Had an elevation change today of 1200 feet at the beginning and then lots of boulders in our way! Rested for a while at a shelter then set off again. 4 miles later we arrived at the Blue Mountain B&B. sat at the bar and scarfed down salads and burgers. Decided to hike a little more and set up camp off the trail tonight. Beautiful sunset and a small fire to keep the bugs away. Steps - 36,000
Date: 2014-05-12
From: camping on trail

To: palmerton jail house hostle
Miles today: 11.8

Forgot to mention that yesterday was a 10 percent day! We wanted to celebrate when we complete each 10 percent. Enough of that. Also last night was our first random trail camping, it as actually quite peaceful. Our hike today started with a walk across "knife's edge", this is a section right on top of the ridge and you are literally walking on giant rocks that jut out and provide a slanted 2 foot platform. One misstep and you are a goner. Racquet complained that her mother would not be happy is she knew what she was doing and I reminded her that her mother was indeed watching - then Racquet told me then her mother was yelling at me! From the knife's edge we worked our way to Bake Oven Knob road where we met "Sparky" a thru hiker from 2013 that lives in Arkansas but was out being a trail angle up and down the AT before going to "Trail Days" in Damascus VA later in the week. He gave us some sodas from the back of his truck and also had water if needed. We then hiked up to Bake Oven Knob - great view and managed to get a picture of us together (tell Tommy D we can't all be "eye candy" but for us that is definitely Racquet's role). The day was hot and we ran out of water late in the day but knew we would pass a spring at a shelter that we passed so we filtered water for the end of our hike. When we approached Palmerton we still had a two mile walk into town. We had tried the number for a local shuttle but the mailbox on the that person's phone was full. We were resigned to hitch or walk but as we walked across the bridge over the Leigh River someone approached us and "you may not remember me but we shared a shelter in Maryland a few weeks back" -- AMAZING! he was there just checking out the parking for a future section hike and recognized us. Happily we got a ride into town - our second angle for the day! Palmerton is a clean and friendly place and our 3rd Angel was in the form of Margit O. and her husband who drove up from Doylestown and took Racquet and I out for dinner. We had a few beers and some good eats at the Palmerton Hotel. Steps totaled about 34,000 for the day.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: palmerton jail house hostle

To: Windy Gap
Miles today: 20.3

There was a number to call for a ride back to the trail in the morning. A local who hiked the trail last year and likes to help hikers, his name was Soul Flute. He also offered "slack packing" services. We had talked about it had not made up our mind until we met Soul. He offered some alternatives and as we drove back to the trail we decided to go for it. A 20+ mile hike without packs from Palmerton to Windy Gap. We had a great breakfast at the local diner and felt like if we completed this hike we could get one of the boys to come get us at Windy Gap and we could take a zero day or two to heal some minor aches and pains plus catch up on mail etc at the house. It was a long day but a good decision. We hiked from 9 to 6:30 with just a couple of breaks. The climb up the mountain outside Palmerton was really cool but quite challenging. We alternated handing off hiking poles and then scrambling up the rocks on all fours. Got some really cool pictures. We then walked a nice ridge trail that was smooth and grassy (only down side were the ticks - I picked no less that about 20 from my legs). We also say a big rattler next the trail but you could tell it had just eaten something big (looked like the size of a rabbit) this snake could not even coil. I wanted to take a picture but Racquet was already running down the trail. She did offer for me to carry the phone for now on. We also ran into a guy the we talked to the previous day just at he was finishing his hike for the day - he offered to give us his leftover water - which was good as this saved us from having to try to find a spring and filter more. We got into Windy Gap about 30 min earlier than anticipated. Just in time for a beer that Beer Stein (the local bar that our packs had been dropped off at) before Jacob arrived to take us home. Maybe we can find a Trail Angel to take us back to the Trail this Thursday as both boys are working (hint, hint). Total steps for the day just under 50,000.If we go back on the trail on Thursday we will probably make it to Delaware Water Gap Friday night and will be hiking up to Sunfish pond on Saturday. So if any one wants to join us for the Saturday hike - just let us know. Steps - 50,000