morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-09
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Susquehanna Trail Campsite, PA
Miles today: 29.3
Weather: few clouds

I did not hit the trail until 10 am since I had to pick up my mail drop at the post office which opened at 9 am. When I arrived there were a number of other thru hikers milling about also waiting for the post office to open. Once we had our packages we headed across the street to the regional ATC building where we could open the parcels and get situated. Since I had been covering more mileage than planned based on my loose schedule, I had plenty of extra food. I gave it to those hikers that wanted it and the remainder ended up in the ATC hiker box where I knew it would not go to waste! Once on the trail, it was smooth going for the first 15 miles as the trail navigated through rolling farmlands and pastures (see photo). There were also many crossing in this section over small roads and interstates. After this section the trail turns up to the ridge line again on its way to Duncannon, PA. The ridge line has some rock fields which are well known in PA but none were very long and for the most part the trail was mild with minimal elevation changes and generally smooth dirt paths. Rain threatened much of the day making the ridge line walk a bit dreary. Finally after 25 miles of trail, Duncannon appeared below the trail. After a steep descent down to the valley I entered the small town that sits beside the Susquehanna River. Since it was early evening I grabbed a quick bite to eat and cold drink but I did not want to spend too much time or I feared I would simply settle in for the evening at one of the town motels. The trail runs through the town center with a dogleg at the Doyle (a bar/eatery/motel). The Doyle had a sign welcoming hikers but I willed myself passed as I knew I would end up having a few beers and wind up staying the night. It is easy to get hooked on the comforts of civilization and before I know it I am hopping from town to town rather than staying in the woods. With my willpower intact I pushed in through the town. Since it was early evening many of the residents were on their porches giving me a smile and wave as I passed. I exited the town crossing the river and then it was back up to the ridge. Since it was dusk I began to look for a campsite as I walked. I found one that perched along a cliff overlooking the town and river but the noise from the road and railroad below was too much and I pushed further up. I reached the ridge by dark but I had not found a campsite so I put on my headlamp and pushed on. Twenty minutes into my night hike I found a campsite and set up camp. Just as I zipped up my tent flaps it began to rain. Perfect timing! I quickly fell asleep as the rain pattered outside.
Date: 2014-06-10
From: Susquehanna Trail Campsite, PA

To: Rausch Gap Shelter Campsites, PA
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I was up early as usual. A heavy thunderstorm had rolled through in the evening and the tent was nice and wet when I rolled it up. Hopefully the sun will shine some today to dry it out. The march for most of the day was along the ridge lines which had sections of mild trail with intermittent sections of rock (see photos). The highlight of the days hike was running into Time-to-Eat at one of the road crossings. He had hiked 1/2 of the trail from Georgia to Harpers Ferry which was his plan but he wanted do something nice for his fellow hikers so he drove 2 hours and set up all day to give out trail magic (see photos). Many of us had lunch with him at that location. Later in the day A-10 Warthogs streaming overhead and loitering about the sky. I knew they were warthogs for the sound of their engines even before catching a glimpse of them. They were waiting for a live fire run at a nearby air force range. I could hear the loud burp (sounds more like a loud fart) of the 30 mm gatling gun as they fired at the target.   I was hot, dirty, humping a pack and the warthogs were zipping by overhead.... It was like I was having a flashback to the late 80s when I was a ground pounder (infantry) in the Army. I finally finished up the days hike in a large campsite near a shelter. There was a rushing stream near the site which was swollen from the recent rains. Space cowboy and Spider-Man were also at the site setting up camp. More rain is forecasted for the coming evening so it is likely going to be another wet night.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter Campsites, PA

To: Hertline Campsite, PA 
Miles today: 23.2

There was an early morning thunderstorm that rolled through around 4:30 am. I woke to pull in some of my wet clothes I had hung up but they were still wet so it did not matter. I slept through the storm and awoke around 6:00. Space Cowboy was already packing up and Spider-Man appeared to be sleeping in that morning. I had talked to Spider-Man during the evening and he said he was slowing down his pace to prevent injury. He said he knows a number of hikers that have recently developed stress fractures due to the repeated high mileage. Since northern Virginia many of us have been hitting it hard with lots of 20+ mile days as the terrain has mellowed out when compared to GA, TN and NC. I feel as long as I listen to my body and take time some time off between these long distance days to rest the feet and legs I should be OK. I usually try to get 24 hrs off my feet every 4-6 days and so far this has worked for me. Much of the days hike was similar to the prior days hike running along the ridge lines. The mist hung overhead all day so by days end my pack, clothes and shoes were soaked. I finished the day at the Hertline Campsite which was set between a number of springs. The rushing water helps put me to sleep. Two other thru hikers (Spoon & Toast) also settled here for the night. I haven't seen them since Damascus, VA. They both carry instruments (banjo and fiddle) and play gigs at local bars along the way. They are pretty good. No big views today due to the mist. The rocks are also very slippery and over one large boulder I almost went down. However, I did stub my toe during this incident and it hurt like heck but luckily that was all that happened. The rain and mist tends to make the hike a dreary one. I am set up to make it to Port Clinton, PA tomorrow for my mail drop. I have also reserved a motel room in the nearby town of Hamburg with hopes to dry out one night. More rain is forecasted tomorrow.   I miss the sun.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Hertline Campsite, PA 

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 18.8

It was another stormy night with thunderstorms rolling through around midnight. I ate in my tent and quickly packed up all my wet stuff motivated by the prospect of a warm shower and dry bed this evening in Hamburg, PA. The trail is a mix of rocks and smooth paths with no major elevation changes.   The rocks keep you on your toes and slow down your pace. About 6 miles from Port Clinton I stopped for a lunch break. While I ate Jersey Girl rolled up hiking Southbound. I visited with her a while. I had met her husband Ron the day earlier at a road crossing. Her story is one of perseverance. She started a AT thru hike back in 2009. However she did not make the entire distance due to injury. However with her husbands support she has been doing sections of the AT ever since with the goal of doing it all. Oh and since 2009 she has had both hips replaced. Yet she is still at it. That is hardcore!I rolled into Port Clinton around 2:00 in the afternoon limping a bit due to my stubbed toe. The trail spits you out of the woods right into a railroad depot (see photos). There were a number of engines as well as lots of old Pullman passenger cars many appearing in disrepair. In the 30s and 40s when rail was the primary means of travel I envision this depot and the small town of Port Clinton were bustling but now it is only a shell of what it once was. Once in Port Clinton I picked up my mail drop at the post office. The fellow at the post office asked if I needed a ride and I said yes and he gave a call to a friend to drive me into Hamburg which was much appreciated. The folks of PA have been so helpful to thru hikers. I know I passed the Mason-Dixon Line when I entered PA but the PA folks also have that southern hospitality. I settled into my motel spreading out all my wet stuff throughout my room. Ahh I was clean and in dry clothes. More rain is forecasted for tonight and tomorrow. Well at least I will be out of it tonight.
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Pulpit Rock, PA
Miles today: 7.3

I started the day with the motels continental breakfast (essentially a bread breakfast). The meal would hold me for an hour or two. I checked the weather and rain was forecasted for much of the day. I decided I would take my time getting back on the trail with hopes the weather might improve some. I packed up my gear in my motel room and I also cleaned the room up. I had to dry out my tent and when I hung it over the shower rail chunks of leaves ended up everywhere. I did not want to leave this magnitude of a mess for the cleaning crew and I also did not want to be the hiker who ended up making future hikers unwelcome at the motel. So when I left the room was probably cleaner then when I arrived.   When checkout time rolled around I checked the weather radar to see what was heading my way. It appeared I had about a one hour before the next big band of rain.... Not enough time to get on the trail and find some shelter so I decided to head over to the nearby McD's. There I could eat and loitered around until the rain passed. I hung out for almost 3 hours eating, drinking and updating my trail journals. Once the rain stopped I checked the radar again and it appeared I had about 2-3 hour window before the next heavy band of rain.   So off I went down the road towards the trail. I was not down the road long when a kind soul stopped and gave me a ride back to Port Clinton to pick up the trail. My goal was to get whatever mileage I could before the next band of rain hit. So I hit the trail which headed beneath the main road out of Port Clinton (see photos) and up a steep slope to the ridge line. I made it up to Pulpit Rock and as I peered out over the rocks the winds picked up and the thunder cracked. It was time to set up the tent and quickly or I was going to get drenched. I set up just in time as the sheets of rain came in. An hour later, the band had passed and I cooked dinner. Once finished with dinner another band of rain came through. Finally by about 8:30 in the evening the last band of rain passed.   The rain was done finally!   Proud of myself for not getting caught in the downpours I settled In for the night. I was proud of my campsite location which was so close to the rock overlook and very peaceful. I thought to myself I sure know how to pick a campsite as I closed my eyes for the night, but then I heard a car approach and stop behind the trees. At this location there is an observatory nearby and I though maybe it was someone visiting the observatory since it was Friday night. However shortly after the first car I heard another and then another and more plus I began hearing kids, lots and lots of kids..... Oh no I thought. By 10 pm there were kids running all about. It turned out to be a Boy Scout invasion. So much for peace and quite. Since it was already dark I was not about to pack up and move so I did not get much sleep until they finally settled into their tents around midnight but only after plenty of yelling by the den leaders.   Maybe I am not such a great picker of campsites I thought as I finally dozed off.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Pulpit Rock, PA

To: Bake Oven Knob, PA
Miles today: 25.0

I was up early before the Boy Scouts roused. I took a quick look behind the trees on the observatory lawn and there must have been 20+ tents out there! No wonder why it was so noisy last night. Starting the morning, there was a beautiful sunrise over the mountains as seen from Pulpit Rock (see photo). When I headed out on the trail I saw some of the Boy Scout dads starting to get up and head over to the Pulpit Rock to admire the morning view.   I hit some strenuous sections of rock along the trail but still much of the walk was mild trail (see photos). With rain gone I was able to enjoy some of the overlook views of the valleys (see photos). The sun also brought out the snakes after 4 days of rain. I saw three snakes on the trail sunning themselves during the day. After a long day hiking I settled at a campsite on Bake Oven Knob for the evening.
Date: 2014-06-15
From: Bake Oven Knob, PA

To: Hahn Overlook, PA
Miles today: 26.0

The day started bright and sunny along the ridge. However since I was camping up along the ridge away from water sources I started the days hike with only little water. Along this section of hike the water sources are scarce or not recommended for use because they are near a superfund site. Fortunately for me and other thru hikers there are trail angels that have left water at road crossings. At Lehigh Furnace Gap trail angel, Starmen, had placed a number of gallon water bottles as well as donuts. The water was much needed and appreciated and the donuts helped put wind in the sails for the upcoming descent and climb through the Lehigh River Valley.   The highlight of the day was the big and difficult ascent up the rock faced hill out of the valley (see photos). The ascent started like many climbs but toward the top there were a number of locations where you had to do some hand and foot rock climbing. The climb was the toughest since Albert Mountain back in North Carolina. Once on top of the rock face the view of the valley below was stunning (see photos). I could see the bridge I crossed below, people paddling down the Lehigh river and the small towns beside the river. The trail then runs along the west ridge of hill beside a mining superfund cleanup site. The bypass around the site was also scenic full of wildflowers beside the path (see photos). Below the ridge I could see the mining facility associated with the cleanup site. After passing the site the trail runs back up to the top of the ridge where there were some more rocky sections. I made it to the Leroy Smith shelter late in the day completely out of water. The shelter was the first good water source near the trail in over 15 miles. So I drank as much as I could and tanked up all of my water bottles for the evening. A few other thru hikers were there deciding what to do for water. Many Thru hikers I met that day were going to try to make it to Wind Gap, PA, specifically to the Beer Stein which supposedly would allow you to camp on their property. The beer was obviously the big draw. I could not make it that far as it would put me over 30 for the day. Once past the shelter I began looking for a campsite. As I had mentioned in prior journals PA usually has campsites every 1/2 mile or so but as luck would have it I did not come across a campsite for another 3 miles.   It was a welcome sight! I set up camp late in the evening and after a quick meal hit the hay. I was now only 18 miles from Delaware Water Gap, PA where I have a mail drop and plan to stay the night.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Hahn Overlook, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 17.3

I was up early looking forward to reaching the Delaware Water Gap by early afternoon where the comforts of civilization awaited.   I had made a reservation at the Pocono Inn who his a low budget motel on the outskirts of town. The hike into town was much like the prior day's hike but the trail tended to be a bit more rocky. There was one rocky obstacle called Wolf Rocks which required some major rock hopping (see photos). The majority of the hike was along the ridge line and again like the days before the water sources were limited.   About two miles from town the trail begins a steep descent. There were intermittent views of the New Jersey hills that I will be climbing tomorrow as well as the river and nearby freeway. The trail runs right into town and then turns east down Main Street toward the bridge over the river to New Jersey. Since my plans were to stay the night I turned west down main and into town. I picked up my mail drop at The Edge of Woods outfitters. They have a respectable array of hiking gear should you need anything. Then onward to the motel, passing a number of eatery's which enabled me to plan my dining arrangements for the next three meals (I.e., lunch dinner and breakfast). As they say, "luck favors the prepared". Once I was settled in to the Pocono Inn I set about taking care of all the necessities, including showering, cleaning and drying gear and of course eating. I finished the day at the Sycamore Grill bar watching the US beat Ghana in the World Cup along with some 10+ thru hikers. The grill has great burgers and other hiker food staples. It was a great way to wrap up the day. Tomorrow I will leave PA and start hiking New Jersey. Looking back, I had heard so much about the rocks in PA (sometimes called "ROCKsylvania") I had dreaded the state as I approached it. However it was not ALL rocks and I thought the PA folks were great. There were some sections that were rocky, specifically the last section (75 miles) from Port Clinton to Delaware Water Gap but much of the others sections are mild and generally scenic. There were many memorable places in PA that I would love to go back given the chance. In short I liked PA and I think it has kind of gotten a bad rap which is not really deserved.
Date: 2014-06-17
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Blue Mountain Campsite, NJ
Miles today: 16.9

I woke up early and I was in the local diner for breakfast by 7 am enjoying a couple breakfast sandwiches on fresh baked rolls. Mmmm!   I checked out of the motel and hit the trail by 10 am. I have 110 miles to my next resupply in Fort Montgomery, NY and I was plannng to complete the distance in 5 days. Once over the bridge that crosses the water gap river, I approached the NJ water gap visitors center. The Rangers invited me into the center to sign their register and have a cold drink. They also provided me with a nice AT patch. It was a warm welcome into NJ! As with every town departure, the hike started with an ascent out of the river valley. The trail had plenty of rocks similar to PA but only a few major elevation changes. Once on top of the ridge there were a number of overlooks that allowed me to look down on the water gap where I could see many folks canoeing and kayaking. West beyond the water gap, there was a sea of rolling hills (see photos). The weather was great and even with a late start I put in almost 17 miles for the day. I ended up camping on Blue Mountain with thru hikers Bubba and Looper. We finished the evening eating dinner and visiting. It was a great day and it feels great to have started hiking through another state. In a few short days I will be in NY!
Date: 2014-06-18
From: Blue Mountain Campsite, NJ

To: High Point Shelter, NJ
Miles today: 27.7

The winds blew strong last night making for a cool morning which was ok with me. I was up early and on the trail by 6 am. However Looper was packed up and on the trail even earlier. I made it to "Joes to Go" by 11 am about 13 miles from the campsite. Joes is a deli located a few hundred feet from the AT on US206. I pigged out on a 18-inch hero plus sodas and ice cream. Looper was already there enjoying a sandwich when I arrived. There was also a tavern just up the road which Looper was planning to visit once they opened. He asked if I wanted to join him for a beer.... Man that sounded good but I wanted to get some good mileage in today so I reluctantly declined.   I was afraid if I had a beer or two I would throw in the towel and fall short of the mileage I wanted. So with my stomach full off I went back onto the trail. One thing I did do at Joes was tank up with water. In NJ good water sources are slim pickings. Many of the streams flow out of ponds or lakes and the water tends to be a brownish color. Plus it does not taste that well. The day started well but as it wore on the combination of heat, bugs (particularly black flies) and lack of good water made for a less than an ideal hike. I would break at many of the ridge high points to catch the breeze for some relief but once under the trees the flys and stagnant air returned. Toward the end of the day I had no water and about 5 miles to the next water source. When I finally made it to the water source I was parched and soaked with sweat. The water source was at a state park headquarters building and it was cold and most importantly clean!   What a welcome sight it was (see photos). I drank and tanked up all my water bottles. I also cleaned up getting the sweat and dirt off. I felt so much better! It is amazing how something as simple as a water fountain can change your whole outlook on the hike. I slowly made my way up the trail looking for a campsite. However there was nothing until I made it to the shelter. I rolled in and set up camp. While there I ran into thru hikers Ace and Mack who I had not seen since Atkins, TN (about two months ago). Wow that was a long time ago. It is great to catch up with them both again.
Date: 2014-06-19
From: High Point Shelter, NJ

To: Wawayanda Mountain Stream Campsite, NJ
Miles today: 21.0

An early morning rain started the day so I slept in until 8:00 am. By the time I packed up all of the other thru hikers (Ace, Mack, Cornwall, Cowboy, etc. ) had already departed the campsite. The days hike had lots of boardwalks with the highlight being the Pochuck Creek Boardwalk and suspension bridge. The boardwalk is almost a mile in length and it winds through the open marsh of cat tails and water grasses (see photos). I had a late lunch at Pochuck Mtn. Shelter and I saw no thru hikers except Looper the entire day. When talking to Looper I asked him how many miles he got in yesterday after his visit to the tavern. He said he and Bubba put in another 10 miles after the tavern. That is some hardcore mileage after a few beers. I kind of wish I would have joined them yesterday but I am sure I would be lagging after a few beers. Today he was going to hit Unionville, NY for a similar tavern break and asked me to join him and Bubba.... So I have been tempted the last two days to chill out in a town and then hit the trail again in the afternoon. He has been able to keep his mileage but I ended up passing and kept pushing on. I know I am a bit if a party pooper..... It was hot, humid and buggy due to all of the marsh areas the trail ran through. What kept me going was a stream bath and then later in the day a short pitstop at the Heaven Hill Farm and Pitchfork Deli. The store is only 0.1 mile down NJ 94 which is a piece of cake. After a cold diet coke and some chocolate chip cookies, the 800 ft ascent over Wawayanda Mountain that followed was easy. It is amazing how something so simple as a cold drink can fill your tank!   Over the mountain, I descended down to a beautiful stream which also had a small campsite and decided to call it a day. I cleaned up once more in the stream and settled for the night. Tomorrow I will depart NJ and enter NY. I am psyched and the states are falling like dominoes.