morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Compton Peak 

To: Ashby Gap
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: few clouds

Today we left the Shenandoah's early in the morning. The landscape changed from beautiful forest to swampy green vegetation and no rock formations. The hike today was drudgery.For me though physically I felt better. Unfortunately Achilles didn't feel good physically, he complained of a sore neck and being tired.That night as we looked for a campsite, Achilles said he could go no further so we ended up camping on the trail. I asked Achilles about his neck pain and he pointed towards his lymphoid. I didn't want to take any chances so I gave him a med my doctor gave me in case I got bit by a tick.I did not sleep well with my tent on a slope and cars whizzing by on the road nearby!Hiker tip: On the AT constantly look for signs of Lynes disease. Check yourself well for tick bites.
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Ashby Gap

To: Mile 1016.1
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: few clouds

Today we did the Roller-coaster, a stretch of 14 miles of steep up and down upon very rocky terrain. It was a warmer day than usual. After my recent bout with heat exhaustion about a week ago my common sense told me to not over do it and to drink a lot of liquids.I felt we did well completing the Roller-coaster with not over expending ourselves. With about two miles left in the Roller-coaster Achilles took off to catch a shuttle he arranged to pick him up at 4 pm at the Blackburn Center to take him into Harper's Ferry. He will take a zero tomorrow. I suggested he see a doctor in town to rule out Lyme's disease exposure.I hiked on. Right before I reached the Blackburn trail, I saw the beautiful Scarlet Tanager sitting right on the trail 4 feet from me. I went to take a picture and my phone was dead so the picture was never taken. I was to find out later this bird had been spotted many times at the same spot. It eventually flew away.I hiked down to the Blackburn AT Center where I took an hour break to charge my phone and to get some tasty well water. I snuck in a half hour nap as I waited for my phone to charge.After being well rested I continued on until it was almost dark leaving myself 6 miles to hike to Harper's Ferry tomorrow.I set up my Tarptent using my headlamp. I was tired and I slept well.Hiker Tip: If you plan on hiking late into the evening have your headlamp in an easily accessible location.
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Mile 1016.1

To: HI Harper's Ferry Hostel 
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

It was a very rocky 6 miles into Harper's Ferry. The hills were gentle. Once at Harper's Ferry I went to the AT headquarters and waited 15 minutes for them to open at 9 am.When they opened I had my picture taken that they do for every hiker to post in their book. I had 5 postcards made from my picture.The ATC building soon became crowded with hikers and visitors. I charged my phone. I had some fruit then paid for an ATC bandanna and was on my way.I hiked another 2 miles to the HI Harper's Ferry Hostel. There I showered then went to sleep. When I awoke I found out that Achilles went to the hospital to get tested for Lyme's disease. He would get the results in three days. He was now spending the day with his family.I went back into town. I bought new shoes and had lunch. That night the hostel provided a dinner of BBQ hamburgers. I had a good conversation with Irey and Sleeping Bear, two other NOBO hikers.Hostel is very nice. I slept clean and well.
Date: 2016-07-03
From: HI Harper's Ferry Hostel 

To: HI Harper's Ferry Hostel 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I was picked up by Achilles and his parents at 8 am. I went with them by car to the Blackburn Center where they were to begin their hike to Harper's Ferry.Once they started hiking I drove their car back to Harper's Ferry. It was nice to have a car. I first went shopping for food supplies. I then went to the ATC Conservancy Headquarters and hung out with other hikers. It is always a little awkward integrating with the other hikers because Achilles and I rarely see hikers more than one or two days. All the hikers at the ATC seemed to know one an other but I knew no one. I finally got some good conversations going with other hikers making the day go by faster.I went to a pizza place for lunch. After lunch back to the ATC Headquarters where I waited for Achilles and his parents, they showed up about 3 pm.We all went to dinner about 7 pm. At 9 pm, I was in bed. This zero was needed my left leg feels healed. I can't wait to hike tomorrow.
Date: 2016-07-04
From: HI Harper's Ferry Hostel 

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite 
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

Happy 4th of July! To celebrate the 4th, Achilles and I have challenged ourselves to do 300 miles in 12 days, an average of 25 miles a day.A lot of great interest points today starting with Weverton Cliffs that gave us a wonderful view of the Potomac River from an interesting rock outcropping!Next we came upon Gathland State Park the site of many historical events and monuments including a Civil War Correspondents Monument.Then we came upon a site where two generals died on the same day in the same battle, one Union the other Confederate.The history tour continued as we visited the first ever monument built for George Washington. We visited this site in the pouring rain.The rain was still pouring when we took a blue blaze trail to the Annapolis Rocks. The Rocks in the overcast sky reminded me of the landscape used in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.We ended the day camping at the Pogo Memorial Campsite.Hiker tip: Each night study your trail guide book to see what is upcoming for the next day so you know what you are seeing. Also study your map to familiarize yourself with upcoming landmarks.
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite 

To: Chimney Rocks
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Today we hiked the first half of the day in Maryland then the second half of the day in Pennsylvania.At lunch time we made it to the Pen Mar County Park. There we hung out with other hikers. All of us dried out our gear from the rain yesterday.We ended the day at Chimney Rocks. This rock outcropping had a beautiful eastward view. Also a great rock climb up the chimney of Chimney Rock.
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Chimney Rocks

To: Tom's Run
Miles today: 26.6

Today we reached two more midpoints of the trail. Now Harper's Ferry is known as the"unofficial midpoint," so today we hit the official midpoint and the historical midpoint. The official midpoint is at 1094.5 miles so we made that then 4.5 miles later we came upon the historical midpoint at 1100 miles. The historical midpoint looked the most official and that's were I had my picture taken.We ended the day at Tom's Run. This was the third day of our 12 day three hundred mile challenge. We are at 75.5 miles, right at the 25 mile average we need to be at.Hiker tip: Crazy challenges are common on all three on the big U.S. trails. Challenges serves the dual purpose of keeping you motivated and focused.
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Tom's Run

To: Boiling Spring
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

We got to the Pine Grove Furnace Store at 7:30 am a half hour before it opened. During the time we needed to wait for it to open we talked to an ATC Ridge Runner named Jukebox.When the store opened we had to make a decision. The store is known for its half gallon ice cream challenge. If you are able to eat a half gallon of ice cream you get a spoon. We both decided the breakfast sandwiches looked good so we declined the challenge. After breakfast we went next door to the ATC museum where I bought a midpoint bandanna.At the end of the day we arrived at the town of Boiling Springs. We visited the ATC office and signed in. We ate dinner at the local tavern then spent the night at the Allenberry Resort. We are at 99 miles for our challenge, one mile below are needed average to get 300 miles in 12 days.
Date: 2016-07-08
From: Boiling Spring

To: Dunncannon 
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: clear sky

Easiest 12 miles of AT this morning. We had 10 miles in by 11 am. We took a one hour break at Scott's Farm, owned by the AT Conservancy. This is a great place to take a break, great water and shade! This morning was sunny and hot!What a weird day. When we began hiking at noon it was sunny, too sunny. Then at 1 pm. We had rain and thunder. We continued on hiking in the rain not feeling in any real danger. It seemed no one else was hiking besides us maybe they had the weather forecast.We reached the town of Dunncannon at 6 pm. We resupplied and got a hotel room.Day 5 of our self inflicted challenge, we are at 125.5 miles. Why did we make this challenge to ourselves? Well we just want to motivate ourselves to stay focused on getting down the trail.
Date: 2016-07-09
From: Dunncannon 

To: Yellow Springs Campground
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got a ride to the trail head from one of the staff from the Red Carpet Hotel.Today my lower right leg continued to bother me. It is the exact same injury I had on my left leg. I'm hoping that I can keep walking and it will eventually get better.We got some nice views to the east from Table Rock. We saw a copperhead snake. The snake was very intimidating! I overcame my fear of the snake and I got some good closeup photos. I posted the photo on Instagram. The photo got mixed reactions from people. Some people thought the snake was interesting other people thought the snake was horrifying!A couple days ago we had a very good indication that we had caught the "herd." In Boiling Springs a man told us he had never seen so many hikers in town before in his life. So today, our 60th day on the trail, we had more signs we had caught the herd as we passed about 10 other thru hikers before we reached highway PA 325.At PA 325, in the trail head parking lot, we were greeted by cries of "thru hikers" by a group of about 30 people. We had come upon a get together of thru hikers at a trail magic event thrown by "Trail Magic Mary." Mary immediately gave us a bowl of shrimp, sausage, chorizo, and corn. There was also a cooler full of soda. We met numerous hikers there including "Sunset" a double Triple Crowner. Sunset when he found out Achilles was only twenty years old exclaimed,"Hell, your going to be a triple Triple Crowner!" Everybody was impressed with our starting date of May 11th and that we had done six 25s in a row.We stayed there about 2 hours then pulled ourselves away so we could get our miles in. We camped at Yellow Springs with about six other hikers.
Date: 2016-07-10
From: Yellow Springs Campground

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 27.8
Weather: clear sky

Day 7 of our 12 day challenge. Today terrain was mostly flat the big difference though was how rocky the trail became. Near the end of the day we saw our second poisonous snake in as many days. This time the snake was a timber rattler. Achilles startled the snake walking past him so the snake was coiled and rattling and ready to strike as I approached. I took a few steps back into what I percieved a safe distance. We took pictures and moved on joking about the second hiker in snake country being a "dead man walking."We put in good miles today. My right leg sore but pain manageable. Slept well.Hike tip: When training for a thru hike sometimes train at a speed that is so slow that it is almost impossible to further an injury or cause one. This non-injury speed will break no records but it will enable you to get through hardships.
Date: 2016-07-11
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Campsite Mile 1220
Miles today: 21.3

Short mileage day because of a town stop. We are still on schedule for 300 miles in 12 days.We reached PA 61 and hitched into Hamburg to resupply and order Achilles a new phone. His phone got wet in the thunderstorm in the section from Boiling Springs to Dunncannon. He ordered a new phone. We were back on trail at 6 pm. We had a steep climb to our campsite. A nice campsite but the guidebook's promised spring was dry.
Date: 2016-07-12
From: Campsite Mile 1220

To: Campsite past Bear Rocks
Miles today: 27.1
Weather: broken clouds

Rocks, rocks, then more rocks is what we delt with today. Started the day with a good view from a rock out cropping called the Pulpit. After the Pulpit we came upon a blue blaze trail that we took to the "Pinnacle" an impressive rock out cropping that entailed a fun rock scramble for us. Little did we know this rock scramble was nothing compared to what we would encounter later in the day. We found a flat rock and had a break.Back on the AT we battled the rocky trail. Rocks cause blisters and I'm starting to get a few. We hiked hard and fast to get to a roadside restaurant to only find that it was closed. Fortunately they had an outside water spigot and an accessible electrical outlet.After charging my phone and getting water we crossed the highway for an upward climb.To end the day we had a very hard and somewhat dangerous rock scramble over the "Knife's Edge." What made this challenging scramble even more dangerous was that we were tired.We made it through Knife's Edge to only find a short distance later ourselves on another rock scramble over "Bear Rocks."Right after Bear Rocks we found a campsite that would have been perfect except for all the trash in the fire pit. I've been really disappointed with the amount of trash left at campsites in Pennsylvania. It appears that the trash is left by locals partying on the weekends. This fire pit was loaded with unused hot dog buns, milk cartons, and empty beer cans.Slept well.
Date: 2016-07-13
From: Campsite past Bear Rocks

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: clear sky

I woke up with my right leg still sore with the added complication of blisters on both feet from the rocky trail and all the rock scrambling yesterday. I thought about ending this 12 day challenge today the 10th day. I struggled to motivate myself but I prepared myself any way taping my leg and my blisters.Once underway I found Achilles also felt physically exhausted and sore. We talked about ending the challenge. We decided to wait to give our bodies a chance to warm-up and adapt to the discomfort we both felt.Day 10 of a 12 day challenge you would think we would have it made but it is like the last 6 miles of a marathon it is really when the challenge begins.I forced myself to remove negative thoughts and said to myself one step at a time, easy by easy, and my little prayer I always say when I'm physically at my limit, "God, thanks for my strength, endurance, and determination."By the time we reached a super steep rock climbing from Lehigh Gap up Blue Ridge Mountain. It started off with me scolding two guys I saw throwing their water bottles away into the brush. That got me angry, a good frame of mind to attack a steep climb. I actually did well climbing even with the hot sun blazing. Achilles had a more difficult time since he has a fear of heights, a fear he is overcoming but not this time.We reached the top and had some fairly easy hiking. We camped with a big crowd at a tent site near Leroy A. Smith shelter.We made it through Day 10!
Date: 2016-07-14
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Backpacker Campsite near Sunfish Pond
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: few clouds

Now I'm 55 years old so the question I have for myself, "Is why do I think I need to be faster than the 20 year old hikers?" The answers I come up with are not too flattering to myself because they include the following:1) I'm not to smart2) I'm insane3) I'm not smart and insaneDay 11 of the 12 day 300 mile challenge. Achilles and I were on the trail by 5:30 am. We soon had another hiker on our heels called "Fire Cracker." He is twenty and from Scotland. He wants to go for the unsupported AT time record next year. He and Whiskey Priest had passed us on the trail about two weeks ago so we were surprised to see we caught up to him. He said he decided to slow down for the rest of the trail. Well we didn't slow down the next 5.5 mile moving at 3 mph over rocks. I think Achilles and I actually had another notch in our speed that we held back. Once we reached the road to Wind Gap, Achilles and I went into town and Fire Cracker continued on to Water Gap. Achilles and I were to go farther than Water Gap that day.In town we had a gas station market breakfast and I charged my phone. A nice lady gave us a ride back to trail head.Back on trail we hiked well until we reached a section of wet rocks called, "Wolf Rocks." Achilles slipped and fell fortunately he was not injured. After the rocks we rested at a shelter where five other hikers were. All of them except one had taken the bypass to go around Wolf Rocks. The one crazy hiker like us was a 19 year old named, "Pine Cone."After our break we began hiking only to have Pine Cone right behind us. The pace soon accelerated to easily be a couple notches faster than our pace with Fire Cracker. I say 4 mph definitely, the fast pace not helping my blisters but adrenaline took the pain away. So here I am racing my partner Achilles, a twenty year old, and Pine Cone, a 19 year old, in hilly rocky terrain. So what happens next? Well add a torrential downpour of rain with lightning and thunder to the situation.We didn't let up, no quarter given or taken, all three of us kept the petal to the metal for 7 miles until Water Gap. Yes, it is number 3, I'm both stupid and insane!Pine Cone like Fire Cracker was staying in Water Gap where a church was throwing a big feast for hikers. But oh no, Achilles and I couldn't stop we had our stupid challenge!We continued on going into the State of New Jersey. The last 5 miles I was exhausted and hiked at a crawling pace. I wondered why. HaEnded day at a nice campsite with a beautiful sunset. One day left to this stupid challenge.
Date: 2016-07-15
From: Backpacker Campsite near Sunfish Pond

To: Branchville, New Jersey
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: moderate rain

Well this was the final day of our challenge. To end the suspense, we failed! We ended up doing 298 miles instead of 300 miles. Unfortunately the town of Branchville was 2 miles short of 300 and it would be another 20 miles for us to reach the next town. So we fell short of 300 miles by two miles. We were not disappointed, we were proud of ourselves! The day started out miserably, we were both physically spent. After a mile we saw a beautiful sunrise at Sunfish Pond. We took a break at a camping resort where we stocked up on Gatorade and candy. Achilles and I met two other thru hikers there, "Lumberjack and the Kid," very nice twenty something kids. Oh oh.Yes. Later in the day we ended up racing them. The first unofficial race, Achilles and I heard them coming up from behind and we increased our speed and blew them away. Later in the day they got their revenge. They passed us during our break, during their break we passed them. They soon caught up to us and we had nothing in the tank they blew us away easily!The last couple miles were tough, we made it to Branchville. The Forest Hotel owner picked us up to save us from walking two miles of road to the hotel.All said, we easily hiked over 300 miles in 12 days with all the extra miles to shelters, towns, and water sources but only did 298 official trail miles. We failed but still felt very successful!!
Date: 2016-07-16
From: Branchville, New Jersey

To: Branchville, New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in until 9 am. My goal today was recovery. I forced myself to lay around all day.Dinner time we got a ride to the local tavern called Gyp's There we ended up in the backyard of the tavern with other thru hikers. Other thru hikers at Gyp's included Buckeye, Wild Hare, and Pine Cone.I told Pine Cone about my conclusion that I was both stupid and insane to hike at his and Achilles pace. He said,"Just maybe you're not stupid and insane you're just a "Bad Ass" hiker." That made me feel good!We got back to our hotel at 9pm. I slept well knowing tomorrow would be another zero.
Date: 2016-07-17
From: Branchville, New Jersey

To: Branchville, New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Pine Cone spent the night at the same Motel as us last night. In the morning the motel owner gave all three of us a ride to a small local market. We resupplied the best we could with a limited selection. After shopping we walked to a restaurant where all three of us had some big breakfasts. I had about four cups of coffee.Hard hitch back to motel. Once back at motel I got to my sewing. I had a torn tent zipper, torn pant leg, and several holes in my backpack. My stitching is horrible but I got the job done. I then caught up on journal entries. Tomorrow we hit the trail the plan is to do 20 mile days until we feel healthy. My right leg I think is getting better. Shin injuries are tricky they can lead to serious injuries though I think I'm lucky and mine is getting better. It is hard to evaluate the injury because it's three steps forward and two steps back. Tomorrow I'll tiger balm it and wrap it tight.Pizza for dinner. Tomorrow we roll!
Date: 2016-07-18
From: Branchville, New Jersey

To: Unionville, New York
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: clear sky

Easy hitch to trail for Achilles and I. Once on trail more rocks to deal with. I'm trying to stay positive but these rocks hurt the feet and legs!We reached an observation tower where we had a perfect view of New Jersey's highest point. From there I took a short blue blaze to a park bathroom to get Achilles and I water. We hiked well getting to the village of Unionville at about 4:30 pm. This village is in New York but we'll be back in New Jersey tomorrow.The village is a cool place. They're very accommodating to hikers mostly (more on that later). The village has a park, store, pizza parlor, and a tavern.First we went to the pizza parlor. I ate a large pizza by myself impressing the owner of the store next door to the pizza parlor. He told me to come to the store to register for a campsite. So to the store and I registered for a campsite. The campsite was free.After setting up our tents. I went to the local tavern with Wild Hare and Buckeye. I eased up to the bar with Buckeye and Wild Hare and sat on a bar stool. One of the patrons took exception to my smell and asked me to sit in the back. I didn't like the way he asked so I ignored him and ordered the three of us beers.The beers came along with the tavern's owner, who the patron ran whining too, who asked us nicely and discreetly if we would sit in the back where we wouldn't ruin the other tavern patrons dining experience. This has happened to me before and I don't take it personal because hikers do smell and we smell bad!After a few drinks to my tent. I slept well.
Date: 2016-07-19
From: Unionville, New York

To: New Jersey-New York border
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Trail Magic day! After we left Unionville we came upon a mile long boardwalk where we walked through a wetland area. After leaving the wetland area we came upon a cooler of trail magic where we each had a soda.We would come upon three more coolers that day with cold drinks. Oh the benefits of being in the front of the herd!At end of the day we were finally in New York leaving New Jersey for good. We met another thru hiker named Flashlight who likes to hike at night. We talked to Flashlight for a short while before he continued on. We camped a few feet from the state line border. Hello New York!Hiker tip: A lot of people enjoy night hiking to avoid heat. I would rather not, I trip enough as it is in daylight. I like to conserve my headlamp battery. With that said you should always be prepared to do some night hiking.