morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-24
From: Keffer Oak

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Long day hiking with two climbs over 1200 to 1500 feet. Passed Audey Murphy's memorial in the afternoon. He was the most decorated WW2 soldier and died in a plane crash near the site after the war. Tented in a field near the shelter and saw bear scat. Boyd and I hung our food bags (bear bagged) and have Lucy which is the best protection. Bears especially down south are afraid of dogs since they are used to hunt them. She will also bark if any animals get close.
Date: 2015-04-25
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: VA Route 311
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: light intensity drizzle

It was raining and cold when we woke up so we packed up and hit the trail. Temp's were in the mid 40's with wind chill well below that. We hiked over Dragon's Tooth which was very rocky and steep on the climb down. I took my time but Lucy was like a mountain goat running down the rocks. At one point there was metal rungs in the rock to help with the climb, Lucy didn't even slow down! We decided to call a shuttle after 12 miles and stay at Howard Johnson in Daleville. Very happy to have a chance to get dry, do laundry and resupply. Going to rain tomorrow so we plan on zeroing and hitting the trail again on Monday.
Date: 2015-04-26
From: VA Route 311

To: VA 311
Miles today: 0.0

Taking the day off in Daleville at the Howard Johnson. Came back to the room after walking to the supermarket and found Lucy sprawled on the bed! Before coming on the trail we never gave her people food or let her on the furniture. The no people food rule went out the window the first week with her getting beef jerky from fellow hikers and now I guess she's decided the no furniture rule is done as well. I figured after 700 miles on the AT she deserves a nap on a bed so I let her stay put!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: VA 311

To: Daleville
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: clear sky

Shuttled back to VA311 where we had got off the trail on Saturday. Thanks to Homer and his wife Teressa for shuttling us around. Both thru hiked with their kids back in 2002. We had a beautiful sunny day going over McAfee Knob and the Tinkers Cliffs. Stunning views that take your breath away!
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Daleville

To: Bearwallow Gap
Miles today: 22.3

I had to retire my hiking boots after over 700 miles since the seams were starting to split on the side. I got a pair of trail running shoes at the outfitter in Daleville. We got to a shelter after 18 miles to find it full and with the only tenting spot taken. So Boyd, Lucy & I pushed on for another 4 miles to a tenting spot on a ridge above the gap. It was a long day hiking but we ended up having a great view of the sunset!
Date: 2015-04-30
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: James River Bridge
Miles today: 14.4

My next mail drop was in the Buena Vista post office which is closed on Saturdays. I wasn't sure we would make the trailhead and get to town in time on Friday so we decided to get a shuttle from the James River Bridge trailhead on Thursday afternoon and stay at the local motel. As soon as we settled in the skies opened up and it poured all evening. Perfect timing!
Date: 2015-05-01
From: James River Bridge

To: Punchbowl Overlook
Miles today: 30.2

It was raining when we woke up at the Buena Vista motel so we decided to slackpack 11 miles and stay another night at the motel. Gary our shuttle driver stopped at Subway so we could get sandwiches for the trail. People like Gary are true trail Angels. Local shuttle drivers are usually past hikers who only charge a small amount to cover their gas costs. We hiked in fog and mist most of the day but I was glad we got out and did a quick 11 miles Instead of zeroing. (Note miles listed are higher to get to correct total.)
Date: 2015-05-02
From: Punchbowl Overlook

To: Hog Gap
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: few clouds

Spring has really hit, leaves are out below 3000 ft elevation, a lot more bugs out (unfortunately) and we saw five snakes during the day. Most were just black snakes but one was a copperhead about 3 feet off the trail. I spent the rest of the afternoon looking at every root and stick making sure it wasn't a snake!
Date: 2015-05-03
From: Hog Gap

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: scattered clouds

An uneventful day hiking, not a lot of views now that the leaves are coming out. The AT is starting to live up to its nickname 'The Green Tunnel'. We had to put up with cold weather by starting in early March but we definitely had a lot more views in the southern states than people starting in mid/late April.
Date: 2015-05-04
From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Mile 852
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Started the day with a 2k foot climb and then had a 8-10 mile stretch of trail that was very rocky. You spend the entire time looking down at your feet so you don't fall. Usually we hike between 2 and 2-1/2 miles an hour depending on the terrain but we only made around 1 mile an hour through this stretch! Rocky terrain also makes your feet and knees ache by the end of the day, even Lucy was tired! Luckily we ended the day with trail magic. The first was a cooler of soda left by a past through hiker on the side of the trail. Then a couple hundred feet later we ran into a guy setting out soda and snacks for hikers at a trailhead! Made the tough day of hiking worth it!
Date: 2015-05-05
From: Mile 852

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 8.9

We neroed into Waynesboro. At the trailhead there is a list posted of volunteers who you can call for a free lift into town. Talk about a town that is hiker friendly! Cindy (Miss Lady) gave Boyd, Lucy and I a ride and even had a dog treat for Lucy. She has been shuttling for several years and gave over 300 hikers free rides last season, what a great person! We spent the afternoon doing laundry, re supplying and of course eating! Lucy spent her free time sprawled on the bed asleep!
Date: 2015-05-06
From: Waynesboro

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Entered Shenedoa National Park on way out from Waynesboro. Not a lot of water sources on the trail in the park between shelters (called huts in the park) so we had a choice of either 8 mi to the first hut or 21 to the next. Hot day with temps hitting the low 80's but decided to go for the second hut since we passed the first before lunchtime. There was a nest of Whiperwill Birds above my tent and they proceeded to call to each other very loudly all night long. Also had a few thunderstorms pass through, not a very restful evening.
Date: 2015-05-07
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spring is definitely here, Boyd found two ticks on himself overnight and I pulled two off of Lucy even though I put on flea & tick drops a week ago which is is supposed to protect her for a month. Going to spray all our equipment (again) with Permetherin when we get to the next town and be extra vigilant. Stopped at a wayside (diner) that was on skyline drive and just off the trail. I had a couple breakfast sandwiches and Lucy a couple hotdogs and we were recharged and ready to hike! We saw a woodland rattlesnake in the afternoon. The rattling was louder than I expected and made the hair on the back of my neck standup, Lucy didn't even react to it since it was off the trail and not in our way.
Date: 2015-05-08
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadow Campground
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: light rain

Relatively easy day hiking, the trail tends to be well maintained in the park. Even saw a worker out cutting back the bushes (don't see that anywhere else on the trail). Stopped at another wayside that was just off the trail for an early dinner then pushed on to one of the official campgrounds. It was full of people who drove in with RVs or their cars to camp. I tented next to Boyd and the Arkansas Twins and we spent a lot of time watching people put up tents bigger than their cars with queen sized air mattresses inside. I wonder what they thought of us dirty and travel worn thru hikers?
Date: 2015-05-09
From: Big Meadow Campground

To: Pass Mtn Hut
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another warm day hiking with temps in the 80's. We've been starting before 7:00 to beat the heat and taking frequent rest breaks. Stopped at Skyland Restaurant mid morning and had the all you can eat breakfast buffet. Going to miss the restaurants/waysides when we leave the park!
Date: 2015-05-10
From: Pass Mtn Hut

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Our last day in the park! A lot of people said the park is full of black bears, we saw lots of birds, snakes, deer and a few rabbits but no bears. Had an early lunch at the last wayside in the park with the Arkansas Twins, Werewolf and Boyd then marched on. Left the park boundary a mile or so before the shelter. The Shenedoas have been great but we're looking forward to getting to town for some R&R!
Date: 2015-05-11
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: broken clouds

Neroed to the gap and got a taxi to the Quality Inn in Front Royal. Laundry, shower, re supply and you guessed it...lots of food! Boyd, Lucy and I are going to zero tomorrow to rest our legs and get out of the heat for a day. The weather is supposed to be cooler starting Wednesday. Boyd and I went and saw Avengers 2 in the local movie theater, felt strange being at the movies after being in the woods for over two months. Lucy of course is spending her downtime sleeping!
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Centet
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: few clouds

Hiked the Roller Coaster throughout most of the day. It's the nickname for a 13-1/2 mile stretch of the AT that goes up and down one hill after another. To make it a little more challenging the trail is very rocky for most of it. We passed the 1000 mile mark partway through the roller coaster, it feels unreal that we've come so far! We tented at the Blackburn center which is owned and run by the AT Conservancy. The caretaker cooked us a great pasta meal and the place is an old log cabin with wrap around screen porch. A perfect place to relax after a tough day hiking!
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Blackburn AT Centet

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We entered West Virginia, our 5th state, leaving Virginia behind. We made it to the AT Conservancy Headquarters in Harper's Ferry by mid day. I picked up my mail drop (thanks to my wife for her continued support!) and registered as a northbound thru hiker. Lucy and I are thru hiker #150 for 2015! Harper's is considered the 1/2 way point of the trail even though the actual 1/2 way is still another 70 miles north. Staying the night in a local hotel and heading north tomorrow.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Rocky Run Sheltet
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Harper's Ferry and entered Maryland. We missed the sign on the bridge over the Potomac and didn't realize we were in a new state until later in the day. We were in Virginia for weeks and now the states are flying by almost unnoticed! A very hot and humid day hiking. Boyd, Lucy and I could hear a thunderstorm approaching so we almost jogged the last mile. It just started to pour as we scrambled the last 100 yds into the shelter to the shouts of encouragement from the Arkansas Twins and a group of section hikers who were already there. It was a large and new shelter so we decided to call it a day and stay the night.
Date: 2015-05-17
From: Rocky Run Sheltet

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: light rain

We hiked with the Arkansas Twins (identical twins from Arkansas) and Boyd. Stopped for a break a couple miles down the trail, a group of boy scouts were camping there the night before and a tree fell over onto a picnic table hitting one of them. He was rushed to the hospital and thankfully is going to be ok! Reminded all of us to always check the trees above for 'widow makers' (dead trees or branches) before setting up our tent at night. I saw McGuyver at the campsite, I hadn't seen him since Fontana Dam. He said he's been a day or two behind me since then but was planning on doing some big mile days so may not see him again. There are trail registers (notebooks) at every shelter that you can write your name and messages in, it's the way thru hikers keep track of who is in front of them and by how far and/or leave messages for those behind them.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

Hiked all day with Boyd and the Arkansas Twins. The twins are a lot faster than us and can definitely go longer miles but are going slower to keep pace with Boyd and I (or maybe they just like Lucy's company). We passed into Pennsylavania, our 7th of 14 states. The border is also the Mason-Dixon Line, feels good to officially be back in the north and that much closer to home. It was another very hot and humid day hiking. My waist belt has been chafing due to the humidity so I have rashes on my hips. My right knee has also hurts when going down hills over the last couple of days. Going to need to take a zero soon to rest and recuperate.
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Rocky Mtn Shelter

To: Tom's Run Sheltet
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We stopped in Caledonia State Park during the morning, there were vending machines for soda and shower facilities. I took a long hot shower and washed some of my clothes. Felt wonderful to be clean and have an ice cold Mountain Dew after hiking in the heat and humidity ever since Harper's Ferry! We passed the official 1/2 way point of the trail for 2015 in the afternoon (they are continuously re routing parts of the trail or adding switchbacks which changes the total mileage each year). We are now closer to Katahdin in Maine than we are to Springer Mtn in GA!
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Tom's Run Sheltet

To: Deer Run Campground
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

We woke to temps in the low 40's, a pleasure after so many days of heat! Boyd, the twins, Lucy and I reached the Pine Grove Furnace grocery store around 9:00 AM. This is home of the AT's half gallon challenge. You have a 1/2 hr to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream. Considering it was only 50 degrees and 9:00 AM I declined to participate but the twins tried and only one finished on time. We then stopped into the AT museum which is right next door before heading down the trail. We all stayed in a cabin at the Deer Run campground that evening celebrating our reaching the 1/2 way point with some pizza and wings!
Date: 2015-05-21
From: Deer Run Campground

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 22.8
Weather: overcast clouds

A cool and cloudy day. Hiked through Boiling Springs stopping to pick up my mail drop at the post office then hiked through the Cumberland Valley. Very flat terrain that went through a lot of farmland. Lucy enjoyed hiking through fields with the cows and occasional horses. Between fields they will have ladders that go up and over fences, Lucy just climbs right up and down them with no issue!
Date: 2015-05-22
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 10.9

Hiked into Duncannon reaching the Doyle Hotel by noon. The Doyle is right off the trail which goes through the center of town and is a famous hiker friendly place to stop in, get a beer, bite to eat, and stay. The building is over 100 years old and definitely showing its age but it's a great place for hikers to rest and recuperate. Boyd has been suffering from blisters on his feet from new shoes and my knee is still bothering me so we decided to take an unplanned zero here tomorrow. The twins decided to camp on the edge of town and hike on. Hopefully they'll take a day off up the trail and we'll catch up to them since it was fun hiking with them!
Date: 2015-05-23
From: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon, PA - Zero at Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Spending the day eating and moving as little as possible to rest my legs. Lucy is doing the same! We did go out on the Doyle's balcony mid day to watch the local Memorial Day parade. Fun to see a small town come out to celebrate! Tomorrow we will hike out and start to experience what Pennsylvania is famous for on the AT - Rocks! The trail gets very rocky from here so should be challenging.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Duncannon, PA - Zero at Doyle Hotel

To: Tent by spring
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Climb out of Duncannon got the legs warmed up after the zero. Lucy was excited to be back on the trail. Ended up tenting near a spring next to the trail. Was nice to listen to the bubbling water as we fell asleep. The rocks on the trail are supposed to gradually get worse from here to NJ giving Pennslvania it's nickname 'rocksylvania'. Unfortunately my knee is still sore today even after the break but at least it's not getting any worse!
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Tent by spring

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Long, hot and humid day hiking! Lucy lagged a bit in the heat but I stopped and gave her water frequently and took a couple long breaks in the afternoon to rest in the shade. The rocks are really starting to get tough, we spent all day looking down at our feet and soles of our feet were sore by the end of the day!
Date: 2015-05-26
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Black Swatava Spring
Miles today: 14.7

Another very hot and humid day hiking through the rocks! Got up at 5:00 AM and hiked by 6:00 to beat the heat, but ended taking a few long breaks in the afternoon due to the heat and called it quits after only around 15 miles. Saw a large rattlesnake just off the side of the trail in the afternoon. Boyd got between it and the trail so I could run Lucy by it. Good news is that my knee is starting to feel better despite the rocks and so far Lucy's paws are holding up!
Date: 2015-05-27
From: Black Swatava Spring

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 13.5

Hiked into Port Clinton and picked up my mail drop at the post office (thanks to my wife for her continued support!). We got a ride from a local to the Microhotel saving us a 2-1/2 mile walk! Went to Cabellas, a very large outfitter, to get a few items to replace gear that is wearing out including a new hat. Then it was laundry, shower and a good nights sleep!
Date: 2015-05-28
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

Had a 2-1/2 mile walk from the hotel back to the trail. Stopped on the way to get a haircut, got it cut very short to beat the heat and avoid ticks on my head. Steep climb out of town and a very rocky walk most of the day. Saw another rattlesnake during the day along with a couple black snakes. Snakes, rocks and heat! Just another typical day hiking the AT in rocksylvania!
Date: 2015-05-29
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day hiking through rocks, snakes and heat! Every hiker we come across says the same thing, I can't wait to get out of Pennsylvania! Walked over the Knife's edge in the afternoon, a very high rocky section. It was a tough climb in sections but helped break up the monotony of the day!
Date: 2015-05-30
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Delps Spring
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: light rain

A very steep and rocky climb out of Leigh Gap. Lucy seems to love these rocky climbs, running up sections that I have to climb using my hands to haul myself up! We had lunch at a ski area that had an open pub just off the trail before hiking on. The spring where we tented was dry (a lot of water sources in PA are going dry early this year) but we had hiked in with enough water from the restaurant for the night.
Date: 2015-05-31
From: Delps Spring

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Woke at 5:00 to rain so waited for it to stop before packing up and hiking out. Late in the afternoon we could hear the rumble of thunder getting close so we quickly set up the rain fly from Boyd's tent and jumped in with our packs and Lucy as it started to pour. When the storm passed we decided to push on to the shelter since we were low on water. We nearly ran the last mile as the skies darkened. Unfortunately the shelter and tent area were full so we quickly filled up on water and hiked on to find a tent spot. We tented about a quarter mile down the trail on an open area on the ridge line. I just put in the last tent stake and threw my pack and Lucy inside as a torrential downpour started. Probably not the best place to be in a thunderstorm but it's the best we could do. It was a tough night with a lot of rain and lightning.
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.1

After a sleepless night due to the storms we slept in until 7:00 and didn't start hiking until after 8:00. We got into town and went to the local outfitter so Boyd could get his hiking poles fixed and I could get a 45F sleeping bag to replace my 20F bag I've been using since GA that is to warm for summer. We then got a taxi to a local hotel to do laundry and dry out our stuff which got wet in the storms.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Centet
Miles today: 10.8

The weather report called for a 40% chance of rain mainly before 10AM. It had stopped raining when we started hiking at 9:00 and headed across the Delaware River. We entered New Jersey, our 8th state, finally leaving PA behind. Unfortunately, a cold steady rain started shortly later and continued for the rest of the day with temperatures in the low 50's. We got very cold hiking and called it a day when we reached the Mohican Outdoor Center. After such a dry and hot May, the rain and cold so far in June has been a shock.
Date: 2015-06-03
From: Mohican Outdoor Centet

To: Brink Shelter
Miles today: 14.0

Left late starting hiking at 9:00. In the afternoon we saw our first porcupine ambling through the bushes about 20 ft off the trail. We had just started hiking again when I saw an adolescent bear running away up the trail. It was probably only around 50-75 lbs. Our first bear sighting after over 1,300 miles!
Date: 2015-06-04
From: Brink Shelter

To: NJ23 - High Point Country Inn
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and hiking at 6:00 AM. We were about 1/4 mile from the shelter when we saw a big black bear walking away from the trail. It must have been over 300 lbs. Lucy was barking away and we yelled but the bear just took its sweet time going wherever it was going. We got to NJ23 by 4:00 PM and got picked up by the motel owner. I had a mail drop at the motel (thanks to my wife) including a bottle of Permetherin to spray down my clothes again. The ticks are getting worse as we head north. For Lucy I use tick drops on her back and she sleeps on a blanket that was sprayed with Permithirin as well. But even with all that I have to check her over a couple times a day and keep pulling ticks off her feet and legs. (They don't go on her body so I guess the drops help somewhat.). Thanks to the Twins Mom for the suggestion of the lint roller to get the small ticks off, I'll have to try it.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: NJ23 - High Point Country Inn

To: NJ94
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of motel and hiking by 7:00 AM. Rained for the first 1/2 hr and I thought we were going to have a wet day but it ended up clearing and being a good hiking day (dry and not too warm). We hiked through a park on wooden walkways for what seemed like a mile and then stopped at a garden store that also has an ice cream counter. After filling up on ice cream we hiked another 3/4 mile and found a place to tent for the night.