morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks Campsite
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Today's hike took me through Gathland State Park which is a Civil War history park. They were doing a re-enactment while I was there. Later in the day at Dahlgren Campground, 2 former thru hikers named Samford and Aisle 9 were doing trail magic. They made kabobs and brats. Then later on at Washington Monument State Park a couple of former hikers were giving out cheesecake, fruits, and sodas. I camped at Annapolis Rocks which overlooks a MD state penitentury and a drag-strip. Since it was Saturday night they were having drag races. I sat and watched the sunset with the caretaker of the campsite before heading off to bed.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Annapolis Rocks Campsite

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I got some more trail magic today at Ensign Cowall shelter from 2 section hikers who were carrying too much food. Maryland has been great so far. A little rocky but mostly flat and lots of nice people. Went by Highrock where there is a nice view and there were some hang glider pilots there checking the wind. Later in the day I made it to Pen Mar park which is right on the Maryland/PA line. There was some kind of senior citizen dance party going on there which meant that they had the concession stand open. I had a cheeseburger and ice cream before heading into PA. I camped at Deer Lick shelters with the Canadian Geese and Magnet.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Got to Caledonia State Park around noon and took a shower, ate, and went swimming in the pool. I passed a PATC cabin and there was a guy there playing guitar and singing. I met Compass coming down the hill and we went to get water and cook while listening to music. I don't think I've mentioned the PATC before but they are the trail maintenance organization from Waynesboro, VA to somewhere in PA. They do an excellent job of maintaining the trail and build extremely nice shelters. I ended up camping at Birch Run Shelter with Compass, Rocket, 2 Rings, and a couple of section hikers. During the middle of the night, a group of about a dozen rowdy teenagers showed up and started making lots of noise. Good thing I have a freestanding tent and was able to just pick up my tent and move it to a different location.
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Campsite north of PA 34
Miles today: 19.5

Long and hot day. I got up late because I didn't sleep much last night. Today I passed the halfway point and was able to take pictures there with 2 Rings and So Far. We did lots of road walking today. I hung out at Pine Grove Furnace for a while today and a few people did the half-gallon challenge where you eat an entire half-gallon of ice cream. Not me, I settled for a Philly Cheesesteak and a pint of ice cream. I camped about a mile north of PA 34 by myself and am in postition to get to Boiling Springs early tommorow.
Date: 2010-06-23
From: Campsite north of PA 34

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 9.8

I got into town before lunch time. First thing I did was take a shower at the swimming pool. I wanted to swim there but I'm sunburnt from swimming at Caledonia SP and don't want to make it any worse. I went to the town tavern and had some beers. All the locals treated me like I was a rock-star. The town judge ended up picking up my tab. I stayed in a ladies backyard who puts up hikers for free. I think I'm the only hiker in town tonight.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Boiling Springs, PA

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

Left town after eating breakfast. Walked through lots of farmland and crossed 2 interstates and several other major highways. You are rarely hiking in an area where you can't hear traffic since the Shennendoahs. The gnats have also been a big problem. Their sole purpose in life is to dive bomb either your ear hole or eye ball. I typically wear earphones and listen to the radio while hiking to drown out the traffic noise and as ear protection from the gnats but I haven't figured out how to protect my eyes yet.I got lucky yet again and avoided a thunderstorm by being at the right place at the right time. I waited at the Scott Farm Trail Work Center for an hour then left after it quit raining. It was super hot and humid today after the storm so I didn't feel like going any further after climbing up to Darlington Shelter. I camped with a couple of blasts from the past in Timber and LoRod. Then there was Rabid, 2 Rings, So Far, and a section hiker.
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Uneventful day of hiking into Duncannon. There were some pretty rocky sections but nothing too bad. Got a good view of the town from Hawk Rock. My first stop in town was the Doyle Hotel. It was built in the late 1800's and was owned by Anheiser Busch at some point in history. It is pretty run down but they do serve really good food and is owned by a very nice couple named Pat and Vickey. There are a bunch of people in town tonight and the word on the trail is that about 15 more are headed in tomorrow. I will be taking tomorrow off because I need some rest and will be watching the USA in the World Cup.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Duncannon, PA

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

I actually did walk a mile today on the trail to the campground but I'm not going to count it. I sat at the bar in the Doyle for most of the day watching soccer and drinking beer. LoRod is getting tested for Lyme's disease which is seemingly affecting lots of hikers this year. I've found a few ticks on me but none were buried in my skin. I camped at a campground by the river with Stix, So Far, and 2 Rings. So Far's dad was in town and cooked us burgers.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: PA 325
Miles today: 17.8

I'm typing this entry a week after the fact so I don't have much details on this or the next few days because I got lazy at writing in my journal. We had trail magic from Tricks who lives in the area and he gave us lots of advice on good places to camp and get water at. I camped by a stream by PA 325 with Stix, Krispy, So Far, 2 Rings, Biscuits & Gravy, 2 section hikers, and Jake and Steve who don't have trail names for some reason. Had a t'storm come through in the middle of the night and I didn't have my rain fly on so I had to get up and set it up. I got it on before the heavy stuff started coming down.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: PA 325

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: overcast clouds

This was my longest mileage day yet and I sure felt it. There were several rocky sections with overgrown Poison Ivy which you had no choice but to walk through. We had a little rain shower today then it got really hot and humid. I camped above William Penn Shelter with about 12-15 other thru-hikers.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was much cooler than it has been recently. I took a long break at 501 shelter to take a cold shower in the solar shower there and was also able to rinse some of my stinky clothes out. There were lots of really cool rock outcrops where you had a view today and many sections of trail where you walk over nothing but rocks of various sizes. I hear the rocks only get worse from here. I don't mind the big boulders that much, but the little dagger-shaped rocks that are embedded in the ground really take a toll on my feet. You either don't see them and end up tripping over them or they are everywhere and you end up having to step on them and bruise your feet up.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

Hiked into Port Clinton today. Not a good town to resupply at but I got a ride into Hamburg so I could shop at the world's biggest Cabela's. I bought some new shoes and socks and got my resupply then went to Pizza Hut to eat and have some beers. We stood outside of Cabela's for a couple of minutes before someone offered to take us back into Port Clinton. Krispy, who is a former firefighter, got us into the Firestation in Port Clinton which is a private bar and we all had cheap beer. I camped at the town pavillion which allows hikers to stay there for free.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Duncannon, PA

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

Woke up and couldn't find my hiking poles this morning. I was completely devastated and had to hike without poles today. Later in the day I met Avatar on the trail who informed me that Wizard had taken my poles by mistake. He had broken his poles and I had stupidly left my poles leaning on the hiker box at the town pavillion while I was at Cabela's yesterday. He thought my poles were a gift from the gods. What a rollercoaster ride of emotions that was.The weather is significantly cooler and there were almost no rocks to speak of today. Had really nice views from Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle. I ended up passing Eckville Shelter by mistake and had to walk back to it which was an extra 2 miles. I would have gone on but I was out of water. Eckville Shelter has a maintainer who isn't exactly a people-person. The shelter is 0.2 miles down a road and is in the yard of a house owned by the ATC. I camped in the grass with Timber, Safari, Rabid, and Avatar.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Rd
Miles today: 16.4

My dad is headed up to meet me today. We're going into Philladelphia for a few days for a vacation from my vacation. I hiked with Timber, Safari, and Rabid today. We got lunch at the Blue Mountain Summit which is a restaurant and B&B that is right on the trail. We did the Knife Edge today which is a 300 yard section of rocks that come to a point on a ridgeline. Then I hiked to Bake Oven Knob Road where I waited on my dad to pick me up. He took me into Allentown where we got a room for the night. We will get up and drive to Philly in the morning. Looking forward to taking a few days off.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Philadelphia, PA

To: Philadelphia, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Happy birthday America! Went and toured the historic district today. After that we went to Fairmount Park for the 4th of July celebration. The Roots opened for the Goo Goo Dolls. Love the Roots but not a big fan of the Goo Goo Dolls. It was nice to get away for a while and do real world kind of stuff. Back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Philadelphia, PA

To: Campsite past Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 11.2

After stopping into Palmerton to pick up my hiking poles that Wizard left for me at the police station, my dad dropped me back at the road today around noon. The temperature was above 100 degrees and the humidity was around 95%. How appropriate that my first climb was to a place called Bake Oven Knob. On the rock scramble up to the top, I heard something that sounded like a gunshot but about 10 times louder. I was completely terrified and had no idea what it was. Once at the top, there was a guy sitting there taking a break. I asked him about the noise and he said he was just setting off some dynamite in a pretty casual manner like that's normal or something. I'm a really laid-back person and always avoid confrontaion but I was pretty juiced up with adrenaline at this point and really let this guy have it. This was a grown man and should know better than to just be setting off dynamite on a well-used hiking trail. In hindsight maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut. He was the one with the deadly weapon after-all. Many rocky sections today or should I say a few non-rocky sections. I didn't go into the town of Palmerton since I just got back on the trail and didn't need to resupply. The climb out of Lehigh Gap was ridiculous but I must admit that I kind of enjoyed it because it was a bit of a rock climb. When you got to the top you were looking straight down to the road. The ridge above Palmerton is an environmental disaster area due to zinc smelting. It basically looks like a desert for about 3-4 miles then there is a recent re-route on a overgrown dirt road for several miles. I pulled 5 ticks off me today going through there. I decided to keep hiking until almost dark then put down my tent wherever I ended up. I ended up putting my tent up on the overgrown, tick-infested dirt road right above that stinking chemical plant and had the pleasure of breathing exhaust fumes all night. It's a good thing I have a sense of humor. Oh, and there was a really nice sunset that night.
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Campsite past Lehigh Gap

To: Campsite past Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't do much hiking today, it was more like stumbling. There isn't one square inch of trail that isn't occupied by an embedded, sharp rock. I kicked, stepped on, and stepped in between these rocks all day long. The temps are still above 100 with high humidity. Water is scarce and some of the sources listed in the guidebook have dried up. I was in kind of a daze all day and was swerving all over the trail. I'm sure I was walking a fine line between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. I took a 3 hour break in the middle of the day at "Mechanical Man's" house. He has a water spigot and outside shower at his house that was very much appreciated. Him and his son talk non-stop about random stuff. At one point, they mentioned putting up a BMX ramp and having me lay down in front of it so his son could jump over me on his bike. This didn't sound like a good idea to me. I took another break at Wind Gap where I payed way too much for an ice cream bar and a soda from the hotel there. The soda was hot and then they offered to fill up my water bladder and they filled it up with hot water. I wasn't sure I they were playing a joke on me or what was going on. While climbing out of the gap I saw an enormous black bear walking down the trail towards me. I clanged my hiking poles together to let him know I was there and he stopped and looked at me for a while. It was starting to get dark so I needed to keep moving and didn't want to camp anywhere close to a bear this size so I really needed to get this bear off the trail. I threw rocks at him to try to scare him off. He could care less. He'd walk a few yards then turn around and look at me. We played this game for a while until he finally decided he would get off the trail. So I made it to a camp site right at dark where I camped by myself. I would have preferred to have had company tonight but I haven't seen any hikers since getting back from Philladelphia.
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Campsite past Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Another hot and muggy day. At least it was a short day. More rocks and feeling like I could pass out at any moment. There was a pretty dramatic view coming into Delaware Water Gap. When I got to town I got a bunk at Church of the Mountain Hostel. Met up with some other hikers and watched Germany vs Spain in the World Cup then caught a little of the Braves vs Phillies. Then I hung out at the bar in town to drink some of my sorrows of the last few days away. Also at the hostel with me where Sparrow, Timon, Freeman, LoRod, Boomer, KingKrawler, On the Loose, Stretcher, San Gabriel, and Ladybird.
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Had to wait until 10:00 to get a shuttle from the outfitters into Stroudsville where there is a resupply. I didn't get started today until noon. I got all the way to the DWG Visitor's Center and realized that I had left my cell phone back at the hostel. Luckily there was a guy doing trail magic there and I left my pack with him and literally ran to the hostel and back. All in all I did 3 extra miles. I haven't had a good day since leaving Philadelphia. On a brighter side, the temps are about 10 degrees cooler and the trail a little less rocky. Also had better scenery. Sunfish Pond is the 1st of many glacial lakes between here and Maine. I camped at the Mohican Outdoor Center where they let thru-hikers camp for free with LoRod, Machete, and KingKrawler.
Date: 2010-07-09
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Campsite before Culver's Gap
Miles today: 16.7

Had a pretty nice weather day. It did get hot in the middle of the day but I took a break to get out of it. Had some pretty awesome views today including Catfish Firetower, Crater Lake, Rattlesnake Mt, and the campsite that I'm at has a view of Culver's Lake. I saw a momma bear with a cub on the climb coming out of the MOC. I saw I-40 who I haven't seen since Hot Springs, NC day hiking with some of his friends. He got off the trail at Damascus and lives in the area and was out on a day-hike with some of his friends. I camped with LoRod and Machete at a campsite just before Culver's Gap.
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Campsite before Culver's Gap

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: moderate rain

It rained all night long then quit at 7:00 this morning just in time for me to get up and get everything packed up without getting wet. It started raining again about the time I got to Culver's Gap and rained for a good 3-4 hours. It's the first time I've been wet since the day I slackpacked from Glascow to Buena Vista, VA if I remember correctly. That was a long time ago. Took my time today because I didn't want to get any blisters from walking with wet feet. I camped with LoRod and Moccasin who is the ridge runner for this area at High Point Shelter.
Date: 2010-07-11
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 6.9

Got up early and hiked to the General Store in town for some food. They gave me directions to the "Mayor's" house which is probably the best deal on the trail. The dog here hates me but he hates everybody. Lots of swampy areas on the trail today which meant mosquitoes. It wasn't too bad and was an easy hike into town. Going to watch the World Cup Finals and get a half-day of rest.
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

After a night at The Mayor's house it was time to get back on the trail. Loved hanging out with Bill and Butch. The Mayor was on vacation so they were our hosts. Bill is hilarious. The guy is in his 80's, cusses like a sailor, and acts like he hates everybody but it's just an act. He fined me 25 cents for each time I used a word over 3 syllables plus he fined me just for being from Alabama. He also happens to be a pretty good cook. His dog doesn't hate me anymore which makes me feel really good. I met Squash later on yesterday who is from Auburn, AL where I used to go to school. He's only the second thru hiker that I've met from Alabama.Really neat hike today through some wetlands. It started with a pretty long road walk then we entered the Wallkill Wildlife Refuge. Lots of birds out in the swamps. After a pretty tough climb we got to a boardwalk section about a mile long through a swamp. Ate some ice cream at a store right by the trail later in the day before climbing Wawayanda Mt. After the climb the mosquitoes were out in full force. I bet I killed at least 100 of them. We actually camped a little past the Wawayanda Shelter next to a pond. Bad choice of a campsite as the mosquitoes were unbearable. I camped with LoRod and Squash and will be doing a short day tomorrow to stay with Funky Monkey and her boyfriend who lives just off the trail.
Date: 2010-07-13
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Lakes Rd
Miles today: 13.6

Today was one of those days where everything was perfect. First off, I crossed into NY today. The hiking and the views were amazing. I climbed several cliffs where you actually had to use your hands to get to the top. Once on top you were treated with some of the best views since VA. The weather was perfect as well. Nice breeze and not hot at all. We stopped in for ice cream at Bellvale Creamery for some of the best ice cream I've ever had. While there it started to pour down rain but since we only had 3.5 more miles to do we walked in it without complaining. It made for an interesting rest of the day as we had to negotiate some pretty tricky slick rock sections. It was a lot of fun but I was constantly slipping and nearly falling down. We made it down to the road at about 3:00 to find FM walking towards us with an umbrella. I haven't seen her since leaving Pearisburg, VA so it was a nice reunion. Walked to Justin's apartment and immediately showered and got into some dry clothes. They cooked what I think has been the best meal I've had on the trail so far. Then we went back to Bellvale Creamery for more ice cream after dinner. Such fine hospitality. FM is taking a couple of weeks off to rest a sprained ankle then will be getting back on trail. Hope she catches up so I can return the favor.
Date: 2010-07-14
From: Lakes Rd

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: heavy intensity rain

Not much motivation to leave Justin's today. It was raining and Funky Monkey kept making us food. It wasn't until 2:00 before we all bit the bullet and headed out in the pouring rain. The trail was beautiful today going into Harriman State Park. It was open forest with giant trees and grass ground cover. Even though it was raining we could still make out some views. It finally quit raining around 5:00 but I remained soaking wet for the remainder of the day. There was a cliff past the Lemon Squeezer where we had to take off our packs to climb up. I stayed at the Fingerboard Shelter which is in a really scenic location in the state park with Squash, LoRod, Red, Biscuits & Gravey, Gaucha, and a big group of kids.
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

I was beat at the end of this unbearably hot, muggy day. First thing in the morning, I hiked down to Lake Tiorati to lay my wet clothes out in the sun to dry. Today was the hardest day in quite some time. There were lots of short climbs in and out of ravines and up and down cliffs. Not much water today either. Since PA I've mainly been getting my water from water spigots, bathroom sinks, and gallon jugs left at road crossings. I ran out of water at Bear Mountain and ended up filling up at a bathroom sink in the State Park. The water had a green tint to it and tasted disgusting. Luckily I had cherry limeaid flavored powder to drown out the taste. I could actually make out the Manhatten skyline from Bear Mountain off in the distance. We also went through a zoo today in Bear Mountain State Park. It wasn't anything special and actually made me kind of feel sorry for the animals there. Also crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge. I noticed that they have phones on the bridge with a phone number to a suicide hotline and signs that say "Life is worth living". They must have a problem around here with people jumping off of bridges. Kind of weird.I planned on staying at the Hemlock Springs Campsite but the water source there looked rusty so I pushed on to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center and hung out with the monks. They have a solar shower there and I took a shower even though the water was freezing cold. Me, Captain Slick, Squash, and Marcus camped on their soccer field.
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

Another tough day. Up and down all day long plus it was hot and humid. No views today. When we got to the shelter we ordered a pizza and had it delivered to the shelter that was right by a road. It cured all my ailments. RPH is a pretty nice shelter. It is fully enclosed and has furniture. I camped with Captain Slick, So Far, 2 Rings, Wookie, Squash, Marcus, and a section hiker.