morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today I hiked with Johnny Walker Red. We met night before last at the hostel.  We also met up with Blue Sky a couple of times during the day.  We both decided to do a shorter hike today because of the forecast of thunder storms. We got some nasty storms about 5:30 and I am afraid some hikers probably got dumped on.  I am happy to report that I watched the storm from the dry shelter. When I arrived at the shelter a group of boy scouts were already there and we got to talk to them a bit.  They were on a "shakedown hike" (checking out their gear) prior to going on a hiking trip to New Mexico next month.  Robo and Tink also stayed at the shelter and arrived just before the storm hit.  Robo, Johnny, one of the boy scout dads, and I sat around talking until dark. It was a good time.
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I passed the 1000 mile marker today (the W Va line was also the 1000 mile marker this year)!  I am proud of this.  I now feel like a true long distance hiker and nobody can ever take that away. Whatever happens from here on, I am a legitimate long distance hiker.  I am also humbled by the fact that I have not yet reached the half way point of the hike. Finally, I want to thank everyone for supporting me. Knowing that you are there has provided much needed motivation at times when it was sorely needed.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Teahorse Hostel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

I made it to Harpers Ferry today. It is the psychological half way point on the trail and home to the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy - the national organization supporting the AT) headquarters.  They keep a log of all of the through hikers. I am number 654 in 2012.  I met up with Johnny Walker Red, Blue Sky, and Simple C as they came into town. We went and got pizza and then went to the hostel.  I didn't get all of my town chores done, so I will have to finish them in the morning.  This will delay my return to the trail, but what can you do?
Date: 2012-06-25
From: Teahorse Hostel

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

Breakfast at the hostel was great. Then I walked to the "lower town" part of Harpers Ferry, resupplied,  and bought a new tent.  I love my old tent, but it weighs over 4 pounds.  Since I carried it 1000 miles, I could probably carry it the whole way.  But the new tent is only 2 pounds. Would the weight reduction translate into less wear and tear on my body?  Would it allow me to go faster or further each day?  On the other hand, would the new tent hold up as well in bad weather?  Would it be worth the money, given that I have already done 1000 miles?  In the end I bought it and mailed the old tent home. I am using it now. I will let you know how it works out.After buying the tent I ate a large lunch and began hiking.  Finished WV and began Maryland.  All new group of hikers in this bubble.  More on that later.
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a great day!  It was sunny, but not hot.  The sky was bright blue.  There were puffy, white clouds.  And finally, the terrain was mostly flat.  This is a great combination.  I got trail magic from EZ Nomad's parents and Santa's helper, a man I had heard about but not met before.  He has been doing trail magic up and down the trail, but I always missed him until today.  Also, I met a man out hiking for the day.  We hiked together and talked for a couple of hours.  He is  my age, lives in Baltimore, and has hiked all over the world.  Then I made camp at the next shelter and met Apollo, Tall Oaf and Beast Mode.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

The big news for today is that I crossed the Mason Dixon line. That finished Maryland and began Pennsylvania.  As Tall Oaf pointed out, we are no longer in the south!  The other news is that I tried a same-day resupply. I took about 4 hours off and went into town. I ate 2 meals and bought groceries (too many, I think) and returned to the trail to do the last 5 miles of the day.  This could be a good way to resupply as it means I can carry less food at any one time.  That should translate into more miles per day, just like the tent swap.  I will let you know.
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Well, it has been 3 weeks since I decided to summit Katahdin on 9/15. Thought I would report in on that.  At that time I needed to hike 94 days and I would get 6 zero days.  After today I have 1097 miles to go and 79 days left.  At 15 miles per day that will take 73 days; leaving me 6 zero days. Right on schedule.  In fact, I made up the miles for the one zero day I took in Waynesboro.  Wish me continued good luck!Today I hiked in the morning, rested for about 2 mid day hours at the Caledonia state park, then hiked the rest of the day. The park was a lot of fun.  I pretty much ate and hung out with the other hikers from last night (Apollo, Sicilian Gypsy, Scooby, Tall Oaf, Beast Mode, and Gaia).
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Four major things happened today.  First, it was incredibly hot today. I hiked 10 miles in the morning to get to the Pine Grove Furnace State park.  I stayed there for about 4 hours and then hiked the last 7 miles to the shelter. The hiking was hard due to the heat and I sweated through all of my clothes. Second, I passed the half-way point on the trail. For the rest of the dance I am closer to Mt. Katahdin in Maine than Springer Mountain in Georgia. Third, I am now a member of the half-gallon club. At the state park, there is a challenge to eat a half gallon of ice cream.  given how hot it was, and how hungry I was it was not that much of a challenge.  Finally, I passed the 1100 mile mark at the end of the day.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 20.0

I woke up today and left camp early, by 6:30 AM.  I planned to go 12 miles into Boiling Springs, Pa and get a hotel room.  Unfortunately, there are very few hotel rooms in the town, and all were taken.  This really bummed me out.  When I got to town I passed by a couple getting married in the park.  Then I had a great meal at the pizzeria, Anile's.  These two things helped improve my attitude, but I still stank, my clothes were sweaty and filthy, and I wanted to sleep in the bed.  Then I learned there were plenty of hotels 8 miles up the trail in Carlisle, PA.  So here I am.
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 0.0

At the last minute I decided to take a zero.  Since I have no trail activities to share today, I thought I would answer the question, "What does it take to hike the trail?". I think hiking the trail is similar to many undertakings in that it is comprised of a short euphoric phase followed by a longer, tougher phase.  For example, starting a business has the short euphoric phase of the grand opening followed by a longer, more stressful phase where the business strives for profitability.In hiking, the short euphoric phase is the first 3 to 6 weeks. There are literally thousands of excited hikers ready to begin hiking. During this phase the challenge is physical.  Most people drop out due to injury or a realization that they underestimated the physical challenge.  By the end of this phase your body generally "hardens off", and the physical challenge seems manageable.  But, just when this happens the longer, harder phase kicks in.  The psychological challenge.  You realize that this "new life" is going to stick around  for another 4 to 5 months.  You will walk great distances each and every day, you will have to fetch each drink of water, you will have to carry each bite of food, trips to the bathroom will involve flies and really bad smells, you will smell awful all of the time, and you will miss the people back at home.  And rain makes everything much harder.  If the rewards of the hike, however you define them, outweigh all of this then you will probably be able to handle the psychological challenge.  But it isn't easy; I question myself almost every day.So, if you have ever been part of an undertaking you know what hiking the trail is about. If you combine that with the hiking specifics above you have the answer to the question.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Carlisle, PA

To: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I had to experience the Doyle Hotel, so I decided to go all the way to Duncannon today.  I am glad I did!  The Doyle is over 100 years old, and the owners cater to the hiker crowd.  That is a nice way of saying that the hotel is "sparse".  One bathroom per floor, no air conditioning, a well used fan,... But, at $25 per night it is ok.  The real charm of the place is the owners. The first floor is a bar/restaurant which Miss Vikey and her husband Pat run. There were a bunch of hikers there when I arrived, checked in and put my pack in the room (including Apollo and Simple C).  I went back down to eat and Sunshine came in with a few folks he's been hiking with (Oliver Twist, Ginger Snap and Charlie Brown).  So we all spent the rest of the night eating and drinking and talking with Miss Vikey.  Great night!
Date: 2012-07-03
From: The Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

I stayed in Duncannon until about 1 PM. I went to the grocery store and then had lunch at the Doyle. After that there were no more excuses so I began the days hike. I did the 11 miles and arrived at the shelter for the night. It is funny how 11 miles is an afternoon hike now. In the beginning 8 or 9 miles was an entire, exhausting days hike. Maybe I am getting into pretty good condition.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Peters Mtn. Shelter

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

7/418 miles. 4 pics. Rausch Gap Shelter.Happy 4th of July!  Hope everyone had a wonderful day.  It was another hot day today and just as I was getting worn out I came across some trail magic.  Web catcher (he helps to maintain a section of the trail) gave me Gatorade, peaches and a soda.  I probably stayed too long, but I was tired and talking with him was fun.  I finally left about 1 PM because I still had 11 miles to go.  This, of course, meant that I had to hike during the hottest part of the day. Not good.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

I didn't sleep well because of the heat, but did  manage to get up pretty early.  Today's plan was to walk 14 miles to a shelter by 1:00 PM, wait out the heat and then finish up at 4 or 5 PM.  I managed to wash yesterdays clothes in the stream and still start hiking by 6:30 AM.  It was very hot for the third day in a row (93 degrees), but I again got some trail magic as someone had left sodas for hikers. Having a cold Coke with my peanut butter sandwich was amazing!  Then back to hiking.  I passed Oliver Twist, Ginger Snap and then Sunshine (they were slack packing this section of the trail southbound) And a mile later made the shelter. 2:00 PM - not bad.  I met and talked with some Boy Scouts, fetched water, put my clothes out to dry, and ate.  Then Easy Nomad came by and we talked for a while.  Around 5:00 PM I pushed on and made the 501 Shelter.  And there were surprises there. First, Papa Shenanigans, Meno, Mexico, and Liz had more trail magic. They had brought dinner for hikers.  I ate homemade chicken chili, and topped it off with ice cream for dessert. Thanks guys!  That meal was delicious!  Then I discovered the shelter had a shower and I was able to wash today's sweat off of me.  So, I ate like a king, am clean, and am wearing clean clothes.  It doesn't get any better than that!
Date: 2012-07-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

I met up with the Boy Scouts several times during the morning hike. It turns out that they are a high adventure camp and the instructors take scouts from all around for a week at a time.  I guess it is customary to start counting down the miles after the halfway point. With that in mind I am happy to announce that I have passed the 1000 mile mark again. Only this time I have less than 1000 miles to go to Katahdin.I am beginning to see what people mean when they complain about the rocks in PA.  The rest of the trail in PA is supposed to be the worst, so I will wait to write more on this. But, I am nervous.Tomorrow I go into Port Clinton. Can't wait!!
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was very frustrating.  I probably could have handled the fourth straight day of wicked heat.  I probably could have handled the bugs flying around my head all morning. I probably could have handled the rocky trail. I probably could have handled the branches smacking me because I had to look at the rocks and the trail wasn't well maintained.  I probably could have handled the 9 mile hike when my book said 7 causing me to hike later into the hot day.  I probably could have handled the 1.5 mile walk off the trail to the hotel when the book said 1.0.  But, I couldn't handle it all. Fortunately nobody was around to hear me describe my thoughts. I did make it to the hotel, and after a long shower all was forgiven.
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So, I decided on an early breakfast at the Cracker Barrel.  It was good!  As I was walking back to the hotel my body said, "I don't want to hike today".  My brain said, "We really should hike".  My body said, "Go ahead".  So I spent the day in bed; sleeping and watching movies on TV. I don't even think I got up to go eat. Instead, I ate some food from my pack (yes, Pop Tarts).  It was a glorious, decadent, restful day!  I didn't even take a picture.
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up feeling refreshed, ate breakfast at the hotel, packed up and walked back to Port Clinton. First order of business - a haircut at the Port Clinton barber. I met Barry, a local resident, while we waited. He hikes, but prefers biking. Then he let me go ahead of him so I could start my hike.  So Frank begins to cut my hair and we start talking. Apparently, Frank makes coffee and whoever wants to drop in does so.  It is a great haircut and another great experience!  As I am walking out, Barry points out that this may be the only barber with pictures of the Dali Lama and Jimi Hendrix next to each other.  There they are, right on the inside of the front door!I start to hike and make it to Pulpit Rock.  There I run into a group of Civil Air Patrol folks rock climbing. Its cool to watch them.I push on to The Pinnacle.  There I see a tree that looks like lightning hit it. I push on to the shelter and learn that we can order pizza here.  We do. It's great!All in all a pretty good day!
Date: 2012-07-10
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Ashfield Rd.
Miles today: 20.0

Today was a scary day that ended well.  The water sources in PA often run dry in July.  I filled up at 8 miles and then went on to the next shelter. It was 10 miles and was supposed to have water.  It didn't and I got there at 6:00 PM.  I had about 3/4 liter of water which should last about 4 miles. However, the next shelter was almost 7 miles away.  I started hiking on and after 2.4 miles came to a road. There was supposed to be a spring 0.7 miles down the road to the right. I decided to try it because I really wanted the water.  And there it was! A gusher!  I drank about 2 liters and then began to hike back up the hill. A man gave me a ride saving me a long, uphill walk.  Then he gave me a soda!  That was possibly the best trail magic yet!  It was getting dark so I made camp and went to bed.  By the way, the rocks were very tough again today (especially at Knife Edge) and I think I got a blister.
Date: 2012-07-11
From: Ashfield Rd.

To: Filbert B&B, Danielsville, PA
Miles today: 10.0

I got up early and started hiking. I was planning on another 20 mile day. I got a bit more than 4 miles and my foot began to hurt again. I fixed it up as best I could and went on.  Then came a big uphill climb and more rocks.  This caused me to go slower which caused me to drink more of my water (shades of yesterday).  When I heard that there was no water for 10 more miles, I packed it in.  I called the Filbert B&B and got a room for the night.  Kathy, the owner, is great and I now know I made the right choice.
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Filbert B&B, Danielsville, PA

To: Hahns Lookout
Miles today: 14.0

I ate a great breakfast at the B&B and then Kathy drove me back to the trail.  I started off slow, but picked up as the day went on.  I made the next shelter and filled up with water. Then Johnny Walker Red showed up at the shelter.  We hiked another 4 miles and then camped and ate together.  My foot feels better today after 14 miles than it did yesterday. Hopefully, that is a good sign.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Hahns Lookout

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I hiked with Johnny Walker Red and Stobo (whom I met yesterday).  I spent most of my day reflecting on just how much I hate hiking in PA. In all fairness, southern PA was a lot of fun, and I have met some great people here. However, the last 60 miles of PA are such shear hell that they completely overshadow the first 170 miles.  My dad used to tell me, "Old boots go to PA to die".  That may be true, but PA also eats up new boots and every pair of feet that touch the trail.  I can honestly say that I will never complete another through or section hike of the trail. I know this because I will NEVER hike this section of the trail again.  I remember one shelter log entry from about 60 miles back, "I now begin operation GTHOOPA" (Get The Heck Out Of PA).  I am happy to say I have now completed operation GTHOOPA (heck isn't the real word, but you get the idea)!We passed the 900 miles to go mark today and tomorrow morning cross the bridge into NJ. Can't wait.
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today I had a little trouble getting out of bed and a little bit more trouble quitting eating.  As a result, I didn't start hiking until about 9:30 AM.  I expected to see Johnny Walker Red but didn't.  I knew Stobo had things to do in town so I didn't expect to see him.  I did see Yukon, Boomer and Squatch again. I also saw Daffy for the first time in a long while.I crossed in New Jersey first thing in the morning and was happy.  There are rocks in NJ and some stretches were nasty, but overall it was only a fraction of what PA threw at me.  I  met TONS of hikers today; at least 50!  Now I know it is a nice Saturday in July, but I only saw 4 or 5 hikers in 5 days in northern PA.  Tell ya something?
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Campsite

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I saw my first Rattle snake this morning. People are right, you can hear the rattle a mile away.  I heard it, took a few steps backwards and then started looking for it.  Not too hard to find, it was the only 2 foot black thing slithering along the trail. It casually did its thing and I casually waited for it to finish. Then I moved on.It threatened to thunder mid afternoon, so I put my head down and made for the shelter. It didn't rain, but I did manage to miss the shelter. By the time I figured it out I was half way to the next shelter, so I went on. There is no water source at this next shelter so I was thinking I would need to push on one more shelter.  However, a trail angel had put tons of water at the shelter and there was plenty.Met a Ridge Runner ("Mile High") and Animal at the shelter.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Jim Murray's Property
Miles today: 13.0

Today was a low mileage day. It worked out well because it allowed me to spend a lot of time at the state park and it got me very close to the town I need to resupply in tomorrow.I hiked about 5 miles to get to the High Point state park headquarters. They give through hikers a free soda there - awesome.  Then went on to the lake which also has a snack bar - awesome.  Then pushed on to the Jim Murray property.  Jim is a hiker who owns some land within about 100 yards of the trail. He has built a cabin, a privy, a water pump, and a shower and allows hikers to stay on his property. It is gorgeous here and I am overwhelmed by his generosity.  It  is so good to know there are people in this world like Jim
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Jim Murray's Property

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Today is my birthday, but I have nothing special to report. No special revelations and nothing special happened. This is the 115th day of my dance with the beast, and there are 60 more days after today (assuming a 9/15 summit of Katahdin).  I have hiked 1354 miles and have 827 more miles to go.  It seems doable now; not quite sure why, it just does.I plan to visit my mom and sisters in Rhode Island at the end of the month. I am really looking forward to that. Karen is flying up and I plan to see all the friends and family I can.  I also plan to eat a lot, rest a lot and heal up a lot.
Date: 2012-07-18
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

The beast came to the dance today loaded for bear.  I got a late start this morning and walked slowly (due to a new blister). After a mile or so I realized that I forgot my trekking poles back at the shelter and had to go back and get them.  That was fun.  After that I pressed on.  It was getting very hot and humid again, sapping my strength like yesterday.  I made it to the state line and finished NJ, but I started to get nervous about running out of water.  There was a lot of walking across rocky outcroppings in the blazing sun.  As it turns out I needn't have worried because the skies got dark and a thunderstorm started. I huddled under the rain fly of my tent and waited out the storm for about an hour.  This was good because it got rid of both the heat and humidity. However, it also made the rocks very slippery. I slipped half a dozen times, falling twice.  I got drenched as well, from brushing past tree limbs, the tree rain, and the occasional rain shower.  I finally made it to the shelter, ate dinner and went to sleep.
Date: 2012-07-19
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Anton's by the Lake, Greenlake, NY
Miles today: 15.0

The blister was a bit better today and so I walked a bit better. I met Coach a couple of days ago and we were leap frogging each other this morning. Coach is from Indiana and is section hiking up to Massachusetts.  We planned to go into town together tomorrow (Ft. Montgomery) if it worked out.  So I was shooting for the next shelter, 4 more miles at about 6:30 PM when I crossed a road and saw the Troverts (In and Ex).  They were waiting for a ride to Anton's. I was tired and so wound up going with them. Sorry, Coach.  I'll see you down the trail.
Date: 2012-07-20
From: Anton's by the Lake, Greenlake, NY

To: Anton's
Miles today: 0.0

I woke up this morning and saw that it was raining. The forecast was for 1 - 2 inches and rain all day long, so I decided to take a zero.  I ate a lot (I'll spare you the details), took a few naps and made phone calls. It really is pretty here (once again I will try to remember to take pictures tomorrow), but I am also anxious to get hiking again. Seeing my family and Karen when I reach the Mass Pike is certainly providing motivation.