morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Fayetteville,PA
Miles today: 0.0

It rained on and off all day today. But this was a planned zero day. I was high and dry in a motel room. Spent the day roughing out the next couple of weeks. Was nice to have unlimited Wi-Fi and electricity yesterday so I could touch base back home and update pictures today. I've added some photos to my previous posts. Way too much food at the local diner and took the chance to get my resupply for next week. Tomorrow after breakfast I get a ride back to the trail. It looks like it will be warm and dry next couple of days. Today makes six of seven days with at least some rain. I'm looking forward to some nicer weather.
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Fayetteville,PA

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After a big breakfast at the diner, got a ride back to the trail. There's always a big climb coming out of town. Supposed to be sunny and warm. Ha! The drizzle started early and stayed until about noon. Saw a couple of section hikers and one thru. Had lunch at a PATC cabin with Fjord, a female thru hiker who started in March. She was planning on a 30 mile day to try to catch up to some friends. Ten miles a day is enough for me.A batch of people at the shelter, Neon, Mrs. Joy, two ladies section hiking together. Trail Snail, a gal from Germany, who is flip flopping. Skeptic, Sea Dog, Hot Pants, and Go. Nice group of folks. Got to the shelter early and decided to sleep in the shelter and try to get out early since tomorrow is supposed to be warm. Trying to get my miles in before it gets warm.
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke to a light drizzle. Drizzle through most of the morning. Glad all was dry in the shelter. Last one on the trail this morning. Planned to spend the night at a hiker hostel in Pine Grove State Park but it was closed for an event. We had heard the park general store wasn't open yet but what a pleasant surprise when it was. The crew from last night bunched up again there. A fabulous burger and a soda for lunch. Hiked a while with Skeptic. He is from Seattle and will be 70 next month. He completed the trail a couple of years ago. We parted when I stopped to camp. I've been trying to stay at about 10 miles a day and since the hostel wasn't open, already had 12 miles. Looks like I may be camping alone tonight. Several day hikers have been by since I set up camp. Planning on 13 miles tomorrow to get to a shelter.
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Campsite

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Ended up camping alone last night. After it was dark, there was some thunder in the distance. Had a thunderstorm overnight but things were mostly dry in the morning. I was out early for a change with a long day planned. Stopped at the Hunters Run store and had half an Italian sub for lunch and saved the other half for dinner. Pennsylvania's rocks are back today. After lunch there was a 500 foot climb to the "Rock Maze". Exactly what it sounds like. I'll post photos when I have Wi-Fi. Got into Alec Kennedy Shelter. Greybeard is in the shelter with his big dog Maxx. I'm in my tent down by the spring with No Doubt, a section hiker and Paula, a flip flopper.  Paula is a 65 year old woman from DC who has never been backpacking. Her son gave her a backpack for Christmas and told her she should hike the Appalachian Trail and here she is. She has a great attitude. Nice bunch of folks. Planning to stay at a hotel in Carlisle tomorrow night so I should be able to update photos.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Carlisle
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Continuing the theme of rain, last night shortly after dark, there was thunder in the distance. A few minutes later we had a thunderstorm with some lightening. Things were pretty much dry in the morning when I packed up. Got my usual late start and after a little while it began to drizzle. Rain stopped by ten and the day stayed overcast, warm, and humid. Shortly after starting, Trail Snail caught up to me and we spent the rest of the morning hiking together. After a few early ups and downs, most of the day was relatively flat. Got into Boiling Springs about 10:30, checked out the outfitter and had a breakfast sandwich and coffee at a cafe. No Doubt, Paula and Trail Snail came over as I was finishing so I hung out for a while longer. A local couple had lots of questions for us hikers. Headed towards Carlisle and a hotel for the night. Played leap frog with No Doubt, Paula and Trail Snail for the rest of the afternoon. No Doubt and Paula got picked up by a shuttle at Carlisle. No Doubt is returning to Harpers Ferry. Paula will be getting a shuttle back to the trail in the morning. Splitting a room with Trail Snail here. We seem to be on the same pace, both with sore feet. Had dinner at the diner next to the hotel. Another excellent, big meal. Not looking forward to tomorrow. More hills and the trail guide warns about a six mile rocky section. If they are warning you, I'm sure it will be tough. I've added photos to the last week's entries and Instagram.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Carlisle

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: broken clouds

After breakfast at the Days Inn Carlisle, we were on the trail by 7:30. I was planning a long day, 14.6 miles, so I can get into Duncannon early tomorrow. My feet need a nero day followed by a zero day. There were only about ten minutes of rain this morning so we'll count this as a dry day if the regular evening thunderstorm stays away. The day was cool and overcast. The first four miles were flat, sometimes through the fields of the Cumberland Valley. We ran into Trail Magic twice today. On the trail at Sherwood Drive, there was a sign that there was soda, water and a trash bag in the parking lot. Only cold water and some drink mix was left but what a nice treat. We stopped for a for break at Darlington Shelter and some lunch. There was a copy of AWOLs trail guide, the 2017 edition, left at the shelter. Trail Snail has been using a less popular guide. She swapped it out for her guide. We have been doing the same mileage, both with feet problems. She's faster on the climbs but I'm quicker on the flats. In the afternoon, after a nice climb, we hit the section of the trail listed as "trail very rocky". It didn't seem any worse than the rocks I've already seen. Just that it is a six mile stretch. Finished two and a half miles of the rocks today.  Saving the rest for tomorrow morning. My toes aren't too fond of the rocks. There is a bees nest in the shelter, so in the tent tonight on the trail to the shelter. It looks like it can't decide whether to rain or not. We'll see.
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: moderate rain

Well, today, sore feet ended the adventure. Seemed like there was a very light drizzle over night. Not even enough to wet the tent through the trees. Woke up to a light fog and took my time packing up since there were about three and a half miles of rocks to look forward to before the drop into Duncannon, PA. I had planned a zero day and a meet up with Dolora. My feet ached through the night and after two weeks were still getting worse rather then better. My blisters have blisters. Headed down to Duncannon with Trail Snail. Arrived around 10:30. Passed a laundromat and Trail Snail needed to do some wash. While she was doing her laundry, I went for some coffee. Dolora arrived just as we were finishing at the laundromat. Took photos in front of the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. Google "Duncannon Doyle", it's famous in the Appalachian Trail circle. We met Dolora at the local ice cream place which didn't open until 2??? Since I was getting off the trail, I went through my resupplies and let Trail Snail take whatever she could use. The three of us went to lunch. I must say that all the meals in small town diners have been great with incredible prices compared to the DC area. Since there was still time before we could check in, we took Snail Trail to the supermarket to finish her resupply. Dolora and I dropped Trail Snail off at the ice cream place, so she didn't miss any of the trail! She was staying at the Duncannon campground. It was a sad farewell. Since we've exchanged email addresses and phone numbers, we hope to meet her again, either when she does her flip or finishes the trail. I plan to let my feet heal for a while before planning my next trip. There are still 500 miles of the Appalachian Trail in Virginia, only about 50 miles of which I've hiked. Hope to get back out again but I think I'll leave thru hiking to the youngsters.
Date: 2017-02-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hi there! My names Adam and I'm currently teaching English in South Korea. I'm from North Carolina but never really got into hiking until I came to Korea; almost 5 years ago now. I fell in love with it! I tackled every major peak in Korea, except which will be finished shortly. I haven't done a lot of camping or overnighters so this will be new to me on the app trail. I fly out April 3rd from Seoul to my hometown in NC, and then will be starting the following weekend at either Springer or Harpers Ferry for a flip flop. I'll be hiking with my uncle who is a missionary working with Sudanese refugees, and will be trying to get as many sponsors as possible to donate per mile to his cause. If your're interested in helping out, leave me a message on here or email me at acrane86@gmail.com. I've all of my gear listed on here, so if you see anything missing or that could be added let me know. Current baseweight is around 19lbs. Would like to get that down to around 15. Thanks for reading!
Date: 2017-02-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So I turned in my 1 month notice to my employer here in Korea, and it is 1 month and 1 week until I start my flip-flop thru hike from Harpers Ferry north to Katahdin; and then south to Springer Mountain. I'm super exited. I've got my base weight down to about 19lbs which isn't the best, but definitely isn't the worst. I finally learned how to pitch my lunar solo correctly, which was a pretty steep learning curve. A few more practice hikes here in Korea, and then it will be time to say good bye to Korea and hello to the Appalachian Trail!
Date: 2017-04-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

So tomorrow is finally the day. I've been preparing for close to 6-7 months and tomorrow I will finally start hiking with my uncle. We are starting at swift run gap near Elkton VA and heading north to Katahdin. Then we will head south to Springer Mountain. We start April 9th and should finish around mid September to early October. I will hopefully be able to update this weekly and the blog will basically be a day to day of what happened the previous week. Today my parents drove me up here to VA and we met up with my uncle and his wife, then we had a lovely dinner and watched some of the masters coverage. Tomorrow we plan to start hiking around 10am and go for 10 miles to bearfence mountain hut, where we will stay for the night. So, if you're interested follow along and I hope you enjoy hearing about the day to day of the trail. Adam
Date: 2017-04-09
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Bearfence Hut
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

The first day on the trail went well. David and I had too much food packed, so the packs were pretty heavy. After breakfast at the hotel we were dropped off at swift run gap at 10:15, said our goodbyes, then started off down the trail. We hiked for a few miles and came across our first spring and filtered water for the first time. The sawyer squeeze filter worked wonderfully. We finished our hike at 4:30 and had the shelter to ourselves for the night. It went about as well as it could have for our first day.
Date: 2017-04-10
From: Bearfence Hut

To: Rock springs hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

We woke up early on day two as would be the case for the next five mornings and probably the rest of the trip. There's a saying that hiker midnight is 8pm. That saying holds very true. We were up at 6am and after cooking breakfast we headed out about 8am. We hiked 11.5 miles to rock springs hut. The day started out interestingly enough, after 2 minutes on the trail I looked up and saw a bobcat in the middle of the trail. Luckily it didn't want any trouble and it wandered off the trail. The trail was pretty easy after that and we arrived at the next hut around 430. There were two people in the shelter, so we decided to tent.
Date: 2017-04-11
From: Rock springs hut

To: Byrds nest #3
Miles today: 10.5

Today we were up early again and on the trail by 8 after a fine breakfast of powdered milk, granola, and water. We met our first NOBO thruhiker named Hawk who started in February from Georgia. We had a nice lunch at the Skyland wayside on skyline drive. The trail was fairly easy today and we arrived at 430 to our shelter. So far we have seen two deers, a bobcat, and a barred owl. So far the trail has been kind to us. One step at a time.
Date: 2017-04-12
From: Byrds nest #3

To: Byrds nest #4
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was only 7.8 miles but they were fairly step. We stopped off to check out a hut we were passing by,but coming out of the hut I made a wrong turn and we walked back down the mountain we had just walked up. Doh! We stayed at a hut that the AT guide said had water. Well, the water was the most disgusting thing I've ever seen. We boiled it, filtered it, and used aquamira. We also added gatorade mix to it because it looked and tasted so bad. But it's been a few days now and I'm not sick. What doesn't kill you...
Date: 2017-04-13
From: Byrds nest #4

To: Gravel springs hut
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: few clouds

Today we hiked with Jeff and Dennis for the second day. They are two guys from Indiana doing a five day hike. They are a bit slower than us but we run into them here and there throughout the day. We also stayed with them at the shelter last night. We had a nice breakfast at the elkwallow wayside which consisted of hasbrowns, eggs, toast, and bacon. The trail was fairly steep today. We left out about 830 and finished at 4:30. The shelter was pretty busy so we tented. I've decided to send my tent back home, and get a new one that is free standing. The ground here is too rocky to stake out a tent.
Date: 2017-04-14
From: Gravel springs hut

To: Tom floyd wayside
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a nice 10.5 mile hike that was pretty flat minus one steep climb. We ran into Jeff and Dennis a few times as well. Tonight the shelter was very nice. We met another thruhiker named fresh ground who was a pretty awesome guy. He was hiking with a few guys doing a Shenandoah thru hike. So, it was their last day on trail, he decided to hike 3.5 miles down to the road, hitch into town, go to the grocery store, buy a chicken, beers, cokes, and fruit, hitch back to the trailhead, and then hike the 3.5 miles back uphill to celebrate with them. All this after hiking 20 miles in a day. Pretty awesome!
Date: 2017-04-15
From: Tom floyd wayside

To: Mountain home b&b
Miles today: 3.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we decided to take a nearo. We said goodbye to Dennis and Jeff then we hiked 3.2 miles to mountain home b&b. The owners are very friendly. They shuttled us to the post office to pick up our packages. Then we had a great meal at a local reataurant. I had a cheeseburger and David had death by pork. It looked wonderful. After that we walked around Front Royal, and then resupplied at the local supermarket. Also, I got to shower for the first time in 7 days, and they did my laundry! I will be ready to go when we start off early tomorrow.
Date: 2017-04-16
From: Mountain home b&b

To: Dicks Dome shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Went to Easter sunrise service at a local baptist church, and had a great breakfast. Left out at 8:15 from the b&b and arrived to the shelter at 18:10. Our first 15 mile day. Met a retired thru hiker who was just startimg out named bracelets. I almost stepped on a snake but it saw me first and slithered out of the way.
Date: 2017-04-17
From: Dicks Dome shelter

To: Sam Moore shelter.
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Today we entered the rollercoaster which is 13.5 miles of steep ups and downs.we entered it about 8 miles into our day. It didn't disapoint and was aptly named. We met a thru hiker named Billy Goat who started from Springer. We also met Fjord who had hiked 25 miles to our shelter that day. She started at Springer in Feb.
Date: 2017-04-18
From: Sam Moore shelter.

To: Campsite
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: moderate rain

The rollercoaster tore my feet up and we had to have a short day today to give them some rest. We stopped at Bears Den Hostel 3 miles into our day but decided not to stay and push on for a few more miles to a campsite. We tented for the night and I found out it was my sock liners giving me the problem. So, I've quit wearing them and all is well with my feet.
Date: 2017-04-19
From: Campsite

To: WV 340 (road)
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

Today we hiked into Harpers Ferry and were picked up by David's friend CA. He brought us to his house and they had prepared a wonderful dinner for us. They made meatloaf, ham, carrots, potatoes, baked beans with bacon, and rolls. For dessert CA's wife mad pumpkin pie which was delicious. Needless to say we made pigs of ouselves!
Date: 2017-04-20
From: WV 340 (road)

To: Nowhere
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today we took a zero day in Harpers Ferry. I needed to rest my feet and we had some errands to do. We went to the post office to get my new tent(which is wonderful) and some drop boxes we had. We went to the store and got a few items we needed. Once again CA and his wife fed us breakfast and a dinner of pizza! I also played some rummy with one of their daughters who was so sweet.
Date: 2017-04-21
From: Nowhere

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.4

Today was our longest hiking day yet. We are getting stronger, even though the last few miles were a struggle. At the end of the day we stayed at a shelter with two guys from MD. They told us that if we hiked 15 miles to the next shelter, we could order pizza. So we had some motivation for the next day!
Date: 2017-04-22
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowell shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: light rain

Today was rain all day. It was a pretty miserable hiking day. But, we had pizza waiting for us at the end. Today our water bag had two holes in it. Not a big deal but it made it more difficult for us to filter water. So we just ended up usimg aquamira chlorine drops to filter our water. The trail was nice and flat all day though, and the pizza was delicious!
Date: 2017-04-23
From: Ensign Cowell shelter

To: Deer Lick shelter. 
Miles today: 14.5

Today the weather broke and we had a nice hiking day. We left Maryland and crossed into PA and crossed the Mason Dixon line. We had our first successful hitchhike into town for a resupply from a very friendly day hiker at Penn Marr park. At the shelter we met two other thru hikers "hand in mouth" and "mrs. joy" We think mrs joy enjoyed a little too much of the scotch she was carrying. She was a little tipsy.
Date: 2017-04-24
From: Deer Lick shelter. 

To: Rocky Mountain shelter
Miles today: 10.2

Today was a very rainy day once again. We stopped after 10 miles because it was so cold. We could of pushed another 5 miles but it just wasn't worth it. There was a local at the shelter who had a fire going. Hand in mouth was there again and luckily he stayed in the other shelter so we didn't have to hear his snoring! We also set our tents up in the shelter for some extra warmth. Glad I switched to a free stand ing tent!
Date: 2017-04-25
From: Rocky Mountain shelter

To: Birch Run shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: light rain

Today it was once again cold and rainy. Hiking in the rain isn't that bad but putting on wet clothes and shoes isn't any fun! The trail was very flat and easy though. We stayed at a shelter with a couple who are retired and live in their RV. They are just hiking back to where they parked the RV. We also stayed with an older lady who is starting a flip flop thru hike. Very friendly!
Date: 2017-04-26
From: Birch Run shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnance (Mt. Holly Springs PA)
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: few clouds

Today we just had 9 miles of easy trail. We knocked it out by 1030. We met David's friend Bryan and his wife Carla, as well as his three kids. They grilled chicken for us and gave us a lot of supplies. They are also going to mail our packages for us! They drove us to a store to resupply, and then dropped us off at our hotel. They also treated us to ice cream! So that's it for now. Currently at the hotel tyoing these up on the phone, and soon it will be bed time. Hike midnight is 8pm anyways!
Date: 2017-04-27
From: Pine Grove Furnance General Store

To: Alec Kennedy shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Today was a pretty tough trail day. We went through the "rock maze" which was just dumb. The trail took you through big rocks you had to climb up and over for no reason other than to make the trail more difficult. Today we also used our new stove a MSR pocket rocket which boils water very quickly. We also have a few extra 1L water bags which makes colllecting water easier. We ran into "Hand In Mouth" again, but he was moving on to meet friends and get off trail for a few days, so we probably won't be seeing him again.
Date: 2017-04-28
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlimgton Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Today we hiked over 18 miles which was our longest day yet. The trail was nice and flat the whole day, but the 18 miles were still taxing. The trail brought us through Boiling Springs PA which was a beautiful little town. They were stocking the local lake with trout, so there were a lot of people out fishing. We passed Carlisle PA and just down the trail from there we ran into Maria and Gary. They were some locals out for a first date hike/picnic. They invited us to join them, and they shared what they had brought, with us. We ate summer sausage, fruits, meats, nuts, and cheese. This is what we call trail magic, and it sure made our day. We ended the day at a shelter with a privy nicknamed "Taj Mahal." It was called this because it was so big. It was about as large as my apartment in Korea.
Date: 2017-04-29
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We left out this morning and about 2 miles into our walk we came across some more trail magic. A couple had left a cooler full of water, sodas, and snack packages which contained oreos, nutter butters, and some crystal light packages. We stopped in Duncannon PA at the Doyle Hotel which is a staple of the AT. However, the place is a dump. We paid 10 dollars for a shower, and the showers were nasty. But, even so it felt great to have a hot shower as it had been a week or so since our last one. After showering we did laundry at the local laundromat. Since the Doyle was so nasty we decided to push on a few more miles to the next shelter. Even though it meant a steep climb out of town. The trail always descends into towns and you always have to climb back out. We also resupplied in Duncannon so our packs were a bit heavier.
Date: 2017-04-30
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today once again the trail was full of rocks. Pennsylvania is full of rocks. I believe the AT brings you across every rock in the state. There is a saying that Pennsylvania is where hiking boots go to die. We have about 70 miles of PA left and so far my hiking shoes are holding up, but the rocks have torn holes in the tops and sides of both shoes. We'll see how many more miles I get out of them. We met a 71 year old through hiker today named "Go." He was a fit man carrying a light pack, and we couldn't keep up with him! The mosquitoes were bad last night so I was itching all day. Tonight we just camped in the woods as the next shelter was too far away, which meant no privy, which meant I had to dig my first cathole.