morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-04-16
From: Excellent Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 28.3
Weather: clear sky

It was simply too hot today. Just under 90 degrees just isn't fun. We made it as enjoyable as possible, but the afternoon was miserable. Parkside and I left just before 7 this morning, in order to avoid as much of the heat as possible. But even that early, it was muggy and the heat began to suck the life out of me. Had it not been so hot, the day would have been incredibly easy. Sadly, mother nature had other plans.The morning was fine. We both had energy, the terrain was nearly flat, and best of all we remained at an elevation low enough to have all the leaves out on the trees. I thoroughly enjoyed the shade, as well as the beauty of a green forest.Once it started getting real hot, hiking became tough. Our pace slowed and we had to break more often. We ate lunch 10 miles from our destination, and once we continued on it was a little cooler. This would have been wonderful, but I was already exhausted and the terrain was a little more rugged. But we powered onward, thinking of the pizza, ben and jerry's, shower, and laundry we would later be provided. Exhausted, we eventually made it through the door into the hostel, and now it's time to enjoy the reward of making it through a long day.
Date: 2012-04-17
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

The hiking portion of today was totally uneventful. It was a get from point A to point B type of day. The weather was better, much cooler than yesterday. The terrain provided no challenge for us. All Parkside and I wanted to do was get to Harpers Ferry and out of VA. We finally finished the long, never ending state of Virginia. And now we're a day's hike from PA and the north. I'm getting closer and closer to home everyday, and now it really feels like it.When we got to Harpers Ferry, Parkside and I were able to watch the Celtics-Knicks game. Sadly the better team lost, but that's ok. He can have his New York victory tonight, but the Sox-Yankees games this weekend may be different. Plus, I see the Celtics having much more playoff success than the Knicks. But enough of our Boston-New York sports rivalry. So tomorrow is a zero day. I'm gonna check out the ATC and let my body recover. I think I need it because come Thursday, I'm gonna do over 40 miles to get through Maryland in one day.
Date: 2012-04-18
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zeroing today. Right now I'm at the ATC, relaxing and using the computer. I don't have too much going on today, but that's the point. I think I'll read my book and just rest all day. Other than that, I'm just looking forward to tomorrow's crazy adventure through Maryland. Next time I update my journal, it will be from PA.
Date: 2012-04-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Mason-Dixon Line
Miles today: 40.9

I've finally made it to the North! It's been a while, but now I feel like I'm starting to get much closer to home. And making it to the border made an incredibly long day worthwhile.Parkside and I took off just after 4 this morning. Yesterday's rain had stopped, and the early morning fog began to clear over time. We could tell the weather would be accomodating. So we just hiked about as fast as possible, and took as few breaks as we could. We took a niced sized lunch break just before we made it halfway. This was very helpful, as I got a lot more energy after some food and a short rest. From there we walked along the trail, and it took us across numerous roads and through many backyards. I wouldn"t neccesarily call it wilderness.We then took a couple breaks in the afternoon, once we were within 10 miles. The stretch from 25 miles to 30 miles was definitely the worst part to get through, because it just dragged on forever. But once we were under 10, we knew we'd make it before dark and we just felt close. So we finished up Maryland, and celebrated by ordering delivery pizza to a nearby park. By 8 we were sitting at a picnic table and eating pizza.
Date: 2012-04-20
From: Mason-Dixon Line

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

I slept in late today in order to recover from my long day. This led to a later start and an easier day. We had good weather again and felt in no hurry to get anywhere. Parkside and I went slowly and took our time at a couple spots with views. The first day in PA was laid back. Eventually, we got to a road with a restaurant a mile down it. We stopped in for dinner and I even got to see most of the Celtics game. From there, a few of Parkside's friends met us and brought us to a supermarket. We resupplied and ate some pizza they brought from New York, before getting back on the trail.We hiked the last 1.7 in the dark, but it was worth it for some food. All in all, a good first day in Pennsylvania.
Date: 2012-04-21
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Another late start today. Not a big deal though, as I felt no need to move too quickly. We would have made it to the shelter early, despite the late start, but we encountered an obstacle.Just over 3 miles from where we started our day was an opportunity to order pizza. So Parkside and I split a large "schwarzenegger" pizza. It was one of the heavier foods I've ever eaten. This just made walking incredibly tough. We spent a while at the picnic table after we ate it, just digesting, before we could actually move. Once we started hiking again, it was at the slowest pace I've gone since Springer.Eventually, we did finish our day. Shortly before, we expected to see the sign stating that we've gone halfway. But we never walked by it. Oddly enough, my guide book has it listed about 2.6 miles south of where the mileage truly makes it halfway. And I'm not too far short of the book's true halfway point. But still, no sign. I guess we'll just see it tomorrow. Regardless, I consider myself halfway to Katahdin as of today.
Date: 2012-04-22
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 10.9

We awoke to another cold, rainy day. Therefore, we decided to get a late start and take it easy. After about 3.5 miles, we arrived at the Pine Grove Furnace General Store, home of the half gallon challenge. Honestly, this was the biggest let down of the whole trail. I expected a hiker friendly place with excellent ice cream. Parkside and I agreed that this place had the worst customer service we'd ever seen. When we arrived, there was only one half gallon of ice cream left. So the man working there left to get more. He arrived over an hour and a half later with the ice cream. The store also had the most limited and over priced resupply I've seen thus far. Essentially, I would recommend against the half gallon challenge at this venue, but I know nearly all thru hikers will go for the wooden spoon.After that waste of a couple hours, we took off and made it to the shelter. The weather sucked, so arriving there early and hanging out all afternoon was pretty nice. Parkside and I shared the shelter with three section hikers who were out for the weekend. We enjoyed the company. After hanging out for a while, we went to bed early as there wasn't much else to do. I tried not to think of another day in the rain, although I knew the weather was only going to get worse.
Date: 2012-04-23
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 12.0

More rain. And colder temperatures too! There were also some other wonderful forms of precipitation, including sleet, freezing rain, and snow. This is essentially the worst weather possible. So we took it easy yet again, and got into town as quickly as possible.When we arrived, went to a local cafe. It provided us with everything we could have wanted; coffee, sandwiches, soup, and salad were readily available. As were milkshakes (what every thru hiker dreams of, no matter what the weather). Parkside and I took a few hours there just drinking coffee and relaxing, and after a while we moved up the road to our hotel. As of now, we're doing laundry and hanging out in the lounge with a pool table, air hockey, foosball, and a computer. Honestly, I couldn't be happier that I'm indoors right now. Hopefully the weather improves tomorrow. If it doesn't, we'll still be able to dry off in Duncannon tomorrow evening.Also, I would like to recommend Mike's blog. It has a lot of pictures and would complement my journal well. He's still a little ways behind, as he zeroed for a while at home, but I hope he will catch up soon. Here's the link: http://dekompress.tumblr.com/
Date: 2012-04-24
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: broken clouds

Finally, some blue sky. A beautiful day can really make one feel better. After three days of rain, I was happy to see the sun. And more leaves were on the trees than before, probably because of the rain. The best way to describe a day like this is just beautiful. The rainy days really do make the sunny days better.I got a late start today, after eating breakfast with Parkside. Afterwards, I left with the goal of getting to Duncannon as quickly as I could. Parkside wanted to take it slower, so he's about 10 miles behind as of now. It's distinctly possible we'll meet again in the future, but as of now, I'm once again on my own.The first 12 miles today were almost totally flat, so I was able to crank them out very quickly. This section was mostly in a row of trees between farms. The terrain wasn't too exciting, but I was just happy to be dry. I took a lunch break at Darlington Shelter. This shelter is just your average shelter, except it has a "Taj Mahal Privy." Obviously, I couldn't pass up such a place. My guide book let me know it was noteworthy, although its only distinct feature was its size. But I do think the name is awesome, even though it's not a scale model. Nonetheless, I made it into Duncannon just after 6 and enjoyed a large steak. Now it's time for me to find my bed.
Date: 2012-04-25
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 29.3
Weather: clear sky

I rolled out of bed and into a restaurant for breakfast this morning. Afterwards, I sent out my bounce box at the post office, and left Duncannon just before 9.Another lovely day again. Days like these make me think it's summer. I hiked along a ridge all morning, then another in the afternoon. Nothing very eventful happened. Around 7, I made it to the shelter and enjoyed the company of Iceman, Viking, Figs, and Castaway. Meeting some other thru hikers was the most enjoyable part of the day.
Date: 2012-04-26
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke to another dreary day, with dark skies. At this point, hiking can seem monotonous in fog and clouds, but it sure beats the hell out of rain.Rain was in the forecast last I'd checked, but luck must have been on my side. I spent all day in a cloud, so life was damp, but it could have been worse. Sadly, there were only views of clouds today. So all the time I spent up on a ridge was spent hiking on a level surface. I spent the first half of my day going as fast as possible, just trying to keep my mind occupied. Then around lunchtime, I caught up with Iceman and Viking. So for the last couple hours of this short day, I hiked and talked with Iceman. We got to the shelter early, closely followed by Viking and Castaway. From there we elected to get a shuttle into town and go to an all you can eat restaurant. This decision filled me with the most food for the lowest price, and I got an inappropriate amount of butter into me. I just don't want to lose any more weight, so I need to look at eating as a chore.We got back to the shelter around 7:30. Figs had arrived while we were out, and we had brought back some food for him. It wasn't long after our return that I felt sleepy from dinner and sat down to write this. At this point, an incredibly restful sleep is imminent.
Date: 2012-04-27
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Waking up to another dreary morning was simply demoralizing. As soon as I began to get breakfast together, the roof of the shelter was pummeled with freezing rain. And believe it or not, the clouds were darker than yesterday, even though there was no precipitation forecasted. Luckily, the poor weather was ephemeral, and once I was about an hour into my day the sun broke through the clouds.Although the sun made an appearance for the majority of the day, it was a little cold and very windy. So I took no breaks until lunch, as it would have required additional clothing. I wasn't willing to deal with the whole process of digging around in my pack for layers and putting them back afterwards. But to be honest, it was just about ideal hiking weather: cool enough to keep one from sweating and wanting to take breaks, but warm enough to wear minimal layers. The terrain wasn't too interesting today. Just the same walking on a flat, continuous ridge like the rest of Pennsylvania. There were some rocks today, but they really didn't slow me down at all. I'm curious as to whether the infamous Pennsylvania rockiness will get worse, or whether it's just blown out of proportion. Thus far, I'd guess the latter.Just before 5, I got down into Port Clinton. There wasn't much in this little town, so I walked a couple miles down the road to Walmart. I bought far too much food, and now my pack is on the heavier side. But I certainly won't go hungry.From Walmart, I went to the Cabelas where I expected to find Iceman and Viking. Once I went to the camping section, it took me a minute to find them. I didn't even have to use my eyes. My nose worked well enough. I simply had to find what smells like me. And I have a pretty distinct, pungent stink right now.After perusing the heavy and oversized luxury camping gear, as well as the Hollywood sized revolvers, we made our way to McDonald's, the only place a hiker can get full for under $10. By the time we had finished, it was dark out and we really didn't want to go another 2 miles on the highway back to Port Clinton. Luckily, a girl working at the McDonald's offered to give us a ride when her shift ended. I'm guessing it was because of the short shorts' displaying my thru hiker legs. Either way, we made it back to the pavilion where the town allows hikers to camp. And now I'm preparing to curl up in my bag and sleep like a log through a cold night.
Date: 2012-04-28
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A cold night always slows me down in the morning. Today, I was about to get on the trail at 9:30 or so, when I found out about a breakfast restaurant. So, I ate there along with Iceman and Viking. This was wonderful, except its consequence was a start around 11:45.The weather wound up being perfect. We didn't have to deal with that morning cold, yet it stayed cool enough I only broke a sweat with the uphill. Due to the late start, I decided to go as far as I could, as fast as I could, without a break. Sadly, I only made it about 20 miles in just over 6 hours. My knees gave me a little trouble, so I took a break for almost an hour before making it to the shelter. Other than knee pain, I found the day easy yet again. Honestly, these rocks have a reputation of ruggedness that exceeds the reality.Once I arrived at the shelter, I realized there were more than a dozen people staying here. Luckily they made space for me, as well as Iceman and Viking once they arrived. I quickly got settled in, and as of now I'm sitting around the fire with some of the people still awake. But I'll be in bed within minutes. I expect to put up some big miles tomorrow, so I'll need the sleep.
Date: 2012-04-29
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 33.5
Weather: clear sky

I experienced my favorite part of the trail, thus far, today. So I'm not going to retell any of my boring, typical Pennsylvania morning. Instead I will go right to the early afternoon, specifically, to the ascent after Lehigh Gap.This ascent climbed about 1,000 feet up over the most rocky part of Rocksylvania (obviously a ridiculous exaggeration). Some of the rocks were loose, like a slide trail. Others required rock-hopping. And some even forced me to have to use my hands to pull myself up and over. Most of this was exposed, giving a wonderful view of the surrounding area. Obviously, this was the best view I've seen in Pennsylvania, and one of the only ones worth noting.Although this section was only a small part of my day, it was the only eventful part. I hiked many miles through bland and boring areas, on ridges without views, and this section made my day. It was the highlight of this state for me. So now here I am, 20 miles from the New Jersey border. I'm happy to be getting into a new state, and at this point I can confidently say that the rocky sections of Pennsylvania really aren't anywhere near as bad as their reputation.
Date: 2012-04-30
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start today, due to yesterday's big miles. I woke up a little banged up, so I went back to sleep for another hour or so and felt totally revived afterwards. I was able to get breakfast down and get on the trail within 25 minutes of waking up. I think that's the fastest I've done thus far. I hiked along, on a typical, boring Pennsylvania ridge for a while, just hoping to get out of this state. Sadly, zoning out can only pass the time so fast. Eventually, I reached Wind Gap (a town as well as a geographical feature). I met up with Iceman and Viking there, and we decided to go and grab lunch. So we took a couple hours to get well fed (always the right choice). This resulted in a later finish for the day, but honestly, I got a milkshake and that's what matters most.We trudged on sleepily after our large meal. The 9 miles to the next shelter lasted for what seemed like years. Eventually we made it, and were able to wake ourselves with a snack. By the time we left it was after 5 and we had 6.5 left. So we set a fast pace, and even ran for part of it. I've done a little running during my thru hike, but never with other people. I almost wish someone had seen us. Three hairy, smelly hikers running down the trail with 35 pounds on each of their backs. That just seems comical. Eventually, we made it into town. And our reward was dinner at an Italian restaurant. Now, after solving the logistical puzzle of NJ/NY (the shelters are spaced ridiculously), I'm about ready for bed. Needless to say, life is good out here.
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up just before 8 today. For once, I wanted to get out of a town quickly and somehow overslept. It's not like I was gonna skip breakfast to do this, so I was out by 9:15. The later start at least avoided the end of the rain. Overnight, it poured and it tapered off in the morning. I got more fog than anything else, and this was while I crossed into New Jersey.I cranked out about 11 and made my way to the Mohican Outdoor Center for lunch. While eating, I dealt with some mail drops, including a new pair of superfeet inserts for my destroyed boots. Pennsylvania got the best of them, but not me, so I'm having merrel send me a new pair. I should have them in a couple weeks, so the new pair of superfeet will have to keep my feet from getting too badly beaten.After leaving the MOC, I realized New Jersey is pretty nice. I got more views this afternoon than in my entire first week in Pennsylvania. The clouds had cleared after lunch, and I really enjoyed myself. But there is a catch to NJ; there are an insane number of ticks here. I had a few crawling on my legs, and more clinging to my socks. Hopefully, none will attach, but I know I'm a little paranoid. I feel them crawling on me before they get off my calves, so I shouldn't worry. Nightly tick-checks are a must now. And time to use more bug spray.At this point, I'm at the shelter listening to two owls talking. They're the first I've heard yet. But they won't keep me awake, as my earplugs usually do the trick.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

Woke up to rain. Wet again. So for that reason, I took a while to get out this morning. It wasn't all that late, but I was just sitting in the shelter prolonging the inevitable for a while.Once I made it into the rain, I put my head down and just plowed through it. All I saw today were hundreds of bright orange salamanders. Seriously, hundreds of them were sitting out in the rain. They weren't even moving, so they almost looked like plastic toys.I moved pretty quickly, and made it to the shelter really early. Four guys from the southern part of NJ were here when I arrived, and we talked for a while. As of now, I'm sitting in my bag and about to get some reading done. I'm dry once again, and really hoping it won't rain tomorrow. I have a feeling that it will, though.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: High Point Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I'm beginning to find many reasons to both like and dislike New Jersey. I'm leaving the state early tomorrow, so it doesn't really matter, but given that today was fairly uneventful I'll get into it anyway.One of the most prominent things one notices hiking through NJ are the frequent road crossings. This is both bad and good for me. On the one hand, I simply don't enjoy hiking through backyards. The wilderness is much of why the AT appeals to me, and there isn't much wilderness. The upside is that I get to go to restaurants more often when I hit more roads. Today, I had pizza for lunch and then got a milkshake 12 miles later. New Jersey does have a lot more views than Pennsylvania. That's a huge upside. The downside is that the trail has been poorly maintained. There are overhanging trees and shrubs around 4 feet from the ground, everywhere. Many trees are down, and most of them appear to have been that way for months or longer. And the worst part is that there are long grasses and small plants growing right next to the trail, so you can't help but brush up against them all. This doesn't bode well in tick country. I guess the big upside of NJ is that I'll be out of it early tomorrow. Nothing against NJ, but I like the feeling I get after leaving a state. It helps keep things interesting, and it makes me feel that much closer to my goal. Hopefully, the weather will be a little nicer tomorrow so I can do a 30 miler my first day in NY.