morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-10
From: New York City

To: The Big Apple
Miles today: 0.0

New York City was simply unbelievable! We arrived into the city around 4 PM near 41st St and walked the 6 blocks to the Hilton Garden Inn. We even met a very cool couple that had just returned from a month long adventure in Brazil (they even offered to do some trail magic for us around Kent, Connecticut). We checked in and dropped off out bags before walking towards Central Park. As it was a Sunday, the park was full of people. We made our way around to the Strawberry Fields and sat on the benches near the John Lennon Memorial area before making our leisurely way back towards the hotel (but not before I danced near a drum circle and pet a darling little black lab named Galloway). We stopped at a bustling bakery called "Magnolia's Bakery" for cupcakes (as recommended by the folks we'd met earlier) where the cashier told me that we were the first folks of the day to ask her how she was doing. We also took a peak at the St. Thomas Cathedral which is currently under renovation. It was such an amazing space; I cannot wait to return in five or so years to witness the transformation. New York is a very busy and lively place with people everywhere. Especially this particular Sunday, as many people where out celebrating the Puerto Rican festivities of the weekend. Also, the Tony Awards were held at Radiocity Music Hall; (we saw Fran Dreschure and Wayne Brady). But I do have to say, despite my trepidation of being in such a large city with tons of people (as I am not accustomed to this on the trail), I was able to remain calm and collected, just happy to be a part of the daily hustle of the city.After a brief visit to the hotel, we rejoined the city. I asked a local at a crosswalk for advice on where to grab a bite to eat, and we were told to try a divvy burger joint located in the lobby of a swanky hotel. Man, were those burgers delicious! We then basked in the rays of light in Times Square as we headed back to the hotel before retiring for the night. Pedro's parents outdid themselves on their generosity and willingness to help provide a truly magnificent trail experience for us all. This morning we rose with the intention of going to visit the 9/11 Memorial Site. However, Tree, Happy, and I were anxious to get back to the trail- so we opted to head to the bus station instead (with a brief detour to the Heartland Brewery). (And since I know I'll be back here soon with Moaglee's mama and sister, I feel assured I will have the chance to visit the site again soon.) I'm now on the way back to Warwick, back to the trail. I absolutely love my city-life experiences but am ready to return to my home in the woods for a few days. My hiking experience has already far surpassed my expectations, and I am extremely thankful to be living life as I am now, surrounded by such kind and amazing people day in and day out.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: The Big Apple

To: Warwick to Pawling, NY
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

The past few days of overcast clouds and the occasional light sprinkle have made for some perfect hiking weather- cool enough and breezy enough to keep the bugs at bay. Tree, Happy, and I got caught in a little shower on our two mile hike to the nearest shelter after arriving back in Warwick from the City, but thankfully we were able to get spots in the shelter. The next morning, Happy and I got up and moving at 5 AM in an effort to pull a big day so that we could catch up with Moaglee. Steady hiking all day long over some of the toughest terrain New York has to offer. Very rocky with several boulder scrambles that required all fours to gain access to the top. I kept putting one foot in front of the other and was planning on doing the full thirty miles until I gave Moaglee a call and found out that he was in Fort Montgomery. Well, a shower and dry place to sleep sounded a lot better than continuing on the extra mile and a half so I hitched on into town. We met back up with Tree in the morning as we started hiking and all ended up at Clarence Fahnestock State Park for the night. The hiking was noticeably better as the trail was not nearly so littered with rocks. We attempted to do a twenty one or two mile day yesterday but after filling our bellies at the deli and pizzeria, we opted to stay at the Morgan somethingorrather shelter, leaving ten miles to go til Pawling. Well, the rain has finally caught up to us and we're getting a little shower now, making it difficult to decide to leave the shelter. But today is the day Moaglee and I take a train into NYC! After just being there, I thought I would've had my fill of the Big Apple, but there's just too much to do in one short visit. Even this jaunt into the city will not do it justice. I am so grateful for the opportunity to see so much of East Coast life through both the small trail towns as well as the bigger "towns" like NYC.
Date: 2014-06-12
From: Warwick to Pawling, NY

To: Pawling to NYC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

What an awesome trip to the City! Moaglee and I made the ten mile hike to Pawling and caught a ride to the train station with a very kind man named Tom who gave us the information we needed to navigate our ride into Grand Central Station. Within two hours, I arrived back in New York City. We soon met up with Moaglee's incredibly sweet mama and sister before they insisted that we shower. (We really did stink to high heaven!) After walking around the city for a bit, we sat down to dinner at the Wayfarer and had a wonderful time talking and catching up. It began to pour, so we waited out the rain at the restaurant making for a nice, leisurely supper. Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel for a wonderful night's sleep indoors. The next morning, I found a laundromat and washed our disgusting clothes- such a good feeling! We then took a cab to REI in Soho for some new clothing and gear. Nothing beats a new pair of socks! And happened to get two new pair along with a new shirt. We walked on down through Little Italy and found a delicious restaurant where we were able to fill our bellies. After a very brief stroll down the edge of Chinatown, we headed back to the hotel in Times Square. We'd intended on going for a walk in Central Park, but instead we all ended up napping for a few hours. As evening rolled around, we decided to find a place to eat in the Hell's Kitchen area. We stopped at a very cool restaurant called Bourbon Street Grill where we had a delightful waitress (who actually had a dance audition in the morning for an upcoming broadway show) and watched bits and pieces of the World Cup. Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel, but not before seeing the beautiful, full, orange moon hanging low in the sky above the streets between the skyscrapers. Moaglee's mama, Moaglee, and I enjoyed a nightcap and great conversation in the hotel lounge before hitting the hay. After sleeping in until 10 AM, Moaglee and I gathered our gear back together and repacked our packs. As we now sit on the train headed back to Pawling, I feel well rested and ready to hike. It was so wonderful to spend time with such loving and kind folks like Moaglee's mama and sister, and I am incredibly grateful to have been included in their time in the City. This truly is an adventure of a lifetime.
Date: 2014-04-21
From: Columbus, OH

To: Fayetteville, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Today started early. 3:00 AM early. I had a Greyhound Bus to catch that was scheduled to depart at 5:00. I picked up my son, Kyle, at 3:40 and was at the bus station at 4:00. Kyle took my truck back to his house.The bus I was to board did not get to the bus station until 6:10. We did not get on the road until almost 7:00. We were scheduled to stop at Zanesville and Cambridge but did not. We did stop in Pittsburgh and were able to make up about an hour of time by shortening the scheduled layover. I got to Harrisburg, PA about 50 minutes later than scheduled.My hiker shuttle, Michael, was there waiting on me. I had phoned him that I would be late so he had not waited long. Michael came highly recommended by my hiker friend Joel. The shuttle ride was about an hour long and the fare was $85. Very reasonable considering he had to drive from his place in Boiling Springs to Harrisburg to Fayetteville then back home. His drive was about two hours.Michael's motto, as quoted directly from his business card is, "You pay the fare, I'll take you anywhere". If you need a shuttle in Pennsylvania call Michael's Shuttle Service at 717-497-6022.I met my friend Rocket Man at the Scottish Inn in Fayetteville, PA. This where I got off of the trail last June. Rocket Man was a thru hiker I met last year in Virginia and we kept in touch over the winter. We both decided to pick up the trail where we left off last year. Rocket Man started this year at Front Royal, Virginia. I left the trail in Fayetteville, PA. We coordinated the meeting point and time and met today.Our intentions are to finish Pennsylvania. That is over two hundred miles. We both have other places to go in May. Our anticipated day to exit the trail is May 7th.I am only telling a few people this year about this short AT hike. Of people I know, only Stevie and Adell might find this journal as they look at some if the journals on this web site. I met them in Hot Springs, NC last year.I hope you enjoy following my journey through Pennsylvania.
Date: 2014-04-22
From: Fayetteville, PA

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: light rain

Day 1, mile 1078.4 Fayetteville, PA to 1094.6 Toms Run Shelters, 16.2 milesNote: last year this point on the AT was at 1077.8. There was an addition of 0.6 miles to the AT south of this point. The mile points listed from today and on this year's AT trip is from AWOL's 2014 Guide to the AT.Today, after a big breakfast near the hotel, we got a shuttle from the hotel to the trailhead a few miles away. We started walking about nine o'clock.After a short level area of walking, we started up a 1000 foot climb. It was not very steep. It was spread over three and a half miles of trail. My buddy Joe in Ohio sprained his ankle coming down this hill a few years ago.The terrain today was gently rolling. The trees and shrubs have not yet sprouted many leaves so as we walked, we could see through the forest. That is one of the reasons that this is one of my favorite times of the year to hike.14.25 miles into the hike today, we reached the 2014 mid point of the AT. The midpoint of the AT will change each year as the trail is modified over time.We did meet a few folks out hiking today. "Groceries", a lady from Arizona, is finishing up a few places she missed on her 2011 thru hike attempt."Dakota" is a northbound thru hiker that started in Georgia in early February this year. His hike had to have some cold and nasty weather.Upon arrival at Toms Run Shelters tonight, we made dinner with a warm sun shining on us. It felt like it was about seventy degrees. (I did not check my thermometer)Right after dinner, the sky turned dark and a thunderstorm started. We got some heavy rain and small hail (about 3/16" in diameter). The rain lasted about an hour.It is about 7:30 PM as I finish this journal entry. Although I could go out and get water for tomorrow, I am warm, dry and cozy in my hammock. I think I will stay here and turn in early.
Date: 2014-04-23
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 2, mile 1094.6 to 1113.6 Alec Kennedy Shelter, 19 miles.Last night's cold front definitely brought colder temperatures today. This morning it was about 30 degrees. The high was in the upper 50s, cloudy and windy.We came across a couple more midpoint signs today. It appears that the midpoint is moving slowly south. They must be adding more trail in the southern section than in the northern section.We walked through Pine Grove Furnace State Park, home of the half gallon challenge. Sadly, the general store was closed so we could not get a half gallon of ice cream to woof down. I would have passed on that challenge. But I did enjoy a root beer from the pop machine.The AT Museum was in the park too but it was also closed. We are just to far north to have many hikers this early in the season.We walked through a couple of rock mazes today. The trail was well marked but there were steep sections, narrow sections and places that required both hands on the rocks to get up and over the rocks.The shelter tonight had no level areas for a tent. Rocket is in the shelter. I had no problem finding two trees for my hammock. I am not waiting for the sun to go down before turning in tonight. It is cold and windy and I am very tired after the 19 miles today.
Date: 2014-04-24
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Day 3, mile 1113.6 to 1131.8 Darlington Shelter, 18.2 milesIt was a bit chillier this morning due to a slight breeze. But it quickly warmed up. This afternoon I removed my pants legs and gators.We walked over a small hill this morning, Center Point Knob. This must have been the original center point of the AT. There was a bronze plaque attached to a boulder on top of this hill.We descended down about four hundred feet to the floor of an agricultural valley. We had flat land walking for about fifteen miles. I have not seen the AT this flat for this long.Four miles into today's hike, we strolled in to the town of Boiling Springs, PA.   It is a pretty little town. We stopped in to the ATC Office then on to the Cafe 101. I had French Toast stuffed with a blueberry compote. It was yummy.The middle of today's hike varied between woods and farmland. But there were no noteworthy features.At the end of the day, we climbed a nice 800 foot hill and stopped at the Darlington Shelter.I do not know if my fatigue today was a result of the high average miles the last three days, or if just had a down day, but I was beat coming into camp tonight. A Naproxin and a good night of sleep should take care of it.
Date: 2014-04-25
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3

Day 4, mile 1131.8 to 1143.1, Duncannon, PA. 11.3 miles.Today was short because we decided to stay in Duncannon after we picked up our mail drops there.There was no really noteworthy views or events on the trail today. The big news today was the Doyal Hotel were we are staying. Even one of the owners, "Queen Bitch", a really nice lady, calls her place "The nicest bad hotel". Our room had two double beds and the bathroom down the hall. The ceiling above the shower had fallen down from water damage from the shower above years ago.It really was not clean. The small rug in front of the toilet used to be white. There were open electrical boxes near the ceiling. Bare light bulbs. The place was "amazing". All of this for $35 for both of us.We went for lunch at a BBQ place down the street. It was cute, clean & had great food.On the way to lunch we stopped at the laundry mat and started the washer. After lunch we dried them and went back to the room.I took care of forwarding my mail and called my son out on the balcony. Rocket was napping when I returned to the room. So I looked at theChive for a while until he woke.We went downstairs to the bar and talked with some nice folks, ate dinner and I had a few beers, root beer that is.About 8:30 the guy next to me, Paul, the AT Trail Ambassador for Duncannon, offered to take me to the grocery. So off I went with Paul. After he returned me to the Doyal, I packed my food from my mail drop, and went to bed.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Duncannon, PA

To: unnamed campsite
Miles today: 16.1

Day 5, mile 1143.1 to 1159.2, an unnamed campsite. 16.1 miles.We went to breakfast this morning across the street from the Doyal. Good food and lots of it. Then it was back to the room to get our packs and hit the trail.The trail goes right through Duncannon. We walked about a mile before crossing the bridges over the Juanita River and the Susquehanna River. Then up we went. As we climbed the hill we could see the two bridges we crossed. At the top of the hill, after walking almost four miles after crossing the rivers, we could still see the bridges. Finally after about a mile to a mile and a half later, the bridges were finally gone.In the first half of the hike today, we must have passed at least forty boy scouts. They were out in force. They were all friendly. And most were carrying ancient equipment.Lunch was a quicky while sitting on a large rock. Later this afternoon we stopped at a shelter to get water. It was from a spring. My favorite: clean & cold. There were three folks there on a day hike that provided a little trail magic. I got a Mountain Dew. Rocket got a diet Coke.A little while later, three thru hikers arrived that we met earlier in the day: YOLO, Chef & River Song.The rest of the hike with Rocket was spent in conversation about TVs, TV shows and movies. We had a nice dinner, hung our food and turned in.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: unnamed campsite

To: unnamed campsite.
Miles today: 17.6

day 6, mile 1159.2 to 1176.8, unnamed campsite, 17.6 milesAs Rocket is fond of saying, "More of the same". That pretty much describes the trail today. It is pretty but nothing extraordinary.The day was nice though. A perfect temperature for hiking in shorts and a T shirt.We were told the THE Pennsylvania rocks start near Swatara Gap. We cross that tomorrow. So far Pennsylvania has not lived up to is infamous reputation of being terribly rocky. Parts of Virginia and West Virginia were much worse than what we have seen so far here in Pennsylvania.I am learning a lot about backpacking by hiking with Rocket. He is very experienced and has thought extensively about how he does most things. I have a lot of work to do when I get home to streamline my backpacking operation before going to Colorado.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: unnamed campsite.

To: Hertline Campsite
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

day 7, mile 1176.8 to 1195.2, Hertline Campsite, 18.4 milesMOTS - more of the same today.When we were leaving the campsite today, YOLO was walking by. We would see him a few times today. He is an early riser and gets on the trail about six o'clock in the morning. That beats us by about two hours. But he also stops earlier. YOLO seems to be doing about the same miles per day as we are.When we left camp, we immediately had to cross the stream by our camp. I think it had one of the coolest bridges I have seen on the trail. It was a tree that was uprooted and fell across the stream. There was a two board bridge to get onto the rootstock. Then right across the stream on the tree trunk. The trunk was about thirty inches across for the walking surface and fairly flat.We did hit a few rock fields today but none of them were very wide. The largest might have been about a quarter mile across. So far, Pennsylvania has not been as bad as we have heard it was. We have a few more days in Pennsylvania. We will see if it gets worse.We got into camp tonight to an overcast sky. The radar images I got on my phone showed the rain is coming. But I got my hammock and tarp up, dinner eaten and cleaned up as well as other camp chores taken care of before the rain started to fall. It is gently raining now as I type this journal entry.One more day of hiking. Then tomorrow we walk into Port Clinton for real food, a shower, laundry and a warm dry bed.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Hertline Campsite

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 18.8

day 8, mile 1195.2 to 1214.0, Port Clinton, 18.8 milesToday we knew we were going to get rain.   Leaving camp it had not yet started but it did not take long. Soon, I had to get the rain pants, gloves and my warm hat on in addition to my rain jacket.My arms were a little chili due to conduction with the rain jacket. The only places that were wet were my chest because I unzipped the jacket. I still love the Pertex rain wear.After about nine and a half miles we stopped at a shelter. I pulled off my jacket and shirt and put on my fleece while I ate lunch. After lunch, I put the jacket on over the fleece. That was just about right with the forty degree temperature and the wind on the mountain.I hate to say it but the hike itself, while it was great to be out in nature, held no great views or notable places. Pennsylvania, I will agree is rocky, but it is not really a big deal.After arriving in the town of Port Clinton, we stopped at the post office to get our mail drops. The postal worker, Russ, was awesome. He told us about the options for hotels and restaurants. He even called a hiker shuttle for us.The hiker shuttle driver was named Fred. He is a really nice older guy that took us to the Microtel Hotel.After dinner in the hotel bar, we called Fred to see if he would pick us up in the morning and take us fifteen miles north on the trail so we can slack pack. We will be walking back to Port Clinton. We are slack packing because it is going to rain all day tomorrow. The rain accumulation is going to be over one inch.
Date: 2014-04-30
From: Port Clinton

To: Hawk Mountain Road
Miles today: 14.5

day 9, mile 1228.5, Hawk Mountain Road to mile 1214.0, Port Clinton, SOBO slack pack, 14.5 milesToday we slack packed due to the torrential rain and low temperatures forecasted. While we would have been alright to hike through the rain, it sure was nice to know that there was a warm hotel room, hot shower, comfy bed and town food awaiting us.After Fred, our shuttle driver, dropped us off, we started up the hill on the trail to a flow of water coming down the trail. It was like this frequently today.We did not stop at any scenic views today as there were none to see. Only clouds and rain. We did not even stop for lunch today. We just wanted to keep moving.We were lucky enough to have very little of the famous Pennsylvania rocks today. The trail was mostly rock free and there were a few miles of walking on gravel roads.Upon arrival in Port Clinton, we stopped into the Post Office to see our buddy Russ, the post master, to get change for a ten. That gave us a five to pay Fred for a ride back to the hotel.We went to the hotel bar for a snack before dinner since we got back kinda early. The hike was about six hours, 9:30 to 4:30.Then we went to Cabella's to look around, then over to Red Robin for dinner. Then back to the hotel to do laundry and watch Iron Man on TV. Wow, what a day.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Hawk Mountain Road

To:  Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4

day 10, mile 1228.5 to 1245.9, Bake Oven Knob Shelter, 17.4 miles.Today we walked in Rocksylvania. Oh my God. But let me back up to this morning. I started the day with a walk to Walmart to get lunch cheese and bread and a fuel canister for Rocket. On the way, I picked up a couple of Egg McMuffins. I was hoping they would ease the pain in my stomach. No such luck. Breakfast was good must my stomach did not feel good all day. My feet were sore from yesterday's hike in the rain. No blisters but my callouses hurt just behind my arches where the shoe insoles rubbed on them.Today was beautiful except for two small and short lived rain showers. But we did walk frequently through water. There was one area of the trail that I swear was class two rapids.We did not stop today except for pee breaks, a water refill, to add rain clothes and for a few scenic vistas. We were lucky enough to catch a porcupine on the trail today. There were some real class 2+ climbing today. The last four miles took about three hours.Between having wet feet and all of the Rocksylvania rocks, my feet are very sore tonight.