morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

A couple small ups and downs after leaving this morning for about 2 miles, then it leveled out for the next 14 miles. The path took me through fields and farmlands. Duck Soup left before me and we passed each other the whole day. The sun was beating down most of the day and when I reach for my bandana it wasn't there ... dard! lost it somewhere. When I got to Boiling Springs I stop by the ATC Mid Atlantic Regional Office and Duck Soup was there. I chatted with Michelle, who works there, for awhile. Know her from doing inspections with her of our trail section. Think I surprised her when I walked in. Decide to get some breakfast while there so walked up the street to the cafe and ate breakfast on the patio. (was nice out and I smelled) Left there at 1130 with another 14.3 miles to go yet. Pushed on with this pain in my foot not getting better or worse.About 10 miles later stopped at the ATC's Scott Farm Trail Work Center to get water and eat a snickers bar. The map shows another steep ascent to Darlington. While sitting outside relaxing 'Jake' comes walking in. Saw something familure in his hand ... my bandana! He said he figured some hiker dropped it so carried it. I certainly thanked him. Jake, from Georgia, just got got back today after being off for a week. We will be hiking north together for a while. Tough climb up to the shelter when I got there at 7:30. there was 5 hikers already there. Although the shelter sleeps 8, I decided to tent tonight, knowing a few snorers are in the mix.
Date: 2011-05-12
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:30 but the last to leave at 7:30. Smooth descent down Blue Mtn. from the shelter and 4 miles to Cove Mtn. Went from ~ 600' to 1400' in about 1/2 mile. Struggling a bit up that mountain. After reaching the top it was mostly level across the ridge until 1.5 miles from Duncannon, then it was back down off the mountain. So it was 1150' down to 385'. One mis-step and its all over. Walked through the door at the Doyle Hotel around 3pm and ordered a beer. There was Jake sitting at a table with a beer in his hand. Ate a catfish dinner and got a room for the night. Most of the guys from Darlington are here also. Just met V8, a real thru hiker who started in Georgia. 28 y/o from Japan. His pack weighs about half what mine does. Guess thats how he got here so fast. Only left Springer March 24th. Just told me he does 30+ mile days. Speechless !
Date: 2011-05-13
From: Duncannon

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Decided to take a zero day and give my foot a rest. Called MTD yesterday and she drove up after work this morning to spend a little time and take me to Bass Pro Shops to pick up some arch support inserts. They actually made my foot hurt more. Bummer! We had lunch at Cracker Barrel then to Walmart to re-supply for the next 5 days. Will plan some low mileage days in hopes of easing out of this issue.Thanks MTD for missing your much needed sleep to help me out.
Date: 2011-05-14
From: Duncannon

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The path goes through the town of Duncannon, small town but there must be at least 7 alcohol establishments and just as many churches. After crossing the Clarks Ferry Bridge - Susquehanna River the path ascends 800' with very nice switchbacks and carefully placed rock steps that helps greatly. Could not see the top of this mountain from below but now about halfway up I'm in the clouds. When you are in the clouds/fog, you get wet. Once at the top the path leveled out and traversed along the ridgeline. After some boulder climbing soon made it to the shelter. A nice fire going when I arrived. It had been started early this morning by the guests that hadn't left yet. We kept it going till about 8pm when we headed for bed. 6 of us here tonight, and a couple are tenting. Four of them started from Springer Mtn in GA. March 3rd.
Date: 2011-05-15
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up in the clouds. Steady rain all night. After a fig newton and a clif bar I put my raingear on and headed out ~ 9:00 for the next shelter. A couple short days to figure out whats going on with my left foot. After ~ a mile the rain was coming down harder but the path was mostly level across Peters Mtn. ridge. Am sure there were great views but my visibility was only ~ 50'. Arrived at the shelter ~ 1pm. This shelter is real nice, sleeps 20 - 10 on the bottom and 10 on the loft. Around 3pm after a few cracks of thunder the real rain hit. btw; there was also a fire going here, which we kelt going till dark when it gave in to the rain. 6 of us staying here. No Falls, Tarzan, Princess Doah, Thing 1(f) & Thing 2 (m).
Date: 2011-05-16
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Up an on the trail by 6:30 - long day ahead. Light rain and fog for a few hours then the sun came out, YES! 5 mi. into the day came a steep descent from Peters mtn. 1400' down to 550' and within a mile a long climb up Stony mtn. to 1650'. This is where the Horse-Shoe Trail ends at it's northern terminus. After that it was a steady descent along Sharp Mtn for the next 9 mi to Rausch Gap shelter. Started getting overcast again and the rains came ~ 8pm. 3 of us in the shelter and 3 are tenting nearby.
Date: 2011-05-17
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Swatara Gap - Days Inn
Miles today: 6.1

Raining all night and as I headed up the path. After climbing over Second Mtn. it was a steep descent down to Swatara Gap. Just before coming to Rt: 72 the path went across a fast flowing creek- Trout Run? It was high and ~ 12' across. I opted to take my shoes and socks off anf roll my pants up, stepping with caution as the water was just below my knees. Tarzan and I decided to hike into Swatara Gap and share a motel room for the night. Washed my clothes, took a shower and headed for Wendy's. Ate a 1/4' burger, fries, cup of chille, a garden salad. Then around 6:30 walked over to subway and got a foot long sub. Was able to re-supply at the truck stop. Main reason I came here. Not much in this area as it's just a stop off at I-81. Tarzan is a minister in Massachusetts.
Date: 2011-05-18
From: Swatara Gap - Days Inn

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left Lickdale ~ 7:30 and walked 3.4 mi. to the trail head. This is not a hiker friendly area. Tarzan stayed behind to take a zero day. Steep climb out of Swatara Gap ... normal I guess due to most towns are down off the mountains. On the Blue mtn now, close to home. After reaching the top the path leveled off. By then the drizzle had let up. Reached William Penn sh. ~ 1pm, took a rest, ate a 'moon pie' for calories and kept going. Rain again as I reached 501 shelter ~ 5pm. A real nice place, fully enclosed w/ a big octagon skylight in the center. Has 12 bunks and a large picnic table, and chairs. 7 of us staying here tonight. 4 others moved on.
Date: 2011-05-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Tenting 
Miles today: 15.5

Foggy and overcast leaving the shelter at 7:30 but didn't need any raingear yet. 1pm I did when it started thundering and the rains came again. Still in the Blue Mountains on the Berks/Schuylkill co lines. Walking the ridgeline I can hear the traffic from Rt's 78 - 22 below in the valley but cannot see anything. Although I am 1500' up the trail is not well maintained and there is no erosion control. The white blazes are a challenge to find and/or figure out. So am destined to walk in streams most of the day even though it's a famous trail. (guess I had to get that out ... enough bitching) I chose to be here and darn, I'm enjoying the experience .... My destination is Eagles Nest Sh. but when I get there I don't feel like walking the .3 mile down to it, instead I move on and find a spot just off the trail and make my camp there. Not fun setting up a tent in the rain but am sure this won't be the last time. Didn't help that I put the rain fly on upside down, so all that rain fell into the tent when I reversed it.
Date: 2011-05-20
From: Tenting 

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Break camp and head for Port Clinton ~ 6:30. Still raining and it's obvious nothing will be dry, which adds weight to the pack. Trail level until the descent into town. From 1500' to 500' in ~ a 1/2 mile. Got to town in 4 hours, then walked a mile to the motel I had made reservations for earlier. Took the rest of the day to dry everything out. Dee came ~ 2pm. My brother and his wife came ~ 4:30 and treated us to dinner at Cracker Barrel. Afterwards we went to Cabela's and baught another pair of boots to make my feet happy. Did a little trail angel stuff shuttleing hikers to and from the pavillion in town. Hikers are allowed to stay in the town pavillion for free. Next morning Dee and I went to WM to re-supply then she dropped my off at the trail head ~ 10:30.
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

The climb out of Port Clinton was rough but after that wasn't too bad. THE SUN IS OUT!!! Had planned a short day - stopping at Windsor Furnace shelter. Had been to this area many times doing the loop trails to the Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle, this time I've been on the trail a couple weeks and logged over 140 miles to get here. No car waiting today to head back home .... Took a break and chatted with some hikers I haddn't seen in a few days then moved on. Eckville shelter is 9 miles further and its only 2pm, I can make it by 7pm. Arrive 7:15, not bad for knowing my pace. Nice place, an old out building behind a residence. Fitted with 6 bunks and a privy nearby with a solar shower and a flush toilet. 4 of us with stay here tonight. Face, Sensi and Spam - all started in GA in March.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Left ~ 9:30 and again planned for a short low milage day. Another steep ascent from the shelter then leveled off. Mostly rocks and boulders and hard on the feet and my rt knee. Oh ... took my first fall a couple days ago on the wet rocks. No tumble or anything but did land on my knee, so been dealing with that. Woke up to fog as usual and stayed that way all day. So missed a lot of good views up here as the visability is about 50 - 100 yards. Didn't start raining till ~ 5pm but constant dripping all day due to the dense fog. Shelter sleeps 6 and we're full tonight. 2 others moved on to hammock camp.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton - Jail House Hostel
Miles today: 17.7

Rain all night and woke up to dense fog again, so nothing dried. Packed up and headed for Bake Oven Knob sh. 10 mi. north for a somewhat short easy day. Trail was going good for the first 6 mi then came the famous 'Knife Edge', which is a line of massive boulders protruding out at an angle. The trail goes over top, around the side and trough this for a few hundred feet and at times I need five contact points ( 2hands, 2 feet and my butt)to keep from sliding to who knows where. After that there is the Bear Rocks, which is just as difficult. Another 3 mi is the Bake Oven Knob sh. Reached that ~ 12:30- ate lunchand decided to move on to the next shelter, which is 6.8 mi ahead. After more rock climbing I reached that sh ~ 4pm. Well, the road that leads to Palmerton Rt.248 is only a mile from here then it's another 1.5 mi to town. There is the Jail House Hostel in the basement of the borough hall that allows hikers to stay for free. Has bunks, shower etc. so made my way there. Arrived ~ 6pm, went across the street and got dinner then to do laundry then a shower. Ah! Dry!fed and clean ....
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Palmerton - Jail House Hostel

To: Jen's for a zero
Miles today: 0.0

Was able to spend some time in the library on the pc so a lot of updating. Can only stay at the hostel one night so called my daughter Jen and she is going to pick me up this afternoon and take me to her place a few miles away. Tomorrow the plan is for her to drop my g-son Tyler and me off at the trail head where I got off and we will hike about 5 miles to the next road crossing. There she will come and take Tyler and I'll continue up the path. Sounds good to me ... even a little slack packing here.Soon after going out to dinner we headed to Tyler's Boy Scout meeting where I was asked to speak to the troop about my experiences on the trail, my equipment etc. Had nothing prepaired but they seemed interested in what kind of gear I had and how I lived out in the woods. Ended up taking most of their meeting time. Was a good time.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Jen's for a zero

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Jen dropped Tyler (15y/o) and me off at Lehigh Gap North on A.T. The climb out of there goes from ~ 450' to 1450' in 1/2 mile. And it is up the shear edge on the rocks. Was a bit uncertain how Tyler would respond to this challenge. A lot of things going through my mind but he did great. I certainly thought we should have had harnesses and ropes because it was literally a rock hugging, crevess grabbing and a hold on for your life experience .... Was thinking 'air rescue' a few times. Tyler kept going so it turned out to be a memorable time. Path leveled out along the ridge and we made it to the parking lot 5 miles later at Little Gap where Jen came and got Tyler and I continued north to walk another 10 miles to the shelter.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Out on the trail by 8am, was to walk on rocks probably 12 out of the 14 miles today. The rocks in northeastern PA are glacier rocks. They stick out of the ground at an angle and are sharp. At times I was wishing for at least 10' of earth to give my feet, ankles and legs some reprieve. But, kept putting one foot in front of the other. Reached the shelter by 4pm, tired. Nice large one that sleeps more than the 6 as stated in the guide book. Water source is a pipe ~ 3' high out of the ground w/ a tap on the end. This is 50' from the shelter near a 'private lodge'. 3 of us will stay here tonight. Was a nice warm evening with a good phone signal so made a few calls. My daughter Jen tx'd me and said severe t-storms may be coming my way later. Well, they did. After dark we were bedded down when the wind got wicked, then lightening, thunder and rain came with a fury. On top of the mountain the storms seem closer ... guess they are! Was glad the shelter was made of stone and morter ....
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: light rain

Planned for a short day and stay at the 'Church of the Mountain Hostel'. Woke up to birds singing and the sun shining. Was a beautiful morning! Love the scents in the morning before the sun drys everything. Honeysuckle has been in the air for weeks now. So, took my time and enjoyed seeing the great views down below and the distant mountain ranges.Arrive at the hostel ~ 10:30 - got situated and headed straight to the pizza place a couple blocks away and ordered a sub and a cold beer. After a much needed shower I headed for the local outfitter and picked up a Thermarest lightweight sleeping pad - 13oz and sent my old one 1 1/2 lb back home. A few hikers I met before came in to stay also. Tomorrow I'll walk in to NJ.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Tenting near Buttermilk Falls trail
Miles today: 20.7

Left DWG after breakfast then walked across the Delaware River Bridge and into NJ. Plan was to stay at the Mohican Outdoor Center,10mi, run by the AMC, but arrived there ~ 12:30. Drank a gatorade and ordered a deli sandwich. Too early to stop so headed for the YMCA campground but that place was in ruins and had a lot of damage by locals so again headed up the trail. By now I'm looking for a place to tent because it's starting to get late. But since I'm walking on a mountain of rocks there isn't anyplace nearby. I'm also in the Delaware Water Gap National Recreational Area so must be at least 50' off the trail to camp. Finally ~ 7:30 I see a spot and make camp.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Tenting near Buttermilk Falls trail

To: Sunrise Mountain - Owassa Lake
Miles today: 13.1

Break camp and head north ~ 7, foggy in the lower areas so cannot see anything. Not feeling too bad from the long day yesterday. After ~ 4 miles I see and older man 'Steve' carrying a hand saw and a younger guy 'Jake' carrying a chain saw coming my way. I know what they are doing so strike up a conversation. I ask if they are going to take care of that blowdown about a 100 yds behind me? Yep! So after a brief chat the older man 'Steve' says if I would like a place to stay tonight I'm welcomed to stay with them. He gave me his phone number and we decided on a place to be picked up later. Steve, his wife Wendy and son Jake welcomed me into their home on the bank of the Lake Owassa. Very nice summer home. After a shower we went to a graduation party/cookout for for a friend of theirs. Back 'home' ~ 8pm and Jake got a fire going in the fire pit near the boat dock.Steve manages a section of trail for the NY/NJ trails association? and he and son Jake make trips tosee what needs done. Jake thru hiked the A.T. in 09' with two of his friends, so was good chatting about the trail experience. Very thankful for my first 'trail Angel' experience.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Sunrise Mountain - home of the Weissman's

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

After morning tea Jake took me back to the trail head ~ 9am. As I packed up and started heading away something didn't feel right ... hum! my trekking poles are not in my hands. Err! Senior moment .... Jake was kind enough to drive me back to get them. He also call ahead and made sure pancakes were ready for when we got there. So it was ~ 11:30 when I finally hit the trail. A Big Thank You Steve, Wendy and Jake for your hospitality.decided to tent near the shelter tonight as ~ 6 hikers showed up and it was such a nice evening. And there were two streams flowing near the shelter which made for great sleeping. vg6
Date: 2011-05-31
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

On the path by 7am with a plan to stop in Unionville, NY to pick up my mail drop at the P.O. Walking in the hot sun most of the day through fiels and some road walking. The mosqitoes and flies are getting bad. A lot of bogs which meant walking in the mud but some places they actually had board walks. Some of these are quite long. Made it to town ~ 10:30 and went straight to the deli store and downed a gatoade, a bag of chips and a pack of cookies. Amazon showed up here also. Hadn't seen him in days. I then walked across the street to the P.O. and picked up my package. Took it over to the porch at the deli and sorted things out. After emptying my box I went back in the store and ordered a ham sandwich and another gatorade. Left there ~ noon and more bogs and bugs biting until I reached the shelter. The shelters in NJ have 'Bear Boxes' made of metal with a hidden handle that even Yogi can't get in. Temps in the upper 80's with clear sky and high humidity. And I thought it got cooler heading north ...
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5

Short day with 6.5 miles to the road to Vernon, NJ. Hitched within a mile then walked to town. Got to the hostel ~ 10 this morning. Nice place with a TV and a PC which I am using now. Walked over to Burger King for my first meal for today and soon will find another place later. About 6 of us here so far. The weather forcast is calling for severe t-storms and tornado warnings so am thankful to these churches and other places that makes room for hikers passing through.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0600, packed up and went to the diner for breakfast, then walked over to Rt 94 and picked a good spot where a car can pull off the road easy and stuck out my thumb. In ~ 10 min a car pulled over and I hopped in. Nice man, going to work and asked a few questions about my status. In a couple miles was the trail head where I got out the day before. Said my 'thank you's and headed up the path. Was a steep climb from 450' up to 1350' in ~ a mile with some serious rock climbing - meaning finding places to stick your fingers in to pull yourself up to place a foot. Then kept doing that till you're up and over. These were not as scary as Lehigh Gap though. Did a lot of that today and traversing the rocky ridges. Weather is great today with temps in the 70's and nice cool winds. Some gusts were wild on top and had to hold on to my hat and be careful at the ledges. Also no bugs and skeeters. Think I strained my right ankle by rolling it a few times. The last 7 mi or so the pain was getting worse and found myself limping the last 4 -5 miles. Hoping some rest helps tonight. Got to the shelter ~ 6pm. Set up my tent as there were ~ 8 others there. 'Stickbuilt' was there and called out to me as I approached. Hadn't seen him in weeks. Crossed into NY for good today. Was glad to leave NJ, though not exactly sure why.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: NY 17 - Harriman, NY
Miles today: 9.9

Up at 0600 and tried walking around but pain wasn't much better. Decided to try for the next shelter 14 miles further but after a mile or so I opted to try and make it to the next road nearest a town with a motel. More ups and downs and made it 10 miles to NY 17 and called for a cab to take me to the American Budgit Inn in Harriman. Checked in and put ice on my foot. Next morning took a cab to pick up a rental car, then drove to the Orange County Hosp in Gorshen. After the x-ray was neg. the doc said it was achilles tendonitis and advised that ice and rest will help the healing process, along w/ motrin. So figured I would do only short milage days and re-supplied for 5 days as it would take that long to the next supply point. Next morning I packed up and walked around the motel grounds a few times but wasn't good. So made the decision to to drive the car back home. Only 3 hrs to get back home ... walked >300 miles in ~ 30 days to get here. Not happy to be doing this but was too costly to stay and hope for a fast recovery. Sigh!
Date: 2011-06-13
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Thought I¢d post an update. Went to a foot doc last week, said it appears there was no ¢major¢ strains and that tendon pulls like this can take at least 1 to 3 weeks to recover. Gave me a compression sock to wear to keep the swelling in check and an ¢active brace¢, that athletes wear, to keep my ankle from rolling while wearing boots/ shoes. At this point the pain, which is between my ankle and heel and on the bottom of my heel, is subsiding little by little each day. Not as fast as I had hoped but am reminded that patience must be practiced here. It has only been just over a week and as of now I still cannot walk with a normal stride without guarding the pain, so until that happens, it¢s a waiting game. The trail is tough and I know I must be 100% before heading back out.   Have been reading some journals here and it seems a few other hikers were forced off the trail due to injuries also. Some temporary and some for this year at least. After a year or so of planning for this adventure, it can be very emotional for most of us to have any type of setback like this. But then, a lot of the SOBO¢s are only getting started now so there is still time for a ¢thru¢ ¢¦.