morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Harper's Ferry Hostel

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 34.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Alarm went off, 3 am, dark as dark, start packing, chug some iced coffee, and off we went at 3:45 in the morning, head lights on going down Keep Tryst Rd. The Maryland challenge is on!Hiking in the dark has its challenges. Like trying to find the trail head after road walking. Looking for that white blaze to make sure you are going the right direction little bit harder. This time of year little green inch worms decide to hang down from some tree on a web, about eye high right on the trail. No use using your poles for hiking, use them for knocking these irritating creatures to the ground and out of your face. But it is cooler at night which is a plus. Not much to look at cause you use your limited light pointing to the ground so you can avoid rocks.Its a Saturday and that means weekend hikers. Yay! Hikers love Mondays and hate Saturdays. Backwards from normal society but whatever. I still however like being asked where I'm hiking to. The beard gives it away, and maybe the smell does as well, but people are still fascinated on talking to a thru-hiker. And I still like talking about it. Over all we probably past over 100 boy scouts throughout the day. By noon we already nailed out 20 miles and at a shelter for a much needed break. Its getting warm and Echo and I are getting tired. Need some food and energy. We shared the shelter picnic table with 4 other hikers all fascinated with my thru-hike and our challenge. Very nice people who shared their apple with me as fruit is very much a rarity on the trail. Echo and I slowed down considerably after lunch. The terrain became very rocky at times and I wasn't prepared for that honestly. Plus we were stepping mostly in wet puddles as the trail was still completely saturated. Shoes were soaked and my pants were as well up to my knees. There was even 2 spots were we had to ford a raging stream that came to my knees. A stream that normally just trickles. The rain storm had a huge impact on our challenge.I can tell Echo had had enough, though she never said anything. At 8pm we had 4 miles to go and 7 hours to complete. So I decided to just camp up at the last shelter in Maryland and end our 34.2 mile day. And what a long day it was.The shelter unfortunately had a a bunch of college guys taking up the whole place which is unfortunate. But im a tent guy so it didn't bother me too much. So tired. But feel accomplished. East Bound and Down, -Jerry Reed
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Falls Creek Campsite
Miles today: 5.5

A late start on a cool, almost cold damp day after our big challenge. Not really in any big hurry for we are meeting "Strings" (09 thru-hiker) for our noon shuttle back to Harper's Ferry. We still had 4 miles to go to get to Pen-Mar Park and alot of it was big downhill boulder climbs. The trail still saturated from the storm made it that much more fun. My legs were still achy and throbbing from yesterday but pressed on as I have sure been in much bigger pain.This time "Strings" was there and took us back to Harper's Ferry. At $1 a mile he is one of the cheapest you will find. Most are $2 a mile or more! Echo and I had lunch at Mena's Pizzeria down the hill from the ATC and was very good and filling. We drove back to Pen-Mar Park but not before stopping at Wal-Mart for some resupply and I also found a Starbucks! Jackpot! With Echo heading back home I headed back to the highly damp trail and into Pennsylvania I went with a heavy pack full of food. Almost halfway there! Wont be long.Song of the day, The Pennsylvania Polka!
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Falls Creek Campsite

To: Ridge Rd campsite
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

My first full day in PA and I'm expecting this big huge boulders that everyone talks about to come up and hit me as soon as I set foot in this state..... Well so far not yet.Very chilly yet sunny as I still like the cool nights better than the warm ones. Passed by a couple nice shelters as they seem to have 2 of them on the same site. This one "Tumbling Run" has a snoring and a non-snoring shelter. Interesting concept, but everyone says they are not snorers. LolAt Caledonia State Park I had dinner and a chance to charge my phone in the bathroom area. During that time "Strings" all of the sudden showed up in the parking lot. This guy is everywhere! He sat down with myself and "Google", a section hiker older lady, and chit-chatted a bit waiting for a hiker who called him for a ride. My ramen noodles along with instant mashed potatoes with gravy hit the spot but made a mess. Loved the gravy idea but not sure I would go through the fuss again.Seems to be alot of flip-flop hikers I'm meeting ever since Harper's Ferry. It that time of year for them to start and Harper's is the ideal place to do so. Simple terrian for the most part, but I'm sure that will change very soon.Song of the day, - Sunshine, -John Denver
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Ridge Rd campsite

To: Stealth camp 1108.4
Miles today: 23.1

With several days of nice weather the trails are still wet, soggy, and at some points just a huge puddle. And still waiting for these huge big rock boulders I keep hearing about in PA. So fsr it has been nice farmlands open pastures and nice soft trails.Today is finally the halfway point! 1090.65 miles! Seems like a long time ago when i started, but now I'm closer to Maine than I am Georgia! 3 months and 3 days since Springer Mountain. Very few people out on the trail, like everyone just disappeared. I know a lot went to trail days in Damascus but did the rapture happen? Where is everyone? At Pine Grove Furnace State Park is where the AT museum is and a pretty cool spot to spend about an hour. It's also the home of the "Half Gallon Challenge". Which of course I'm a day early for. It's the place where hikers take their chance at eating an entire half gallon of ice cream. But no dice for me. It did have a coke machine so I did take a moment to enjoy a diet Coke.Came to the campsite I was gunning for and to my surprise there were already 6 others camped up for the night. I actually made my own site that probably no one else has ever used. Not really supposed to do that but oh well. These guys were a mixture of flip-floppers and section hikers. The fire was already roaring and I had a great time chit chatting about each others hikes. The good and the painful. Song of the Day, Caught up in you, -.38 Special
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Stealth Camp 1119.6

To: The Doyle, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 23.5

Out early this morning and finished Cumberland Gap. It was very pretty with open fields and going over a couple interstates. I-81, and the PA Turnpike. Amazing how many times I have gone under that bridge and had no idea it was the Appalachian Trail.It started to get very humid and I just missed a thunderstorm that stayed to the south. Also after the Gap it started to get rocky.About 6pm, I made it to one of the most iconic trail towns there is. Duncannon, PA. A town that could literally only survive on hikers alone.... for the most part. You can't miss the Doyle Hotel. It's right there staring you in the face with a big sign that says, "Welcome Hikers! Cold beer, good food!" I ordered an IPA of some sort, and a chicken casserole special which was excellent. Tree was there as well as I haven't seen him since The Bears Den. He got a java stout and was raving about it, so I got one myself. It was very good. I was unsure of what I wanted to do for the night, either keep hiking or stay. But after a few beers I was in no mood to continue, so I asked for a room at The Doyle which most hikers say not to do. I honestly don't see why. I love this place. My own room, linens, shower, a towel, it's not supposed to be the Ritz but for what it is, a 100 year old hotel, I thought it was great.I strolled over to the ice cream place that was right down the street and enjoyed a black cherry milkshake. Sat up on the balcony while the sun went down at a most comfortable temperature that you can imagine, and enjoyed the sounds of this little town.I'm very tired, and probably gonna sleep very well tonight!Song of the day, Life in a Northern Town, -Dream Academy
Date: 2014-05-23
From: The Doyle, Duncannon, PA

To: Campsite 1162.5
Miles today: 19.4

Woke up early and well rested as I took huge advantage of a real bed. Strolled over to Goodies diner for breakfast right when it opened. The good ole local boys were already there drinking their coffee, and talking town. I wanted to try the pancakes because Tree set the pancake record yesterday with 5. So you can imagine how big these things are. I also got a western omelet that very good. The weather improved with less humidity and became very breezy.One crazy thing happened when crossing the bridge getting out of Duncannon. All of the sudden a loud, seemingly angry falcon was swooping down trying to scare me. The thought I had was she had her eggs somewhere under the bridge I was crossing but not too sure. But the bird got louder and louder, and closer and closer. I had one of my hiking poles in my right hand just in case I had to hit it across the face like a softball. Either way I finally got the hell out of there and moved on up the trail.Still waiting for these big crazy rocks that they keep taking about in Pennsylvania. I did enjoy the town of Duncannon and don't really understand why some people have a distaste for it. Song of the day, -Love the Rainy Night, -Eddie Rabbitt
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Campsite 1162.5

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well..... ok. Here it is. Finally. Rocks, rocks rocks!Even though the rocks are starting to get plentiful and brutal on the feet, the terrain is level. It's the weekend and even though I haven't seen many of the thru-hikers the weekend warriors are out. I met a 15 year old kid named Nate who is going to be a thru-hiker in 2016 after he graduates high school. He is an energetic and knowledgeable kid who is hiking by himself around his hometown. The crazy thing is, he is already a Facebook friend and didn't even know it. Funny. He seems like a great kid and has the attitude to make it 2 years from now.For some odd reason I decided to stay in a shelter for the 1st time in who knows when. It was a decent, large, 2 story shelter and I was by myself, which was quite odd. I tossed and turned all night and never really got comfortable. I'm guessing I just have a comfort level sleeping in my tent. Song of the day, -Reeling in the Years, -Steely Dan
Date: 2014-05-25
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Campsite 1211.9
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: clear sky

Reached the 1200 mile mark as I did one of the biggest mile days so far. I was trying to get into Port Clinton and eat some pub grub at the hotel and pitch my tent in the town square, but ultimately I was running out of daylight and ditched that idea.The rocks are starting to get relentless. You can still get in some miles on these stretches, but they take a toll on the bottom of your feet. Also this is the state where you are supposed to see some Rattle snakes. They are often hidden in the rocks, so every crack I seem to be looking down to see. But nothing so far, just the occasional garter snake and those damn black snakes that are big and sometimes fast. Got a few more views in today which was nice and the temps started to warm up. Also seems like I have been hiking by myself since Harper's Ferry. It's like everyone went home, or the rapture happened. It doesn't bother me, but just seems weird not to see anyone. I found a spot right near an old clearing for a powerline which led directly west and a great line-of-sight for the upcoming sunset. (Pic) A long day with my legs pounding is a recipe for a good nights sleep. I can feel it coming. Song of the day, Black Water, -Doobie Brothers
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Campsite 1211.9

To: 1217.6 Camp
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: few clouds

Happy Memorial Day!Since I skipped Port Clinton, I decided to nero in Hamburg, PA which is 1.5 miles of the trail on a busy highway. Today is very warm and humid so it will feel good to get in some air conditioning. It is also where the massive mega outdoor store Cabella's is. It's the northern version of Bass Pro Shop. A complete brain overload of outdoor equipment, restaurant, stuffed record winning wildlife, among other stuff. You can really spend hours there, and I think you have to in order to see everything at this store. If your brain can handle it that is. I got my canister fuel, and also bought a bug net for the continuously growing mosquito population.Along with Cabella's is, Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, Dollar Tree, Wal-Mart, and a huge place called Cigar's International. All of which I visited in my 5-6 hour stay in the town. Cigar's International obviously sells cigars, but it's also a double tear bar and restaurant. Never seen anything like to be honest.I walked backed to the trail about 6pm, found a miniature American flag on the ground and attached it to my bag as I hiked on. Not too far up the trail I found a nice camp site to end my Memorial Day on the trail.Song of the day, Party in the USA, sigh........
Date: 2014-05-27
From: 1217.6 Camp

To: Dan's Spring Gap
Miles today: 16.9

Was looking forward to some more views as there was some coming up on the map. Pulpit Rock, and The Pinnacle. Unfortunately, I missed them both. The warmth and the humidity is getting stronger as the sweat just drops off me like I'm pouring water on my head, and the feel of the summertime afternoon thunderstorms are increasing. I was actually looking for The pinnacle overlook as I was hiking, but for some reason in Pennsylvania AWOL's guide book isn't as detailed as it is in other states. I came up on a day hiker woman looking for the Pinnacle heading south, and of course I told her that she passed it, cause of course I'm the expert thru-hiker so I know exactly where it is. She hiked with me North cause she believed me, but the more we hiked the more I realized that I was wrong and sent her in the wrong direction. I felt bad as just didn't see any side trails to The Pinnacle before hand. She introduced herself as Meredith just out for an afternoon hike, and by the time we got to the parking lot she offered me a ride to her place which was close, for a shower which I haven't taken in a while. I accepted, and also drank a cold beer, and she sent me away with some kick-ass macaroni salad that stuffed in a baggie. Thank you Meredith!Though I took a shower it didn't take too long too sweat and stink again, with the mosquitoes following me around like a lost puppy. A big climb followed to Hawk Mountain and Dan's Pulpit where I finally found some water and heard the rumblings of an approaching thunderstorm. I quickly found a nice flat spot in the woods and pitched tent, and by the time I climbed in I got pounded for 15 minutes of heavy rain and lightning. Some hail was expected, but none came as I stayed dry in my wonderful Big Agnus tent.Song of the day, Sultans of Swing, -Dire Straights
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Dan's Spring Gap

To: Stealth Camp 1248
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

If you are reading journals to try to get a feel on shelters on the AT, I'm not doing you any favors. I just don't like them other than a place to rest in the middle of the day or get water. Here is the way I look at it. If you are planning your hike everyday based on shelters then I think you put your hike in a box. I really enjoy just hiking till I get tired then camp. It kinda just leaves the wonder and freedom of the trail to the maximum. Too much planning isn't always a good thing, although you obviously have to do some. Maybe a nice balance of planning and just seeing what happens is a good way to go. Shelters to me are dirtier, rat infested, which attracts snakes, more frequent bear interactions due to food and trash. I understand it's a place for end of the day gatherings with your hiking buddies, but I use the town days, and hostels for that. Don't get me wrong there are nice shelters out there, which nice sites to pitch your tent, I'm just saying mix it up a bit..... Just saying. I was trying to get to Palmerton late in the day and stay the night due to a package I had to pick up at the post office, but it didn't take long to realize I wasn't going to make it. My days have been getting shorter and shorter the last few days. The rocks are still taken their toll on my legs as everything below my knee is in pain. Even when I sleep now, my legs don't seem to settle down. I feel they are throbbing and twitching while the rest of my body is calm and tired. With the warmer and more humid weather I slow down even more.The rocks hit a high point at Bake Oven Knob, and the knifes edge. with the rocks moist from the rain earlier, any slip could be a bad one, a REAL bad one. Not really any bail off points to go around, so you just deal with them, and try your best to embrace it as well.I found a campsite right off the trail only a few miles from Palmerton, PA and figured I can go in town in the morning, get all my stuff done, even laundry and shower, then hit the trail in the afternoon. Sounds like a plan to me.Song of the day,- Roar, _Katy Perry Look.... I can't help what sticks in my head!
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Stealth Camp 1248

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 5.9
Weather: light rain

I went into Palmerton with full intentions of getting in and getting out. That is easier said than done when you are on the trail, as it's very hard to leave sometimes.I came into town about 11am which was later than I hoped cause I really wanted to eat some breakfast. After picking up a mail drop from the post office I headed into town looking for something to eat and came across a diner that wasn't in the guide that I had, but said breakfast all day. Sweet! Perfect. Always have to get pancakes for some reason, it's just the way I roll, and also ordered a fantastic western omelet with coffee. Over to my left was 16 ladies on 4 different tables playing bridge. I was fascinated with their group for some reason and just watched their focused faces as they played. I have no idea how to play bridge, and I'm guessing it's a dying game, but I couldn't take my eyes off them. It's like I was watching the WSOP on tv or something. Palmerton is known for their free hostel in the basement of the town hall known as "The Jail", even though a jail never existed in this building. I went downstairs to check it out and a section hiker named Daddy Longlegs was already there hanging up his clothes on the pipes on the ceiling to dry. I wanted to get a shower and head across the street to the laundry mat, so I did just that. Strolled over to the grocery store right on main street and did some minor resupply, and as I was checking out the cashier said I could help myself to any apple or orange in the produce section. Which I thought was nice. Right across the street was a Dunkin Donuts, also pretty sweet. After my laundry was done, I was feeling less and less about getting back on the trail that day, and just staying in the hostel. After all it's free. 2 new flip-floppers came into the hostel as well. The sisters of Big Fox and Little Fox. I seen them in the shelter journals. They had Chinese food in front of them which looked pretty good so I headed over to get myself some as well. I guess I'm staying. Sleeping on bunks with no mattresses is never fun, but lets not forget the price here. Free! Plus the convenience of the whole town....I would give it a good grade for a trail town.Song of the day, Centerfield, -John FogertyMovie of the day, Muppets Take Manhattan, And of course the Happiness Hotel song!
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Hahn's Overlook
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the hostel around 8 and headed to the library to hopefully find my phone charger that I seemed to have lost somewhere. The quiet/odd librarian came in early and I asked her if she can check by the computers. Unfortunately she couldn't find it, so I'm down a charger. I nailed the Dunkin Donuts again out of town to get my fancy coffee fix, then found the Superfund/White trail back to the AT. At the top of the Superfund Zinc site I ran into another black snake which startled me a little, but not as much as it did in the past. I thought to myself that maybe I was getting used to these things slivering around. Back on the AT, and daydreaming as usual, just hiking along, when it happened....... I don't know if I saw it in the corner of my eye first or if I heard the hiss, but either way it jumped, hissed, and I jumped in the air, landed and starting back-pedaling. At the time of my uncontrollable backwards dance I heard the rattle noise! My heart racing at a million, my brain finally checked in, and I realized my left leg was about 2 feet away from this poisonous snake! He was curled up only about 15 inches off the trail. I tried to regain composure, took my camera, and GoPro out to snap pics, and take a video. I also had enough bars to Google the timber rattle snake to find out what it can do. Found out that it's not an aggressive snake, and it will not follow or chase you for the most part. I must of been there about 20 minutes contemplating. I wrote 2 notes and put them on the trail about 20 feet apart warning NOBOS AND SOBOS of the upcoming slithery creature. Yuk! I wanted to see one, but not in that way.Other than that, the rocks kept coming, and water was scarce in this section of PA. With it getting warm as it is, water is vital and important. You always have to be aware of how much you have, and where the next supply is. Last thing you need is to get short of water.Had a hard time tying to find a campsite, but I finally did. Free of any rattlers as far as I can tell. Now every stick on the ground looks like a snake! So much for getting used to them. :/Song of the day, Werewolves of London, Warren Zevon