morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-18
From: Paul C Wolfe Shelter

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Short easy hike today. Got to the road to Waynesboro and a truck was there picking up some other hikers so we were able to jump in as well. Picked up my mail drop on the way to town. I originally planned to camp in town but decided a room would be nice so I got a room at the Quality Inn, showered and did laundry. Went to dinner at a local bar that was having a team trivia contest. Rambo and I teamed up and won $30 in gift certificates. Some guy next to us help us on a couple sports questions so we gave him $10 of the certificates and kept the rest. Planning to go back for lunch tomorrow. Up pretty late tonight.
Date: 2015-06-19
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero day today. Resupplied, went to the outfitter for some down cleaner and washed our sleeping bags in the bath tub. It seemed like a good idea at the time, but turned out to be quite a hassle. After close to eight hours of air drying our bags were still sopping wet. I tried to take them to the laundromat to dry them but the laundromat was closed. Plan to hit the laundromat in the morning when it opens to dry them. Hopefully it won't take too long.
Date: 2015-06-20
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Unplanned zero day. Drying of the sleeping bags took what seemed forever. It was afternoon by the time we were ready to get back to the trail. We couldn't get a hitch to the trail so we headed to the park where there is a list of trail angels that will shuttle back to the trail. On the way to the park we talked to some locals that told us a big storm was coming in and there is a flash flood warning most of the night. Not really ideal hiking conditions. We decided to set up camp in the park and brace for the storm. Have had a bit of heavy rain and strong winds. It seems to have let up a bit at the moment. Hopefully it won't be too bad.
Date: 2015-06-21
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

Heavy rains and wind over night. Everything got soaked. Dried out the best I could with the morning sun and called some trail angels to get a ride back to the trail. It took six angels before we found one that was available. Found a bunch of raspberry bushes on the trail. Really delicious treat! We also saw a bear walking on the trail. It heard us, turned around and started walking toward us. I got a quick picture then we started yelling at it and banging out trekking poles together before it finally jumped ~10 feet off trail and watched us walk by. We got to Black Rock Hut and saw Hollywood, Pocket Spider and Soggy Dirt there. They were just stopping for water but it was good to see them.
Date: 2015-06-22
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: broken clouds

Another long day. A little slow getting out of camp this morning. There was a camp store ~7 miles into the day we stopped at for a snack. Hollywood, Soggy Dirt, Pocket Spider and a bunch of other hikers were there. We hung out for over an hour before moving on. Lots of ups and downs. Brief rain in the afternoon. Got to Hightop Hut just before dark. Got water and set up the tent. Cooked in the dark. Ready for some sleep.
Date: 2015-06-23
From: Hightop Hut

To: Milam Gap
Miles today: 18.4

Hilly day today. Started with a decent climb with ups and downs continuing. Lots of day hikers and scouts on the trail today. Saw plenty of deer. My feet haven't been feeling too good recently. I'm definitely looking forward to some new shoes. Found a less than ideal campspot near a spring and set up camp there. It started raining while eating dinner so I quickly packed up, hung my bear bag and got into the tent. The tent feels like a sauna at the moment. Hopefully the rain will stop so I can open the rain fly for some ventilation.
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Milam Gap

To: Byrds Nest #3 Hut
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Late start this morning. I didn't get back on trail until close to 9:00am. Stopped about a mile up trail at a restaurant for a second breakfast. Took a wrong turn today. Wound up on a blue blazed trail. Went about a quarter mile before realizing it and finding our way back to the AT. Lots of people at the hut. I don't know any of them. Water is a bit of a pain at 0.4 miles down an old forest service road from the shelter. One of the few campspots left is under a downed tree on a bunch of rocks. Hopefully I won't get any holes in my tent from it.
Date: 2015-06-25
From: Byrds Nest #3 Hut

To: Luray, VA
Miles today: 3.2

Easy hike to the road to Luray. Got a hitch in about 15 minutes from a couple going to the caverns. I was going to check it out but it was pretty expensive so I just walked to town from there. Only about a mile. Went to grocer, dollar general, outfitter, laundromat and checked it to the Best Western by 3:00pm. Rambo and I were at the outfitter when the clerk asked if we were picking up a package. Rambo said she would take one and clerk gave her one addressed to "Any Long Distance Hiker." It turned out to be from a woman in Florida who is planning to do the trail in two sections next year and is looking for advice. It had some snacks in it and a self addressed stamped envelope. She sent a bunch of packages like it along the trail to get advice about gear, food, supplies, safety, etc. It was a nice surprise.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Range View Cabin

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

It started raining last night and poured most of the day. We originally planned 24 miles but the rain made it pretty miserable so we decided to cut it short. The rain stopped when we got to the shelter. Trying to dry stuff out but it's so humid and wet I don't think much will dry out. Forecast says more rain tonight.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 18.1

Rained last night and the roof of the shelter leaks so now our stuff is even more wet. Awesome. We planned to go 26 miles today but saw Hollywood, Pocket Spider and Soggy Dirt and found out Soggy Dirt and Pocket Spider are planning to leave the trail at the halfway point so we decided to camp with them. Pretty easy terrain today. Start "The Roller Coaster" tomorrow which is about 15 miles of just ups and downs. Not really looking forward to it.
Date: 2015-06-29
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Snickers Gap, VA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Bit of a late start this morning. Stopped at one of the shelters and cooked lunch. Ran into some trail magic today as well. Beer, soda, fruit and snacks. Thru hiker from last year was hosting the trail magic and making a documentary about the trail. I politely declinedd to be interviewed for it. Everyone from the shelter said they were planning to camp here tonight but Rambo and I are the only one's here and it is after dark now. I guess they aren't going to make it. Only about 20 miles to Harper's Ferry. It will be nice to get out of Virginia!
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Snickers Gap, VA

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 20.8

No one else came to the camp site last night. They must have stayed at the trail magic awhile and camped earlier. Long day into Harpers Ferry. Terrain was quite rocky today and feet are feeling it. Found a less than ideal campspot on the trail near the cemetary about a half mile from the main street. Walked into town for dinner. As we were finishing up dinner we heard thunder and saw lightening so decided it would be best to get back to camp ASAP. Made it back to camp just before it started raining. Good timing.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Knoxville, MD
Miles today: 3.1

Ran around town doing errands. Went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy to get out picture taken for the year book. I'm number 1022 to reach the ATC this year. We couldn't find a place to do laundry or shower in Harpers Ferry so hiked a few miles into Maryland and got a room at the Knights Inn. Super hiker friendly! Did laundry in the bathtub. Hopefully it will dry by tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Knoxville, MD

To: Bear Spring Cabin
Miles today: 10.1

Rained last night and this morning. Clothes still wet this morning after hand washing last night. Big climb out of town. Found two geocaches on the way. Hiked through Gap Land State Park. Stopped and checked out the grounds and museum. Very cool place. Found decent camp spot just off the trail.
Date: 2015-07-03
From: Bear Spring Cabin

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: light rain

Terrain not too bad today. Hiked through Washington Monument State Park today. Cool history there. Stopped at the museum and monument. Unfortunately the monument was closed for repairs so we couldn't go in but still pretty cool. Saw a couple copper head snakes at the monument and passed by a rattler not long after the monument. Knee and achilles tendon not feeling good today. Only two people at the shelter when we got there. Now it's packed. Heading into town tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Doctor's Inn and Farmette
Miles today: 12.4

Fairly easy miles today. Needed to hit town to resupply, shower and do laundry. There is only one hotel in town and it's pretty pricey so planned to check out a hiker B&B. With only three rooms I didn't have too high of hopes. At the first road crossing I called but they didn't answer. We decided to hike another 2.5 miles to the next road and try again. About a mile up we found a cooler with cold sodas and a note inviting hikers to a farmette for a cookout and a place to stay. We called and they came to pick us up. Awesome! The family hosts about 20 hikers each year for the 4th. Free stay, laundry, food and great view of fireworks. Rambo's friend Slack lives near Baltimore about an hour away so he came out to visit. Great day and evening!
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Baltimore

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: light rain

Made it back to the trail about 13:00. Pretty easy hiking today except for a few rocky ridge walks. Set up camp as it was getting dark then a day hiker told us the shelter was less than a half mile up with only one person there. With it supposed to rain tonight we decided to pack up camp and head to the shelter. Great shelter! Two small rooms, picnic table and bear box. Probably my favorite shelter so far. Cooked up some tasty wraps for dinner. We should reach half way point and 1100 miles tomorrow. Only 17 miles from the famous half gallon ice cream challenge.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Started raining last night and continued most of the morning. Passed the midway point about 13:00 then mile 1100. Completed the half gallon challenge at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Went with Vanilla. Completed in about 27 minutes. Rambo finished in about 47 minutes. Hung out at the park for a bit then hiked out and found camping not too far out of the park.
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: few clouds

Rained last night. Tent wet. On trail by 7:30. Easy trail. Stopped for late lunch and to dry out tent about 4 miles from Boiling Springs.Bit of a roller coaster into town. Heard thunder for awhile getting closer then as we were leaving woods into a field saw the wall of rain coming right for us. Ran back in the woods and pulled out Rambo's tarp. Threw the tarp over us as it started pouring. Heavy rain, thunder and lightning for about 20 minutes then it passed. Continued hiking with the trail zig zaging through corn fields. Made it to the city's hiker campground about half mile from town. Have to pick up mail drop in town tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Turns out the campground is right on some railroad tracks that get a lot of overnight traffic. Not a restful night at all. Packed up and went to cafe for breakfast before the post office opened. They had a backpacker special of 1 eggs, potatoes, sausage, slices toast and 2 slices french toast. Really tasty. Went to the ATC and dried out our stuff on the lawn. Left town around 11:30. Super flat for most of the day and tons of tasty wine berries along the wine. Small climb up to shelter. Only two people at the shelter, a section hiker and a local out for a couple days. Made a fire after about a dozen attempts with wet wood and cooked up dinner. No rain forecasted for tonight. 11 miles to Duncannon tomorrow shower and laundry.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon Campground
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

On trail by 7:15. Some old guy apologized if he woke us up last night. Apparently he went to the privy in the middle of the night dropped his flashlight as he was leaving and the bulb blew when it hit the ground. Took him half an hour to find his way back to the shelter. Bummer. Made it to Duncannon about 13:30 and had some good BBQ at local restaurant. Saw Bookworm and Bison and they told us about a trail angel in town that takes hikers in. We couldn't get ahold of the trail angel so walked through town to a campground that gives hiker discounts. This campground is on the railroad tracks as well. Hope it gets less traffic than the last one.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Duncannon Campground

To: Rattling Run
Miles today: 21.7

Thankfully didn't hear any trains last night. Back on trail by 7:30. There was a ridiculous amount of spiders and spider webs across the trail today. Worst of the trail so far by a long shot. Saw Bookworm at Clarks Ferry Shelter when we stopped for water. Decided to camp at Rattling run since the next water is 13 miles ahead. Unfortunately the water here is brown, foamy and stinks. It's still brown after filtering. Boiled and used Rambo's Aqua Mira as well. Tastes disgusting. It's dark. Time for bed.
Date: 2015-07-14
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: broken clouds

Pouring rain this morning. Waited until 8:00 to see if it would let up, but it didn't. Short hike to town and luckily were able to get a quick hitch despite being wet. Did laundry and resupplied. Staying at the good old Econolodge watching movies.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Pine Grove, PA

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

The continental breakfast was packed with a tour bus and the leader was arguing with the hotel manager that it should be all you can eat. A bit awkward. Had some stale fruit loops and checked out. Went to Arby's for lunch. Rough hitch back to the trail. Walked a good chunk of the way. Mostly flat but super rocky with lots of rock scrambling. Many areas the whole trail was under water. Giant mud pit of fun. Feet hurting from all the rocks. Lots of people at the shelter most of which I have never seen before. Made some mashed potato wraps for dinner, mmmmm.
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Slept late since I had to pick up a package in Port Clinton and the Post Office doesn't open until 12:30. On trail by 9:00, one of the last out of camp. Trail not too bad, though rocky again. Steep downhill into Port Clinton. Found a geocache on the way down to town. Picked up package and hike about a half mile to the road to go to Hamburg. Hamburg has the largest Cabela's in the world with over 250,000 square feet of retail space. Not too hard of a hitch. Pretty disappointed with Cabela's hiking/camping section. Picked up a fuel canister and some new sock liners. Had lunch and hitched back to the trail. Took about 15 minutes to get a ride. Bid uphill out of town. Got to the shelter expecting it to be packed like last night but no one here except for a couple camping down by the water source. No rain expected tonight so decided to pitch instead of staying in the shelter.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Planned to go 26.5 miles but didn't make it. Pretty slow going trail. Out of camp by 6:30. Super rocky trail quite draining physically and mentally. Felt so tired. Last 6 miles pretty flat and less rocky. Quite a hike to get to the water source. Had delicious dinner and did a crossword. Time for sleep.
Date: 2015-07-18
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: George W Overbridge Shelter
Miles today: 10.8

Woke up with thunder. Grabbed our packs and food and able to get back into tent before it started raining. Napped a bit while waiting for rain to stop. Water is a concern coming up and with no real good options decided to make it a short day and stop at the shelter. Next water 17 miles past the shelter. More rocks! Getting really sick of these rocks. Met Square Peg at the shelter. It was just us three until just before dark when TMI, Toasty, Killer and Goldilocks showed up. Hope to get an early start.
Date: 2015-07-19
From: George W Overbridge Shelter

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 21.3

On trail by 7:00. Steep rocky ascent more like rock climbing than hiking. Once we made it up to the ridge it was really nice flat trail without rocks for a couple miles then the rocks started again. Really rough on the feet. 94 degrees today with heat index 110 degrees. Not the greatest day for a 17 mile stretch without a water source. Planned to camp outside of Wind Gap and just head into town for food but felt so disgusting decided to go in and get a room. Couldn't catch a ride so had to walk all the way through town to the hotel. The hotel was pretty shady so we decided to check out the other hotel in town about a half mile further out of town. It turned out to be much nicer. Ordered a pizza and now relaxing.
Date: 2015-07-21
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.6

Back on trail by 9:00. Some guy saw us walking and pulled over to give us a ride back to the trail. Hoped to get to Delaware Water Gap by 5 so Rambo can pick up her new pack from the post office, but missed it by about 15 minutes. Camping at a church hostel so we can get her pack tomorrow. I got bit by something on my shoulder under my pack strap. Have a huge welt.
Date: 2015-07-22
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Millbrook-Blairstown Road
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Turns out Rambo's pack was not there. It was back in Port Clinton. Will have to call to send it ahead. Had some breakfast at the restaurant and headed out. Crossed into NJ! First 6 miles were good but then the rocks started up again. Stopped early secondary to no good water sources coming up. Found a nice camp spot.
Date: 2015-07-23
From: Millbrook-Blairstown Road

To: Glen Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

On trail by 7:30. Less rocky today but still some pretty rocky sections. Didn't see many hikers until the afternoon. Stopped in Branchville, NJ at Gyps Tavern for a late lunch. A local guy bought us a beer and chatted with us for awhile. Left and hiked 4 miles to the shelter. Met Mag and Yeager. There was a local guy there handing out sodas and beer. Pretty cool. 20 miles to get to Unionville tomorrow. Will try to get there by 17:00 for mail drop.
Date: 2015-07-24
From: Glen Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

Planned to get to Unionville by 17:00 to pick up package from the post office, but didn't make it. Missed it by a few minutes. Day was pretty good. Stopped at High Point State Park Headquarters. Got a free soda for signing the hiker log. Stopped at the High Point of NJ 220' tower. Climbed the stairs to the top. Pretty cool, but it was all enclosed so at the top there were just some dirty windows to look out of . Couldn't really see much. Got to town and saw Yeager there. Went to dinner with him at Wit's tavern. Had some good food and a couple beers. A band was supposed to play but they didn't show up. Met Trial and Error. They seemed cool. Met another hiker. It was his first day hiking and he said he didn't have a name. Planning to go to Vernon, NJ tomorrow. It's only 12 miles but there is a cheap church hostel there with showers and laundry. Will be nice to clean up a bit.
Date: 2015-07-25
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, NJ Episcopal Church Hostel
Miles today: 11.8

Up at about 7:00. Everything soaked from dew. Spread stuff out to dry and went to the store for coffee and breakfast sandwich. Really tasty! "The Family" rolled in while we were on the porch eating. Talked with them a little then left to make some room for them. Picked up my mail drop and set up a bounce box. While we were walking back to the park we saw some kid being really sketchy eyeing out packs. Once he saw us he took off. He appeared to obviously be thinking of taking at least one of them. Glad we got there when we did. Got out of town ~10:30. Short day to Vernon. A lot of wood walkway and road walking. Not much elevation change. Took ~30 minutes to catch a hitch to Vernon. Met Fancy Pants and Fuego at the hostel. They were the only ones here when we got there. They're really cool. The Hostel is in the basement of the church. Really nice. Fancy Pants took the one bed and we set up on the floor. As condition of staying they wanted us to do some chores so we picked a handful of chores to help with then did our own laundry and showered. Dancer showed up and we went to get some pizza with her. Up pretty late tonight. Ready for sleep.
Date: 2015-07-26
From: Vernon, NJ Episcopal Church Hostel

To: Wildcat Shelter 
Miles today: 17.1

Up around 7:00. Cleaned up some more and left. Stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and breakfast and hitched to the trail. Easy hitch. Back to trail by 9:30. Big climb out of town but the trail was well maintained so it wasn't too bad. Ran into 3 trail magics today. The first one was early and had mostly beer. I passed on the beer but filled up some water and ate some veggies they had. Second was a German family we saw on the trail. They had a bunch of produce and gave us a giant fresh tomato. So good! The third was a cooler with some drinks. Quite refreshing. Crossed into New York today. I found my first NY geocache at an ice cream parlor. Had a delicious ice cream cone. The last two miles there was a lot of thunder and threatened to rain but fortunately the rain held off until we made it to the shelter. Fancy Pants and Fuego are here and the only ones staying in the shelter with us. A bunch of people showed up at dark but they all camped. The bugs are so terrible here we ended up setting up my tent in the shelter. Usually that is frowned upon but there is only two other people in the shelter and we asked them if they were cool with it before setting up. They said they would be setting up theirs too if they had a free standing tent. I'm so glad to not have to deal with bugs anymore tonight!
Date: 2015-07-27
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: Fingerboadr Shelter
Miles today: 14.3

Short day but rough. Started pouring 1/2 mile from shelter. TMI was here slack packing trying to wait out the rain. With the rain not letting up and her ride coming she continued on. No one else came. We went to get water and it turned out to be over 1/2 mile away. Barely made it back by dark. While cooking dinner a bat flew in and smacked into my shoulder and then my knee as it feel to the shelter floor. It got up a little dazed then flew off. Pretty crazy!
Date: 2015-07-28
From: Fingerboadr Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Not a bad day hiking. Some ups and downs but nothing too big. While hiking one of the lenses fell out of my sunglasses and fell off a cliff. Stopped on top of Bear Mountain. Pretty cool. There is a tower there on clear days you can see the New York City skyline. It was too hazy today to see it. There was some trail magic there. A hiker had a cooler with sodas and beer. Fancy Pants and Fuego were there. Cool to see them again. Hiked down the mountain and got a shuttle to the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel. Arrived at 10 till 5. Ran the 3/4 mile to the post office and made it just in time to pick up our mail drops. Hotel is really nice.