morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-05-14
From: BearÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Den Hostel 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 20.5

At about midnight last night I felt a sharp pain in my back. Apparently the end of a spring had poked through the sheets. I wrestled the mattress off of the rack and replaced it with the one off of the top bunk. I then threw the bad mattress on the top bunk. I can only imagine what my fellow hostel guest were thinking. I used this up time to place the laundry in the dryer so everything would be ready in the morning. At 4:00am and like clockwork I awakened. I packed up, headed upstairs and started the coffee. I then cooked and ate 6 pancakes to go with the coffee. For dessert I finished of my pint of ice cream. At about 5:30 I hit the blue blaze trail out of the hostel to the AT trail and started northbound. In 4.7 miles, I finished up the roller coaster. I continue to see lots of deer and they appear to be healthier now that spring has sprung. There was much anticipation for today. I eventually left Virginia and entered West Virginia. There is something referred to as the Virginia Blues because it¢s holds the most mileage of any state on the Appalachian Trail at 556 miles. I originally entered Virginia on April 10th, and today I bid it farewell with a good mental outlook and good health.Upon arrival at Harpers Ferry, WV, I walked to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy office and checked in as a northbound thru hiker. I originally started this trek as number 800 on March 11 and was photographed as number 183 coming through. Harpers Ferry is referred to as the spiritual halfway point as it¢s the closest town to the actual halfway mark. While at the AT  office, a Trail Angel named Vicki, who introduced herself to me through my journal, met me there with Turkey Cubanelle chili, a large turkey sandwich and a drink. We visited, then walked the half mile or so that the AT encompasses in town. She dropped me off at the hostel, and encouraged me to keep on, stating ¢you¢ve got this.¢I completed the day on an emotional high with 20.5 miles and sleeping tonight at the Mountain House hostel in Harpers Ferry. I completed a road test on the mattress and there are no spring issues to speak of here. In the morning I will hike out and after a few tenths of a mile introduce myself to the state of Maryland.
Date: 2019-05-15
From: Harpers Ferry 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 26.1

I hung around the hostel until 6:00 this morning to eat breakfast. I was short a lunch, so I asked the short order cook to make me a sandwich for the trail. When I finished eating, I headed out. As I walked down the street I looked down the hill and saw people buzzing around to catch the Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train into DC. They all moved about as they were each in their own individual bubble with no one appearing to acknowledge anyone else on the platform. I watched for a moment then moved on as it seemed to make me anxious. Soon after, I crossed the Potomac River leaving West Virginia and entering the State of Maryland. I rejoined the trail in the woods and not long after crossed underneath an interstate. The roar caused by traffic, which at one time I was quite used to, was deafening and I couldn¢t wait to move further into the mountains. Soon the noise of the interstate was gone and all that remained was the sound of occasional jet coming into or leaving the DC airports. This too dissipated over time and I was back to the tranquillity of the forest with deer running about and birds singing. I thought to myself that I¢ve only been out here for two months and this is how these things affected me. I wondered how I was going to re-acclimate  when I finished this adventure. The answer was, there¢s plenty time before I have to figure that out. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today with a low of 40 and a high of about 60. I believe the heavy rains of a couple days ago made it that much more beautiful. The trail was still muddy in places, however this was no issue and I intended to make the most of my day.I trekked across many civil war battle sites today and couldn¢t help but think about the many lives lost on the battlefield. I stood on rock overlooks and envisioned kids as soldiers moving across the field of battle an much of the terrain remains as it was back then. I also trekked through Gathland State Park today, and later Dahlgren State Park where I took the opportunity to eat lunch. If timing had worked out they would have been great places to camp.I completed the day with 26.1 miles and will be camping near mile 1051.6.
Date: 2019-05-17
From: Snowy Mountain 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 25.9

I collected my laundry from the tree this morning and packed up. It was somewhat cooler than other recent mornings and the humidity was lower because my clothes were dry and I packed away a dry tent. I headed out at about 4:20, but although I was early I knew I had a couple of stops to make. One was for water and the other to get breakfast out of my bear bag as I had not preloaded it in my belt pouches as I normally do.I haven¢t been as hungry in the morning as I¢ve changed my evening meal to a Knorr pasta or rice side. When it comes to a boil, I put a large pack of pink salmon in it, turn the heat off and stir it occasionally while it sits for about ten minutes. I¢m sure it would taste better with the two tablespoons of margarine, but it¢s filling and better than Ramen and instant potatoes. The trail was mixed today with a few boulders to climb over and slide down the other side, boggy areas, rocks embedded in the soil and protruding upward and smooth and lined with pine needles making it feel like carpet. I continue to trek the distance that trail terrain, weather and my body allows. It good to have my head, heart, lungs, and legs all working in unison again. I thank God for this daily through prayer and conversation.At about 1130, I stopped at mile 1096 to eat lunch. The significance of this mile marker is this is exactly the halfway mark for thru hikers headed to Maine from Georgia. There was no balloon drop or confetti, just me, my tuna on tortilla, my can of Pringle¢s, bottle of water and Hershey bar. Oh, and a whole lot of peace and quiet. At about 3:00pm I trekked into the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Appalachian Trail Museum is close by so I visited. I then went to the park¢s camp store where I charged my electronics and ate. This was the first time today that I saw another thru hiker. When finished I hiked out to the edge of the park, used the shower next to the swimming hole and moved on.Because I refuse to pay to tent, I¢m stealth camping tonight just outside of the park at mile 1104.6 and logging 25.9 miles on the day.
Date: 2019-05-18
From: 1104.6 Fuller Lake

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 26.8

Headed out of camp this morning at 4:30 with warm humid weather. My shirt, socks and underwear hanging on my clothesline verified this as they hadn¢t dried and were still wet from being washed last evening. I began hiking and stopped just a few tenths up the trail to camel-up and fill my water bladder. I then ate while walking the trail. At daylight, I took a short experimental video clip while walking the trail. The trail conditions were good which allowed me to try this without the use of one of my trekking poles. It¢s posted in the video section  I trekked on and made it to the Green Mountain General Store where I had a second breakfast. While there I had service and received a message from Ben stating that he was closing in on me. I left the store and as I approached the trailhead, Ben stepped out onto the highway. Ben is the guy from South Georgia who I hiked with previously. We separated somewhere just north of Damascus, VA when I went back to meet Rachael during her visit back on April 13th. We hiked the day together while catching up to include an occasional laugh regarding things that have happened on the trail. We also counseled each other on the tough days we¢ve had, such as the extreme rainy weather day that we all endured. After ascending this morning, the trail flattened out somewhat with a mix of rocks and roots. We later trekked through the little town of Boiling Springs, PA and then skirted farmland while walking through tunnels of aromatic honey suckle vines.At about 6:00pm we reached our destination of Carlisle, PA where we are sharing a room. The day encompassed 26.8 miles. On April 30th and while in Daleville, VA, I was interviewed by a former Baton Rouge resident who provides trail magic and posts hiker interviews on his YouTube channel. That video is now posted in the video section of this journal site.
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 17.6

Just as the lyrics to the Johnny Cash song read: I woke up Sunday morning...and fumbled to find my cleanest dirty shirt.It was 4:30 and I was preparing for another day of hiking. Although I may have dreaded the conditions, I have not once dreaded the task at hand. I chose to wait until 6:30 to eat breakfast before heading out. The shower and air conditioning was well worth my share of $30.00. Hikers are liked in these small towns as we contribute to the revenue stream.The day¢s trek was still, warm and humid, but there was a particular tranquility to the forest having rained last night. The trail was extremely rocky with a few substantial climbs, but it was a good day. Nothing on the trail seems to bother me anymore. It¢s just another day of hiking towards the ultimate goal. I took another short video clip of the trail, but will not be able to video the true challenges because I use my trekking pole as the camera mount and I need both poles when ascending and descending.Ben and I reached our goal and made it to Duncannon, PA at about 2:00 pm where the trail runs through the center of town. We¢ll room at the Doyle Hotel. We ate a good meal and drank a couple of beers before checking into our room upstairs. I started the laundry and then we caught a ride into town to accomplish our resupply. The place is extremely old and I¢m pretty sure Ben Cartwright and Little Joe of television program Bonanza roomed here when traveling on business. There is no air conditioning in the rooms and ordinarily that would matter, but as I watch the rain fall outside, it¢s all okay.We finished the day with 17.6 miles and stopping at mile 1149.
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to bed last night at about 8:00 and laid there in the still humid room. We didn¢t have many lodging options and with severe weather predicted it was a matter of necessity. The box fan in the window made a steady hum and it was so reminiscent of post hurricane conditions. I eventually dozed off and at about 10:00 the room was lit up by lightning. Sleeping on and off until the brunt of the storm hit at about 1:00am with really close lightning and thunder that seemed to shake the old three story building. Ben had to close the window to prevent the rain from coming through onto his bed. Shortly after, the town¢s siren went off. Ben and I had a brief discussion and agreed that if it kept blowing then it¢s probably a tornado warning and if it went off it¢s probably to alert the town fire brigade. The siren wailed for about 20 seconds then went silent. The thunder remained into the early morning hours. I told Ben that although I planned to hike out at 4:30, I would wait and eat breakfast across the street at 6:00 then head out. I did this for a couple of reasons in that I wasn¢t sure what affect the weather had on the trail and sleep was a key ingredient to a successful hiking day, and neither of us got much. Besides, breakfast always helps. I got up at 5:00 and began packing. It¢s refreshing to dress in clean clothes. I then studied my AWOL AT guide to determine potential target points. Soon Ben and I were eating breakfast and I told him that we need to bust out of this town. He asked what was the hurry? I said if the town folks realized there were two able body men at the inn that didn¢t respond to the town emergency they would run us out on a rail. I¢d rather leave town on my own accord.:)We walked the couple miles through town and crossed the Susquehanna River and soon entered the forest and began to ascend. My concerns were validated as there were several trees along the trail that had been blown down as a result of the storm. Each one had to be climbed through or detoured around which made for tedious and time consuming hiking. Later there were lots of rocks and occasional boulders to climb over. I would frequently drop my trekking poles on the other side of the boulders and retrieve them after reaching the other side. It was also extremely warm getting up to 78 degrees which exasperated the issue.Soon Ben needed water so we exchanged good-byes as we are uncertain when or if we¢ll meet again. He then detoured off the trail to a water source and I trekked on. The other issue with the heat is that it brought the snakes out. There were several harmless snakes that slithered across the trail in front of me and a couple others that just laid there. Now on high alert, I began pole vaulting with my trekking poles over vines or sticks that looked like snake, stick snakes.Despite all of the challenges, I finished the day with 29 miles and am tenting near Rausch Gap Shelter at mile 1178.
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Rausch Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 28.1

Woke up this morning to a very pleasant north breeze and 50 degree temperature. My first thought, with cooler temperatures was that I would not have to be as concerned about snakes on the trail. I was leaving a little later this morning at 5:00 as I knew there was a detour ahead due to flooding caused by beavers. I was uncertain how well the detour was marked, but wanted it to be close to daybreak so I could navigate the trail. The 1.6 mile detour, not in my favor, took me down a fire service road and the straight up the mountain. Once again I was not bothered as it¢s all in a day¢s hike, along as I¢m moving northbound. Later in the morning I crossed mile 1192. The significance of this is with the 2019 Appalachian Trail being 2192 miles, I am now one thousand miles from Mount Katahdin in Maine. There are minor variances in trail mileage from year to year due to controlled burns, erosion or other factors. I took another brief video of the rocks on the trail, but in all fairness this is not the only terrain I¢m trekking. There are stretches of rock, boggy sections caused by ground springs and other sections that are similar to a driveway, except for the elevation changes. I completed the day trekking 28.1 miles and stealth camping near the Black Swatara Spring.
Date: 2019-05-22
From:  Black Swatara Spring

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 13.8

Headed out this morning at 4:00 in anticipation of a Nero into Hamburg, PA. The morning was exceptionally beautiful with temperatures in the mid forties, a clear sky and moonlight shining through the tree canopy. The shadows cast down onto the forest floor and glistening on the flowing streams brought a sense of inner peace. Eventually the moonlight was replaced by daybreak as though the two were changing shifts.Eventually the sun peaked through just as I was walking east and could feel the warmth on my face. The morning just kept getting better as a deer trotted ahead of me and then stopped just off of the trail in the fern covered forest, continuously looking back to ensure that I wasn¢t a threat. I detoured into the small town of Port Clinton to visit the popular Frank¢s Barbershop. When I walked in the owner which was cutting a customer¢s hair, placed his clippers on the shelf and took a few steps towards me, shook my hand and introduced himself. He then offered me coffee and cookies as I waited my turn. This was an old fashioned style barbershop where the haircut is free, but the bull costs $8.00. The kind of place I experienced as a kid.There were all sorts of relics and memorabilia laying around, as well as a guitar that a fellow hiker picked up, sat on a stool and began to play and sing. As a matter of normal routine, I shaved my head and face for years prior and again before setting out on this journey, however the last time I sat in a barber chair was the early 1990¢s. It was time though as my facial hair began to interfere with my eating habits. I then hiked the few miles over to the neighboring town of Hamburg and checked into the Microtel hotel. On the way down the mountain, I sent Ben a message as we had separated on Monday and we were going to split a room. Ben was now about 5 miles behind me.Upon arrival, I ate, resupplied and showered and did my laundry. My Nero consisted of 13.8 miles.
Date: 2019-05-23
To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 0.0

Ate a great meal of Spaghetti and meatballs last night as I¢d been craving carbs. Also spent some time studying the weather and as a result, will zero here in Hamburg today. After several days of high mileage and bruised feet from the rocks I owe it to my my body and spirit.I had an incredible night¢s sleep and woke up thankful for another day and another apparent good decision. At about 3:00am a line of storms came through the area interrupting power and this afternoon/tonight another line is expected with heavy storms, wind and hail. Although my tent is bear proof, I¢m uncertain as to how it¢ll hold up to hail.:)I¢ve been singing Billy Joel¢s Allentown as I¢m just down the road from there. Of course this is after John Denver¢s Country Roads song in West Virginia, and Going to Maryland by the Mountain Goats. Spent the day catching up by phone with a couple of friends back home, roaming through and eating at the Cabela¢s store nearby and celebrating Ben¢s birthday. I also surprised my Godfather Bebe¢ Scioneaux with a phone call. He¢s the one who gave me the nickname Tank when I was a kid and hearing it always brings back fond memories of him and my dad. I¢m all lined out for tomorrow with my chores done, equipment maintenance completed and a positive attitude through mental & physical rest.
Date: 2019-05-24
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 21.9

Headed out this morning after breakfast and hit the trail just before 7:00. Soon the sights and sounds of traffic were replaced by birds singing, squirrels barking, doves cooing and deer running about. Once again it was me and the trail. The sky was clear and the temperature was in the low 50¢s with a slight breeze. Today¢s trek was a difficult one as I move further into northern Pennsylvania. This makes for a very long and monotonous day as hiking across the rocks and boulders is slow going. It¢s both physically and mentally demanding, requiring your full attention to each step and follow up steps to ensure foot placement and balance. There is no looking away, as doing so could result in an injury. I¢m tenting tonight near the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter at mile 1241.8. Although fatigued, I accomplished 21.9 hard earned miles.
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 22.7

Headed out this morning at 4:30 under clear skies and cool temperatures. The trail was nice and soon this changed to more of the north Pennsylvania standard of rocks and boulders. I hate to sound like a broken record, but I¢m looking forward to saying goodbye to Rocksylvania. Two of the more notable climbs and rock features I traversed today were Knife Edge and Bear Rocks. In addition to their difficulty, a fall would be catastrophic. I¢m thankful that I¢m not afraid of heights because that would add a whole mother dimension.Ben and I leapfrogged each other earlier when I was eating and I passed him later while he was eating. He later caught up to me and told me that he was done and I concurred. It was hot now and adding to the challenge was carrying enough water to make it through a superfund site of appropriately twenty miles where collecting water is highly discouraged.Ben found the place of John Stempa in the AWOL Guide. He runs a shuttle service and allows hikers to shower, sleep in his garage and will shuttle them into the small town of Kunkletown for dinner. The decision was made and soon we were picked up at a trailhead a half mile away. I intended to make the leap to the Delaware Water Gap without another town visit, but this was a matter of necessity which would allow me to hit the mental reset button. The soles on my shoes are torn and they needed attention so they wouldn¢t come completely apart before I receive the new pair which I recently ordered. After a shower, we went to the Kunkletown Pub for dinner and then to the general store for ice cream. Soon after, we were shuttled back to the garage for the most important part, sleep. Despite all of the challenges, we ended the day with 22.7 miles and will launch out again in the morning to conquer more rocks.
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Little Gap

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

Left the garage this morning at 7:30 after a good night¢s sleep. There was a dehumidifier which reduced the humidity to 55% and the temperature was about 65 making for good sleeping conditions.I would have liked to leave earlier, but was at the mercy of the shuttle provider. When we did get to the trail it was nearly 8:00am. The weather was warm and humid making the rocks wet and slippery. By midday the sun had dried things up but it was still warm. The trail was more of the same. I did get to see my first rattlesnake. He was big with about 8-9 rattles, but not extremely big. As I approached, it was slithering under a boulder and I watched as the last 18 inches disappeared. I could see him coiled up from the other side of the boulder, but it was too difficult to get a photo. There¢s no telling how many rattlesnakes I¢ve walked over as they nestled under the boulders. The sighting did make me more concerned when I stepped blindly and my foot landed on the other side of large rocks.I am tenting tonight on a grassy hilltop at mile 1289.3 and overlooking Delaware Water Gap after hiking 24.8 miles. I ate supper while watching the view below and as the rain begins, so do the Memorial Day fireworks.
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Mile 1289.3

To: Mount Katahdin, Maine 
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Broke down my tent on the hilltop and headed out at 5:00 this morning. Last nights rain ended at about 11:00pm and this morning was clear and cool with temperatures in the low 50¢s. As I hit the trail, I stopped for one last look over the valley lights below and the moon overhead in the last quarter stage.I trekked the 6.1 miles into the town of Delaware Water Gap, which was still sleeping. While sitting on some outdoor furniture of a local business studying the layout of the town Ben walked up. We downed our gear at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountains Hostel, then headed to the local bakery for breakfast.Upon my return, I took a shower and did my laundry outdoors in a bucket. I opted for this in lieu of a walk to the local hotel which permits hikers to use their coin laundry machine. After lunch, I hung my tent & footprint to dry. I also aired out my sleeping bag as it got damp due to condensation overnight. All required maintenance when sleeping in rain. I also sprayed my clothing again with permethrin because ticks are very active now.After dinner I prepped my pack and prepared to head out during the early morning hours. There are high rain chances for the next couple of days so I¢ll see how this goes.