morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Had breakfast with (boy, not girl) Fancy Pants who I haven't seen since Hot Springs. It was nice to see a familiar face. Then I sent my old hip belt home from the post office just in case I gain all this weight back when I go home. I love Harpers Ferry as a tourist but not so much as a hiker. I get that they're trying to do the whole historic / local angle so it's okay. It was just a little frustrating that the outfitter didn't have what I was looking for and I had to take a bus to get to Walmart. On the tourist side of things, it was an awesome day. Went to the cemetery, some churches, and a wax museum. Ate the best spinach and artichoke dip I've ever had and the second best panini. I wish I could remember what the name of the grill was called but I'm drawing a blank. When I finally set out, I didn't realize that the footbridge was also the WV/MD border. I didn't know until I was looking at a map at some gap. I'm in Maryland! All of these milestones lately have been sorely needed for my mental health. With a storm on it's way and a lack of water, I called it an early day. I'm glad I did because I had to hike a mile round trip to get water at this shelter. I was rewarded with a nice piped spring and all the raspberries I could eat so it wasn't all bad. If I don't get struck by lightning tonight, tomorrow should be a great day.
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

Sometimes when I talk a lot, I get chapped lips. Today was one of those days. Some days I talk to pretty much nobody. Today I talked to absolutely everyone. Met some cool hikers in the morning at the shelter and gave them some of my water so they wouldn't have to do the mile trip to the spring. Saw them again at Gathland SP. There was some neat historical stuff to look at. Then again at some trail magic at Fox Gap. The problem with meeting people is knowing I may not see them again because just about everyone lately hikes way more miles than I do. It's still fun though. Awesome trail angel by the way. Thanks Mayhem! I hope I remember that right. Met even more people at the Washington Monument. Too bad it's closed. A park ranger said some hikers where hiding from a storm inside of it three weeks ago and got struck by lightning. The hikers were hurt and there was some structural damage to the monument. That's why you can't go inside right now. Enjoyed another blueberry picking day and still put in good miles. I got to Annapolis Rocks and not a single person was there. I went for water and picked a spot to set up my tent before going to watch the sunset. Ghost showed up and joined me but did his own thing when more people came. Turned out a guy I met at the Washington Monument told some hikers I know at the last shelter where I was going, so they packed up their stuff and hiked another mile and a half or so just to see me. So much love! I hadn't seen them in a while so it was nice to watch the sunset with them. The view was a little hazy but a sunset is still a sunset.
Date: 2015-07-02
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 17.0

Full day today. Sometimes I'm not sure when it is that I get all this hiking done. Didn't make it far this morning until I stopped for the next view. Blackrock Cliffs would've made for a better sunset last night but oh well. Today was hazy too but still better than a 9-5 job. Saw Spider at a shelter and talked to him for a while. I was trying to kill some time while Ghost hitched to get us Subway. He talked about going home. I've seen several people leave the trail. Some just left and didn't say goodbye. Some I begged not to leave. Some I've reassured were doing the right thing. If Spider chooses to go home, I think he's making the right choice. Either way, I wish him the best of luck. Hiking with a foot long sub in your belly is rough, by the way. It was slow going and the rocks were out of control. Accidentally skipped Raven Rock Cliff and unfortunately didn't skip High Rock. I did however get a nice picture of the "No Spray Painting" sign with all the spray paint in the background. Met a hiker who gave me the best compliment I've gotten on the trail so far. He was going southbound and was giving me a heads up about the upcoming trail. He asked if I was a purist and I told him I am. I asked how he knew I was a thru-hiker and he said, "Your calves." For once, it wasn't the smell or the dirt or my excessive body hair! I thought that was nice. I made it to Pen Mar County Park and Ghost and I had a pizza and a 2 liter of Cherry Coke delivered. I don't know how we made it to Pennsylvania after that. The food coma made it a little fuzzy but we're here! Goodbye, South. I'll miss you.
Date: 2015-07-03
From: Falls Creek

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Three back to back cat holes last night proved that just because you CAN eat that much, doesn't mean you SHOULD. Also, I probably should've taken a Lactaid. Felt fine today though so that's good. Got a text from my husband that he was in a car accident last night. He's sore but fine. Even though I know he's okay, it's been nagging at me all day that I'm not there. Got trail magic breakfast sodas this morning. There was an offer to spend the 4th of July at a farm down the road. It was super tempting but I don't really want to take that much time off right now. Hitched into Blue Ridge Summit for my lunch soda. Got a ride back to the trail from another thru-hiker. She had called the number attached to the farmer's trail magic and they told her to take the car in the parking lot with the keys in it to get to the farm. Who lets strangers drive their car?! I love this trail. I saw four snakes in four miles. I'm usually good at spotting them but I didn't see any of these until they were right underfoot. If the rocks and mud don't kill me, a heart attack is my second guess. PA isn't all bad so far. I haven't stayed in a shelter but they have been pretty swanky looking so far. Chimney Rock was a nice little scramble even though the views are still hazy today. Better than the last couple days though. Got my dinner soda from a vending machine at Caledonia SP. Camped just outside the park with Ghost, Hoot, and Yahoo. A little bummed to hear from Hoot and Yahoo that the baby raccoons they rescued before Waynesboro, VA had to be put down. I guess it's better than dying slowly, covered in flies, on the side of the trail but still sad.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 19.5

Last night was dead quiet until the rain started. I had a hard time falling asleep. It seems to be that way the night after sleeping by a noisy creek. I only slept for four hours. I wanted to sleep in and wait for the rain to stop but I also wanted to be at the halfway point so I forced myself to get up. It never rained really hard but it drizzled all day. I love days like this. No lightning but just enough rain to make it not unbearably hot. Plus once my feet are wet, then I might as well just stomp in every puddle. Went through a nice rhododendron tunnel this morning with Square Peg. I forgot how beautiful they are since we haven't seen them in quite a while. Stopped by Quarry Gap Shelter and was bummed I didn't make it there last night. It was super cute with potted plants and a sundial. Hit the midpoint at Dead Woman Hollow Road and had mixed feelings about it. It was exciting and daunting. I now have less to go than I've already gone. That ignites my soul. It makes my heart sing. It sort of also makes me kinda want to go home. I've broken a toenail in half, sprained my ankle, had an upper respiratory infection, been stung by a hornet, had a firepit explode, and been struck by lightning ... and I'm only halfway done? I miss my family. I miss my cat. I miss my sushi dates with my best friend. Then I got to 1100 miles. I didn't even know that was going to happen today. I took a picture of my muddy shoes and muddy legs in front of the 1100 someone had made out of sticks on a rock. I looked at the picture on my phone to make sure it was in focus before I hiked on and I loved it. I absolutely loved it. I still miss my family, cat, and sushi dates, but I earned all 1100 of these miles. Every last stinking blaze of them. I've bled for this trail and I'm sure I will again before it's over. Wild horses couldn't drag me off this trail. This 4th of July, I didn't get to eat BBQ or watch fireworks, but I did get to walk in a magical moss covered fairytale forest all afternoon and ended my day in a fit of laughter while I watched Hoot and Yahoo attempt the Half Gallon Challenge at Pine Grove Furnace SP. Half a gallon of ice cream is apparently a lot. I ate a 6 oz Italian ice and regret nothing.
Date: 2015-07-05
From: Campsite

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

I'm a closet Buffy the Vampire fan. There's this episode where someone spray painted "Kiss Rocks" and Willow asked why someone would want to kiss rocks before she realized they meant the band was awesome. I've been thinking this since I got into Maryland and continued on into Pennsylvania. I've kissed several rocks. Some with my knees. Some with my butt. Quite a few with my elbows today. People keep saying the rocks are coming up soon and I'm not looking forward to it. I already dislike the rocks we have now! I slid down one today and twisted my knee in a direction knees where not intended to bend. I'm fine but I'm going to go ahead and predict a zero in Boiling Springs tomorrow. The swelling is already going down but I'd like to make sure. Today felt like 18 miles just to get to town. My thoughts just weren't in the mountains. No views and I spent most of the day running from mosquitoes. There was a fun little rock maze which would've been even more fun if there weren't giant painted arrows pointing the way. Ended the day walking along a cornfield to get into town. Am I the only one that thinks cornfields are creepy? The town has redeemed itself however by having outstanding service at the Breeches Bar and Grill in Allenberry Resort. A full tummy equals a happy hiker.
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 0.0

I drank an obscene amount of Italian sodas today. I also found time to resupply and do laundry. I spent the evening in bed though because I wasn't feeling well. I got tired all of a sudden and everything was sore. It's possible I had a fever too but I'm not really sure. I've either got Lyme Disease or I'm a thru-hiker. Possibly both. I'll see how I feel tomorrow.
Date: 2015-07-07
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Feeling better than I was yesterday. Lots of flat walking through farmland today. I thought it would be easy and planned to do the 26 or so to Duncannon but didn't. It wasn't easy. It was muddy. It was buggy. It was hot with very little tree cover. It was also muddy. I took a half a step back for every five forward. It was frustrating. Took a break at Scott Farm Trail ATC Crew HQ and got my spirits lifted by the initiative of some fellow hikers. They saw a snow cone bus and went to check it out. It wasn't open but was parked outside of a residence so they figured it belonged to someone there. Wind found the website on his phone and called the guy to see if he would be willing to open shop for five snow cone crazed hikers. Nobody thought it would work but it did. The guy and his wife were a cute older couple and were very friendly. Plus, best snow cone ever! Fueled by the power of a sour grape, wild cherry, and blue raspberry snow cone, I tackled the PA rocks to Cove Mountain Shelter. I'm pretty sure I saw a porcupine today but I'm not sure. I love this life of mine.
Date: 2015-07-08
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0

I took my time leaving in the morning and walked with a flip-flop hiker who had just started in Harpers Ferry. I don't know if I helped or not but I tried to say nice things. She said she didn't feel like a hiker yet. I tried to reassure her that she was and that she'd feel it pretty soon. She seemed tired but upbeat so I said goodbye and headed straight for Duncannon. I saw a sign for a hiker feed at a church but didn't think I'd still be there at 5pm. The plan was to get breakfast, resupply, and head out. The breakfast place was closed, I got grumped at by a guy at The Doyle for eating a bag of Doritos on their bench, and went to The Pub instead. They were friendly and the food was good. After resupplying, I ran into a couple hikers staying at Mary's so I stopped by to say hi and repackage my resupply. I had met Mary in Atkins when I was trying to find a ride to the airport and she was picking up Jester and Harry Potter. It was good to see her again. So good that I stayed for the hiker feed at the church and went back to Mary's after. I ended up having to write in her blue book, "I was gonna hike out but got full of spaghetti." Ghost and I did work for stay and made sauces and baked corn balls for the Billville hiker feeds this weekend. The unplanned nearo was worth it since Mary seemed like she could use the help. It's just too bad we probably won't get any of the food because we're in between hiker bubbles right now. I'm going to cross my fingers twice!
Date: 2015-07-09
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

I wanted to wake up early this morning and hit the trail since I missed so many miles yesterday. I don't think I could've slept in even if I wanted to. The porch was comfy but the trains and cars were pretty loud. Got some breakfast at Sheetz. I've never been to one but it's similar to Buc-ees at home. Hiked up for a little but it wasn't too bad. I only fell once today on the rocks but for a brief moment I didn't get up. I figured I was already down so I just sat there. I wasn't hurt. I just didn't know how to tell myself to get up. When I did, I was still fine, and I got moving again. I'm glad nobody was around. Enjoyed a view from Table Rock but had to get going because it looked like rain. Ghost decided to stay at the next shelter and I didn't really want to. I was going to press on like I normally would but I didn't. I checked the weather on my phone and there was a tornado watch. The men already in the shelter went on and on about severe this and hail that. Ghost had already set up his stuff in the shelter and so I stayed. Nobody made me or talked me into it. I have no one to blame but myself. I stayed because I was afraid. Afraid of getting struck by lightning again and having a shelters worth of witnesses who could say I told you so. It rained for maybe 20 minutes and now half of them are asleep at 7pm and I'm wide awake with the sun shining and the birds singing and I'm furious. There's a difference between being safe and being a wuss and I feel like a wuss. I should've hiked on like I originally wanted to. I am officially over being afraid.
Date: 2015-07-10
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

So it looks like there's some rocks in PA. And mud. Also, while this can't be confirmed since I saw it from a distance, I'm pretty positive I saw some mud on some rocks. I soaked my feet in a creek in the afternoon and that was nice. Also, on rocks. I'm wondering what's going on here though. I saw a magenta trail, a purple mushroom, and some Oompa Loompa orange water. All involved rocks. PA has some explaining to do. I saw a deer about ten feet away. Guess what he was standing on! Actually, I think it was a patch of grass but I'm going to go ahead and say rocks. Good day.
Date: 2015-07-11
From: Campsite

To: Campsite
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept soooo good last night. I love sleeping by water. Today there were rocks. No surprise there. Then I found out that I have a new baby nephew! I was breaking with a big group of hikers and I cried right in the middle of them. I don't know if anyone noticed but they didn't say anything. I was grateful. I wished I could just hop in my car and drive to Austin. The realization that I don't have a car and Texas is a bazillion miles away hit me hard. I got over it quick but it was definitely a tough mental moment for me. I decided not to be sad because, well, baby! Yay! Came around a bend today to be surprised by a trail magic root beer. That was awesome. Followed immediately by a magical Gatorade. More awesome! Wait, what's that, Mr. Dayhiker? Why, yes, I will take these home baked cookies off your hands. No problem! Passed a "1000 to go" marker in stones on the ground. I was surprised because I hadn't even realized it was coming up. We are now down to triple digit mileage left. I was so excited I almost stepped on a snake. More rocks. Then I had my first confirmed A.T. porcupine sighting. It was climbing down a tree right next to the trail and it was pretty much the cutest thing I've ever seen... except for my new nephew, of course. Camped by myself tonight and I just had an irrational thought. The type you only have when you're by yourself in the dark. What if bears came running when they heard crinkling sounds like dogs and cats do when they hear treat bags? I really want to eat these jelly beans but I'm having second thoughts.
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Campsite

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks. Mud. Roots. Mosquitoes. The trail was a ghost town today. I know there were people ahead of and behind me but I didn't see a single one of them. I did see Boomerang going southbound for the third day in a row. I enjoy our brief conversations in the morning. They're just long enough that neither of us feels like we're holding the other person up. I know the PA rocks are only going to get worse but they were bad enough the last two days to rub the bottom of both of my feet raw. I haven't had a single blister or foot problem for hundreds of miles so it's a pretty big bummer. The steep descent into Port Clinton pushed me over the edge and had me limping into Hamburg. Got a room and taking a half day off tomorrow. I hope it helps. Oh, and I almost sat on a snake today. Minus 100 points to Slytherin. Regardless of my complaining I'm happy to be doing 20 mile days again. It's been too long.
Date: 2015-07-13
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Spent most of today taking care of business. Replaced a lot of clothes and got a new case for my phone. Weighed myself at Walmart to find that I've lost 40 lbs since Springer. No wonder nothing fits! Surprisingly got the most done at Walmart and not Cabelas. It's a huge store but isn't really stocked for thru-hikers. Ate an amazing steak at Logan's. Hitched back to Port Clinton and planned to hike on but wanted to give my feet some more time to heal. PA hasn't been kind and it's only going to get worse. I found some liner socks and I think they're helping... around town anyway. Spent the evening at the Firehouse trying to get in more deliciously greasy calories. Then had a good talk with Rudy from, I believe, the venom response team? Lots of good info on what to do if you get bit but he also let us pet a rattlesnake which was really cool. Now I'm holed up in the pavilion wishing the rain away. Tomorrow, I hike!
Date: 2015-07-14
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

A little rain this morning but it was gone by the time I packed and headed out. Nice views from Pulpit Rock and The Pinnacle. Threw a rock on the biggest cairn on the A.T. for good luck. The wet rocks made the morning a little slow and the heat in the afternoon slowed me down as well. But my feet are getting better and I think I can put in a little more miles tomorrow than today. The caretaker at Eckville Shelter gave me a frozen ice pop for dessert! Pushed on a little farther to the shelter and hoping the rain stays at bay again.
Date: 2015-07-15
From: Campsite

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

A crazy storm came through around 3am. I think I did okay. The lightning was so bright and the thunder was so loud, I had a hard time falling back asleep. I put my sleeping bag over my eyes to block the light and fell asleep instantly. Definitely making progress on this lightning fear! The stream I camped by was flowing way more than it was last night so I guess it rained for quite a bit. There wasn't that much mud today and the bugs weren't really around. It was nice. Unfortunately, the rocks were wet and I fell seven times today. Once, hard enough to make me cry but I think it was just my ego that was bruised. I just need to slow down. I was racing to a restaurant that wasn't even open. I thought all morning long that it was Thursday. It's not. I was thankful that Knife's Edge wasn't wet by the time I got there. It was very windy though and it made it a little sketchy but in a fun way and not an I-might-die way. Today was fun. I guess not all the rocks are bad. The wind hasn't died down yet as I'm curled up in my sleeping bag. I have no idea what the temp is but it definitely doesn't feel like July. Brrrr!
Date: 2015-07-16
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Delps Trail
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was freezing but it was probably only high 50s or low 60s. I keep telling myself that it was 19 and snowing one day in the beginning so this was nothing. I am happy to still have my fleece. Booked it to Palmerton for subs to make up for missing the restaurant yesterday. I ate two Philly cheesesteaks and onion rings. Then off to climb out of Lehigh Gap. I was thinking to myself that it must be kinda hard since people always take selfies there. So I decided to pack out three liters of water and about three pounds worth of turkey subs just to make it a little more challenging. I regret nothing. There wasn't water for 10 miles and subs are delicious. While it is steep and it does go up for a bit, I gotta say I was a little disappointed. It was a lot of fun but people's photos are strategically placed. I always thought it was this crazy rock scramble the whole way up. I only used my hands twice. Still fun though. I ate handful after handful of blueberries today before questioning whether I should be eating them near the Superfund site. Ran into some awesome trail magic by Mamma Bear and a man whose name I was in too much of a rush to ask. I usually take the time to talk to people because I love what they're doing. It takes time and money and they go out of their way to do something I'm not even sure I deserve. So thank you Mr. Mamma Bear! Dragon fruit drink mix and Twinkies are seriously two of my favorite things. I was ecstatic even though I didn't stick around long enough to show it properly. Feeling wonderfully spoiled today.
Date: 2015-07-17
From: Delps Trail

To: Campsite
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up this morning and thought to myself, "Self, you can do 26 to Delaware Water Gap or 20 with a Chinese food break for lunch in Wind Gap." I chose wisely. With a happy belly full of ribs and pork fried rice, I annihilated these PA rocks. So much so that they retaliated and ate one of my shoes. There is a rip about 5 inches long along the side. Big enough that my big toe kept sliding out and smashing on rocks. I gave up at Wolf Rocks and did the last few miles in my Crocs. Nice view. Lots of trees but good mountains in the distance. It's been a while since we've had a view that didn't involve a town below. It was nice. Now camped at a view with no name and saw some small fireworks in the distance while I ate dinner. Hoping that the rain tonight isn't too bad and that Delaware Water Gap has some shoes for me that fit.