morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Jim + Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: few clouds

What a day! We got up at 5 for an early start to our longest day yet. We made excellent time and now that we are here my feet still feel pretty good.This shelter is amazing that we are at now. It is brand new and actually has running water to it. I took a cold shower a bit ago and am now sitting and relaxing in a big wooden chair waiting for my dinner to cook.Found some trail magic earlier. A case of beer at the top of a long climb in the middle of nowhere. It looked like it hadn't been there long but the born on date were past their prime. But its not water so I'll drink it.We are out of the Shenandoahs now and right after the sign saying that we were leaving the park the trail immediately got rocky and steep. But inside the park was awesome. We saw more deer than we could count, two bears, a rattlesnake, rabbit, frog, two turtles, some tame horses and lots of bugs.Tomorrow we hike 15 miles and then get picked up by Willie's folks. I can't wait to clean up, eat tons of food, and get driven around.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Jim + Molly Denton Shelter

To: Country Inn and Suites
Miles today: 15.3

Damp morning. It seemed like my feet were wet til at least noon. I was very excited to be getting the next day off with Willie's folks so the morning dragged along slow.We saw two five foot snakes today, not rattlers though. They were not intimidated by us, just slowly slilthered off the trail.It was great to see Mr. and Mrs. Lorenc. They picked us up around 2, drove us to the showers, then we headed to Willies friend Matt's place for a great steak dinner. Finally we went to the Cold Stone for some mad good ice cream. A nice day to eat and relax.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Country Inn and Suites

To: Country Inn and Suites
Miles today: 0.0

Awesome night! I played a 18 player Sit and Go Texas Hold'em tournament on Mr. Lorenc's laptop. I came in first place and won 36 bucks after not playing poker in two months! That felt good.Food wise today was the best day of the whole trip so far. We had a good continental breakfast, then Chicago Uno's pizzaria for lunch followed by the Olive Garden for dinner. We have never eaten so good.I made plans to meet Uncle Doug on Thursday for the night which will be fun if it works out. I also found out that Crystal is coming up the weekend after that. I can't wait to see her. We are finally getting north enough to see family and friends which should make the next months fly by.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Country Inn and Suites

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: broken clouds

Back in the woods after a great couple of days with Willie's folks. Within about twenty minutes of being dropped off and hiking it was pouring on us. I am all muddy now and soakded but I'm not complaning, at least its not wicked hot.Not much going on tonight. Looks like we may have the shelter to ourselves. I bought a book this morning so I'll read a bit tonight. Oh, almost forgot! My mom made us some fleece sleeping bags. They are much lighter by about 2 pounds and not as hot so tonight will be our first night in them. Also, they pack down well so the my backpack will be smaller.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Campsite past Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 23.8

We are finally over one thousand miles and it feels great! Finally it seems as though we have made a dent in the trail. We also are out of Virginia and into West Virginia today but that didn't last long as we're in Maryland now. We passed by Harper's Ferry and are going back tomorrow morning to go to the post office and sign in at the ATC headquarters. Right now we are tenting literally 10 feet from the Potomac River. On the other side of us is an old canal and behind that some huge cliffs. Unfortunately there is also a train track nearby and they like to toot their horn relentlessly.
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Campsite past Harper's Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: scattered clouds

We went into Harper's Ferry to sign in at the ATC headquarters. We got our picture taken and found out that we are number 86 and 87 to pass through this year. I guess that this is a historic town but not really a trail town which is a disapointment. We put about 3 miles in before we really even started hiking. Its not the type of town you would want to stay in for long.So we had a late start but flew right along. The trail in Maryland is amazingly flat. Too bad we leave this state tomorrow.Right now we are at the shleter and it is pouring outisde. We got here just in the nick of time. The tin roof and rain is going to make for a loud night. We are hoping the rain stops soon because we planned for a long day tomorrow. But now who knows. We are meeting Uncle Doug Thursday at 5 so we need to do 55 miles in two days or else find a new meeting point. We shall see.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Campsite past Harpers Ferry

To: Rockey Mountin Shelter
Miles today: 32.5
Weather: light rain

It poured all night long. The rain stopped as if baiting us out of the shelter, only to rain again a mile in. Even though we were wet most of the day, it actually cooled us down and helped us record our new daily high of 32.5 miles. It took us 13 hours to do it and physically I am not the least bit tired but my feet are really sore.We crossed into Pennsylvania today right after lunch. We stopped for lunch at a park with at least a hundred picnic tables. It must be the place to be. I called Crystal from there. I can't wait to see her soon!
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Rockey Mountin Shelter

To: Aunt Cindy's House
Miles today: 23.0

Halfway done today! I cant believe we have been out here for almost two months. Time seems like it is flying by but the first few weeks seem like ages ago. The best part is knowing that all be have left to do is what we just did already once more. Aunt Cindy picked us up just past the halfway point. She actually hiked a little ways in to meet us. At that point, we left Karnifer, another through hiker, who we have hiked with on and off for a few days. We got a half gallon of icecream and ate them on the way home. Willie finshed his on the car ride. I didnt until later. It was a bit much for me.At Cindy's, we had a steak dinner which was awsome. The Doug and Anne came up and brought us to see Shrek 2. It was a great evening and nice to see some family for the first time in a while.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Aunt Cindy's House

To: Lagg Run Shelter
Miles today: 7.2

Another great day off. I slept in til about 9:00. Had an amazing breakfast of blueberry and banna pancakes. Then Uncle Doug bout us food and took us to Ruby Tuesdays for lunch. We were dropped off by Uncle Doug and Cousin Anne around 6:00 and just had a short hike into the shelter.Tomorrow we are meeting up with Uncle John around noon time. He is going to hike with us for the rest of the day. I am looking forward to it because I dont know John as well as I have always wanted to.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Lagg Run Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: light rain

We made it to Boiling Springs a little past noon to meet Uncle John. The town was very nice with a huge fishing pond in the middle. Tere was a fosjing even going on as well as some bicycling event. We ate lunch right next to a wedding ceremony. Nothing like a smelly thu-hiker to add to the wedding atmosphere.Most of the hike with Uncle John was extremely flat. It was not until the end of ther day did he get to see and hills. We heard and icecream truck siren and started running to the road. Unfortunally, We missed it. We also saw some new wild life today. A gopher or hedgehog or something ran across the trail and up a tree a few feet. I took a picture. Here at the shelter there are alot of secton hikers going to Maine and a bunch of boy scouts and a group of young adults drinking beer. Very busy but it is a Saturday.We are trying to pursudea Uncle John to continue with us to Duncanna and hitch a ride back to Boiling Springs. We'll see.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Peter Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.7

It is hot again! It is either hot or pouring the last few weeks. I heard today that these temps are unseasonally warm. We went into Duncannon for lunch and split a large pizza and each got a pint of Ben and Jerry's. We crossed the Susquehanna River a few times, a huge river, longest one we have crossed.There are tons of people at this shelter, fortunally its a huge shelter. The company is good with lots of good conversation. Unfortunally, I am too beat to partake today. Maybe it's the heat for the huge lunch, but I was falling asleep all afternoon.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: Peter Mtn Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 30.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Less than 1,000 miles to go! Man we are moving! We pumped out a 30 mile day today. Seemed like a long day, probably Windfoots fault. He is the one who writes the data book of milage for the A.T. He had an elevation off by 1000 feet which totally threw us off.We didnt pass anyone all day. I guess it is Monday. We were forced to take a detour due to some construction on a brige on I-81. The weather was great toda, not as hot as usual and slightly breezy. I aint complaining. There is nothing at all like seeing the shelter, the endpoint, after a long day.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Easy day today, too far from town to go in today so we have a short day tomorrow. Its probably just as good because thes rocks in Penn put a lot of strain on the ankles.We passed this guy taking a break today who we met in Demascus VA. However, we know this guy didnt hike here from there, lets just say his elevator doesnt go all the way to the top floor. We didnt stop to say hi because last time he talked our ears off and never ever asked us anything.This is the earliest we have gotten to the shelter in ages. It is nice to relax for once. 4 days until I see Crystal!
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Fort Clinton Hotel Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Went into town for a short day. The town was almost a bust. The outfitters where we had planned to buy food, was closed on Wednesday. Also, the hotel was full and we both really needed to clean up and use the phone. Luckly someone left early so we got a room . We bought food for the next two days at a candy shop so things worked out. The restaurant there was amazing! I had the largest burger I have ever seen for lunch and a massive stake and cheese sandwich for dinner. It turned out to be a nice day although a little expensive.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Fort Clinton Hotel Port Clinton PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: few clouds

Not much happend today. We hiked back up into the rocky ridge lines of Pennsylvania and hiked over miles and miles of rocks. But the rocks dont bother me anymore.I head from a Southbounder last week that Fly'n Brian and Silver Girl stopped hiking because Silver Girl got a stress factor. I guess its true since I havent seen any entries from them in the shelter registers. I hope she heals up quick anyway.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Campsite past Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 21.6

Today went from an ordinary day to an unbelievable evening. WIth only a few miles to go, we desended into Lehigh Gap right near the bottom we met Rainbow Slick who thru hiked in 95 and attempted it in 03. He lived in the area and offered to drive us into town or whatever we wanted. Se we did and we went to Mc Donalds for some burgers, sundays, and good converstaion. He told us the climb back out of Lehigh was probably the toughest climb in Penn. So he drove us back and dropped us off with full stomachs and a big rocky climb ahead. By then the sun was low in the sky and a nice breeze had come in so the steep ascent turned out to the quite enjoyable. At the top you could see the mountin before witha river in the middle and it was spectacular. I got that awsome feeling of "so thats why i am out here." We soaked up the scenary and kept on hiking until we found a grassy area on the side of a ridge to pitch a tent.An amazing day today. I cant wait to see Crystal tomorrow. Life it great!
Date: 2004-05-29
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Hilton Garden Hotel
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

While tenting on the ridgeline was really nice last night, it was extremely windy all night. We awoke to relatively cold temperatures and I was cold most of the morning. But no matter cause I finally got to see Crystal today! We met at a McDonald's nearby and Willie and I went our separate ways for the first time this trip.    Crystal came down with her mom and we all went to Damon's Grille for dinner. 2 appetisers, 2 saldas and a full rack of ribs later I finally felt full. It is great to see Crystal again. I'm glad the longest part of our separation is over.
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Hilton Garden Hotel

To: Hilton Garden Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This place has a heated pool! We must have gone in at least 3 times today. Crystal, Mrs. Wood and I went to a mall so I could get food. Crystal bought me a new poker book, I just finished the old one. We all went out to eat a few times which was great. I wasn't as hungry as I usually am, my stomach felt a little off.   All in all it was a wonderful relaxing day. It is so nice to be able to see Crystal instead of just talk on the phone once a week.
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Hilton Garden Hotel

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: light rain

   Another great day with Crystal. I dreaded having to leave her again but now that I'm back in the woods I know its for the best and the worst is over.    It was tough to go from one minute having a great time with Crystal to the next minute trudging throught the cold rain. Oh well, that's life. Hopefully better weather will pick my spirits up.   Willie's brother, Steve, is hiking with us for the week. He seems like a nice guy and shouldn't slow us down.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: campsite past Rattlesnake Spring
Miles today: 20.0

   Wicked cold night, I put every piece of clothing I had on that wasn't wet and I was still cold.   We went into Delaware Water Gap to the post office. I got a package from my grandmother. Last time she sent me 8 power bars, so I was expecting about the same. Boy, was I wrong. Let's just say I'll be eating good this week.   Tons of energy bars, candy bars, poptarts, dinners and desserts.   We crossed into New Jersey today which is supposed to have the most bears per mile compared to the other AT states. I think its true. I saw one about twenty feet ahead of us near a stream. It took off and didn't make any noise at all. I was the only one to see it and only for a few seconds. I hope I'm not seeing things.   There was a 31.5 miles gap between last night's shelter and the next so we were forced to tent. The wind picked up and the sky got dark so we quickly put up our tents. Then a few drops of rain hit us and stopped. Wa were sure a huge thunderstorm was coming thru. Most have just missed us for now. So for this trip we haven't had to tent in the rain. Knock on Wood.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: campsite past Rattlesnake Spring

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

   We finally met up with Rambler today. We have been looking for him for a few days cause we all took some time off to see people. So I hiked with Rambler the whole day and Willie hiked with Steve.   I stopped in Culver's Gap and called Crystal cause she was on break. The town had nothing in it so we moved on. Later in the day while getting water from a stream my camelback got a hole. I used some duck tape, so its dry now but I'm gonna have to get a new one ASAP. It rained again at the end of the day just to get everything wet.
Date: 2004-06-03
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Pochuck Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 19.6

   Shorter day today. We stopped by a phone to try to organize Steve getting picked up and my dad coming out to hike this weekend. But I couldn't get ahold of anyone so I hope the plans don't fall apart.   We ran into Ausie John again today and Rambler left early this morning to go a bit further, so we don't know if we'll see him again. Rambler told us that Bushey is off the Trail. That means that of the 4 thru-hikers to pass us only Grasshopper remains.   Tonight we are with the New Zealanders and Mak, all real nice people.
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Pochuck Mtn. Shelter

To: Aunt Charolette's House
Miles today: 21.7

Last day hiking with Steve tiday. He did very good keeping up with us. Later start, we were last to leave the shelter after a nice night seeing lots of friends on the trail.We ran into Desparado. He was a trail angel who has been leaving food and other nice things at various shelters. He gave us a rundown of places to hit north of here, great guy.We met up with Steve's wife and thier parents a little later then we planned. They took us to Subway and then dropped us off at my Aunt Charolette's and Ungle Doug's house. My dad was there to hike with us.We cleaned up then got into the hot tub, very nice. Then called Crystal and almost fell asleep on the phone. I was really tired from the long day.
Date: 2004-06-05
From: Aunt Charolette's House

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.7
Weather: light rain

I tried to fix my camelbak but nothing worked so I got rid of it. I might get a water bottle so I can at least carry 3 liters til I figure something out. We had a great but brief time at Aunt Charolette's . We may try to stop there again. After a late start, we had some nice trail that turned bad but my dad kept up fine. We got to the shelter late, but put in some good miles. He'll hike with us some more tomorrow then head home. I'm glad he'll get to go over the Hudson with us, something to remember.Dad had his cell so I called Crystal from the shelter. Great way to end the day.
Date: 2004-06-06
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Aunt Charlette's House
Miles today: 14.7

Lots of stops today. First we stopped at a rest stop to get a bit of water. Then we ate lunch in a park on the trail after visiting a tower on Bear Mountin. Then we went througha zoo, no charge for hikers. Then we eventually crossed the Hudson River.When we got to dad's car, we decided with the rain and cold temps to go and stay at Charlette and Dwight's again. We had more time to visit withich was nice. Dad left shortly after dropping us off.I was happy to sleep in a good bed again. I am not feeling good lately.
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Aunt Charlette's House

To: Rpm Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: broken clouds

Bad night. I woke up in a cold sweat, soaked the sheets. My head feels like it is about to explode, oh well.We got an early start. Dwight dropped us off on his way to work which was convienent. We strolled along at a stedy pace. But my body didnt like it. I am not sure what I got. Seems like just a head ache but, I'm rally low on enery.Got to the shelter early and had a nice nap but I feel worse than before.
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Rpm Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Purified some water from a pump last night. It tasted horrible and in the morning it had turned orange. We travled most of the day with Mak, a girl our age who we met a few days ago. We decided to do a bigger milage day today which turned out to be her longest. My head felt better, but my neck was wicked stiff all night. But, overall, I'm feeling much better today, just tierd. Tomorrow we go into Kent fro a quick resupply. Then we need to pick a spot for Friday so I can call Crystal before her big trip to Cancun.
Date: 2004-06-09
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewert Hollow Brook Lean to
Miles today: 19.7

Horrid day today. I had a migrane all day along with the heat and the humidity. We mande it into Connecticut quickly followed by a massive climb.I called Crystal from Kent and was sitting in the sun for about 40 minutes. I wa mad thirsty, so I got up and went into the gas station store. I was hunched over while in there but I managed to get up and pay for a gallon of water. Then I went outside to find a place to drink it and I blacked out and collapsed on the cement. But, I had the presence of mind to quickly turn the water upright. Some guy ran over and helped me up and brought me to a curb in the shade. he watched me for a while bit and I was perfectly fine once I got some water in me. So that was my near death experiance for the trip, at least it happened in town and not on some huge field in the middle of nowhere.
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Stewert Hollow Brook Lean to

To: Limestone Springs Lean-to
Miles today: 22.3

Poured last night. It was the first time this trip we had to tent in the rain, But it stopped by morning, so getting up and out was too bad.Not really anything of note today. The temp was cooler for a change. We had a slower than normal morning. We were looking for water and we found a pump. Willie and me pumped for 15 minutes and finally some orange ooze came out so we left. We got plunty for water now for a big day into town tomorrow.
Date: 2004-06-11
From: Limestone Springs Lean-to

To: Great Barrington, MA
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We had an extra early start. Mak is still hiking with us which is nice new conversation. We hit the highest point in Conneticutt then crossed into Massachusetts and climbed some bigger mountin.We hitched into the town Great Barrington. The guy who picked us up was named Shawn and he offered to let us stay at his and his parents place. So we did. It turned out to be a big farm house that cared for mentally challenged people. Tons of people stayed there, and the people who worked there full time plus quite a few Germans who were there to avoid their year of military service. The three of us ended up going to a little party for a friend and got some great food with some of it from Shawns farm. It was a nice time and a great change of pace for me.
Date: 2004-06-12
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to
Miles today: 11.7

Slept great at the house but woke up to many strange noises comming from the locals. I had a great breakfast and a tour of Shawn's farm which was really neat. He dropped us off in town to re-supply and Mak's aunt who was looking for Mak, drove us to the trail. Mak's younger brother is going to hike with her now the reast of the way. Hopefully we'll see her again to hike with but who knows. Crystal left for Cancun this morning, I am jelous.
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Mt. Wilcox South Lean-to

To: October Mtn. Lean-to
Miles today: 24.6

Nice weather and terrain today so we made great timing. We walked over the Mass Pike today. I remebering driving to and from RPI and seeing the AT there and thinking "I'll be there someday."Also I pushed a tree over today. It was at least 30 feet tall and very old so I pushed it again and again until it came crashing down. I've tried this half a dozen times so I fet triumphant when it fell.It will probably be another cold night tonight. I might see my Grandmother tomorrow in Dalton for lunch.
Date: 2004-06-14
From: October Mtn. Lean-to

To: Catholic Church Hostel Chesire MA
Miles today: 21.1

Great day today! Got up early to get into Dalton for lunch. We got there half and hour early and Grandmom was already there. She took us out to eat and then took us to Ben & Jerrys for ice cream. It was great to see her. She seemed to be in really good spirits and keeping busy. Next, we hiked to Chesire MA to stay at a church hostle. Unfortunally, a sign said it was temporarilly closed. Luckly the pastor was there, explained why, and let us in. So we had the whole church to ourselves.