morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-14
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 504.4Total AT Miles Completed = 974.6Percentage of AT Completed = 44.5%The Jim & Molly Denton shelter is by far the most comfortable I've experienced on the trail.   It has a porch with a bench and an Adirondack style bench in the center. The picnic table is in a separate area and is covered under roof. There is also a solar shower, fed by a nearby spring, which is higher than the top of the shower. Just after I arrived this afternoon a local couple came and mowed the grounds, clipped low hanging branches, and checked the register for any suggestions.
Date: 2015-06-15
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 522.8Total AT Miles Completed = 993.0Percentage of AT Completed = 45.4%I guess I'm anticipating the end of this hike three day from now. I'm getting a little homesick to see my beloved wife. There is no cell signal so I can't call. Today the humidity is one-hundred percent, and threatening rain all day. My clothes are sticky and I rinse them out in the creek.   I'm hiking only to get to the end, which is Harpers Ferry. Tomorrow is the "roller coaster", a trail section with many ups and downs.
Date: 2015-06-16
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lessor Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 543.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1014.1Percentage of AT Completed = 46.6%The roller coaster is an apt name for the thirteen and a half mile section before Harpers Ferry. It USA series of nine up and down hills, difficult to climb and descend. I started at Rod Hollow shelter, just before the start of the hills. This coupled with the hot muggy day, and I barely made it to my shelter this afternoon. The day was notable though. I passed the 1000 mile point on the trail, almost halfway. I also moved out of Virginia, into West Virginia. Nearly a quarter of the AT, about 600 miles, is in Virginia. There is a bit of sadness with the thought that tomorrow is my last day of hiking this year. That's ok, I dearly miss my wife, who is home waiting for me.
Date: 2015-06-17
From: David Lessor Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry ATC Visitors Center
Miles today: 9.3

Miles this year = 553.2Total AT Miles Completed = 1023.4Percentage of AT Completed = 46.7%It's a bittersweet day for sure, bitter because it's the last day of my hike this year, but sweet because I visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harpers Ferry. I also met Laurie Pottieger, a central spokesperson for the ATC. I had my picture taken in front of the building and then logged in the records.   Many other hikers I'd met on the trail also arrived today. A group of six of us staying at the Teahorse Hostel, dined next door at the upper crust Anvil Restaurant. There was an obviously preplanned large gathering in the main hall, so we were placed on the back porch.   The waiter told us how to get to the restrooms, but we joked we're used to going outside.
Date: 2016-05-09
To: Ready to Go Again - 2016
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Nearly a year has passed since that day in Harpers Ferry, where I ended the second of four sections to complete the trail.   Today is Monday May 9th 2016, and am anticipating, with much excitement, returning to the trail tomorrow.   My plan is to board the Amtrak at midnight tonight in Sandusky Ohio (I live in Port Clinton OHIO just west of Sandusky), and ride to Harpers Ferry WV.   My neighbor and his wife are good enough to take me to the station so late at night, I am grateful to them.   I am ready to start the third long section from Harpers Ferry to Killington Vermont, a distance of 677 trail miles.   This will be the longest of the four sections, but supposedly the least difficult.   We¢ll see. There are several things that come together that allow me to continue this venture.   Firstly, at 70 years of age, I am extremely fortunate, and appreciative to still have my health.   There are many my age that have severe and debilitating health issues.   I often ask God why some are granted good health longer than others, however, I accept what I have.   Secondly, my wife Yvonne and I have achieved a level of financial stability. We are not wealthy, but we typically just don¢t spend.   Our home mortgage is paid, our children are gone and are self-sustaining.   This allows us to be, well, stable.   Thirdly, I¢m retired, and can afford to be gone for long weeks on the trail.I started dehydrating dinners back in January when the winter was in full force.   I¢ve got a great BBQ spaghetti recipe, chili-mac, clam vermicelli, and shrimp jambalaya.   I only cook, that is, pour boiling water over these recipes to reconstitute them.   There¢s nothing like a hot meal on a wet, chilly evening after a long day of hiking.We¢ll see how everything goes this year.   If you see me on the trail, let me know you read this.Deacon
Date: 2016-05-10
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 6.0Total AT Miles Completed = 1029.4Percentage of AT Completed = 47.0%Ed Charnock, my dear friend pulls into my driveway at 11:30pm, as I double check my belongings for the next seven weeks. Let's see, my checklist is complete, got my wallet, phone; looks like I'm ready to go.   I kiss Yvonne goodbye as I promise to stay in touch every day, cell signal willing. The journey begins again. Breakfast on the Amtrak is always fascinating for the people you meet.   Unlike a restaurant where you're seated by yourself, the Amtrak waiter will seat customers with other strangers, in order to conserve space. This morning I'm seated with two "blokes" from Austrailia, Dan and Bly are big, bearded, fun loving fellows.   They flew into Los Angeles and are riding the Amtrak around the country as a sight seeing trip. They started from LA up to Seattle, then from Seattle to Chicago. They are now headed to Washington DC, then to New Orleans, back to LA. I stepped off the train to the same damp, penetrating cold weather as I left in Ohio. I really thought it was going to be warmer here.   Across the street from the station i have lunch at The Coffee Mill restaurant, and I order a take out pulled pork sandwich for dinner. Ed Garvey shelter is only six miles, but it starts raining as soon as I leave the restaurant. There are a half dozen hikers at the shelter. Most are out for just a few days.   One lady has a strong British accent, and is from England.   She married an American and lives in DC.   Harry and Doug work on starting a fire, which grows steadily. The warmth is welcome and everyone huddles around it.   It doesn't take long for me to turn in.
Date: 2016-05-11
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 16.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1040.3Percentage of AT Completed = 47.5%Did not want to get up this morning with the sound of rain on the shelter roof.   Fortunately, by the time I was packed up at 6:30, the rain stopped. It was a quick hike to the Dalhgren campground, arriving at noon.   I set up my tent just as the rain starts again. This campground has a lighted shower house and restroom which makes the stay easier.   I spend the afternoon napping in my tent listening to the rain. Suddenly it's 5:30 and I walk a short quarter mile to the Old South Mountain Inn for supper. O my. Feasted on French onion soup, a braised shank of pork and mashed potatoes. What a meal on a chilly rainy day.   I've only been out for two days and have been alone on the trail without meeting anyone.   I am well ahead of the main hiker bubble that starts in Georgia in March and April. They are still well south of here. After only two days, I am still trying to leave the real world, and enter the solitude.
Date: 2016-05-12
From: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 30.8Total AT Miles Completed = 1054.2Percentage of AT Completed = 48.2%Another wet start today as it rained all night.   The day gradually improved to sunshine around noon.   I met Foot Machine this morning, an older gentleman. He was photographing a very rare Lady Slipper flower. I noticed a 2000 miler patch on his pack, and he said he they hiked the trail twice, in 1984 and 2008. He wished me well.   Arrived at Ensign Cowell shelter by 1:30 after 13.9 miles today. Each day feeling slightly stronger. Three fellows walked in, and said they were from Akron Ohio. One is a stock fund manager, and spent much of his time checking the stock market. His partner said to him, "can't you let that go for a couple days? Sheesh!"   The partner looks and has the same demeanor as Kramer on Seinfeld. Thru hikers Pack Mule and Goldilocks came in for the night. They are cousins walking the trail together. They started March 1st in Georgia.
Date: 2016-05-13
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 14.5

Miles this year = 45.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1068.7Percentage of AT Completed = 48.8%Rain, rain all morning. It doesn't help when climbing and descending a steep rocky trail. By 11:00 I got to Pen Mar park and sat in a pavilion just as the rain stopped. The park was very nice with picnic tables and restrooms. About a half mile further I reached the Maryland Pennsylvania border. That's six states complete, only nine more to go. It also happens to be the Mason Dixon line, the separated north from south during the Civil War. During my trail planning, I intended to hitch a ride into Waynesboro for lunch and to bring supper back to the trail. As I arrived at Pen Mar Road it started raining again. After a half minute a pickup rounded the bend and I stuck my thumb out. The driver slammed on his brakes, rolled down his window and said " come on!"   He said he picks up hiker all the time and was happy to help. I asked where is a good place to eat, and suggested the Subway inside the local Walmart.   I carried my pack and hiking poles in the Subway, set them at a table when a lady walked up to me and asked if I am a hiker. I said yes, then she said "I'm buying. Get anything you want." I was flabbergasted. She used to hike some years ago and knows what hikers go through. I couldn't thank her enough. Now to find a ride back to the trail.   I stood outside the Walmart doors and waited as shoppers exited.   The first dozen people were quite elderly so I wasn't going to ask them. A gentleman and his wife came out a I said, "I'm need a ride to Pen Mar park". He stopped, looked at me and he said "come on."   I'm convinced people who live near the trail are eager to help hikers. Got to Deer Lick shelter in the sunshine, 14.5 miles today.
Date: 2016-05-14
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Miles this year = 61.1Total AT Miles Completed = 1084.5Percentage of AT Completed = 49.5%For once, a beautiful morning but cold. Had to wear my down jacket to start my morning. I planned to walk toward McCallum's BBQ when I reached route 30. I pushed hard this morning so I covered 13 miles by noon, I made it by 11:30. Traffic on route 30 was very heavy, so thumbing a ride just didn't happen.   So I walked the .4 mile west only to find the restaurant closed down. I walked a little further in hopes of finding a store. I came upon a building with a banner that read Trail of Hope Ministries Outreach. I push on the glass doors but were locked. A gentleman walked around the front and said we're here.   I explained my predicament to which he pointed down the road with "there's a great convenience store another half mile that way."   Not sensing my want of a ride I asked him outright if he would take me there, wait while I buy a couple sandwiches, then take me back to the trail. He said well for a fee. He thought for a moment and suggested five dollars. I thought to myself that's very reasonable. Deal. Only another 2.8 miles to go today. When I'm dropped off at the trailhead, it started pouring rain. I slogged the distance into quarry gap shelter, 15.8 miles for the day, not counting the town walk.   Fifteen minutes after I arrived, a Venture group, a combination Boy Scout group with girls arrived.   Needless to say they were very loud and boisterous.   I felt chilled from the cold rain so I napped under my bag trying to warm up before dinner. Once I shivered through dinner, I jumped back in my bag for the rest of the evening and night.
Date: 2016-05-15
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace - Ironmasters Hostel
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 78.3Total AT Miles Completed = 1101.7Percentage of AT Completed = 50.3%Today is Pentecost Sunday, and there is no church nearby. I knew missing some of the high holy days would be possibility while on the trail. As I walked along I envisioned the celebrations at parishes around the world.   Today is a 17.2 mile day so in spite of the chilly morning, I dragged myself out of my bag at 4:30. People are always asking me why so early. I feel like Ivan get a good jump on the day if I start early.   It always worked out well during my working career, especially at Ford. The morning shift started at 6:00am and if I needed people to work on my projects, I had to be there ahead of time to ask for workers for my jobs. Man was it cold this morning and the wind gusting thirty mph or more. I had to wear everything I own to stay warm.   Even though it was an easy hike to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, I was cold the entire way. It didn't help that I don't have long pants, only my hiking shorts. I arrive at the Ironmasters Hostel by 1:00pm, but the building was locked. I walked around to the front and knocked and the innkeeper came out and said they don't open until 5:00. I walked to the general store next door where a crowd of hikers were gathered. Inside a short order cook is making hamburgers, and fresh cut French fries. I order a large basket. On a cold day, hot fries hit the spot. Returning to the hostel, the innkeeper offers a bunk with linens, shower, pizza for supper, and breakfast, for thirty dollars. Great deal. Outside is a hiker box with clothes, shoes, and various hiker items. Most hostels have these boxes to hold cast off, unwanted items that hikers no longer want to carry.   I find a pair of long pants and a pair of gloves to wear tomorrow.   It is suppose to drop to 34 degrees tonight, and I need to start early again. If it finally warms up, I'll leave the pants and gloves in a hiker box up the trail.
Date: 2016-05-16
From: Pine Grove Furnace - Ironmasters Hostel

To: Boiling Springs - Allenberry Resort
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 97.6Total AT Miles Completed = 1121.0Percentage of AT completed 51.2%Jim, the innkeeper at Ironmasters Hostel was good enough to get up at 5:00am to fix me breakfast after I mentioned I like to be walking by 5:30. He had stepped out to walk the dog and said the temperature had dropped to 34 during the night. I'm glad I found the long pants and gloves in the hiker box.   After a breakfast of waffles, syrup, coffee and orange juice, I bid Jim farewell and was out the door. As I walked through the park in the morning twilight, I could see my breath and frost on the roofs of the park buildings. Pine Grove is a large park. I walked a good mile before I exited the park grounds and into the woods. As the morning progressed, I slowly peeled off layers of clothing. First my down jacket, then the gloves, the pants, my vest. It turned out to be a gorgeous day. About ten miles into the day, two rock mazes confronted me. Up to now, I've always seen rock mazes as an obstacle to my progress and greeted them with "Oh no".   Today I actually enjoyed the mazes and had fun doing them. After a series of ups and downs I was beginning to feel quite worn out, when the trails last two miles into Boiling Springs led through open farm fields. That was a welcome change of pace.   As I walked into town along the beautiful lake in the town park, school children were happily enjoying themselves. At the end of the lake is the Southern Regional Office of the ATC. I walked up on the porch and dropped my pack, I heard a voice inside shout 'Deacon!'   It was Kathy Perry whom I met yesterday at Pine Grove. She made up goodie bags of oranges, jerky, raisinettes, and other hiker treats, not only for me but also for several other hikers who had gathered at the general store in Pine Grove. She was also good enough to drive me to the Allenberry resort where hikers stay. I was so tired after the 19.1 miles today, I just stayed in my room and feasted on oranges.
Date: 2016-05-17
From: Boiling Springs - Allenberry Resort

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Miles this year = 111.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1135.3Percentage of AT Completed = 51.9%Another rainy cool morning. This weather is taking a toll on my muscles. After the long hard push yesterday I feel like I could stay in bed. It was nice having the TV this morning to see the local weather. Cloudy and cool with rain. It was uneventful slogging the 14 miles to Darlington shelter. This shelter is large with two bunks on each end, with much floor space in between. I arrived about 1:30 already tired out, mainly unrecovered sore leg muscles. It wasn't long before Veggie-guy arrived. He's about my age, and is starting a flip-flop hike out of Harpers Ferry.   He'll hike to Maine, then return to Haroers to start southbound to Georgia. He's a very soft spoken and intelligent person. He was a biochemist before retiring.   We sit at the picnic table discussing equipment. He is taken aback with my 22 pound pack weight and says he's got to drop weight, otherwise his sore knee won't stand up to the daily downhills.   A couple arrive, who also just started a flip flop hike. They have heavy accents and have just recently arrived from Brisbane Australia.   She is taken with the oversized privy aptly named the Taj Mahal. We all sit at the table enjoying each other's company until the evening cool pushes people into their bunks.
Date: 2016-05-18
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon - The Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Miles this year = 122.9Total AT Miles Completed = 1146.3Percentage of AT Completed = 52.4%Yet another drizzly morning. I do feel a little better this morning. This year I changed my rainwear to the Packa. A Packa is a large loose fitting raincoat that doubles as a pack cover. I've given it a lot of use since the start of my hike and so far I like the air flow. Most rain jackets fit so tightly they retain moisture inside and become very hot. This one billows out as I walk for nice ventilation.   It is only eleven miles into Duncannon PA, but the trail is so rocky, every step twists my feet stressing muscles. I descend more than 300 steps down to the road that leads into town. I finally arrive at the Doyle Hotel. The owners Vickie and her husband greet me with are you hiker trash?   I sit for a beer and order a clam basket, with large clams and home cut fries. The food is outstanding.   I sit with another hiker who has two very dark purple eyes and a very large bump on his forehead.   I asked him what happened. As he was descending southbound into the 501 shelter, he misplaced his foot, slipped and face planted into the rocks. I retrieved my resupply box I mailed myself from home, got my room and went upstairs to clean up.   The Doyle is very old, probably around 1821 vintage. No elevators, just a wide creaky staircase. My room is on the third floor, number 21. There is just one single spiral bulb in the middle of the ten foot high ceiling.   There's no AC, no TV, but Windows that open. There is only one bath on the floor, shared with other rooms.   In the bath, I look up and can see the plumbing of the floor above.   The Doyle exists to service hikers coming through town.
Date: 2016-05-19
From: Duncannon - The Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 134.2Total AT Miles Completed = 1157.6Percentage of AT Completed = 52.9%Goodies Restaurant opens at 6:00am and I'm sitting on the bench outside waiting for the owner to unlock the door. I am the first one inside. Veggie-Guy and two others watch from the balcony of the Doyle to see if I get in. We all sit together in a booth. I order the number 3, three pancakes, three eggs, sausage, toast and coffee. The others order similarly. We enjoy conversation until almost 7:30. That's ok, I'm only going 11.3 miles today.   The morning is beautiful. The trail follows quaint little houses along quiet city streets. I start with my long pants and vest, but quickly shed layers as I get further up the mountain, eventually in just tee shirt and shorts.   The trail ascends the mountain right next to a busy highway. The trucks are deafening as they roar by. Eventually the highway noise gives way to the peacefulness of the forest as it winds to the top of the mountain. One of the effects hiking has is it brings to the surface everything that's going on in your life.   I think a lot about our daughter Sarah who lost her life in a car accident on Christmas Day 2014. Feeling and emotions come to the surface, and I find myself sobbing for her loss. I miss her so much. There are seven hikers in Peters Mountain shelter tonight. We enjoy conversation until hiker midnight, about 8:00
Date: 2016-05-20
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 152.2Total AT Miles Completed = 1175.6Percentage of AT Completed = 53.7%This morning I'm on the trail at 5:20am. I love starting in the early twilight. On high mile days, I'll have ten miles done by 10:30. I feel very efficient. I met a southbound gentleman half way to Rausch Gap shelter, and apparently he saw a rattlesnake a mile back, ahead for me. We chit chatted about ourselves then went our ways. I hiked on in a daydreaming mode when out of the corner of my eye I saw the big snake about eight inches from my foot. The snake started rattling his tail just as I saw him. As the snake recoiled I jumped about three feet to my left and landed in my side. The loud rattling continued. This snake was in strike mode. I mounted my camera on my hiking pole and got a good closeup. After the 18 miles to Rausch Gap shelter, the rocks on the trail really take a toll on my legs. I think I'll take an extra ibuprofen tonight.
Date: 2016-05-21
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Miles this year = 169.7Total AT Miles Completed = 1193.1Percentage of AT Completed = 54.5%I took three Advil PM's last night instead of two, and I sleep better than usual. I think I'll do that every night. As soon as I got up this morning it started sprinkling, and soon it turned into an all day rain. That made the 17.5 mile hike over wet rocks that much more difficult. So it was sure a welcome sight to see the 501 shelter.   This place is special.   Totally enclosed, great for a rainy night. The leaders of a Boy Scout troop came in for dinner, and I enjoyed talking and joking with them. Can't say I'm looking forward to 24 miles tomorrow but it will be nice to get into Port Clinton tomorrow, and a zero day on Monday.