morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Compton Gap Parking

To: Front Royal, US 522
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Short hike today to do a nearo in Front Royal,  then a zero tomorrow.  The goal is to let my feet rest a bit since they are still sore from "the boots are now too small incident".Special day today with Fathers Day and my 34th wedding anniversary to my support team/wife.  Had the opportunity to talk with all 3 of my children and of course my wife.  Although I have not been lonely on the trail thanks to the great hikers I meet and see every day, I remain homesick.  There is a difference.The other excitement for the day was trying to trim my ear hair with the scissors on my Swiss Army knife.  I remember years ago my brother making the comment that my dad was starting to look like the Wolf Man due to all his ear hair and out of control eye brows.  Well, I am in that club now.  Even though my ear hair is obscured somewhat by my longer hair and beard, it is still a jungle out there.  The ol' Swiss Army knife was ok, but nothing like my super duper electric trimmer back home.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0

Nice relaxing zero today.  I did my resupply and washing yesterday so today just hung around the hotel.  I did soak my feet several times with an Epsom salt solution,  using the bath tub.  Amazing how much better my feet feel.Later that night, Diciple, Halo and myself went to the AYCE Chinese buffet, then for frozen custard.  I tried my best to gain weight through SNP by eating at the waysides and consuming many milkshakes,  but I only remained neutral....weighed 210 in Waynesboro and 210 in Front Royal.  For the frozen custard, I had the Butterfinger malt and Diciple had the quart canoli flavored custard (pictured).  He tried his best, but could not finish.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Front Royal

To: Signal Knob Parking
Miles today: 16.4

Nice zero in Front Royal, but it is time to get back on the trail.  My goal is to get to Harper's Ferry in 3.5 days, so planning some shorter days to rest my feet a tad more. Got to the Denton shelter and it is Cadillac!  Shelter is nice and clean with a porch plus it has a solar shower and a horseshoe pit.  Ate lunch at the stonewall mile 979.4 and saw Bigfoot who I had met earlier in SNP.  Continued hiking and ran into Diciple at the spring at mile 981.7.  I was surprised to see him since he was trying to get into Harper's Ferry in 3 days to spend more time with his family by taking a zero in there.  We ended up camping at mile 986.1.  The site was nice, but the insects were terrible which made us head to our tents earlier than normal.
Date: 2017-06-21
From: Signal Knob Parking

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

No excitement on hike naked day, no naked sightings (which may have been a good thing).  Disciple was up and out early in order to get to Harper's Ferry in 2 days.  I was out around 7:30 am and the trail started with some gradual up and downs.  Stopped by the Rod Hollow shelter and saw Fancy with others, but they soon headed out.  Big Foot showed up and we both ate lunch at the shelter's picnic table.Started the roller coaster and to be honest I could not really tell the difference between that and other previous sections of the AT.  However, I was breaking the roller coaster up in 2 parts. Hit the 1000 mile mark, right before the shelter.  Got to the camping area near the shelter and set up my tent.  Not many great spots there, but acceptable.  Mountain Goat was there, a section hiker from Germany.  Baby Doc showed up as well, an active duty Navy Corpsman doing a section.  He is also a Scout leader so we shared some stories.
Date: 2017-06-22
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Slept late this morning and did not get out of camp until 8 am.  The roller coaster continues, then got to Bear Den Rocks, with a good view thanks to the nice weather.  Went by the Hostel and it is very nice.  Got a soda ($0.50) and filled up with some water.  Although the upstairs was closed, they were nice enough to stamp my passport.Crossed Route 7 where the roller coaster is still "official", but it is flat in many places.  As I mentioned in yesterday's post, the roller coaster did not appear too special, but maybe that is because I broke it up over 2 days.  There were rocks in many places and twisted my right ankle a bit.  This will be a good lesson for the difficult rocks ahead...pay attention to where I step!Very hot and humid today and timed my water usage so I ran out about a half a mile from the shelter.  Set up my tent, then did the 0.25 steep walk to get water.  I loaded up everything I had so I would not have to make that trip again.  My Sea-To-Summit 1 oz day pack comes in handy for hauling water, handles 4+ liters without an issue.  Nice campsites at the shelter with tent pads, picnic tables, etc.  However, it will be a warm night in the tent!
Date: 2017-06-23
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: broken clouds

Rain last night and still raining this morning.  In hindsight, I should have stayed in the shelter since my tent was soaked.  With my larger, "non-Ultra light" REI Quarter Dome 1, I can load my pack in the tent, but that means I am still packing a wet tent.  Not the end of the world for today, since I will be staying in a hotel in Harper's Ferry and can dry it out.It was very hot last night and dripping sweat in my tent until it finally cooled off around 10 pm or so.  Up and out early so I can do a nearo in town.  The rain stopped while I was hiking, but the rocks were still slippery so I had to take my time.  The trail into town was mostly downhill.  Crossed the bridge over the Shenandoah River, then took the side trail toward the ATC headquarters.  However, went to the post office first to mail some items home, then stopped for lunch.  After that went to the ATC for my picture and to register.  I met Peter Pan there who volunteers 6 weeks every summer.  Turns out he was born in the town where I currently live and currently lives in Columbia, SC.  He is an educator and I was very impressed with him and the other volunteers at the Headquarters.  They were all friendly and helpful.  Took the shuttle to Wal-Mart to resupply (left my pack in the hiker lounge at ATC).  After my shopping trip, made the short walk to the hotel where I did the usual...wash clothes, wash me, etc.  It was still warm today and even though my hike was short, I just did not feel like going out for dinner, so I called for a Pizza delivery which hit the spot!
Date: 2017-06-24
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Dahlgren Camp
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light rain

Had breakfast at the hotel, then headed to "old town" to meet Disciple to continue hiking.  He had taken a zero yesterday to enjoy the historical sites in town with his family.  Crossed the bridge into Maryland and started down the tow path.  The big climb of the day was early, but the weather was much cooler with less humidity.  I watched the weather channel at the hotel which stated the jet steam would give us cool, dry air for the next few days.  You got to love that jet stream.  We ate lunch at Gathland State Park; a very nice area with water, benches, shade trees and rest rooms.  Unfortunately, we don't have time to enjoy a lot of the areas we hike through.  The rest of the hike was very nice...that is to say, easy.  We arrived at the campsite about 5 pm and Disciple's family was there as well since they drove north of the campsite and hiked in to meet him.  I saw Ten at the campsite who I had met the day before at ATC.  She recognized my South Carolina hat and it turns out she went to school in S.C.  She also has a Scouting background so we had some shared experiences.  I am still amazed at the people I meet on this journey.  Disciple's clan decided to hike back out to their car to drive into town for ice cream and invited me along, so I had to go!  I actually had the ice cream before I finished my ramen.Got back to the campsite.  It was a bit noisy since it was crowded with weekend section hikers, but most folks were in the tents by 10 pm.
Date: 2017-06-25
From: Dahlgren Camp

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Disciple and I were up and out by 7:30 am.  The hike today had more up and downs plus it was a bit longer.  Nice view at the Washington Monument along with a lot of history.  As I read the description it noted that it was used by the Union forces during the Civil War as a signal tower.  You can also see the Antietam Battlefield in the distance from the monument.  As I looked out from the top toward the battlefield, I could only imagine what the view was like on September 17, 1862 with the smoke and noise.Along with more up/down areas, there were also more rocks today.  Disciple keeps reminding me this is practice for Pennsylvania and I believe he is right.  I am learning and adjusting to walking on different types of rocks: big, small and a mixture.  Time will tell if this helps.  The weather was very nice today and cool in the shade with low humidity.  We arrived at the shelter, but used the camping area which also had tent pads, tables and benches we have seen at other shelters.  We brought water up with us from Little Antietam Creek since the water supply was not convenient at the shelter.  Was much cooler when the sun started to set and had to pull out my long sleeve shirt.  Life is good thanks to the jet stream!  Good sleeping weather tonight.
Date: 2017-06-26
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: PA 16 Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Nice and cool this morning for our hike out.  Disciple's daughter is hiking with us to PA 16 where his wife Halo will meet us.  The "Pennsylvania Practice" was in full effect as we had more boulder field like areas to go through.  We arrived at the Pen Mar Park and took advantage of the benches, shade and water fountain to stop for a break.  We crossed the Mason-Dixon line shortly after resuming our hike.  Of course this was a great photo op.We had a brief, but challenging climb as a "Welcome to Pennsylvania " moment.  We soon met up with Halo and she took us in to Waynesboro to eat at the AYCE buffet.  I stayed in town ay the  Cobblestone motel while Disciple went back to the trailhead to get more miles.  Our plan is to meet back at Pine Grove Furnace State Park on Wednesday,  June 28.  After washing clothes and showering,  headed to Wal-Mart to resupply.  Had an early dinner, then back to the hotel to pack up in order to head back to the trail early tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-27
From: PA 16 Waynesboro, PA

To: Quarry Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

Had breakfast at the hotel and Officer Schmidt, a day hiker with the local police department, helped me get to the trailhead.Made good time in the morning since the trail was easy and the weather nice and cool.  Took a break at Chimney Rocks then continued hiking.  Met 2 trail angels going southbound, Mattman (trail name) and John from Lancaster, PA.  They were out giving hikers bottles of water and snacks.  I took them up on their offer and got 1 liter.  It came in handy and saved me a long walk at the next shelter.  Mattman is also do a trailjournals.com blog so we have that in common.  We had a nice talk, then they continued south doing good deeds.Stopped for lunch around PA 233 and met a Ranger from Caledonia State Park and told me the park's snack bar was very easy to get to from the trail....so I stopped there for a burger and soda.  More trail magic with Mike from NYC handing out drinks and chips.  Got to shelter....it is very nice...and set up my tent on a wooden platform.  It will be cool tonight,  so good sleeping weather.
Date: 2017-06-28
From: Quarry Gap Shelter 

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Typical start if the day, out about 7:30 am, some up, some down, some rocks.  However there were some really nice stretches that made for easy hiking.Ate an early lunch at Birch Run Shelter.  My strategy today centers around ice cream, specifically the half gallon challenge at the state park.  Therefore, an early lunch on the trail, an early dinner at the state park, then ice cream around 5:30 pm.  Hit the midway point at mile 1094.9...Yipee.  I also hit the 1100 mile mark, but that was a bit anticlimactic.  Got to Pine Grove Furnace State Park around 2:30 pm and had a burger and fries for my early supper.  Both were very good with the fries being hand cut.  Also the small fry order is huge.  Went by office to reserve a tent site, then visited the AT museum which was very interesting.  After setting up camp, took a shower and when I got back to my site, Disciple and Halo were there.  We headed back to the store where we successfully completed the challenge!  There were many other thru hikers doing it as well and a few that opted out.  Really felt OK after the challenge.  Disciple even ate a few chicken strips once he was finished.
Date: 2017-06-29
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs 
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: broken clouds

Disciple said good bye to Halo (wife) and his family this morning as they headed home.  Halo has been a great Trail Angel and I hope to see her soon as she plans to head back out in a few weeks.  In the meantime, she will still be active updating Diciple's youtube channel,  Not by Sight. Nice trail starting put with a manageable climb early.  About 8 miles in we took advantage of Green Mountain General Store and Deli being close by and stopped in for lunch.  Great food and Hiker friendly.  Other hikers were there as well including Foreman.Started the Rock Maze and actually met a NOBO section hiker going SOBO.  She asked if we were SOBO, but had to tell her the opposite; she had gotten turned around in the maze.  The 3 of us got our bearings and successfully got out going north bound.  Disciple and I intended to stay at the Alec Kennedy shelter/campsite, but decided to hike on to Boiling Springs.  Got there about 6 pm and set up at the campsite.  After dinner, we headed to town to get water from the spigot at the outfitter, then by the convenience store for chocolate milk and cold Gatorades.  Back to camp where it was still a tad warm, but starting to cool a bit.  The fireflies were putting on a great show in the field nearby.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-06-30
From: Boiling Springs 

To: US 11, Carlisle 
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: moderate rain

Out a little late this morning so we could stop by the ATC regional office in Boiling Springs.  Hike today was really flat with very few, very slight ups and downs.  It was hot and humid early, so that was a bit of a challenge.  There were some sections in fields without shade that added some discomfort. Got to US 11and headed to Middlesex Dinner for lunch; good food and portions.  Checked in to the Days Inn next door.  I will be taking a zero tomorrow since my grandparents lived in Carlisle and I plan to experience the area where I visited as a youth.  Although my dad did not grow up here,  he went to Dickinson College after WWII since his parents moved here when he was overseas. Met Gucci Girl and Grumpy,  2 Trail Angels who are also following Disciple's youtube channel,  Not by Sight.  Super nice folks who were at Pine Grove Furnace State Park yesterday doing trail magic.  They wanted to meet Disciple and were kind enough to treat both of us to a very nice meal.  They are planning a thru hike next year, so I hope to return the favor down south.  They already have a youtube channel as well under "Gucci Girl and Grumpy". Afterwards,  they took us back to the hotel...but we did stop by Middlesex Dinner again for pie.
Date: 2017-07-01
From: US 11, Carlisle 

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Taking a zero today and renting a car so I can spend time around downtown Carlisle to visit places from my youth.  First, Disciple and I took advantage of having wheels by driving toward Mechanicsburg to visit Wal-Mart to resupply and Dicks Sporting Goods to get new clothing.  I needed new hiking shorts since my others were now too big and Disciple needed a new shirt.Dropped Disciple off at hotel and I headed to Carlisle to visit Post Office to mail some items home.  I then had lunch at The Hamilton where I visited in the old days.  My grandparents moved here during WWII, so my father went to Dickinson College under the GI Bill when he returned from overseas.  It is a nice campus and close to town.  I then went by my grandparents former home and knocked on the door hoping to meet the owners, but unfortunately,  no one was home.  It still brought back many memories to walk around the house and town.  It was always neat to visit here as a kid since they lived in an actual town where you could walk to stores, movies,  restaurants,  etc.  I grew up in either sub-divisions or in the country, so never got to experience that feeling.Turned in the car after hours, so no one to drive me back to hotel,  then took my first Uber ride where I ordered rhe car.  Heather arrived quickly and it was a pleasant ride back.  She told me she picks up hikers often.  Disciple and I ate at the Middlesex Dinner (great place).  Ready to get back on trail tomorrow.
Date: 2017-07-02
From: US 11, Carlisle 

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: light rain

Trail Angel Iceman has been following Disciple's youtube channel, Not by Sight,  and my trailjournals.com blog a bit and had offered to slackpack us in this part of Pennsylvania.  Today he met us in the hotel and grabbed our non-essential items to take to Duncannon.  He even drove us to the trailhead. Trail today started typical of the last couple of days...flat and mostly rock free.  After 6 miles or so, the climbing and rocks started back, although the rocks were similar to what we saw in Virginia.  At PA 850, 2016 thru hikers Kidd, Gnome,  Wheels, Pickles and Bullseye were doing trail magic of burgers,  dogs, fries (hand cut!), snacks and drinks.  I actually met Gnome and Wheels when they were doing trail magic in NC near Max Patch.  They put out a fantastic spread!We continued hiking about an hour later where we made a big climb of the day.  After that, it was ridge running or downhill until the road to Duncannon where we were hiking with fellow thru  hikers Shammy and Huggy Bear.  There is one good view of Duncannon from the ridge.  Iceman and his wife Barb met us at the road with cold drinks and said they would meet us at the campground past town.  Disciple and I made the long road walk through town.  Iceman was there and we set up our tents...$5 per person with access to the shower house.  After that, they took us back to town to the pizza place.  While the pizza was cooking, I went to the quick mart to resupply.  Their prices were high, but it was extremely convenient.  Peregrine and his dad (PP) were there as well, so ate with them. Afterwards, PP took Disciple and I back to camp, while Peregrine got the miles done.  Life is good.
Date: 2017-07-03
From: Duncannon

To: PA 325, Mile 1164.9
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: few clouds

Iceman is slackpacking Disciple and I again today and arrived at the campsite promptly to gather our non essential gear.  Slept well last night and only remember the train waking me up once.  Crossing the Susquehanna is a little surreal as you walk along the busy bridge with cars and trucks flying along.The climb up the ridge was not too bad since it was nice to get it knocked out before it got too hot.  There are a couple of views along the way.  The rocks are returning and it was slow going for a while.Iceman left Trail Magic of cold drinks and snacks at PA 225 and several hikers took advantage including Disciple and myself.  The rest of the day was typical for ridge running,  slight ups and downs with the occasional view.  There was a 50% chance of thunderstorms,  but none for us today.Got to PA 325 and Iceman and his wife Barb were doing Trail Magic of burgers, dogs, cake and cold drinks for all hikers.  Eventually a good group was there and it turned out to be a great social event.  Met Sandals, a fellow South Carolinians from Beaufort,  SC.  Set up my tent hoping the temperature will drop a few more degrees since it is still muggy.  However, life remains good and I am thankful for this great opportunity.
Date: 2017-07-04
From: PA 325, Mile 1164.9

To: PA 72, Mile 1180.9
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Up and out fairly early this morning.  Mick, who is supporting Cool Breeze on his thru hike, took our non essential gear to meet up with Iceman later in the day.  We are slackpacking for the 3rd straight day thanks to Iceman.A gradual climb early this morning,  some sections of rocks, but overall a nice day on the trail.  Not a lot of overviews today since the green tunnel is here.  We ran into Shammy and Huggy Bear at Rausch Creek, but they soon hiked onward.  Disciple and I ate lunch by the creek, then Bonafide showed up.  Bonafide's dog is back with his parents since the heat was getting to the canine (and to this Cur Dog as well).  Nice climb out from the creek, but we were soon at the road where Iceman had more Trail Magic.  Brooklyn and Bonafide were there, but soon hiked out.  We went the short distance to the campsite where Iceman met us with the rest of our gear.  We had camp set up by 4:30 pm, so took advantage of the time to repair my gaiters and cook dinner.  Short day again tomorrow since I am setting up for a nearo in Hamburg on Friday,  my 60th birthday.
Date: 2017-07-05
From: PA 72, Mile 1180.9

To: Hertline Campsite 
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: light rain

Good night sleep and ready to hike at 7:15 am.  Disciple and I crossed the Iron Bridge then went under Interstate 81.  Once again our big climb of the day was early,  but it was so humid that I still was dripping sweat half way up.  Got on top of the ridge and there were the famous Pennsylvania rocks for a while, but the last part of the ridge going into PA 645 was a very nice trail.  Along the way we hit the point where we have less than 1000 miles to go.  This meant a lot and I will now start counting down the miles.We met Iceman once again, this time at PA 645, and he took us in to Pine Grove where we ate lunch at Arbys and did a resupply.  Since our goal was to be in Hamburg on Friday, we did not need a lot.  We were planning to stay at the 501 shelter, but we made good time in the morning and decided to push on to the Hertline Campsite.  Then Iceman volunteered to pack us in dinner to the campground!  I remained amazed at the Trail Angels like Iceman, Gucci Girl,  Grumpy and the rest.  Starting this journey, I was not sure what the purpose was suppose to be other than hiking, etc.  Things are starting to become clear to me now and I will comment later. Tripp Clark who contributes to AWOL's guide, had given me a heads up that the rocks start in earnest after the 501 shelter.  The rocks were constant, with fewer places to put it into overdrive, but the "training " the last 500 miles has honed my technique for handling the different types of rocks.  However, the ol' feet were ready for a rest when we rolled into camp.Iceman was at camp when we arrived.  He had hiked in SOBO about 3 miles to bring Disciple and me an Italian sub, chips, soda, Gatorade and banana.  Our stomachs were full tonight.  He had an extra Dr Pepper to give to Bonafide who was at the pond swimming.I feel blessed and life is good.