morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-08-13
From: RPH Shelter

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting a slow start this morning, but I only plan to do 9 miles. Looks like a 0745 start. The water here is loaded with iron, doesn¢t taste too good, and looks rusty. Made up one bottle as Gatorade to cover the taste. Came to a nice overview of Taconic Parkway with a farm, industrial complex and the Shawangunk Mtns. Got to the Pizza store and Deli on Rt. 52 at 1115. Nice clean water from the faucet on the Deli building. Took a picture of that water compared to the RPH shelter water. Although at the deli, I ate my own food, as I need to shed some weight. I finally saw a buck after 1540 miles, and too pictures.Got to Morgan Stewart Shelter at 1410 where there were 2 girls just leaving. Looks like the water situation will be OK tomorrow, a little involved, but should be reliable. Reading the log is like Deja Vous all over again. I have done 79.8 miles in 8 days, or an average of 10 miles per day. Not as good as the 12 MPD average in VT last year, but it¢s been hotter and water is forcing stops where it is available. I have 69.3 miles to go in the next 6 days. I have heard nothing about water in CN yet.I found a rather destroyed logbook from 2009. There were a few pages torn out and tucked into the book. These pages had entries from Fiddle, Saint, and Aquafresh, so I took pictures of each and will send they to their rightful owner. There was also an entry from Hannah with the tip of the day. Two SOBOs came in and are tenting along with Ripple and Shag. Glad they¢re all tenting as they all smoke.
Date: 2010-08-14
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

This is my last full day in NY! I had the shelter all to myself last night until a guy (Flag) came in, all apologetic about disturbing me, but continued to set up with his headlamp on. This morning when I got up at 0600 he starts talking Middle East war strategy. I didn¢t tell him about my Coke-Bottle idea. On the trail at 0715 and I¢m not 3 miles into today¢s hike at 0845. It¢s another 1.5 miles to Nuclear Lake and my first planned water stop. Reached Telephone Pioneers Shelter at 1145. Read and signed the log, ate a second lunch, and tweeted my location. Looking in the logs for Redman who just completed a NOBO thru. There was trial magic at the road 0.4 miles south of here. Ice Cold water, Pink lemon aid mix and cookies. This blast of sugar was just what I needed to get me up the last hill to the shelter that I reached at 1645. Wandering Jew, Monopoly and his dad are here. Went down the trail and pumped water with the broken pump (needs a new foot valve). I sent a text to Sheryl mistakenly telling her I would be done on Wed. Turns out Wed is the last camp, but I won¢t finish until Thursday afternoon.
Date: 2010-08-15
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Seems to be humid again, with a cloud cover and no wind. A couple of guys came into camp last night at about 0200, made a fire and stayed up until 0300. I got on the trail by 0715 and reached the NY/CN line at 0800, where I tweeted my location. I¢m now part way up Ten Mile Mtn. on my way to Ten Mile Campsite where there is said to be good well water. In addition to he pump at Wiley shelter being broken, the water is about as brown as one would drink. I definitely could have used a filter in this section. At Ten mile River Shelter I fount the great, cold, clear water and also Flag where he spent the night. I texted Sheryl with the pick-up day correction then hiked on the MT. Algo shelter with Flag. We reached the shelter at 1515. Flag is an Aerospace engineer who is unemployed, has some problems and some strong theories. He is planning to hike on. He left about 1630 and it¢s been sprinkling since then. I did an inventory of my remaining food so I could re-supply in Cornwall Bridge tomorrow. Coyote and Hobbit, from ME stopped for the night, with Coyote Who has a GF living in Lexington) pitching his tent inside the shelter. This really upset Shag when he returned from a re-supply trip into Kent.
Date: 2010-08-16
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Cornwall Bridge, CN
Miles today: 11.7

It rained all night, but is stopped now. When I came into the shelter last night there was a small puddle in the brook from which to get water. Now the brook is running nicely. Hobbit was out early as his tent leaked and I got out at 0730, leaving Coyote still in his tent. The climb down Saint Johns ledges was one of the toughest I have seen on the AT. This was followed by 5 miles of flat walk along the river that also turned out to be tough on the legs and feet. Then there was a 550-foot climb over a Mtn. followed by 0.3 miles on a road. Upon reaching Rt. 4 I tried to call the Hitching Post Motel for a ride but had no service. Had to walk 0.4 miles down the road and call from a gas station. I got the ride to the motel and was immediately given a room key and told to come back to the office after I had cleaned up. Either I smelled bad or they know how to treat a hiker (I suspect some of each). Took a shower, registered and paid, gave them my laundry (a $5 charge), and walked down to the General Store. Purchased my re-supply items as well as a 2-foot sub sandwich. The 15 Oz Raisin Bran I bought was $6.79! The sub was on 2 rolls, individually wrapped and will be my supper and lunch tomorrow. Enjoyed some TV and then went to sleep.
Date: 2010-08-17
From: Cornwall Bridge, CN

To: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: broken clouds

I¢m going to take an easy morning, as the humidity is very high now but will reduce as the day goes on. I¢m not in a hurry as I only have 6 miles to hike to Pine Swamp Brook Shelter. I left the motel at 0900, and being unable to secure a ride back to the trailhead, had to walk the 0.9 miles, a lot of it up hill. 30 minutes after starting out, I entered the woods, crossed a stream, and crossed a road. It is still very humid, and after 1 hour of hiking I stopped at an overview and wrung out my shirt. Received a text from Stucco saying she say Tater Chip Yesterday (I think this was in Hanover). At 1430 I reached Pine Swamp Brook Shelter after a hot hike and I¢m glad to be stopped. I will need to put on the ¢skeeter protection soon. When here, Stucco wondered if Scatters would smell like garlic. At the last brook where I got water I saw 2 mouse-like creatures with tails about 3 times their body length. Wonder what these are? Tomorrow¢s hike, 12.8 miles looks fairly easy. Thursday is a 1.2-mile hike with a 1500-foot climb near the end, followed by steep down and then try to find the trail out to the pick-up point.Wandering Jew came into camp and is going on to the hydro plant where there is a shower. Pundit, a NOBO came in and is also going on. There is a 12 person group of freshmen from Bucknell College in for the night, tenting down below the shelter. Pundit and Wandering Jew did leave and I will probably not see them again. I ate Ramon tonight for the first time on the trail (or anywhere else), as I couldn¢t get sides in Cornwall Bridge. Ripple, Shag and another (Pierre) came in late and camped nearby.
Date: 2010-08-18
From: Pine Swamp Brook Shelter

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Getting started at 0730 this morning. I encountered a road walk detour which took me by the Lime Rock Race Track, a church hiker welcome stand, several wonderful pieces of property and a small pond with ducks. I took a break at the church to get water and call Sheryl, and snack. I have no idea how much this road walk adds, but will estimate based on the time it takes to get back to the trail. The road detour was about 3 miles vs. 2.6 miles on the trail so added about 0.4 miles to the hike.I arrived at Limestone Spring Shelter at 1410, and located the spring with nice, cold water, the best in 2 states. There is even a bear box for storing food over night. The sky had completely cleared as I came over the last Mtn., but now had clouded up again. At last check tomorrow was to be a rainy day. I sent my last ¢I¢m in the shelter¢ message out to all. I¢m OK about leaving the trail now as I didn¢t make any close friends on this hike, as there are few NOBOs and you don¢t get to know the SOBOs as they go by. I thought I would have the shelter to myself tonight, but 5 women out for several days have arrived. Four are from VT and one from Canada. I exchanged e-mail addresses in the event I decide to do the Long Trail, as they live close by.
Date: 2010-08-19
From: Limestone Spring Shelter

To: East St. Mt Washington, MA
Miles today: 11.3

I¢m getting out of the shelter at 0710. Everyone seemed to get up at about 0600. I had a good nights sleep thanks to Marge who gave me a cough drop. I don¢t think she wanted to hear me coughing all night. It¢s a fairly easy hike today, except for going over Lyon¢s Head, which gains most of the altitude for Bear Mtn. The climb up Bear Mtn. was mostly on ledges and not steep. The climb down was as advertised, steep. The once small trail out to Mt. Washington is now a wide path and easily found. Took pictures of the tree with the fires blaze I encountered when I started this trek 4 years ago. Arrived at East Street parking lot at 1410 with almost an hour to wait. A new building on the trail out is an AMC cabin that can be rented. Sheryl arrived at 1500 as requested and we began the drive home.
Date: 2011-05-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Prep for my spring 2011 hike of MD, PA, and NJ is about done. Have packed a mail drop for Port Clinton PA where I expect to be on 6/9/11. Have 6 days food in the pack so will be starting with about 43 Lbs. Next Tuesday, 5/24/11, I will start 3 miles north of Harpers Ferry where I ended my spring hike last year. Looks like I may meet Scree Freek around there too!
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Keep Tryst Road

To: Rocky Run Shelter, MD
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: broken clouds

Picked up the trail where I left June 25 of 2010. Tom Frazier took pictures of Sheryl, Maggie and me after driving to Keep Tryst Road, now only a 15-minute drive from Tom¢s house. It was a steep climb up to Weaver Cliffs where there were good views of Harpers Ferry and the Potomac River. After reaching Weaver Cliffs, the hiking was on gentle terrain, then downhill to Ed Garvey shelter where I stopped for a snack. I met Pajamas in this section, and quite surprisingly, again 3 weeks later, on 6/15.It¢s now 1230 and I¢m at Garthland State Park, a memorial to War Correspondents. Have done 7.2 miles in 5 hours or 1.5 mph. I have not seen the number of people I would have expected. There was a couple after Weaver Cliffs, 2 at Ed Garvey shelter, and 2 here at the park when I arrived. It¢s only 0.4 miles to Campton shelter, or I could do 5.5 more to make a 13.1 mile day. That would include a 600 foot up/down as well. So I made it to Rocky Run shelter (the new one) at 1630, completing 9 hours of hiking. There are 5 or more short-section hikers here for the night. Heard the yellow building at the campsite we pass tomorrow is a free shower! Will have to decide if tomorrow will be a 7.8 or 16 mile day. Steady, from Sault Ste Marie, MI is here for the night as is Rising Star. This is a nicely finished shelter, with floors of finished pine boards, walls covered with tongue and grove boards, a covered porch and picnic table. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture, as has been my habit for shelters I stay in.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Rocky Run Shelter, MD

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

I got out of camp at 0725, as the whole shelter slept until 0630. Lots of stuff around the shelter as the high school kids have a tough time keeping their stuff together. In 1 mile I came to the monument to the 17th Michigan Regiment that fought here along with a Mass Regiment during the civil war. Shortly thereafter I came to Dahlgren campground and had a nice shower. Rising Star and Steady are also here for a shower. Stopped at Pine Knob shelter with Steady for a lunch break. Shortly, at noon, we crossed I-70 where we took each other¢s pictures. The day was becoming very humid. Arrived at Annapolis Cliffs at 1345 where there were 15 young people who had just finished a technical climbing exercise. I moved on at 1400.Met a couple who had hiked with MrsJoy last year in VA. I mistakenly informed them that MrsJoy had completed the trail. I have about 4 miles to go, so expect to be hiking until 1800. It is a real humid day and a rocky trail. Made Ensign Cowall shelter at 1745 where the shelter already had 8 people. This was a rather loud group.
Date: 2011-05-26
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter, MD

To: Stealth camp just after Pen-Mar, PA
Miles today: 10.3

Out of camp at 0737. The night wasn¢t bad as the guys quieted down about 2100. Steady and a friend have gone ahead, planning a 21 mile day. This is looking like a HHH weather day. Stopped at Raven Rocks shelter for lunch and water. The water is east about 0.3 miles down hill. Rising Star is also here. Talked to Sheryl but reception was bad. Went to High Rock via the blue blazed trail. Graffiti all over the rock was disgusting. Had a long, slow hike down from High Rock, but made it to Pen-Mar Park around 1500. I got water for the night at the park as I planned to stealth camp somewhere after the park. Found what I thought was a fairly level spot (it wasn¢t) to pitch my tent. Cannot get the tent set up tight. Not happy with this tent.
Date: 2011-05-27
From: Stealth camp just after Pen-Mar, PA

To: Rocky Mtn. Shelter, PA
Miles today: 15.1

Survived 2 thunder and lightning storms last night. I¢m not too wet, but a single wall tent is not a great rain solution. Got out of camp at 0750. Now 0900 and 2.5 miles done.Time for a wildlife report: I have seen 2 small snakes, 1 black racer snake, and had an opossum just walk up to me at a road crossing. Also one young woodchuck.I stopped at Deerlick shelter, planning to dry things out a bit after last night, but the shelter is directly in the path of a spring, so it's wet and buggy. Doesn¢t anyone think of these things?1130 and I¢m at Antietam shelter where there is no log. There is one guy here in his sleeping bag with enough food to last a week, spread all over the shelter. It¢s getting cloudy so I¢ll just snack and move on to the next shelter.1230 and I¢m at Tumbling run shelters, having only done 8.2 miles so far. I have put my tent, sleeping bag, and pad on the clothesline behind the shelter to dry. Plenty of sun so shouldn¢t take long. Plan to stay here as long as the sun is shining. Made Rocky Mtn. Shelter at 1710, where there are 3 guys and a gal. Made the 12 mile trip for water, made supper, and beat the rain. Sharing this shelter with 2 day hikers out for 2 days. They took 2 days to do what I did today.
Date: 2011-05-28
From: Rocky Mtn. Shelter, PA

To: Quarry Gap Shelters, PA
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Seems everyone in camp got up at 0600 this morning, the first time that has happened. I didn¢t get started up the 0.3 mile hill to the AT until 0730. A 2 hour hike over various terrain brought me to Rt. 30 and a 1.5 mile road walk to re-supply in Fayetteville. PA. After leaving the road I was in Caledonia State Park, where I wandered for a half hour trying to find the showers and/or the office. Finally finding the office I got directions to the shower, where I planned a nice long shower. Wrong, as they are like Navy showers where you have to hold the handle on. I still used plenty of water. Now clean, with clean clothes, I feel good. I forgot to get fuel when I re-supplied, but I¢ll be OK until Boiling Springs.At Quarry Gap Shelters, where there are a lot of people passing through and some staying. Downhill just came in, as did Tiger Bomb and Katahdin Kid, who know Phoenix Rising and Willow.
Date: 2011-05-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelters, PA

To: Toms Run Shelters. PA
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Got out today to another HHH weather day. There seem to be a lot of black flies too. So, WOW! I had this woman coming SOBO past me, and I said ¢Good Morning¢. Something made me ask her trail name. So I met MrsJoy, who hiked around me in VA last year with a lot of other ¢10 friends. She even was able to identify the couple I had met several days ago who knew her.At Birch Run shelter for a break and lunch. There is no cell service here, but it is a nice, clean shelter.The trail from Quarry Gap has been good with a few ups and downs, but I¢m able to make good time. Arriving at Toms Run Shelters, I find it¢s quite wet around here. Hope the bugs are not bad. I talked to Sheryl, made supper, and killed some carpenter bees that are turning this shelter into sawdust. There are only 2 other hikers here at 1900. I think the Memorial Day hikers have gone home.
Date: 2011-05-30
From: Toms Run Shelters. PA

To: James Fry Shelter, PA
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I had the shelter to myself last night. There is one hiker in the other shelter (turns out to be Spoon), one tenter, and a couple kids up on the ridge, who were up until 2350 at least. I was out of camp by 0715 and off to Pine Grove. Exchanged picture taking with Spoon at the official halfway point. Got to Pine Grove about 0900 and stopped at the hostel to see the 4 hikers I¢ve been around the past 2 days (FuzzyNavel, Lilly, ?, ?). Stopped at the General Store for sun glasses (none) and bought a banana. I passed on the half-gallon ice cream challenge, as it was only 9AM! The lady from the museum came by and said she was about to open it and to stop by. I did, and spent about a half hour there. The small size was a disappointment, and most of what is there is well known to any AT student. They are working to increase the size, so maybe next time? S&P was going there in a couple weeks to help set up the old Katahdin sign.I left Pine Grove and headed up the ridge on a long, hot 7 mile hike to James Fry shelter. There I called Rob and left a message. This shelter is a bit dirty after this past weekend. Duck Fart, a friend of Miss Janet¢s is also here. Took a picture of the shelter with Duck Fart, Charlie, Fire Fly, and Crank Daddy.
Date: 2011-05-31
From: James Fry Shelter, PA

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 12.9

Got out by 0655, trying to beat the heat into Boiling Springs. So far I¢ve crossed 4 roads but none are labeled so I¢m not sure exactly where I am. I¢m playing leap frog with 3 others from camp last night. Making good time despite the heat. Made several stops for water and was planning a final stop at Alec Kennedy shelter, but I missed it. First time that has happened on the whole trail. Just last night I had said I had never missed a shelter.Got to the ATC at about 1330 and bought fuel and hung out for a while. The log book at the ATC had last year¢s entries and I saw many from good friends. Then it was off to Allenberry, a very cool place. However, I¢m not so happy I have to walk back to town for diner and supplies. Did laundry and talked to Sheryl.I needed a few supplies, so I walked back to the ATC where they let me use a bicycle to go to the supermarket. After, I went to the Tavern and had swordfish and a Sam Adams. I then returned to Allenberry and organized for tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-01
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter, PA
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I got out of the hostel at 0605 in an attempt to beat the heat hiking across the valley. Made it to the ATC Scott Farm Work Center (11 miles) at 1045 after taking a long break just 0.2 miles back to change socks after having to walk through ankle high putrid water from a pasture. It¢s very hot and I just downed 1.5 Qt of water from the nice cool spigot. The ATC guy who let me use the bike last night is here and let me take a few pictures of the very well stocked tool crib in the barn. Made it to Darlington shelter at 1315 for a pace of just about 2 mph, even after the painfully slow climb up to the shelter. Saw several rabbits this morning and took a picture of a large deer print, which was just one of several. The crew has arrived for the night, Fuzzy Navel, Lilly, etc. Shepherd took a zero at Allenberry so we will both be hiking into Duncannon tomorrow.
Date: 2011-06-02
From: Darlington Shelter, PA

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

I¢m hiking into Duncannon and plan to stay at the famous Doyle Hotel today. I will need to plan and re-supply for the next leg of this hike, which is now 1/3 complete. It¢s cool and windy this morning.Reached Cove Mtn. shelter at 1130 and stopped for water and a break. I¢m drinking a lot of water, near 5 Qts. yesterday. At the Doyle I planned supplies to reach Port Clinton where I have a mail drop. Got a free shuttle to the market where I got everything I wanted. I even purchased a card for Sheryl, but the dumb clerk didn¢t put it in the bag.Many hike completion pictures on the wall here at the Doyle, including Klarity and the Canadian Geese. There is also a ¢Maineack sticker (thanks 7D) on the bar. Had a nice steak and baked potato for supper.
Date: 2011-06-03
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn. Shelter, PA
Miles today: 10.2

Decided to eat breakfast in my room at the Doyle to reduce the weight of my pack. I have a lot of food. As I was leaving the Doyle, I saw Charlie who said Shepherd was at the Doyle last night but had just left for the market. I caught up with him just around the corner. We exchanged greetings and some trail talk, took each other¢s pictures and I moved on. It was a long road walk with perigee falcons attacking on the bridge over the river, and a freight train to climb over after waiting for a 129 car train to pass. The climb out of Duncannon was OK as it was early in the day. I met Shepherd once again near the top. Will not see him again as he is doing ¢man week¢ i.e. 30 miles a day. That is going to be tough if the rocks continue as they are. 1030 at Clarks Ferry shelter after a long climb over the rocky ledge with lots of poison ivy. It all slows the walk. Made the footbridge over PA-225 at 1305. Stopped for a break with 2.8 miles to go. Made it to Peters Mtn. Shelter just after 1500. It was a hard hike in the morning, but the last 3 miles were good. The water at this shelter is 298 stone steps down the side of the ridge. Not fun. Charlie, Baldylocks and Josh are here.Saw another black snake today, making 3 in 24 hours (two going into Duncannon). A big group came to the shelter at dusk and stayed up until after midnight, making lots of noise. They were up again at 0500. Sicko weekenders!
Date: 2011-06-04
From: Peters Mtn. Shelter, PA

To: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

Getting out of the shelter at 0730, I was the last of the hikers to leave. Leapfrogging with Baldylocks and Josh. It¢s a nice day but a little more humid than yesterday, with no wind.Got down to Clarks Valley where there were 3 fishermen, fishing (this is how I knew they were fishermen). Unfortunately they were not catching any of the fish I could see in the stream.Made it to Rausch Gap Shelter just after 1600. Near 18 miles in 9 hours! Currently there are 5 of us section hikers here at the shelter. Some leaving to tent and ultimately there were 4 for the night. No cell service here.