morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-01
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Rocks Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Today Lucky Charms and I passed the 1000 mile mark on the AT. The "ceremonial" mid-point is 20 miles away in Harpers Ferry, but we still have a week or so to reach the 1100 mile mathematical half way point. Today we did the first 9.5 miles of the "rollercoaster", which is 11 climbs and descents over 13.5 miles. It is not the most difficult stretch, but it wears on you. We are in early at Bears Den Hostel to celebrate with Pizza and Ice Cream. We should be at Harpers Ferry on Wed morning to get our NOBO number and grab a bite to eat. Tonight we will relax and not worry about the forcasted rain. We are inside and comfortable. I saw my first "watch out" snake on the trail today. We were coming down one of the "bumps" on the roller coaster and I saw a 3 ft. Timber Rattler laying out in the trail. We were 10 feet away and worked around him without any issues. He never rattled and didn't seemed too upset as we decided that section of trail belonged to him today. I want to thank my wife for the great support she has given me over the last 70 days. I would not be here without the maildrops and the great job she is doing taking care of things back home. Not many on the trail have the level of home help that I am getting from her. Thanks, Michelle.
Date: 2017-05-02
From: Bears Den Rocks Hostel

To: Campsite at 1019
Miles today: 16.0

Tuesday was a pretty easy day. We finished the last 4 miles of the roller coaster and found the rest of the day's trail to be accomodating. We took a short side trip in the afternoon after passing into WV and got some pizza. I tented about 4 miles outside Harpers Ferry. Tented with a couple section hikers.
Date: 2017-05-03
From: Campsite at 1019

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday was a big day. We were in HF by 815, but spent almost an hour finding breakfast. After that I went to the ATC office to get a maildrop and register as a NOBO at the halfway point. I was number 100 for 2017.From there, LC and I hightailed for a lunch date 11 miles away in MD with the greatest trail angel, Vicki. She had an unbelievable lunch for the two of us and sent us down the trail with all the leftovers.  I can't say enough about her kindness and generosity. I will post some lunch pics later.
Date: 2017-05-04
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

I visited the original Washington Monument in MD, which the AT goes right by. It was built in the early 1800's by the locals. I ended up doing 20 miles on the day. We knew heavy rains were on the way, so we hiked hard and fast in the afternoon. We beat the rain to Raven Rock Shelter, which is a large and impressive shelter. The president of the PATC hiking club was actually camping there with us. The rains came about dark and dumped about 2 inches of rainI also took my 6th fall, which was headfirst and cut up my face superficially.  I will survive.
Date: 2017-05-05
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Cascade, MD
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: light rain

Friday was another big, and awesome day. We crossed from MD (another state down) and into PA. That also means we crossed the Mason Dixon line. Reminds me of my late father, who grew up in SC and said he was 21, before he knew "Damn Yankee" was two words. Well, as you will find out, another dose of trail magic in Maryland will put that thought to bed. Lucky Charms met Greg in Damascus earlier this year and Greg invited him to his home in Cascade, MD when, and if we got that far. Well, we did. Greg's wife Ronah picked us up and the feast began. Chicken, burgers, asparagus, beans, chips, cookies and few cold beverages and it was one heck of a night. We even showered and laundered our clothes.As for the trail, we only did 5 miles, but the heavy rains the night before had all of the creeks and streams over their banks and the trail was absolutely a river. It rained off and on, but the damage was already done.
Date: 2017-05-06
From: Cascade, MD

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: moderate rain

We didn't get back on the trail until about 11, and decided a short day to the Quarry Gap Shelter was the right call. We started in a steady rain, but it turned into just a drizzle and then just clouds. The trail was still wet and I wore my rain gear all day, as it was also quite chilly. We sheltered with Yogi, some section hikers and Butterfeet, who we had not seen since Waynesboro, VA. It is always tough to leave a nice environment and get back on the trail, but as we say, "it ain't going to walk itself".
Date: 2017-05-07
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace 
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

I have added some text and pictures to entries of this week as far back as Tuesday.Today started out with drizzle, but pretty easy trail the entire way here. We passed the halfway point of our trip (see photo). It feels good, but there is a lot of miles left and lots of work. No one is celebrating at this time. Lucky Charms successfully completed the half gallon challenge when he arrived here, which is a traditional AT thru hiker effort to eat a half gallon of ice cream at the local general store in half an hour. Not only is it an eating feat, but the temp was about 50 degrees and he was freezing as he was eating it outside. I had a cheeseburger and two scoops. We are staying at the historic Pine Grove Furnace Mansion Hostel. It was built in the 1820's and served as part of the underground railroad before the civil war. It is getting very cold the next two nights and we are glad to at least be inside tonight. Night time lows in the 30's. I only have a 40 degree bag.
Date: 2017-05-08
From: Pine Grove Furnace 

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: clear sky

The Ironmasters Hostel was a good stay. They fed us breakfast and out we went into the 35 degree sunny weather. There was a gap of 17 miles between the second and third shelter,  so we either camped next to a busy railroad track, or push for a 27 mile day and split a motel in Carlisle. PA. The terrain was pretty flat, but I just received about 6 pounds of new food along with a new pair of hiking shoes. Not a good formula for my record day, but hiking the AT is about pushing yourself, and that is what we did. We had several miles of trail inside farm fields and I included a great scene of a yellow meadow. My feet are aching and I need some recovery time. We hiked almost 12 hours today, so it is time to get some sleep.
Date: 2017-05-09
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

We left the motel in Carlisle and hit the trail around 830. It sure was nice sleeping in a real bed after such a long day.  We got into Duncannon, and the broad Susquehanna River, about 4pm and stopped in the iconic Doyle Hotel for an early dinner. It is a must stop for hikers, but the once majestic hotel is sadly in disrepair. We hiked a very rocky and challenging 4 miles after we ate and sheltered at the Clarks Ferry Shelter with Yogi and Chickadee.
Date: 2017-05-10
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Lucky Charms was planning to take a few days away from the trail starting with Thursday, but today he needed a later start to let his feet mend. I took off on my own and headed two shelters out. I spent the morning hiking with Yogi, a recent GWU grad in Computer Engineering. It was good conversation. I pulled into Rausch Gap Shelter about 530. There were 7 of us in the 6 person shelter, but there was plenty of room.
Date: 2017-05-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Thursday was to be cloudy, but dry. That proved not to be the case from about 1030 on. The rain was never hard, but constant. The trail was rocky in spots, but still allowed me to finish the 17 miles by 3pm. I stopped at the 501 Shelter, which is enclosed and has a door. It also has a pretty good mouse population. Lazarrus, a January NOBO, was also there for the night.
Date: 2017-05-12
From: 501 Shelter

To: Rock 'n Sole Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I only did 10 miles into the Rock 'n Sole Hostel. I was ready to clean up and relax. The weather was cloudy, but dry. The trail had a few boulder piles, but I was still able to finish by 1130 am.Craig and Jody do a nice job taking care of hikers, with dinner and breakfast provided. There were 5 flip floppers in the bunkhouse at Rock 'n Sole.
Date: 2017-05-13
From: Rock 'n Sole Hostel

To: Rock 'n Sole Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

After 118 miles in the first 6 days this week, I decided I had earned a zero. The decision was made easy when the weather forecast called for rain all day. The infamous rocks of PA will get increasingly worse in the next 90 miles and I don't want to deal with them when wet and slippery. It has been almost 3 weeks since my last zero before entering the Shenandoahs.My day will consist of relaxing in the bunkhouse and eating junk food. Sounds like a millennial.
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Rock 'n Sole Hostel

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I left the hostel about 730 and had a few showers to contend with but it turned sunny by mid day.  I had a good stay, but was ready to move on. There were some rocks to deal with, but they still allowed me to get 20 miles in. I stayed in a shelter with some flippers who had a one year old Airedale puppy with them . The dog was out of control. Another sad example of irresponsible pet owners on the trail. I am hoping to get out of PA by Friday morning. The rock situation will dictate my success.
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Allentown Shelter 

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

The plan was to do 15 miles and stay at the shelter just before Palmerton.  The rocks keep getting more frustrating for me, as I must slow down to avoid falling.When we arrived at the shelter around 230 there was a man passed out in the back corner sleeping, he came to a couple of times and appeared to be high on something.  There were over 6 people wanting to stay in that shelter, but not in that sketchy situation. We ended up in the garage behind Bert's Hostel in Palmerton for the night. Got a shower and a hot meal, but spent unplanned money. It is getting very hot, hitting 90 degrees.The picture shows ridgetop where the trail makes you straddle the sharp rocks and hope you don't slip. Slow and tedious work.
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Palmerton, PA

To: LeRoy Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

With temps forecasted for the 90's and a rock scramble 1000 ft elevation climb to start the day, we were all ready to get an early start, but the shuttle didn't run until 745.The climb out of Lehigh Gap is steep and involves a lot of climbing with your hands. It also includes some sketchy exposures, not my favorite. It was challenging, but fun. The rest of the day was brutally hot. Rocks and heat are a lousy combination. Oh, did I mention water was not to be found?I sheltered with Mad Tom and Pambi again. About dark, a young guy shows up with a small day pack and some beer. After our experience the previous day, we were not looking for more sketchy shelter mates. He was going to stay and as he headed to get water, he heard a rattle just beyond the fire pit. With his flashlight he saw a 4 ft timber rattler. That thing was huge and only about 20 ft from the shelter opening. He ended up coaxing the snake away from our area and I tried to get some sleep.  About midnight I hear a whining noise like a cat and then gnawing on the shelter steps about 3 ft from our heads.  A porcupine.  We ran it off three more times throughout the night. I did not get much sleep, knowing I had a tough and rocky 20 mile day ahead.  Oh yea, I didn't take my usual bathroom break at 1am. No way I was walking around in the dark after seeing that big rattler.
Date: 2017-05-18
From: LeRoy Smith Shelter 

To: Delaware Water Gap. PA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up early and was hiking by 530, a record for me. It's hot again, but with the early start, I had 14 miles in by noon. The rocks came and went. I must confess  that I cannot wait to get out of PA. Between the rocks and the sketchy shelters, I am looking forward to NJ.I got into the Church of the Mountain Hostel in DWG by 230. The church had a free hiker feed at 6pm and I can't say enough good things about those folks. Thanks.I also saw my first black bear this morning. He came down a tree and took off.
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Delaware Water Gap. PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

I had some cool weather gear to send home, so I had to wait around for the DWG post office to open. I was moving by 9am  which was plenty of time for the planned 11 miles. The trail took us across the Delaware River,  about 4 ft from the right lane of I-80.The trail moved into the woods eventually and passed Sunfish Pond. I am excited to be in NJ and hope to move into NY by Tuesday.I am staying at the Mohican Outdoor Center tonight in a cabin with 5 others from last night's hostel.
Date: 2017-05-20
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter - tenting 
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We were out by 530, yep 530. The temps were in the high 40's and we had miles to get. There are still rocks in NJ, but there are also stretches of smoother trail. The views were diverse and it was really an enjoyable day.After some of my recent shelter experiences, I decided to sleep in my tent tonight.We did slip down a road crossing to grab a cheeseburger and cold beverage at a nearby bar in the afternoon.
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Gren Anderson Shelter - tenting 

To: Jim Murray Cabin
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: moderate rain

I was out by 6 this morning, in some perfect hiking weather, temps in the low 60's and some sun. We passed by the highest point in the state. We saw many groups of locals out for overnighters going the other way.We received free sodas from the staff at High Point State Park for being thru hikers.We are staying in a private cabin that Jim Murray has opened for long distance hikers for 20 years. He is closing it on June 1 this year. I was able to thank him in person this evening for his generosity. The weather forecast is for rain tonight and all day tomorrow.  Not excited about that.
Date: 2017-05-22
From: Jim Murray Cabin

To: Wawayanda Shelter 
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was out by 6, but made a quick side trip to Uniondale, NY to get some breakfast and a sub sandwich for later.The trail went around a large widlife preserve and later through a swamp. Lots of walking on boards today over mucky water. There was also a big climb up what is called the Stairway to Heaven.The forecast was for rain all day, but it didn't begin until after lunch.  I much prefer dry rock hopping over the wetter version.The pic is of the two resident mules at the Jim Murray Cabin - Jake and Jake.
Date: 2017-05-23
From: Wawayanda Shelter 

To: Tuxedo Motel in Southfields. NY
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was hiking by 530 this morning. We had 22 miles to get over some very challenging terrain.  We entered NY by 7am and left NJ which was a good 70 miles.NY did not play around, as we had rock hops, rock scrambles and even some vertical climbs with the aid of Rebar hand holds. The rocks were still slick from last night's rain. Several of us had spills that could have been big problems, but all are ok. There were very few easy miles today.I hiked with Wiz all day. We jumped off around 1030 and grabbed a couple hot dogs with Mad Tom and Pambi.We didn't finish until about 530 and then had to walk 2 miles to our hotel. We are not good hitchhikers. We are staying in the Tuxedo, which is old school, but a great value. Looking forward to a restful night in a real bed.I saw second black bear of the trip while hitchhiking. Go figure.
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Tuxedo Motel in Southfields. NY

To: West Mtn Shelter 
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We split a taxi from the hotel and started a short day about 9am. The trail was not as tough as the previous day, but still had lots of ups and downs.We began to get views of the Hudson River and the NYC skyline. The city was about 30 miles away.We ended the day at a shelter perched on the rocks high above a bend of the Hudson. We saw sailboats on the water as the wind picked up. When it turned dark the NYC skyline lit up. The shelter was full and tented were around.We passed through the Lemon Squeezer, a tight rock formation too narrow for a backpack.
Date: 2017-05-25
From: West Mtn Shelter 

To: Graymoor Pavillion 
Miles today: 13.0

We started out around 6am in a light rain that didn't stop all day. We went over Bear Mtn and followed the trail through a zoo. We then jumped off the trail just before the Bear Mtn Bridge that crosses the Hudson.I went into Ft Montgomery with Wiz to get a package. I got a haircut and lunch while in town. Then we hitched a ride back to the bridge and hiked the 7 miles to the Pavillion at Graymoor. We got a ride with a 1980 West Point grad who was in for his sons graduation this weekend.Not fun hiking in the constant rain all day.I ended up sleeping on the top of the picnic table.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Graymoor Pavillion 

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

It rained virtually all night, so we got a slow start getting back in it this morning. We had many ups and downs, but mostly reasonable trail. The rain stopped about 9am and we are getting a chance to dry out.We are staying at RPH Shelter, which can have pizza delivery. That will happen.
Date: 2017-05-27
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

The RPH Shelter is great. We left around 630 and took a short break at the 5 mile trailhead to get some drinks and sandwiches at a deli. The trail was pretty tame, including our trip around Nuclear Lake. We arrived at this shelter by 3pm. Mad Tom, Pambi, Wiz and Penguin were there.For the week, I did 121 miles which I am very satisfied with. I expect to be through Conn and into Mass by Thursday. The progress is exciting, but I still have about 750 miles to go.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt Algo Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

The area around the shelter Saturday night was very crowded with holiday campers and a bunch of very well behaved boy scouts from Troop 1 in NJ. We received some trail magic fruit right before we entered CT. It hit the spot. Along with finishing NY, I reached the two thirds point from Springer to Katahdin.The trail was pretty favorable until the final 7 miles, which were rocky and continually up and down.Wiz and I slipped into another deli for lunch. It breaks up the day and allows me to carry less food.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Mt Algo Shelter

To: Bearded Woods Hostel
Miles today: 16.0

Before I left the shelter, I said goodbye to Mad Tom and Pambi, who I have hiked with for over two weeks. They are finishing the final sections of the AT. Good people and very good hikers. I will miss them.The rain began about 730 and lasted longer than I did. I did get a nice multi mile flat stretch of trail along the Housatonic River.Wiz could not go today after a painful fall yesterday. He will be back on the trail tomorrow. I am staying at the Bearded Woods Hostel tonight. Shower, clean clothes and home cooking are welcome.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Bearded Woods Hostel

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was my first slack pack of the trip. Hudson, who runs the hostel, took a group of us to the trailhead where he picked us up yesterday. We then hiked the 17 miles to Salisbury with day packs, where he picked us up and brought us back to the hostel. Tomorrow morning he will take us back to Salisbury with full gear.The trail was very nice and we got a good view of the Limerock racetrack from the ridge. I am at the hostel again tonight. Hudson and Big Lou really have a nice operation and I highly recommend it. The food has been great and the accommodations are super. You need to make reservations, no walkups.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Grt Barrington, MA
Miles today: 20.0

Hudson, from the hostel,  made a special run for Wiz and I, so we were hiking by 6am. Can't say enough good things about Bearded Woods Hostel. We had been warned today would be tough with climbs of Bear Mtn, Mt Race, Mt Everett and a tough climb down these and Mt Bushnell. The rocks were still slick from two days of rain, so along with some "throw down the poles" and pull yourself up with your hands climbs, there were a few butt slides down the rocks where no hand or footholds existed. There is no graceful way for a 58 year old guy to slide 6 feet on his rear.We also hiked through Sages Ravine, which looks like a rain forest tucked between two ridges.It was a tough 20 miles, but we are splitting a room in Great Barrington. MA. Yes, into yet another state. I had a resupply to pick up and a hot meal was calling. I am holding at 31 pounds lost so far on my hike.A couple milestones passed - 1500 miles completed, 101 days on the trail and 10 states down.
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Grt Barrington, MA

To: Mt Wilcox South Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wiz and I were treated to some great trail magic from Kevin, a Grt Barrington resident, hiker and trail journals reader. He made sure we had everything we needed and shuttled us back to the trail Thursday morning. Kevin rocks.It was a sunny day and the trail was pretty good to us. We got a good view of the Taconic Mtns we had gone over the previous day. They were tougher than they look.We stayed at the Mt Wilcox South Shelter and enjoyed the company again of Mad Tom and Pambi.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Mt Wilcox South Shelter

To: Upper Goose Pond Cabin
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

We had a pleasant 16 mile day going to the Upper Goose Pond Cabin. It is a large cabin on the shore of the pond. It can easily accommodate 15 hikers with bunks. It is fully enclosed with a fireplace and a caretaker, who made us chocolate chip pancakes in the morning.
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Upper Goose Pond Cabin

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

Wiz, Freight Train and I decided we would go 21 miles into Dalton to get some town food. We made arrangements with a long time trail angel, Tom Leverdi, to stay outside at his house. The trail was not too tough and Wiz and I, made a stop at The Cookie Lady's House for free cookies and some soda along the way. Tom Leverdi is great. We slept on his porch and he took Wiz to the neighboring town for an errand.  Tom made us breakfast and told us some of the best AT stories we have ever heard.  I can't say enough good things about him. It was a great stay.
Date: 2017-06-04
From: Dalton, MA

To: Bascom Lodge on Mt. Greylock
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: broken clouds

The three of us left Dalton about 730. We had good conversation which made the 2000+ ft climb up Mt Greylock seem a little easier. It is the highest point in Massachusetts. The rain is on the way, but we got here just as it began.We are staying on top of the Mountain in the lodge and splurged on their gourmet dinner.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Bascom Lodge on Mt. Greylock

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The three of us left the Bascom Lodge around 630 for a big day, 24 miles. Guess what, the forecast was for rain again. It actually held off until about 330, but it was foggy and overcast all day. No views.Two big milestones achieved today. I passed the 1600 mile mark and have less than 600 miles left. We also left MA and entered Vermont. I had never been in VT before. From a hiker standpoint, VT is already living up to its reputation as being muddy. It was a quagmire today.Wiz, Freight Train and I are in a cheap motel in Bennington tonight as the rain continues to come down.