morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-24
From: Little Dogwood Run Campsite 

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ugh, it rained last night so I had to pack up a wet tent and ground cloth. Wished Honey Stick the best, since her destination is further along the trail, though I have a feeling we might see each other again. The weather was perfect and the trail passed into the Cumberland Valley, passing through beautiful farmland with great big old farmhouses and barns. I should have been enjoying this but for some reason wasn't feeling it today. I was tired from not sleeping well and my feet really hurt today. I quickly reached Boiling Springs and a small park where I lay out my tent and tarp to dry. While they were drying I sat on a park bench and watched a fly fisherman pull out one trout after another. It was catch and release, so maybe it was the same fish but it kept me entertained. Boiling Springs was very quaint and I could have lingered but I wanted to get 8 miles down the trail to Carlisle where I had a motel reservation and a resupply box waiting. I stopped  3 miles shy of my destination to soak my feet in a cold stream and that gave me the impetus to carry on. Awesome food was enjoyed at the Middlesex Diner across the street and I'm considering taking a zero day (day of no hiking) tomorrow since it is supposed to rain and to rest my feet.
Date: 2017-05-25
To: Carlisle 
Miles today: 0.0

It was great to have a day of rest. I did laundry, washing all my clothes while wearing my rain suit, a typical hiker strategy. Unfortunately, the dryers were out of service and I had to use my food hanging rope to fashion a clothes line across the motel room. Most of my clothes are quick drying, except my 2 shirts and socks which are merino wool. I finally figured out to drape them over the lamps to speed up the process. Everything was dry enough for me to be able to run across the street to the diner for a salad to go. Later in the evening it sounded like some Indian fellas were doing some car repair right outside my room. I'll be glad to get back in the woods tomorrow.
Date: 2017-05-26
From: Carlisle, PA

To: Cove Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Went over to the diner across the street for breakfast before heading back to the trail. This was a busy area with lots of truck depots and I was glad to put some distance behind me. The trail meandered through more farmland before heading up and over a wooded mountain then popping out into farmland again. I stopped at Darlington Shelter for lunch and met Rooster (different Rooster than in Shenandoah National Park). My feet are still bothering me and the shoes that I bought 200 miles ago, now feel like instruments of torture. I think my feet may have gotten bigger and wider, causing my toes to feel pinched and causing some blisters. I met a young guy out hiking for the weekend and he was wearing Teva sandals to hike in. After chatting to him about his footwear, I decided to try out hiking in my camp shoes, some water Crocs. Bingo! Much more comfy. At the Shelter, I met Hopefull and Redwing, a former thru-hiker couple who were out with three kids plus their year old baby. Kudos to them for introducing their kids to the outdoor life. The evening ended with a huge 5 foot long black snake deciding to take up residence on top of the bear box where we all needed to store our food overnight. Just Scott prodded it along with his trekking pole. I'm guessing there won't be any mice in the Shelter with this big boy in residence. I retired to my tent a good distance away.'
Date: 2017-05-27
From: Cove Mountain Shelter 

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Walked in my Crocs today and my feet very much appreciated it. The trail quickly dropped into Duncannon PA and I ended up walking into town with Rooster just as the Memorial Day Parade was starting. We took our packs off and sat on a grassy slope to watch a slice of Americana parade on by. It was just perfect. Duncannon is home to the Doyle Hotel, a seedy guest house and restaurant/bar that caters to hikers. I had no intention of staying there because I've read too many horror stories, but I did think about having a bite to eat since the food has a much better reputation. Unfortunately it wasn't yet open and I got tired of waiting so I continued on. The trail went for about two miles through town and people I saw were very friendly and wished me a good day. The trail then crossed 2 bridges, one of which spanned the Susquehanna River. The trail crossed a busy road and railroad tracks then started climbing sharply up to a very rocky ridge line. I intended to walk much further today but that climb did me in. Maybe I should have waited for the Doyle to open after all and filled my belly.  I decided to stay at the first Shelter I came upon. A lot of hikers that had stayed at the Doyle were heading to the next Shelter so I knew it would be crowded. I was later joined by 2 guys about my age and a young Amish couple and we had pleasant conversations about hiking and the Amish way of life.
Date: 2017-05-28
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Campsite at mile 1163.3
Miles today: 11.8

Duncannon must be next to a very busy railroad because you could hear the train whistle every 5 or 10 minutes last night. I got going early and the big surprise today was seeing my first bear or rather it's rear end. I was keeping an eye on my feet as usual and suddenly heard a big disturbance to my right. The bear must have been searching for bugs on a downed tree and scampered down the ridge when he saw me coming. I'm glad to have got that over with and that the bear did what it was supposed to do. Hope any future sightings go as well. Being a holiday weekend, there were quite a few day hikers out on the trail and I crossed paths with one particular family several times. I stopped at Peters Mountain Shelter for lunch and found the family having their lunch at the picnic table. They invited me to take a place at the table but I didn't want to submit them to my hiker stink, so sat on the steps nearby. They were eating  Pringles chips with their sandwiches and I got the impression that they didn't regularly eat them since Mom said it was special treat because  they were hiking. Mom offered me some and being the hungry hiker that I am, accepted and helped myself to a generous portion. I saw the little girls face drop with disappointment  and Mom reminded her that it was nice to share. I felt bad about taking so much of the kids special treat, but dang it I'm so hungry all the time. Sorry kid, but thank you! Next I met three women hiking south on a section hike and we exchanged pleasantries. I told them where I intended to camp and they said a hiker called No Rush was camped at that spot too. I'd heard about No Rush and he turned out to be just as eccentric as described. He only hikes 5 miles a day hence his trail name. He carries several pounds of coffee and stops to brew some up every hour or so. He told me he had been in a terrible motorcycle accident and had been taking all kinds opioids and had a prescription for medical marijuana to control the pain he suffered, but since starting his hike he found he didn't need any of that anymore. Definitely a trail character. I asked him if he usually hung his food in a tree (especially since I'd seen a bear today). He said he usually didn't but would give it a try. He got a perfect hang and thanked me for encouraging him to do it.
Date: 2017-05-29
From: Campsite at mile 1163.3

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on all night, but stopped when I woke up at 6. I packed up all my gear in the tent and then ate my granola. I figured I'd pack the tent up last since it would be wet. Just as I pulled out the last stakes, the heavens opened up just like my last rainy day and the tent got soaked. It really adds a lot of weight to your pack to carry wet gear but there was nothing to be done about it at this point. Again, thunder and lightning started crashing around me, so I called out bye to No Rush, sensibly still in his tent, and started hiking. Fortunately, the storm didn't last long and I was soon taking off my rain gear, though still packing that wet tent. The trail was wet and muddy so I wore my hiking shoes again today. I laced them loosely and maybe because they were wet all day and had a little more give, they didn't hurt my feet as much. I planned on sleeping in the Shelter tonight but a couple of miles before reaching it I started to be passed by hiker after hiker, hiking at a powerful pace. After hiker #6 passed me, I knew my chances were slim to get in the Shelter since it only slept 6. More rain is forecast but my tent was already wet, so I figured that was probably how it was going to go. I dried out the inside of my tent as best I could at a pretty Campsite high above a rushing creek. I'm tucked into my sleeping bag in my little tent, which if truth be told, I much prefer anyway.
Date: 2017-05-30
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter 
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: mist

It rained all night and misted rain all day and was very foggy, so not much to see. It wasn't raining hard enough to wear my rain gear, but I did keep my pack cover on. It was a pretty uneventful day because of the weather. The trail was pretty wet and muddy and the rocks very slick. At one point I was preoccupied with my thoughts and did take a tumble. I landed on my back like an upside down turtle. I couldn't move and just had to laugh at my predicament. I didn't have a scratch and when slipping out of my pack was soon right side up. I did come across trail magic today at Swatara Gap. I got 1/2 of the last chicken and biscuit from JB's goody box. I left half of it for Princess Bubblegum who I knew was behind me. I later learned she never got it and could have kicked myself for not eating all of it. Coincidentally, BJ was from Brevard, NC, the town near where I live. Her grandmother had recently died and she was helping her Mom settle the estate. I told her I'd see her when I got back home. I was determined to sleep in a Shelter tonight and William Penn slept 16 so I was pretty confident that I'd get a spot. Just as I reached the Shelter a thunderstorm erupted and so I was thankful to be under roof. I was joined by Beeker, First Sergeant, and Mapmaker. Mapmaker's hiking buddy hung his hammock outside. They were hikers similar in age to me so conversation was pleasant until everyone retired at hiker midnight.
Date: 2017-05-31
From: William Penn Shelter 

To: Rock 'n Sole Hostel
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

It rained all night again, and despite being under roof my sleeping bag was damp from the condensation. The privy at the Shelter was newly constructed, so a pleasure to use, except it didn't have a door. To assure privacy we all had to loudly announce "I'm going to use the privy now" so no one would walk up on you as you took care of business. A thunderstorm was on the radar and Mapmaker in haste to retrieve his food bag slipped down the steps of the Shelter. He landed hard on his tailbone but claimed to be fine. The storm passed and lo and behold the sun started to show her face. I made quick time to Hwy 501 and was greeted by Earnhart and his cute little dog. Earnhart thru-hiked last year and was repaying all the trail magic he received by hosting magic for current hikers. I enjoyed a couple of muffins, cookies, and a Gatorade. I took a huge juicy apple for the trail and a Snickers bar for later. It was so nice to be hiking in the sun, though the trail was still super muddy, so my feet remained wet. I had called the Rock 'n Sole Hostel to let them know I wanted a bunk for the night. They said to give them a call as I approached the road crossing and someone would come pick me up. Craig and Jody run this great little Hostel despite never having been hikers themselves and have created a welcoming respite for us hikers. I was greeted at the Hostel by hikers that I have crossed paths with over the last few days; Princess Bubble Gum, Spench, Tinman, Matador, Dance , and Calves (remember him from the 4 state challenge back at Penmar Park....he seriously hurt his feet doing the challenge, probably a stress fracture, but he won't give up. I worry about him because he is genuinely a nice kid). Anyway since I was last to arrive the bunk room was full so I had the choice of staying in the overflow bunk house in the basement or for a slight upcharge, staying in a renovated retro camper. It was adorable and to top it off I would have it to myself, so that's what I chose. Craig and Jody served a filling scrumptious dinner and even offered Yuengling beer for a donation. Craig, a retired State Trooper, reminded us that it would be illegal for him to sell us a beer, but we we were welcome to have one and make a donation if we wished. A great stay with fun people!
Date: 2017-06-01
From: Rock 'n Sole Hostel

To: Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a beautiful day, sunny and breezy with low humidity, and the trail was relatively easy except for a few rocky sections, but I hiked with a heavy heart. My husband called this morning to tell me his brother had died very unexpectedly and under tragic circumstances last night. My thoughts kept going to the grief his wife and the rest of the family must be feeling. One thing I did discover today is the power of a snickers bar. Although not something I would eat or even like in real life, I ate the bar I'd picked up at Earnharts trail magic when the 3pm slump hit me. I was soon powering up the inclines and hopping over the rocky sections. I hiked into Port Clinton and camped in the town park, will pick up my resupply box tomorrow and have arranged for a rental car. I'm taking the weekend off to visit my brother who works near Philadelphia and hit up an REI store for new shoes.
Date: 2017-06-02
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Philadelphia PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

I had the morning to kick around since the post office didn't open up until 12:30. I had camped in the park near the river, so my tent had a lot of condensation on the inside. I had plenty of time to let it all dry out. After everything dried, I packed up and walked a half mile down the road and had a great breakfast at 3C's Restaurant. I hung about until it was time to pick up my box and then was picked up by the car rental company and soon on my way towards Philly. I did have a little running around to different REI stores to find the right size shoes. Can't believe I now wear a men's size 9 1/2. My feet are now a full size larger than before I started. I also bought new trekking poles since the tips had broken off my old ones. My timing was perfect as I arrived at my brothers apartment, just as he arrived home from work.
Date: 2017-06-03
From: Philadelphia PA

To: Philadelphia PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

My brother had to work today so I spent the day resting, buying some supplies, and got my hair trimmed. My brother had received some free tix to the Philly's game so that cemented our evening plans. It was awesome, since we were seated in a corporate suite with free food and beer. Though, not much of a sports fan, I really enjoyed the game. An added bonus was that one of my favorite bands, the Avett Brothers played a 14 song post-game concert. This has turned into a really excellent break from hiking!
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter 
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: light rain

Google maps took me on a pleasant drive through the Pennsylvania countryside on my trip back to the car rental office in Pottsville. The same older gentleman that had picked me up drove me back to Port Clinton and I was soon hiking on the steep trail out of town. Since I didn't get started until 1 pm, I just set my sights on the first Shelter. Rain was forecast, so I hoped for a place inside. I was the only one at the shelter for a while but was soon joined by Terminator, a fellow Carolinian from Gastonia NC. After discovering that the privey was pretty much at capacity, I decided to use the woods in the future. This was when I discovered that I'd somehow lost my PStyle. This is a handy device that allows a woman to pee standing up without having to drop her drawers or take her pack off. I was pretty disappointed with this turn of events, but this was just the start of a downturn. When I blew up my air mattress, one of the baffle walls blew out, making it usable but lob sided. To top off the evening, as I was flossing my teeth, a crown came loose and fell out. I decided to just go to sleep and figure out what to do in the morning.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter 

To: Hamburg PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained pretty much all night. Terminator pointed out in the morning that we were near a road that I could walk 2.8 miles to town to see about getting my tooth taken care of. I talked to the home team and everyone seemed to agree that I should get it taken care of before continuing. Trouble was it started pouring rain and I didn't relish the idea of hiking down the road in the rain. My daughter made a post on a women's Facebook group that I could use some help and someone gave us the names and phone numbers of some local shuttlers. It was't long before I was being picked up by William and taken to the local Microtel. Dentist appointment at 4 was successful in getting the crown cemented back in place and I was also able to pick up a new sleeping pad at Cabelas. It rained on and off all day and night, so I guess it was as good a day as any to have to be off trail.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter 

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

William picked me up at the Microtel and returned me to where he had picked me up yesterday and I was back hiking by 8:30am. The trail was fairly level but rocky in sections, taking me past Pulpit Rock then the Pinnacle. It was here that I saw the strange sight of a huge pile of rocks and wondered at the effort that must have gone into piling them up. The trail then followed a gravel road bed all the way to Eckville Rd. I ate my lunch at a nearby campsite and then saw William once again dropping off Picasso who he had just shuttled to town for a resupply. He's a busy guy. My streak of losing things continued when I lost my guidebook pages somewhere today. Fortunately Picasso was at the Shelter and kindly shared his PDF version of the guidebook. So now I have it on my phone. Let's hope my losing streak is over.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter 

To: Stealth site @ 1252.1
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: clear sky

On the agenda today was Knifes Edge and the guide book showed it to be level so I wasn't too worried until I saw it in person. Imagine car size boulders tossed on to a ridge line, well that was Knifes Edge. It was probably only about 1/2 mile long, but each step required careful consideration. Sometimes I had to scoot down on my butt. I found it quite terrifying. The trail continued to be very rocky and progress was slow. In the afternoon the special was Bake Oven Knob, a popular destination for dayhikers. School must have been released for the summer or it was senior skip day because there seemed to be a lot of high school age kids, including a couple of obviously underage kids drinking Coronas right in front of a no alcohol sign. The view was great but I somehow got turned around and ended up back at the parking area from which I'd just come. After making the climb a second time, the 2 underage drinkers were able to point me in the right direction which included a descent on more car size boulders. I was tired and seriously done for the day and stopped at the first nice campsite.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Stealth site @ 1252.1

To: Stealth Camp @ 1262.2
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

It turns out that yesterday was just the warm up for today. On the docket was a steep climb out of Lehigh Gap over huge boulders and a superfund site that was previously an area where zinc was mined. I mention this because extra water needed to be carried since there wasn't another spring for 16 miles. It is not suggested that anyone drink from some of the first springs because of pollution. The climb started steeply but wasn't anything I couldn't handle. There is a blue blaze alternate route that can be taken to avoid the Superfund site that I would probably have taken if I knew what was to come. The trail eventually popped out onto boulders and I stowed my trekking poles when they started to become a hinderance. You needed your hands to help pull yourself up. Almost at the top I came to a section with very small hand holds and foot holds. I remembered seeing this section in lots of photos I'd seen showing people helping others up by offering a hand and giving them a pull up. I tried to go up but felt very unsafe with my backpack on. Remember that extra water weight I was carrying, it made me feel very unbalanced. I took my backpack off and was able to maneuver up the rocks ok without it, so I thought to myself that I'd tie my rope to my backpack and pull it up. This almost worked except my backpack kept getting caught on the rocks. I was feeling pretty desperate when 2 young male hikers and a young women popped up and I told them of my predicament. No problem they said. They told me to go on up and passed me my backpack. As they were whooping and hollering their victory to the summit, I sat on a rock trying to slow my heart rate down and stop shaking. The view was pretty amazing down into the valley below though. The trail continued through the Superfund site. It looked like the area was coming back slowly, but some of the older trees were dead. It was very strange to see these skeletons interspersed with the new plantings. There were a lot of interesting plants that had been put in as part of the remediation, though I was surprised that some of them weren't native. The view into the valley was of more mining type activities. I was glad when the trail pulled away from this area and I stopped at the first campsite listed in the guidebook. I was later joined by a pleasant young couple who started their thru hike in Georgia, Pompom and Deep Cheeks.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: Stealth Camp @ 1262.2

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

The last couple of days had been tough and all the rocks were really beginning to wear on me. I felt a little out of sorts and then a little homesick for my family. The trail was still rocky but there were some nice level sections too. I started to think about all the creatures I've seen besides the bear. I've seen many deer including 2 the other day that just stared at me from the side of the trail and then one snorted and stamped it's front foot as if to tell me this is our territory hiker lady. Lots of toads and frogs and lots of small orange salamanders after rainfall. I saw a turkey in the Superfund site yesterday which was a hopeful sign. The creature I've seen most often is the millipede. Seems like a lot of them die crossing the trail and armies of ants take care of the funeral arrangements. I wonder if they are victims of us hikers stepping on them or something else. It's  definitely  perilous for a millipede to cross the trail. I did receive nice trail magic from some Boy Scout leaders who replenished my water supply that was getting low. I then didn't have to walk a mile off trail to a nearby spring. Had good phone calls in the evening to help overcome homesickness with Mr N, Frolicking Dinosaur, and my daughter, who celebrated her birthday by skydiving. She apparently didn't inherit my fear of heights.