morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-06-11
From: James Run Shelter (1109.1)

To: Rt. 461
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from a hotel in Carlyle, hiked 16 miles today and took some rest in a beautiful historic town.Woke up semi early to head into the Deli, which was .2 off the trail. It was worth it to get some hot food, and charges on the electronic devices. We sat around for a while but finally braved the heat. The weather was 12 degrees warmer today and you could feel the water in the air. I was drenched within minutes and was discontent knowing I would stay this way all day. The miles skipped along decently but the three mountains before Boiling Springs was tough. They took there toll and I got lost right before town. The town was a cool county style with a big pond in the middle. Lots of people fly fishing and utilizing the outdoor spaces. Bambi and I had originally decided on 26 miles but upon warnings or lightning storms, we decided to go only 4 miles past, and hit Carlyle.The town is wrapped in history and the downtown district was littered with old buildings in quaint colonial style. The mixture of cool architecture and feeling down a little physically made this stop all the more amazing. We hit happy hour and enjoyed burgers.Back to real life tomorrow.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-12
From: Rt. 461

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Cove Mtn Shelter, 1142.6 miles in. Hiked 18 miles from Carlyle.After a lovely relaxing day, it was time to snap back into the trail. It toon quite some time to hitch. Not very many hikers visit the expensive town. We finally got a ride and made our way back to the trail. It was 12 by the time we got dropped off and walking. I hiked alone for a good while and let the mind wander. It was a nice jaunt up to the top, but I made decent time, save a few toe smashers. The rocks of Pennsylvania were kicking my ass.I made decent time to the shelter, which was nice but I opted into the tent. Four miles into Duncannon tomorrow.Fish
Date: 2016-06-13
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Stream 1164.3
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from a stream at 1164.3, hiked 22 miles today and resupplied in Duncannon.Woke up early, and tore down the mess I make every night. It was a nice cruise downhill to the town, which I got lost trying to find. Finally came down the street to see Panda and Whiplash in a balcony. It was the Doyle motel, which is a sacred place for hikers apparently. Although we didn't get to stay we enjoyed its presence for a minute before resupplying (which I didn't need to do, had a box of food at the Post office).The one item I desperately wanted was missing, I had just ordered replacements and they didn't arrive in Harper's Ferry, nor Duncannon. It was a rough time, especially when I found my bounce box full of food, after I bought food. I took off ahead of everyone else. The remainder the day was a tough climb, and a long rocky ridge walk. I finally made it to the spring me and Bambi had decided on. It was rocky everywhere and I had plenty of water so I went another .3. No Bambi yet hopefully tomorrow!Catfish
Date: 2016-06-14
From: Stream 1164.3

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 28.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from 501 shelter 1193.1 miles in, hiked my biggest day at 28.8 miles from my riverside campsite. Woke up early after a bad nights sleep next to the river and the road. Bambi never showed but she is quick and I figured she would catch me quickly. I hiked a bit with Whiplash, but the terrain wore me down and I slowed my pace. It was really flat terrain but 29 miles still takes forever.By the time I got to 501 Shelter my spirits were very low, it was a tough day on the trail. Bambi rolled in behind me and we grabbed a bunk inside the shelter. It has a shower, electricity and a giant sunroof. Finally caught our friends Whiplash, Panda, and Jellydog. My Achilles feels like death.SleeeeeeeeepFish
Date: 2016-06-15
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 24.0

Writing this from Port Clinton PA pavilion. Hiked 24 miles into town today from 501 shelter. Woke up after a long slumber, after the biggest mileage day. It was tough to get moving up made it happen and took off north bound. The day looked easy on the map but as I got moving there was a quick realization that it was going to be a rocky day.I had hurt my Achilles pretty bad in my zero drop shoes. I had made some adjustments and they were paying dividends.It was a long day but me and Bambi finally made it to town. Beer and philly cheese steaks. Staying at the pavilion.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-17
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a campsite at Eckville Shelter (mile 1232) hiked 15 miles from Port Clinton after the zero day. Awoke to the sound of trail magic in the pavilion. I had rented to get away from the bugs. Coffee and breakfast was a great way to start the day. Bambi and I got our stuff together and headed back into town. After coffee and saying goodbye to Frank at the Barber shop (which served hikers coffee, very nice people) and moved along. Just a mile out there was a cliff jumping spot named Peace Rock which we had preemptively decided on hitting. When we got there we saw we had to swim across the river to get there. It was a 40 ft cliff with a giant graffiti peace sign. We hung out at the river and jumped a few times before actually hiking.The rest of the day consisted of miles, and PAs best views. The pinnacle was fantastic, or so I heard. I missed it trying not to break and ankle. Staying at Eckville shelter tonight with caretaker Lazy. It's his home and he took tons of time to build a hiker plaza in his private property.Moving along
Date: 2016-06-18
From: Eckville Shelter

To: campsite at 1256.8
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from a campsite just beyond George W. Outerbridge shelter (1256.8) Hiked 24.8 miles today.Woke to the sound of packing, and rustling. It was a goodnight at the shelter but I was feeling motivated and ready to move. We had planned on 20 plus miles so I knew I needed a head start.The climb out of shelter sucked, it was rocky and uneven. After we had some ridge walking to do but this also turned into a boulder field before to long. It was a mentally tough morning. There was a saving grace in the Blue Mtn B&B. Which was coincidently right off trail and had great food and beer.After reversing the calorie deficit I continued on. We had decided on the shelter before a long section without water. It was going to be a long day.Finally I hit the shelter. Bottoms of my feet are killing me. My Achilles isn't so hot either.Tomorrow's another day Fish
Date: 2016-06-19
From: campsite at 1256.8

To: Leroy A Smith shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Writing this from Leroy A. Smith shelter, 1272.9 miles from the start of my journey. Hiked the toughest 18 miles yet.After a decent nights sleep in a campsite, Bambi and I were slow to move. Panda, Jellydog, and Whiplash were 2 hours ahead of us. We also had heard about the treachery that is the Lehigh River gap. In a few minutes I could see where I would be walking. Sideways up an exposed ridge line. To add a little drama there is no water for 16 miles. So now I'm carrying an extra 8 lbs on the toughest day in PA. The rocks were winning, I felt defeated in the summer sun. Finally I got a short break from the jagged uneven terrain and made the most.The middle of the day had some breaks from the rocks, but there was 2 boulder scrambles that took an hour a piece. I am ready for dirt trail...Because of the heat, and my stubbornness, I found myself at the shelter early around 4. I sat around and laid my broken bones down. Bambi arrived shortly after, one more day on PA!"There must be little gnomes that find the most jagged rocks, and scarred them across the trail.""I want to talk to whoever designed the last 30 miles of the PA trail...."Catfish Jon
Date: 2016-06-20
From: Leroy A Smith shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from the church hostel in Delaware Water Gap. 1293 miles from Springer Mtn GA. Hiked 20 miles from Leroy A Smith shelter.Woke up after a comatose like sleep at the campsite and deflated my pad. When a sleeping pad is deflated it is game time. Once you sacrifice that comfort your are pretty much forced to get up.We had 20 miles to get to the Water Gap, and it was a little later than I wanted it to be by the time we got moving. The trail was kind for a few miles, which was a pleasant surprise. The first nine miles were not the worst, until the Wolf rocks scramble, which put a dent in my time.I was so excited to be getting close to done with PA that I breezed through the last section. Staying at the church hostel and doing a mellow day tomorrow.Such is lifeCatfish
Date: 2016-06-21
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

6-21-16Writing this from a campsite just beyond the intersection of the Appalachian trail and the Mohican Outdoor Center (1303.8). Hiked 10.5 miles today.After a goodnights rest at the church hostel lawn in my tent (save the 2 hour downpour). It made a couple more chores in the morning, mostly drying related. Bambi had stayed with a family friend and everybody but Jellydog was inside the hostel. He escaped the rain but I was not so quick. After the sun came out it was a beautiful day. The crew went out in search of breakfast and we had some amazing home cooked meals. I it the trail around 10, and walked across the never ending bridge finally getting out of Pennsylvania and into the Dirty Jersey! It was a good feeling, I was still a little achy but with the small amount of miles I was doing today I knew I would be fine. The climb to sunfish pond was slow and gentle with a few rocks, overall a smooth ride.After a few rattlesnake encounters that turned up the intensity level to high, I finally reached the pond. The pond is acidic, which means the water is crystal clear and only certain types of fish live in it. Definitely a highlight of the trip. I relaxed and waited for Bambi who was hiking with Mom for the day, and was shortly behind me. We hung out under a shade tree on the shore and drank a few beers which Tracy had packed up!The rest of the day was not short of views, as we followed a ridge line before dropping down into the Outdoor center. We planned on camping just past it, and taking a zero the next day. The war against the rocks is nearly over.Fish
Date: 2016-06-23
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Writing this from Brink Shelter, 1317.8 miles in. Hiked 14 miles with Bambi after a zero day.We hit the trail around 1:00 and slowly worked our way back into the trail. Bambi had just received her new pack, I had new shoes (finally!), the day was off to a good start. After getting into a good groove I came right up on a huge timber rattler! Got some sweet pictures and an adrenalin rush!Catfish fire tower was the first stop. It was built in 1922 and still goin strong! The view was pretty sweet but we moved on to try and get the 14 miles we had planned done.The last three mountains were a little much for that late in the day, but the sunsets treated us amazing. We didn't have to bust out our headlamps but it was dark when we rolled in.To the highest point in Jersey tomorrow!Fish
Date: 2016-06-24
From: Brink Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from High Point shelter, hiked 19.6 miles today.After getting a late start because of our late evening, Bambi and I made moves. We had set our sights on 20-25 miles after feeling good yesterday. The day started off smooth and we took down 6 miles in 1.75 hrs.The day drug on quite long in the head of the day, miles slowed and my focus was on water. It cooled off decent towards 2 o clock. I was taking down 4 miles an hour and feeling good, so the rest of the day shouldn't have been that hard. I got lost twice, only for a few tenths of a mile, but made it back to the trail with out much difficulty. Stopped in at high point state park office where they gave me a soda! Blasted away the last mile and set up shop in a nice open campsite. Water is close, and they have a bear proof box for food!Sleep time! Catfish!
Date: 2016-06-25
From: High Point Shelter

To: 1359
Miles today: 20.0

Writing this from a creek somewhere around mile 1359. Hiked 20 miles today and met up with my friend and trail angel Meg!Woke up about as early as possible and started the trek. We had a nice stay at high point shelter complete with Raccoon spotting. After breakfast I hit the trail. It was a tough day to get moving but I quickly found my legs and made due. We had a nice downhill into Unionville, and since my appetite keeps increasing I needed more food.I had talked to Meg just a day before and she happened to be coming to Jersey to see her sister. It worked out perfect and she gave us a ride into town. We stopped at a pizza place and had a few slices. It was a refreshing break from the heat, which is my biggest enemy now.After some catching up, slight resupply, and a lost phone (Bambi), we found our things and headed back into the trail. It was the heat of the day and the climbs kicked out ass. The stairway to heaven (a climb on the trail) was difficult, but like all things it passed and I found camp. Nice little patch of dirt next to the steam.Tomorrow another town, more food, more miles.Fish
Date: 2016-06-26
From: 1359

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Wildcat shelter, 1373.3 miles into the trail. Hiked 15.5 miles and resupplied.After another attempt at an early start we found the sun peeking over the hills to spot our lazy asses in camp. Finally around 10 we started the day. It was harder than expected, the climbs that looked minuscule where steep and demanding in reality.After a tough morning of ups and downs, crossing the border into New York, and a 5 mile rock scramble, we made it to the pull off for town. After a while of unsuccessful hitched we got lucky and hit the town. Pizza, beer, and resupply (round 2) was a success. We did another 2.4 miles Into camp, and passed over some cool views to finish the day.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-27
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Palisades Parkway
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from a park in Fort Montgomery, hiked and exhausting 16 miles to the Palisades Parkway, and caught an interesting hitch into town.Woke up at Wildcat Shelter and started the usual chores. After thirty minutes I was together and Bambi and I hit the trail. It was a terrifying elevation profile so I knew it was going to be a fun one. After the first few hills I was drenched, but the day went on.After a long long long day, a bear, and an almost nasty fall, we hit the parkway and decided to check out the visitors center, which was closed. It had been raining for quite some time and everyone was beat. A gentleman with a leaking radiator was kind enough to give us a ride to a gas station, which we couldn't find. After a long ride into fort Montgomery we jumped out of the car and kissed the ground pleased to have survived.The night was just as strange as the day, we had a nice man at the pizza place. So nice he gave us dry towels and let us relax inside out of the rain. We talked to Doc who said she was sleeping in a park. We loved the idea of a free nights stay and followed suit. On our way there we met a local who offered us a shower. Got to the park and we're drinking a few beers when the police decided to stop by. They shined there spotlights all over us but somehow missed us.An eventful day deserving of some shut eye.Catfish
Date: 2016-06-28
From: Palisades Parkway

To: Greymoor Center
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from a stealth camp site near the blue blaze for Greymoor Center (1409). After getting to the trail at 11:00, we did 15 miles from the Palisades parkway.After an incredibly interesting night with Bambi at the park including a nice Police visit. We took our time gathering out things, and then headed towards the road trying to make it out of town. After plenty attempts at hitching we got a ride from Connor, who we met the night previous. He took us to his house to get his car and his mother loves me. We chatted about the architecture of the house and she ended up giving me an awesome grateful dead shirt.We hit the road and started the battle. It was mission to the top, but we made the first climb. Bear Mtn was a white out, but the climb was nice. After that the day was a little easier. I pushed to the deli, and had some brews. After a meal and Bambi caught up, we headed to the Greymoor, we got to the turnoff and decided to camp there instead.Fish
Date: 2016-06-29
From: Greymoor Center

To: Past RPH
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: moderate rain

Writing this from a campsite 4 miles past the RPH shelter. Hiked 22 miles from the Greymoor. Woke up after a nice nights sleep at our campsite next to the Greymoor blue blaze. I left early to get a head start on Bambi. It was a rough start to the day, straight ups followed by drop offs. My mind was set on Clarence Faernstock State park.After a grueling day of sweat and tears. At two o clock I finally hit the park. A beautiful lake with lifeguards and a snack shack. Got my belly full of food and sun, finally took a shower, and hit the trail again. We passed up RPH shelter and decided to stealth a bit passed it.So tired...
Date: 2016-06-30
From: Past RPH

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Wiley shelter, 1454 miles in. Hiked 24 miles today from our stealth campsite. Got up after a long day around 7 and started the process. We had plenty more miles to do to get to our intended destination. The terrain kept kicking our butts and keeping us from sleep. Today would be no different. We had flatter terrain but there were rocks, everywhere.A sweaty day of hills, more hills, and then what do you know, some more hills. Before to long it was dark, and we were hiking with headlamps. Wiley shelter took so long to find. Finally we set up the tent of in tent, inside the shelter.Thug lyfeFish
Date: 2016-07-01
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Kent CT
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a church in Kent CT, hiked 13 miles today. Woke up nice and early for the 13 miles into town. I had a few packages waited and was eager to get there. The first half of the hiking day was a long, steep, not so enjoyable jaunt. Save the baby raccoons I stumbled upon which took my mind of the sweat lodge of a day.It got better, and I finally hit the road to town. Bambi was behind and I needed to get work done in town so I tried hitching myself. No luck for 15 minutes till she got there and the first car pulled over. Got into town, got a package and news of a tornado warning going right through the trail. I ate my food and packed my food for later. Bambi is hiking solo for a few days so I said my farewell. After it started dumping gallons of rain I decided to save the trail for tomorrow and found myself under a church building awning. To my surprise a backpack was inside and because of the sever weather I was allowed to sleep inside. Got pizza, got beer (shhhhh don't tell) and a dry place to sleep. I hope I don't get struck by lightning...Fish
Date: 2016-07-02
From: Kent CT

To: Belters Bump 1489
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: clear sky

Writing this from Belters Bump (1489), hiked 22 from Kent.After a wonderful slumber in the church building I was ready for the trail. The weather had cleared up and it was already starting to dry. I opted to start walking the .8 back to the trail in hopes someone would pass and pick me up. No such luck, I hit the trail at 6:30. The battle had begun, and I deserved war paint. Up and done steep rocky ledges, washed out ruts for trails. It was a interesting morning...Somehow I made decent time and got through to the shelter 7 miles in. I stopped for a minute and had a snack at the river right before. After that I cruised along the river on a 3 mile flat. The flat terrain was a dream, but a short one. The day resumed its rocky up and down nature. Pushed all the way to Belters Bump, which was farther than intended, but if the body allows...Side note I blew up my new shoes already....Fish
Date: 2016-07-03
From: Belters Bump 1489

To: Laurel Ridge
Miles today: 19.0

Writing this from Laurel Ridge campsite at 1507.7 miles in. Hiked 19 miles today.Woke up after a long slumber on the bump. It was decent enough spot but the rumble of cars in the distance made me want to get farther away. I had got pretty far distance wise yesterday and was looking for a repeat. After a few short miles I pulled off into Falls Village and went to the Toymakers. Biker themed bakery. After some great food I headed back to the trail.The trail had crossed the Housatonic River and we crossed back again to see the great falls. It was a nice spot but I was ready to be up the mountain: after a nice break up top I skipped up to a sign not realizing it was the 1500 marker!After dinner at Riga shelter, I headed up bear Mtn once again, this time in CT. It was the highest peak in Connecticut! This was followed by the border into Massachusetts. I pushed till the campsite but am going to save death Mtn (Mt Everett) for tomorrow.Cat
Date: 2016-07-04
From: Laurel Ridge

To: Great Barrington
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from a hotel room in Great Barrington. Hiked 13 miles from the Laurel Ridge campsite.Woke up at a decent hour and decided it was time to move. We tried making decent time but the terrain was having none of it.lots of great views though.Mt. Race offered up amazing view after amazing view. It's neighbor Mt. Everett was not so scenic, and it wore us out. The rest of the day was a little easier and we finally hit town around 4. Got an easy hitch to the Days inn. Relaxing for the night, and celebrating the 4th!Catfish
Date: 2016-07-05
From: Great Barrington

To: Tom Leonard Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Writing this from Tom Leonard shelter (1527), hiked 6.5 after a rest day.Although we didn't zero, we had a nice day off in town, walking the downtown district and watching a movie. Before too long the forest was calling us and we hitched back to the trail. We had some uphill to do but got distracted by the sunset.The last mile dragged on infinitely, discouraging us. To make matters worse I had to get water which was .4 straight down a ravine. So tired..Fish
Date: 2016-07-06
From: Tom Leonard Shelter

To: Shaker Campsite
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm writing this from Shaker campsite at 1538.2. Hiked a slow easy 12 miles today. Woke up late at around 7:30 and slowly started the morning. We are out of fuel so resorted to making coffee on the fire, which turned into a little process. The morning was crazy hot, and I was dying.Bambi had broke her toe and then wrapped it too tight and caused a huge blister. I watched her thread the blister to keep from swelling. We took a long break at a shelter in the heat of the day. We ran into a few different animals. One of which was a pack of farm goats we couldn't help but say hi too. We say two adolescent bears about an hour before we got to the shelter. Staying at shaker campsite with some folks we met today, and a few we've bounced back and forth with. Fish
Date: 2016-07-07
From: Shaker Campsite

To: Cookie Lady (1559.2)
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

Writing this from the Cookie Ladies house, off of Washington Mtn road (1559.2). Hiked 21 miles with Bambi.Woke up early after attempting to reset the clocks at the Shaker campsite. We got moving just after 7. Terrain for the day was minimal after the first four miles, but you had to work today get there. Two climbs later, we had passed everyone who left before us. We were blessed with trail magic melon, watermelon to be exact. At 11:20 we took an amazing swim in Upper Goose Pond. It was heavenly but the weather was comin in quick. It ended up just spitting and then continuing to shine. Made it to the Cookie Ladies house by 6:10.Fish