morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: overcast clouds

May 26Crampton Gap Shelter - Annapolis Rocks14.1Took more breaks today. I think a combination of temperature, i.e., 80's getting used to full pack and normal blues after zero day and visit from Jill. Took long break to visit Washington Monument in Washington County Maryland. It is the first and original monument to George Washington. Also significant Civil War history relating to events leading up to Antietam battle, which resulted in 23,000 fatalities. Met Highland Dave from Atlanta who is a retired aircraft designer. He started February 13 from Springer Mountain, obviously taking his time.Forrest and I both commented that we were tired today, as a result we stopped and set up camp at 4:30 pm. I think on a normal day we might have hiked a little further, but we were spent. Campsite is Annapolis Rocks, which is a popular day hike with great views. We saw many day hikers today, many of which have questions about our thru hike. I am now hiking in my six state, Maryland, which has 40 miles of AT trail. I should reach Pennsylvania by Saturday.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Pen Mar County Park
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was extremely humid and I drank at least 5 liters of water. I always have one water bottle with electrolytes added to compensate for what I lose as I sweat.I felt better today as I adjust to carrying full pack and warmer/humid weather. We increased mileage to 16 in consideration of several sections of the trail that involved walking through large boulders and at times it was difficult to follow the white blaze markings. We saw a high number of day hikers, a combination of proximity to trail head parking and Memorial Day holiday. Sherri, Forrest'so friend did an outstanding job securing the last room in a B&B in Waynesboro PA, Burgundy Lane B&B. Highly recommend - Dave, the proprietor picked us up at trailhead. Waynesboro PA has a thriving downtown with many dining options. Got a note from DC that is surgery went better than expected. Surgery was 3 hours with multiple pins and plates inserted, all to repair broken tibia.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

May 28Pen Mar County Park - Rocky Mountain Shelter15.2Big thumbs up to David & Margaret Schweizer who run Burgundy Lane B&B in Waynesboro PA. Dave picked us up at trailhead, took us to Walmart for resupply, did our laundry and prepared French toast, sausage and muffin breakfast and returned us to trailhead, highly recommend. Enjoyed a Delmonico steak dinner with baked potatoe and cole slaw, along with several Coors last night in Waynesboro PA. I do not get that hungry on the trail, but when I get to town I enjoy a good meal. It definately helps my hiking strength the next day. Another warm and extremely humid day. I drank considerable water, but miscalculated what I had and almost ran out. Passed Mason/Dixon line this morning and entered Pennsylvania, which is our seventh state on the AT. Pennsylvania has 229 AT miles and has a reputation for extremely rocky trails as you move north. So far trail is fairly level and not bad for rocks. Been thinking about my father on trail. He passed away in 2007 at age 93. He would have enjoyed this type of adventure, but never got or took the opportunity to pursue. He always wanted me to attend Outward Bound, but I resisted and regret not attending. Met "The Leopard" from Goshen, IN. He has attempted two thru hikes,but injuries impacted each attempt. He got back on the trail in Maryland and hoping to make it to Maine. We got to talking and found out his wife, Marilyn has been following my journal, one Hoosier following another Hoosier.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

May 29Rocky Mountain Shelter - Toms Run Shelter19.2Received surprise trail magic last night. The Atkinson family from the DC area prepared a Buffalo stew with tomatoes and onion and shared it with thru hikers. Forrest and I were the only thru hikers present, as a result got to finish the stew, it was wonderful. It was a father, daughter and uncle from New Hampshire who were doing a section hike and tenting nearby. Another example of the great people you meet on the AT. Met several guys from DC area who are section hiking, two of them are Civil War reeactors, one named Confederate Dave. It is Memorial Day weekend and many families are out hiking and picnicking. Tough to not be with my family. Outside of Caledonia State Park we walked through long stretches of Rhododendron and Mountain Laurell, did not know it was prolific this far north. Another humid day with temperatures a bit lower. Got on the trail at 7 am , as a result I was the recipient of cob webs in the face. First hiker of the day gets to break through the cob webs. I sweat prolifically and as a result I am wiping them out of my face all morning. In spite of the high humidity we were able to complete 19.2 miles on fairly easy hiking terrain. Reached another milestone today, the official halfway point of 2016 AT, 1094.5 miles. We passed this milestone at 3:30 pm. All miles now are miles to Maine!.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Toms Run Shelter

To: Whiskey Spring Road
Miles today: 16.9

May 30Toms Run Shelter - Whiskey Spring Road16.9Early start at 7 am with goal to reach Pine Grove Furnace General Store. Passed through an area full of ferns (see pictures), reminded me of a fern greenhouse. It is an AT tradition to eat a half gallon of ice cream at this store after passing half way point. I selected a half gallon of Cookies & Cream and received the wooden spoon to signify completion. In the interest of full disclosure, I shared a good portion of my ice cream with a fellow hiker. At 9 am in the morning there was no way I could eat a half gallon of ice cream, but I wanted to participate in the tradition. Also visited the AT Museum located next to the general store. It has a good collection of AT memorabilia and information, well worth a visit. We spent nearly 2 hours at the general store and museum, longer than our normal break, but throughly enjoyed the time spent.Surprised at general store to meet "Iceman", he is an AT hiker from Lancaster PA, who has been following Forrest and my journals. He knew we would be in the area and offered to let us slack pack to our next destination, we gladly accepted his offer. Iceman helped Moose with a ride several days ago and Moose provided our name to him. Slack packing helped us do extra miles on another humid day. Iceman also met us half way through our hike today and provided soft drinks, in addition he met us at end of hike and drove us to Motel. We offered to buy him dinner. but he declined. Another example of the great group of individuals associated with the AT, i.e., will go out of their to help a hiker. Iceman is a true AT Trail Angel, thanks again for your assistance. Trail today was easy and relatively flat, with the exception of last mile, with a steep climb combined with significant rock/boulder scrambling (see pictures). Felt good today in spite of high humidity, getting my hiking legs back with full pack.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Whiskey Spring Road

To: Sherwood Drive
Miles today: 17.4

May 31Whiskey Spring Road - Sherwood Drive17.1Hiking buddy "Mountain Dew" from Roanoke VA called and is section hiking with us. He drove up from Roanoke last night. Great to see him and hike. He was a great help to me last summer and fall when we did several AT prep hikes. I always picked up valuable information from him. His friend, Jo dropped us off and picked us up at trailhead. Today was the easiest trail I have walked so far, i.e., level smooth trail with no climbs. Most of the trail was in the Cumberland Valley, a prominent farming area in Pennsylvania and involved walking through other beside farm fields. Humidity remained high with sunny skies as a result consumed ample quantities of water. Walked through town of Boiling Springs PA where we ate lunch at ATC regional offices overlooking a lake, nice setting. We crossed three major highways today. i.e., Pennsylvania Turnpike, PA 11 and I -81 at each crossing bridge we reverted to childhood behavior and pumped our arm up and down to encourage truckers to blow their. It works, we got some horns honking at each highway. Met Court Jester, young hiker from New Hampshire who had a tick on him. I gave him my plastic Ticked Off device and it worked like a charm to remove the tick. Big Thumbs Up to Holly Inn in Mt Holly Springs PA, hiker friendly with clean rooms, reasonable rates, walking distance to downtown stores, on site restaurant/bar and pick up and delivery to AT trailhead, highly recommend.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Sherwood Drive

To: Duncannon PA 
Miles today: 14.2

I had a tough time sleeping last night, my stomach was upset. Not sure why, but suspect I am not drinking enough and was a bit dehydrated. Hiking today was difficult. Humidity was again high with temperatures in the upper 80's. I did not have my usual energy, felt lethargic. Trail started with farm field/meadow walking as we completed Cumberland Valley portion. We then transitioned to ridgeline walking into Duncannon PA along a 6 mile rocky section. The infamous Pennsylvania rocks begin, especially as you descend into trail town of Duncannon PA. AT goes directly through town. We are spending the night at AT hiker famous Doyle Hotel. The building was built in 1905 by Augustus Busch, who had many hotels around the country. They rent rooms only to AT hikers, but have a bar and restaurant for the public. Received great trail magic this evening from Christ Lutheran Church who provided a spaghetti dinner with fruit and lettuce salad for AT thru hikers. I had a small portion of spaghetti, but loaded up on fruit and lettuce salad, both items I do not get on the trail. Another example of AT community taking care of hikers.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Duncannon PA 

To: PA 325
Miles today: 17.7

June 2Duncannon PA - PA 32517.4Enjoyed nice breakfast at Goodies directly across the street from the Doyle Hotel. Cooler temperatures today, but humidity remains high. I am making a conscious effort to drink more water to avoid dehydration impact. AT winds it's way through the town of Duncannon for almost 2 miles. We walked by many homes with folks sitting on the front porch and kids getting ready for school. The kids seemed especially happy I bet the end of the school year is near. You got a chance to see and experience Duncannon. Unfortunately, it has the feel of many old industrial towns. i.e., the best days are in the past. The last several days we have not seen many north bound thru hikers. Met one south bound today, i.e., Retainer. After crossing the Susquehanna River, we climbed up to a ridgeline and spent the balance of the day walking the ridgeline with moderate rocks. I know the difficult Pennsylvania rocks are ahead. Met Tin Man last night at Christ Lutheran Church hiker dinner. He is a 2011 thru hiker and agreed to pick us up at trailhead tonight and return us Friday morning, allowing us to spend one additional night at Doyle Hotel. Another great example of AT community.
Date: 2016-06-03
From: PA 325

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

June 3PA 325 - Rausch Gap Shelter11.3We slept later this morning for extra rest and did not get on the trail until 1 pm. Tin Man picked us up at the Doyle and took us to PA 325. Full packs today, no more slack packing in the foreseeable future. Duncannon and Susquehanna River area has significant population of peregrine falcons, interesting to watch them slowly soar overhead. In fact, there is a warning on the Susquehanna Bridge to hikers that falcons may dive at you as you cross the bridge. Light rain early, turning to spotty sunshine with continued high humidity. Heard gunfire for several hours this afternoon, rapid first 3 bursts. There must be a shooting range in close proximity. After a 1000 climb trail was ridgeline walking again, with moderate rocks and relatively easy. I continue to wrestle with the mental aspects of a thru hike, loneliness/homesick/missing loved ones. I try to focus on the reason I wanted to do a thru hike, i.e., personal and reinforce to myself that I am more than half way. I have read Appalachian Trails by Zach Davis twice, which focuses on the mental aspects. I have worked myself into excellent hiking shape and am confident I can handle the physical aspects of walking 15 - 20 miles each day with a pack. Forrest is a great hiking companion and it helps me to have a hiking partner. We saw one north bound thru hiker today and are the only ones tenting near a stream tonight.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

June 4Rausch Gap Shelter - 501 Shelter17.5Great night sleeping with sound of stream next to campsite. Met PJ local ATC Ridge Runner first thing this morning. We found out gun shots are from National Guard training facility. Feeling better after getting over affects of dehydration. Humidity remains high. but temperatures lower. More ups and downs today and more rocks. Also walked through several sections of AT with ferns on both sides of trail. Met Stripe NOBO thru hiker who started March 26, he is moving. Also had trail magic had road crossing, i.e., someone left Little Debbie's Oatmeal Creame cookies and granola bars. Arrived at 501 Shelter just as it started to rain, great timing. 501 Shelter is an enclosed building with 12 bunks and a large skylight, very spacious. There are 5 of us at the shelter and we can order pizza from a local pizza shop. Dinner tonight will be large everything pizza and Pepsi! A man stopped by the shelter and dropped off 9 apples, another example of AT trail magic. Passed a psychological milestone today, i.e., remaining mileage is <1000.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: 501 Shelter

To: PA 183
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

June 5501 Shelter - PA 1389.3501 Shelter unusual for the AT in that it is enclosed with bunks, portajon and a solar shower. It was a welcome site as rains came. Weather forecast was for severe thunderstorms with possible hail this afternoon, thunderstorms occurred around 3:30 pm, but no hail. As a result we left 501 Shelter around 8 am with intention to hike to PA 138 about 10 miles and stay at a new hostel, Rock 'n Sole Hostel to miss severe weather. It is not in AWOL's 2016 guide yet. New Dave tipped me off with a text message that hostel existed. We decided to take a chance. I called this morning and secured two spots. Craig met us at PA 138 trailhead. Craig is a retired Pennsylvania State Trooper who opened his hostel in March. It is located in a detached building from his home. Includes 6 bunks, hot shower, breakfast and dinner for $35. Great host and outstanding hiker Hostel. It rained on us most of the morning, not heavy but constant. Trail again contained sections that looked like a fern carpet. Intensity of rocks increased, but understand Port Clinton north the rocks significantly increase. Sharing bunkhouse with, Juice, Snowball, Bond and Forrest. Shorter miles today, but enjoyed extra time to get a shower and wash clothes.
Date: 2016-06-06
From: PA 183

To: Reservoir Road
Miles today: 20.2

June 6PA 183 - Reservoir Road20.2Beautiful blue skies, lower humidity and temperatures in the 70's greeted us today, i.e., great hiking weather. A welcome relief. I was reminded when looking at today's date that 72 years ago this morning the D-day invasion commenced. What a brave group that took on the challenge of a beach landing into hostile territory. Many made the ultimate sacrifice and should never be forgotten. Unfortunately, that generation and their stories are being lost to time. Trail alternated between flat surface to rocks, intensity of rocks is picking up. Mountain Laurel were in bloom on several sections, along with ferns. I was told the ferns are plentiful because deer do not eat them. We need some of those in our yard. Hiked with Snowball, from Hamburg, Germany - Bond, from Massachusetts - Juice from Chicago and Forrest. Great hiking group. Snowball has been hiking 3 weeks and must return to Germany. She is sad to leave the AT and return to work. The trail routed us through Port Clinton, PA, an old coal transportation town, that has seen its best days. The Port Clinton Volunteer Fire Dept. has a members only bar connected to the fire station. They allow AT hikers
Date: 2016-06-07
From: Reservoir Road

To: Campsite
Miles today: 11.3

June 7Reservoir Road - Campsite11.3Another beautiful hiking day, blue skies, low humidity and temperatures in the 70's in the morning. However, the afternoon included thunderstorms with lighting. They lasted about 1 hour. My first experience with significant lighting on the AT. Fortunately we were not on an exposed ridgeline, but underneath thick tree canopy. A nice view of Pennsylvania countryside from The Pulpit. Met Stripe, Stitch and Secret Agent on trail today. Forrest and I hiked the first 10 miles with Snowball, who is leaving to return to Germany tomorrow. Shorter miles as we enjoyed another great breakfast at Rock 'n Sole Hostel and a resupply at Walmart, on the trail around 9:30 am. Intensity of Pennsylvania rocks is increasing.
Date: 2016-06-08
From: Campsite

To: Bake Oven Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

June 8Campsite - Bake Oven Shelter15.0I woke up a 4 am and was cold, pulled on my silk liner and quilt. Great sleeping weather! Got an early start at 7 am and spent most of the morning walking on and over rocks (see pictures). Made it to Allentown Shelter minutes before thunderstorm began. Sat out the storm with three other hikers until about 1 pm. We actually all took naps. Temperatures dropped into the high 40's, but no rain the rest of the day. It was the first day in a long time that I hiked all day in long sleeves. Trail alternated between level surface and rocks with significant boulder climbing and scrambling. The boulder scrambling is difficult and nerve wracking, because a misstep could easily result in a fall or broken ankle. One section was called the Knifes Edge, the name is appropriate. These sections require you to slow down and take your time. In spite of 3 hour break for weather we were able to 15 miles and made it to Bake Oven Shelter, where we are tenting.Thanks for support and encouragement!
Date: 2016-06-09
From: Bake Oven Shelter

To: Delps Trail 
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

June 9Bake Oven Shelter - Delps Trail17.5Today marked 3 months on the AT! In some ways it seems the time has gone by quickly and in other ways it has not. However, my goal is in sight - Onward and Upward. Another cool evening with temperatures in the 40's. I love those temperatures for sleeping. On the trail by 7 AM with boulder scrambling and rocks to begin and then sections of level terrain. Forrest and I arrived at intersection for Palmerton and Walnutport PA around 11:30 am. We looked at our guide book and noticed that Walnutport had a McDonald's and Burger King and was approximately 2 miles away. At this point I got out my "secret weapon", i.e., a yellow bandana with HIKER TO TOWN on one side and HIKER TO TRAIL on the other. We put our thumbs out and within 2 minutes had a ride to Walnutport with Eric a local AT hiker. He dropped us off at McDonald's and said he would pick us up in 1 hour. In 1 hour he came back and took us to the trailhead. Another example of AT hikers helping each other. I had a Quarter Pounder Deluxe, Large Fries, Double Cheeseburger and Coke. It was wonderful and the calories were essential based on upcoming climb. We faced a 1000 foot climb in a mile, i.e., steep over a rock/boulder strewn area. Probably the steepest climb we have faced so far. The climb is from the Lehigh River to the top of Palmerton Super Fund site. Just as we started the climb we spotted a cooler of Trail Magic. It contained soft drinks, Pretzels and cookies. We took a few items for our dinner. Again, I take these types of climbs slowly because you are only one misstep from ending your hike. For years Palmerton was home to a zinc mine and smelting operation. Unfortunately, the zinc operation contaminated the surrounding area and killed most of the vegetation. The facility closed in the late 1980's and is the site of EPA Super Fund remediation. The AT skirts the old mining operation and plant life and trees are returning. However, you could still see evidence of widespread areas where all trees were dead. The rock intensity increased today, it seems lately the trail is easy and flat or rock/ boulder strewn, no middle ground. Happy to complete 17.5 miles today.
Date: 2016-06-10
From: Delps Trail 

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: clear sky

June 10Delps Trail - Wind Gap10.6Another nice weather day, i.e. temperatures in the 70's and low humidity. From Smith's Gap to Wind Gap, a distance of 7.5 miles were the worst rocks to date. Relentless rocks, not always smooth, but small rocks with sharp points. You spend your time with your head down focused on finding that small spot to place your foot. Often you must step on the rock and your foot is always moving around, rarely do you have a flat foot placement. This wears on me, but the trail is the trail. I must grind it out and move forward. Sherrie, Forrest's friend arrived this afternoon. She will be here through Wednesday, which will allow slackpacking and increased miles. In addition, will have a room each night with bed and shower, great news! Tonight we are in Windy Gap PA. Great dinner at Cafe on Broadway in Windy Gap, very hiker friendly. I had a wonderful Melon salad and Mango burger. Tomorrow we should reach Delaware Water Gap, however this section is reported to have the worst rocks.
Date: 2016-06-11
From: Wind Gap

To: Dunnfield Creek Trailhead
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

June 11Wind Gap - Dunnfield Creek Trailhead17.2Slackpacking today with temperatures in the 80's and higher humidity. Trail from Wind Gap Mile 1277.5 to Wolf Rocks Bypass Trail North Mile 1284.9 was extremely rocky. Included rock scrambling through an area called Wolf Rocks. Again, you must be careful with foot placement and take your time.However, the trail from this point into Delaware Water Gap was less rocky and included several flat level areas. Big milestone today, completed Pennsylvania and entered New Jersey. Seven (7) states complete with seven (7) remaining. The rocks do not necessarily end as you leave Pennsylvania, but I am told not as intense going forward, let's hope so. I made a shoe change today that worked out great. I switched from my trail runners to Merrill Moeb Venilators. The Merrill's are heavier, but have a heavier sole with a stiff insole. They worked great and absorbed the impact of the rocks. I wish I made the shoe switch earlier. Note to AT hikers you may want to switch to heavier sole shoe no later than Duncannon PA, it will help with rock impact. I love the comfort, weight and breathability of my Brooks Cascadia trail runners, but they do not handle the rocks as well. Plan to go back to trail runners as rock impact decreases. The trail took us through Deleware Water Gap PA. Stopped at Zoe's and devoured chocolate milk shake from an soda fountain. Enjoyed a great dinner this evening in Stroudsburg PA nice college town downtown area.