morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Laurel Creek Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: clear sky

May 26, 2008I slept in till 7; we had a nice, quiet breakfast. My wife took me back to Rt. 41; I climbed up to the Laurel Creek Shelter to begin my journey again. I hiked 12.4 miles today; it was a nice sunny day. It was a very hard climb with lots of rocks and cliffs. I was walking on ledges at 4,000 feet elevations; I felt the danger.   I stopped about 6:30 p.m. at the Niday Shelter. I was there about 1 hour and it started to rain. It rained all night. My wife brought me an egg crate to sleep on ¢ it worked great. Thanks to George at Provisions Great Outdoors for helping me with supplies I need.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Niday Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 10.2
Weather: overcast clouds

May 27, 2008It stopped raining early in the morning. I was up at 6 am climbing, another big climb today. It was overcast today with bit of sunshine. I met Rabbit from Cleveland, Ohio today. He was going North Bound also. Since I am from Chillicothe, Ohio; we had much to talk about.I went to the Audie Murphy memorial today. I laid a rock beside the monument as many hikers have done. I saluted him ¢ from this Airborne Ranger to the most decorated soldier of World War II. This memorial designates the site where his plane crashed in 1971.I plan to hike past Pickle Branch Shelter and tent tonight, going 13 miles.May 27, 2008I got to Pickle Branch Shelter and the rains came; so I only hiked 10.2 miles today. I really wanted to go further, but did not want to tent in the rain. Had a good night.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba VA
Miles today: 0.0

May 28, 2008I left at 7 this morning, pouring rain and cold. I saw lots of snakes the last 2 days on the trail. You see leaves moving and ¢whoa¢ ¢ watch out ¢ it¢s a snake. I took some pictures of a beautiful rat snake today, he was friendly; I think he wanted me to pet him.I am heading for Catawba to resupply. If I make it, it would be 13.9 miles today
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Catawba VA
Miles today: 13.9

May 28, 2008I left at 7 this morning, pouring rain and cold. I saw lots of snakes the last 2 days on the trail. You see leaves moving and ¢whoa¢ ¢ watch out ¢ it¢s a snake. I took some pictures of a beautiful rat snake today, he was friendly; I think he wanted me to pet him.I am heading for Catawba to resupply. If I make it, it would be 13.9 miles today
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Catawba VA

To: Lamberts Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: broken clouds

May 29, 2008 Yesterday, I fell twice coming down off face of Dragon¢s Tooth. It was freezing cold and raining. I had to come down Dragon¢s Tooth with Iron Hand-Holds ¢ most dangerous thing I have done on this trip. It took forever and was so slippery with the rain. I went into Catawba to resupply. While at the store, I met Briar Patch and Mandy (they hiked in 2001); they took me home with them for the night so I had a warm shower and good food. They absolutely rescued me as I did not have to tent in the rain after the horrible day of climbing ¢ What Wonderful Trail Angel! They had 3 dogs; I enjoyed playing with them. I looked at their photo album of their hike in 2001; I enjoyed their pictures and their stories so much. The sun is out today. Briar Patch brought me back to the trail head. I am headed to Lamberts Meadow Shelter which would be over 22 miles for today.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Lamberts Meadow Shelter

To: Cloverdale
Miles today: 17.7

I got up to a sunny day. I hiked up and down hills. The trail was on the edges of the cliffs (Tinker Cliffs), I had to be careful today. I ended at Cloverdale to resupply and spend the night. I got 17.7 miles today. I am very pleased. Storms are rolling in again. It is to rain on Saturday so I am staying in town for the night.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Matts Creek Shleter

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 8.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Stayed at hotel today and resupplied. Had to hike 6 miles off trail to get to Glasgow; but it is worth. I need to sleep in a bed and get a shower and do laundry. It has went from very, very cold to very, very hot. 100 degrees today.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Dutch House Bunk House in Montebellow
Miles today: 12.0

June 9, 2008Crutch was on the trail with Trail Magic. He grilled hot dogs & hamburgers for the hikers.I met Baltimore Jack who has done the trail 3 times.Hot day, temps around 100 degrees so I went slow. Had to take lots of water breaks.Stayed the night in Montebellow at Dutch House Hostel in the bunk house. I got a shower and some good food.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Dutch House Bunk House in Montebellow

To: Priest Shelter
Miles today: 6.9
Weather: clear sky

June 10, 2008 On Spy Mountain this morning ¢ slab of rock twice size of our house ¢ can see the Shannodoha Valley at 360 degrees. It is a rock scramble to get on top of Spy Mountain. Civil War used Spy Mountain.Southbound Section hiker - Fellow hiker ¢Fifer¢ broke ankle yesterday, took 5 hours to get him down. Need to find shelter before 6 pm because bad storms are due in. Someone left 3 gallon bottles of water on the trail ¢ THANK YOU whoever you are. That water just made me so happy as I was just sipping water to conserve on water.Going down Priest Mountain at noon. Stayed at Priest Shelter tonight.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Priest Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

June 11, 2008It is a beautiful windy day. Not as hot as the last 3 days.I went cross Tarpin River last night at 4 pm, storms roared in. I walked the bridge across river - Went across the river and put up tent quickly. Winds & lightning & hard rains kept me awake most of the night.I am close to the Maupin Field Shelter; so that makes about 14 miles today.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: few clouds

June 12, 2008It was a hot but dry day ¢ I like being dry. I took a break and sat down on a big boulder. As I looked down, there was a snake looking at me with the head the size of my hand. His stomach was 6 inches in diameter and was 5 to 6 feet long. He was a rat snake but looked like a python. He just looked at me so I talked to him for a bit, I wished I had film left in my camera because he was a site to see. I had to go on my way and left my new friend behind. The section from James River to Waynesboro, I have seen more snakes ¢ rattlers, copperheads, black and rat snakes ¢ big ones.I hiked 20 miles today ¢ good day over lots of boulders. I finally got a ride into Waynesboro (4.5 miles from trail), a nice young man who did not even know what the AT was. Hard to believe him living here and not know about the AT. I arrived at the Lutheran Church Hostel about 6:30, just in time for a wonderful dinner they were serving to the hikers. There are about 10 hikers here tonight. I will have a cot and nice hot shower.I plan to 0 here tomorrow as I need to resupply and get an extra water bladder. With the hot weather, I find myself running low on water so an extra water bladder will help with that. I will also get to do my laundry ¢ pretty stinky after a few days in the heat.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynes
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

June 13, 2008I am doing a zero (0) day, staying at Lutheran Church Hostel. It is a strange set up. You have to be out of the Hostel at 10:00 am and back in the Hostel at 10:00 p.m. They lock the doors in between time and over night. But the cot was nice last nice, slept good. The shower was great, I feel human again. It was very hot and humid today.   This town is spread out so I called Trail Angel Ben to drive me around. He took me to Kroger¢s, the Outfitters, the Post Office, Wal-Mart and the Laundry, and to eat at a Chinese Buffet which had really good food, got my veggies.   There is lots to do on a zero (0) day. I really needed the rest, and it is nice to see and talk to people. I will start out early tomorrow morning.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Waynes

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: clear sky

June 14, 2008It is still hot and humid this morning. I was able to go 12 miles by lunch, stopped at the Calf Mountain Shelter for a rest and eat some food. The skies turned black as a storm was coming in. By 5 p.m. it was pouring rain and I was walking in more than 4 inches of rain. I finally arrived at Blackrock Hut Shelter about 7 p.m. I did 25.8 miles today, that was my goal. Now I am wet again and will try to dry everything out in this shelter tonight.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.5
Weather: clear sky

June 15,2008I had a good day. I wanted to go another 20 miles today, but only 13.5 miles. The deer in these mountains are so tame. I had a doe follow beside me for several miles, I talked to her; she had big ears that would go up as to listen. A southbound hiker passed and told me at the Rangers Station (about 1 mile off the trail), there was a stand selling blackberry milkshakes, and they were to die for. Well, a treat for me so down I went to the Rangers Station. The milkshake was worth the extra 2 miles (down and back up). There were several day hikers there who I talked with and shared stories. They took pictures of me as I was a site to see in my kilt and my cowboy hat. I got water there which helps so much as many of the streams are dried up. I stayed at the Pinefield Hut Shelter for the night.
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Bearfence Mountain Hut
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: clear sky

Day of heavy rain, cold rain and high winds. Tornado warnings out. Very tought hike. Finally made it to Blackrock Hut about 9 p.m.; but the shelter was full so I had to pay $20 to tent in the rain. I am soaking wet and cold.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Compton Gap
Miles today: 13.1

June 20, 2008Last night I stayed at Pass Mountain Hut. The rain and hail pounded the shelter roof. I am so glad I stayed here.I hiked 13.1 miles today to Gravel Springs Hut. I saw 4 bears today. One bear was standing in the trail; I put my hiking sticks up in the air and shook them at the bear, the bear just looked at me and moved down the trail. About 2 more miles down the trail was commotion in the trees. I looked over and there was a mother bear with 2 cubs in the top of the tree eating berries. I knew to move on down the trail ¢ don¢t want to mess with a mother and her cubs.It is still cold and rainy today. I plan to leave early tomorrow morning to get to the Compton Gap where I will meet my friend, Tim from Wilmington. Tim drove up from Wilmington to hike with me this weekend. I am really looking forward to seeing and visiting with him. We are planning to eat steak tomorrow night.
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 62.2
Weather: clear sky

I am really excited. My friend Tim from Wilmington NC and my friend Woody from West Virginia are meeting me today to hike some of the trail. It was not as easy as we thought to meet up. Tim's map was different from my map so it was early evening before we got together. We made it! We went to Woody's house for a great steak dinner and comfy bed.Sunday, June 22 - They are taking me to an Urgent Care today because my ribs are still hurting from my fall 3 weeks ago. The doctor at Urgent Care sent me to the hospital to get an xray. This took all kinds of time so we did not get on the trail till afternoon. At first Tim & Woody that this was loads of fun; then came the mountain to climb with rocks all over the place. They were huffing & puffing - drinking lots of water. We had a good time being together and taking pics. We went to a motel for the night and had a nice dinner.Monday, June 23 - Then up early on Monday to hike some more. Tim & Woody decided it was beer time so they left me about noon time. I wanted to get some miles in today so I kept going. They picked me up in the evening and drove me to the Bears Den Hostel. What a nice place the Bears Den is. Tim & Woody went on home from there. I truly enjoyed having my friends with me. Especially after the Virginia blues - recommend to all hikers to have friends meet you around this spot.
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

June 26 I did not leave hostel till after 10 a.m. because I was watching the weather as severe storms were forecasted. I crossed into Maryland around 2 p.m. It sure feels good to go from one state to another. I am hiking right ahead of a big storm. I had to keep moving. I hiked 12 miles, arriving at Crampton Gap Shelter about 5:30. Because of the bugs, I tented instead of staying in the Shelter.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 30.4
Weather: scattered clouds

June 28, 2008I left Ensign Cowall Shelter about 7:30 am, knowing I was facing Devils Racecourse today. It is named appropriately, it was a racecourse designed by the devil. Very tough climb and hike today. In early evening, I could hear tornado warning horns; so I picked up my pace trying to get to a shelter. It was dark and very windy. There upon my trail were Bill and Amy ¢ trail angels ¢ truly angels. They knew I was out here and had come to get me and other hikers because of the tornado warning. They took us to the fire station where we stayed in the shelter there till the tornado passed. Bill and Amy then took us to their home, and we slept in the basement. I had met Bill and Amy a few days back when a hiker was injured on the trail. The hiker had called already called for help when I came upon him. I went down the trail to meet Bill and Amy who were coming to take him for medical attention. Mileage 9.6.June 29, 2008 I went to church with Bill and Amy who are Sunday School teachers ¢ such a nice young couple. The church was like the church I attend at home ¢ The Rock. I truly enjoyed the worship music and the sermon. Bill and Amy took me back to the trail head at noon time. After the storms, the day was hot and muggy. I hiked 5 miles to Deer Lick Shelter till the storms came again and forced me to stop at this shelter. It rained ¢ heavy rains and bad storms all night. I was so glad I stayed at this shelter.June 30, 2008It was another hot and muggy day as I left Deer Lick Shelter. I found a blackberry patch, nice big luscious ones. It was a nice lunch. Most of the day I had my head down, trying to get some miles in. All I have seen is rock. I think my feet have been rearranged. I moved fast all day with a storm behind me. I just beat the storm ¢ by only 5 miles as I reached Quarry Gap Shelter. Another night of heavy rains. Thank goodness for these shelters. Miles 15.8.
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pike Furnace, PA
Miles today: 18.1

I left Deer Lick Shelter at 5:30 a.m.. The rains had stopped and the morning was fresh. I hiked a little more than 18 miles today and stopped at 1 p.m. in Pine Furnace PA. I had heard about a hostel there that is full of history and a great place to stay ¢ Iron Masters Mansion. Ironmaster's Mansion was built in 1829 as the home of the Ironmaster of the Pine Grove Furnace Ironworks. The ironworks manufactured cannonballs during the Revolutionary War, and the hostel was a stop on the Underground Railroad for sheltering runaway slaves. It is an official National Historical Preservation site. I stayed in the bunk house, cost $22 includes laundry and hot shower. I had not eaten since last night so I went to the Pine Grove Store (next to the hostel) and got 2 hot dogs, chips and a coke, then another coke and then a ice cream cone. Other hikers started coming in. The owner of the Store asked if we were ready for the ¢Ice Cream Challenge¢ to eat 12 gallon of ice cream. I was definitely in. I ate it all and got a wooden spoon with ¢Winner of the Ice Cream Challenge¢ on it. Also a newspaper fellow was there from Duncannon, PA doing a story on the Ice Cream Challenge. He interviewed me and took some pics; the story is to be in Friday¢s copy of the Duncannon newspaper. What a fun day! I stocked up at the market, did my laundry and planned my trip to arrive in Duncannon on 4th of July. This is a special holiday for me because my son, Jeff, was born on this holiday.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

July 2, 2008 I like summer because I can start hiking early and can hike late into the evening, if necessary. The day was sunny and warm. The views are amazing from the mountains, I can see for 40 miles. I hiked 23.4 miles today, stopping at Alec Kennedy Shelter for the night. Great day of hiking.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

July 3, 2008Left Alec Kennedy Shelter at 5:30 a.m., it is nice to get a start on the day so early while the morning is fresh. I was looking forward to going into Boiling Springs for breakfast as it is only a 3 mile hike and is on the trail. Well, I got into Boiling Springs, I asked a lady where I could get breakfast; and she said ¢no where¢. I could not believe it so I asked her again. She said that there was a diner downtown that opens around 9. I thought I am here, I am going to that diner. Well, she was right. I got there about 8:15 am, the sign on the door said ¢To Open 9ish¢. I waited and it opened at 9:20. They really did not have ¢breakfast¢ items; but I got some good coffee and an egg sandwich. I stopped at a general store to resupply ¢ prices were outrageous! I do not recommend stopping at this town. I had a good hike of 18.1 miles today. I came into Darlington Shelter about 5:30 pm. Within 30 minutes, it was storming and pouring the rain. Thank heavens for these shelters. I am right on schedule ¢ my schedule ¢ to be in Duncannon on 4th of July.
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I got up early as I was excited about getting to Duncannon today. I hiked 11.3 miles and arrived in Duncannon about 11:30 a.m. I got a room at the Doyle Hotel which has loads of history. The Doyle is a really cool place. The place was originally built by Anheuser-Busch, and has long been a hiker-friendly place. It's an old brick building, kind of run down, but still beautiful. On the ground floor is a restaurant, with delicious, inexpensive food and a bar, with three floors of rooms above. It is like a college dorm. You all share 1 shower and a bath on each floor. There is a washing machine. It is old; but pretty clean. I am sharing a room with Zephyr. Tomorrow is Trail Days here in Duncannon. A pig roast and all the stuff that goes with a festival. It's going to be fun. Happy 4th to all.
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

July 5, 2008I stayed in Duncannon today to enjoy the ¢hiker feed¢. A pig was roasted and served with all the trimmings. We, hikers, can eat a lot. Plates were piled up and seconds and thirds were the name of the game. I need a full day off the trail as my shins are black and hurt terribly; so 0 miles today. So great to see and talk to all the hikers as they all came in for this ¢feed¢.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: light rain

July 6, 2008I left from Clarks Ferry Shelter this morning. A rainy and very cloudy day.   The rocks are massive today, I hope my shoes make it through Pennsylvania. I got some Trail Magic early this evening. There was a cabin on the side of the hill, 2 couples there invited me into their cabin. They fixed me big roast beef sandwich and gave me a beer and filled up water bottles for me. They asked me to sign the Patriot Newspaper article in which I was quoted. Such nice people ¢ a big Thank You!!!   They now will follow me on trailjournals.com. I got to Peters Mountain Shelter about 6 pm. I was just beat, did my chores and went straight to sleep. Only hiked 11 miles today.
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Raush Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: light intensity shower rain

July 7, 2008 The rain started just as I was leaving Peters Mountain Shelter at 6 a.m. It rained all day making the rocks very slick. My slow pace today made for a long day.I have seen 3 different bears, big monster bears. At different times, one would popped out on me right on the trail Only 1 of the 3 was a bit aggressive. I hope to make it 17.8 miles today, stopping at Raush Gap Shelter for the night.
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Raush Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

July 8, 2008 I tented last night as the shelter was not in very good shape. The rain stopped in the evening; but I was wet all night from the full day of rain. I met a section hiker yesterday, Home Slice; he is a manager with GM and lives in PA. He stayed at the shelter last night.I left early this morning and hiked about 5 miles with Home Slice to where he had parked his car. He took me into town to Wendy¢s for lunch ¢ tasted so, so good. Thank you, Home Slice.It is not raining today; but my clothes are still wet from yesterday. It was a very tough trail today, so many rocks. My feet are taking a punishment. I have went through 20 pairs of socks, 8 shirts, 2 pairs of pants, 3 pairs of shoes and 4 back packs. I am in need of clothes badly. I hope to go to an outfitters in Hamburg, PA.I stopped at the 501 Shelter tonight. Weather is to be stormy tonight and all day tomorrow. Mileage for today is 17.8.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

July 9, 2008   Left 501 Shelter early, it was another hard day of hiking in the rain. The rocks are so slippery, really have to take your time. My feet are paying the price for these slippery rocks. I made it to Eagle¢s Nest Shelter just before 5 pm. I am really wiped out today; spiders and mosquitoes were bad today ¢ there has been so much wet weather. Mileage today was only 15.5.
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

July 10, 2008 Slid down the mountain today ¢ like snow skiing. It was so steep, a mile straight down. Got in Port Clinton Hotel about 1 p.m. Nero day. Today, I did 9 miles ¢ broke 1,200 miles!!! Leaping Turtle called me today because he read about me in the newspaper; he is at Delaware Water Gap. My shins are still hurting.The Port Clinton Hotel is much nicer than the Doyle. The Port Clinton Hotel, served as a stagecoach stop between Sunbury and Philadelphia in the early 1800¢s. Stagecoaches stopped at the Port Clinton Hotel, which was a great social center where news from other states and even foreign countries was exchanged. In fact, it became customary when signing the hotel register to add any news that they thought might be of common interest. The hotelkeeper and his family cared for the driver and passengers stabled the horses and entertained with a fiddler and dances. The hotel¢s birth name was the ¢Gately Hotel¢ and is now named the ¢Port Clinton Hotel¢. Situated in southern Schuylkill County, the unique little town clings on the hillside and embraces the peninsula between the Little Schuylkill and the main river. Port Clinton takes its name from De-Witt Clinton on the Erie Canal, and was laid out in 1829. A thriving community for many years for large shipments of coal which was brought to Port Clinton by the primitive railroads and was loaded on canal boats for shipment.Check out new photos!!!!!!!!