morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-22
From: Elk Pen

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

Zero days must come to an end. I take time to restock certain items. I also make arrangements for my jump to Baxter. This includes 2 days in Millinocket, a shuttle to the park, and an overnight at Abol Bridge Campground. It leaves me with a 1330 start and about 10 miles. This section is known as "Agony" and is constant ups and downs. However at one trailhead I find magic, and immediately consume an apple, an orange, and a banana. I pass NOBODY hikers who report more trail magic at the next road crossing. I look closely but find nothing. Up the bill I go. Ahead there is another hiker. When he sees me he waits and when I'm close enough states: "You missed the trail magic." I said I looked carefully bit couldn't find it. He explained, "You couldn't find it because I'm here." He further explains that he had been coming out of the back of his truck. He had cooked 3 dozen hot dogs and served an appropriate amount of both potato salad and Cole slaw. When all was gone he had grabbed his pack and was hiking to the top. We hike up together, talking about professions. We pause at the top, but he continues down the other side. By now I let him lead, he has hiked this before. The path is tough but this makes it easier. He mentions the next several camp sites, and that he is sorry I missed his tail magic. Patrick Flynn, I didn't miss your trail magic. Time spent with you hiking up and over the last of the Agony was magical. I arrive at Wildcat Shelter about 1900 and a little dysfunctional. I end eating dinner in the dark. And ready for sleep.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: St. Thomas Episcopal Hostel
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: fog

I awake at 0530 but need more sleep. When I awaken again, there are only a couple of hikers still here and I will be the last out of 8 hikers when I leave at 0730. And it's another grind; up and down rock scrambles. Someone actually has an American flag posted on one of the higher points; attached to a cut sapling and held with guy wires.A hiker passes me and notes the size of my bag. He says he is only our for a day hike. And then he's gone from sight. About a half hour he's coming back and reports in another 300 yards I'll be out of NY. Back to more rock scrambles. At one point someone has installed a rebar ladder; talk about vertical! I he get to the side trail to Wawayanda Shelter with plenty of daylight left. There had been rumbles off thunder to my left (east) but only a few raindrops. Decision time is done. I will continue to Vernon NJ.I'm at the "stairway to heaven" at 1700. A group of teenage boys just arrived at the top. When I ask, they respond that I have about an hour and a quarter to the highway. It has trained a little here. Some rocks will be slick, others not. But I'll need to treat all the rocks as if they are slippery. Stairway to heaven; maybe if it were dry and I was going NOBO. From my vantage point and direction it is more like the staircase to hell. The boys are accurate; an hour and 15 minutes later I'm on the highway. Downhill for over an hour! I walk over to a farm market is heard about on the trail, about a hundred yards. Dinner is served. I walk back to the intersection and before I can do anything further a van stops and the driver asks if I need a ride. I accept and he tells me he can take me straight to the church. Door to door service. I get settled; there are 5 other hikers here tonight.The hot shower is fantastic. There is a Lundy section but I have nothing to launder tonight. I check through the hiker frig. Soda, and well, ice cream. Yes I can wash dishes. Off to sleep. I end up on the floor. The girls have the futon in front of the TV,the other hikers are on the floor in the dining area. They snore; I find a place on the floor near the TV.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: St. Thomas Episcopal Hostel

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Slow start today. The free shuttle posted at the hostel was a bust; the taxi service doesn't start their day until 0900. But the Aussie ladies yesterday said it was an easy hitch, and it was - even with 2 of us. I've acquired a hiking partner, Bould r Dash. He's 7 years my senior and hikes like he's 7 years my junior. We are out for a 19-mile day. And he wants to resupply in Unionville. He has a plan to be in Water Gap on Thursday, we'll see if I can keep up. His tail name should be Ever Ready, like the bunny he just keeps going...and going...and going. With the side trip it's closer to 21 miles. We have late lunch at Horler's General Store. The subs were awesome. I probably also needed the break; I didn't sleep well last night. Double Dip and Dirt Bag (2 girls) had the futon. I was up at least 3 times - must be accustomed to the hammock or need as opposed to floor. Today was also the first bear sighting. It just walked up the trail behind us and when we stopped and turned, it was off it in opposite direction.
Date: 2016-05-25
From: High Point Shelter

To: Brink Shelter 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: clear sky

Up at 0530,BoulderDash is already awake and nearly ready. The original plan was to hike to Gren Anderson Shelter, 13.0 miles. Then hike to MOC (Mohican Outdoor Center) on Thursday. At the first break I note that Thursday will be a 21-mile day. BoulderDash double checks his outline. And confirms my calculations. A quick change of plans occurs: Brink Shelter is 19.6 miles, but reduces Thursday to about 14. Once we picked the destination, the rest was just hiking; up and down, up and down, mostly over rocks. It was not the same type of 19 mile day we had yesterday. The high point of the day was a late lunch, US 206. The Appalachian Deli, well that was CLOSED. The steakhouse, well that was CLOSED as well (been for sale for the past 8 months). But Gyp's Tavern was OPEN, serving the best greasy burger in town (at least that we could find) add well as fries seasoned with Old Bay - and ice cold - - - WATER! Then, of course, it was an uphill climb out of town. It ended as a 12-hour day. But Brink Shelter looks almost as a new construction. Tomorrow bodes as a good day, 14 miles or so and into the MOC. But only if I can get to sleep - there is a hiker about 70 yards away holding a cell phone conversation. I can clearly hear him, I'm only surprised I can't hear the other party as well. He quits when I start walking his direction.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Brink Shelter 

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I was awake last night at 2210, it was pitch black, and then again at 0440. After the second nocturnal ambulatory stroll, I just couldn't get back to sleep; it was warm and the moon way too bright. There was also a lot of movement around a tent pitched 90 yards away, at the temporary residence of the cell phone hiker's buddy. This morning, before we leave, I learn his pot, cup, and windscreen are missing. Seems they were in the same bag left outside the tent last night. For unknown reasons the hiker felt he had to sleep with his stove. Have I mentioned I always put my kitchen equipment in the near bag when I hang it. Or that everything goes into the bear box. And last night there was a very large bear box. (I like bear boxes.)Today is still a 14-mile hike and it's already warm at 0630.About midday we come upon a single SOBO hiker. Even from the back I can tell by the pack and sway of the hiker's kilt that it's Tribe.I left Tribe at Elk Pen on Friday afternoon when I went for my zero. He thought we wouldn't be seeing each other again. His destination was the MOC and he would have a day and a half start on me. He was truly surprised when I called out from behind. BoulderDash and I arrived first. Less than 7 hours hiking; to an outdoor oasis. This is really a neat place. And they serve food, good food, in quantity. We were here at 1430,so we got a really hot shower, rinsed out clothes, and still ate at 1630.Just so everyone understands, I tried to do a journal entry without success - absolutely 0 signal. However I discovered a guest WiFi so everyone gets a treat; 2 day's of entries tonight. Tomorrow into DWG (Delaware Water Gap), a resupply box, a box of gear, and a zero day coming.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: broken clouds

Before today's entry I should explain why I couldn't see what took/moved the cup, pot, and windscreen. While the moon was exceptionally bright, the tent was pitched under a stand of pines which created deep shadow. But I digress...Today seemed like a half day. BoulderDash was ready as planned at 0600. It had trained hard overnight for about an hour, 0330 to 0430 (don't even ask how I became aware of the rain, I usually sleep through everything). For the first hour or so we do what every hiker wants to do at the start off the day - climb. Up rocks. About that time we come upon what could only be described as small tent cities. We later learn St. Bernard's Prep from Newark, NY, sends their students to the AT for an appreciation of the outdoors. Freshmen and transfers start their 5-day stretch on, Sunday; upper classmen start theirs on Monday. This simply means this was their day of escape. These were teenage boys, some in tennis shoes carrying large packs. Basically they just ran downhills. And walked over rocky surfaces like they were sidewalks. BoulderDash tried to keep up for quite a while. Eventually youth exceeded our pace; 3 groups of about 6 each passed us and were not seen again until Kittanty National Park. The effort did pay dividends. We nearly succeeded in a 10 by 10 (10 miles by 10 AM). We arrived at the hostel at 1045.Bed space was claimed. Then a trip to the outfitter for supply boxes. Both of us had resupply sent/delivered to the same location. Then lunch. Wouldn't you know the barbecue was set up in front of the local bakery. Okay, so much for lunch. Then back to the hostel followed by a trip to the post office for me. One postcard, one box of miscellaneous equipment; both shipped. It's then dinner time. Not enough can be said about enough food. Now in to arrange my bed space and repack my backpack. Followed by sleep and it is not even 2000.But the Penguins apparently won last night. Now they will play for that large silver mug.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

A true zero day; technically nothing to do. I try not to wear shoes but immediately determine that is not going to work; I dislike the feel of Crocs and don't have camp shoes. BoulderDash's friend, Pap from PA, arrived at 0700, with his driver, Terry.They are from somewhere in the Duncannon area.Then off to breakfast at Apple Pie Caf©. An omelet, home fries, toast, and coffee actually, will suffice - at least for now. Then back to the hostel to assess food - 6 days to Port Clinton. My breakfast cooking has been altered by BoulderDash's early starts; he nibbles on a combination of Pop Tarts, peanut crackers, and granola bars. I, therefore, keep enough of my packets to allow 6 cooked meals. Then I arrange for a bounce box of excess meals to Duncannon at the post office. (Their AT commemorative stamp now decorates my AT Passport.)This necessitates another trip to the outfitter for purchases to complete breakfast and lunch meals for 6 days. Back to the hostel to recheck calculations. Pap from PA believes he has arranged to slackpack, BoulderDash gets a nap, I get a shower (I'm really impressed, my clothes only smell half as badly now; there are no laundry facilities.)Then, off to an early dinner. We return to the same caf©. We are seated in short order but after 15 minutes haven't seen the waitress who said she'd be right back. She took an order from the only table in the room which hadn't been served when we were seated. The other 2 have noticed, wait 2 minutes more and we leave. She sees us at the door and says good-bye and nothing more. It's off to the pizza shop which was very good and the service much better. We wait out a short rain shower and return again to the hostel. The slackpack has been arranged. Now we need to repack all unnecessary equipment which will be delivered to Wind Gap. It's also going to be an early start, so sleep will need to start quickly.
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.5

We leave DWG right after our equipment departs for Wind Gap. We carry only essential gear; and only that which is essential for today. Items like rain gear, water, food, map, compass, guide, first aid, et al. The rest is shipped; it brings my pack weight to about 6 pounds. It is about 0650. And it is a steady uphill (what else is new?) climb to Kittredge Shelter, about 4.4 miles. Then we are on the ridge; we are also on that for which PA is exactly famous - ROCKS! Big rocks, little rocks, tons of rocks, boxes of rocks, McKees Rocks, even Sto Rox(cks). There are some areas which are smooth and level; these are not remembered, only rocks. Even having to rock-hop and step over, under, around, the lack of a heavy pack leaves us at the trailhead at Wind Gap at 1415. We try to hitch without success, there are 3 of us and it is a holiday weekend. Pap from PA calls for a shuttle which still hasn't arrived after 45 minutes. A nice hiker girl we passed closer to DWG (hiking in opposite directions) returns to her car and offers a ride, Pap from PA had also made a reservation at local lodging, and we are there. I'm not going to identify the lodging; the owner couldn't keep a story together for more than 2 sentences. The AC broke this morning. One look confirmed it may have been the morning of 29 May, but closer to 2010 than 2016.I will get you a fan from supply. For hours and as many reminders gets us a fan, brand new in the box, and I need to assemble it. I will get you towels and soap. He knows there are 3 of us. There were 2 wash cloths, one bath mat, one hand towel, and a very mushy sliver of soap. He eventually brought enough to account for 2 full sets. Fortunately I did have my own towel. I'll reduce the rate. He then charged exactly what he charged the couple next door (they had AC).There is a sign posted "Office & Ice" with an arrow. I try for ice. The response: Go to the beer distributor and buy it. I point out the information on the sign. The new response: The ice machine broke. Show me the ice machine is countered with, I can't, I don't have to. I can't see any ice machine in the area he points. I really don't care how much in advertising money, if any, the guide books may be getting from carrying such information - it is definitely a diservice to all of the hikers. But we do get an early dinner, dessert, and I get a small grocery trip. On a side note, the couple next door is simply in awe of our hikes. He offers a ride in the morning. We obviously accept. While on the ice run I notice him in an argument with a Latino from another room. Earlier our neighbor's girlfriend had been complaining about the Latino's advances. She had been in his face; this looked like payback. Our generous neighbor was going to get sucker punched. His girlfriend was trying to get him in the room. We really needed the ride; I couldn't let him get hurt. Between the 2 of us, the Latino is sent away, and the boyfriend is in the room with the door closed.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Danielsville, PA
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Memorial Day, a day for all to remember. But for most it's a day for picnicking, the first unofficial day of summer, maybe watch a parade. In my case,this year I'll miss the fastest parade in history, 20 minutes tops most years. It takes longer to do traffic control for pedestrians going to the VFW than the entirety of the parade. But I was always glad it was held - some would attend and remember why. But today is also BoulderDash's birthday. I almost bought the small cake I saw at the grocery - but didn't think it would have been eaten. I bought 3 bananas instead; they were eaten and enjoyed. We check on our neighbor and find him functioning a full 15 minutes early. We are quickly back at the trailhead and on our way at 0710.Unlike yesterday however, today are packs are fully loaded, and we each carry maximum water rations (PA is notorious for unreliable water sources in June, July, and August).It rained most of last night. It was raining when I was awake at 2210, 0330,and 0440 hours. This will not help the water supply issue but it will make everything very, very wet. I know at some point I had remarked that it felt as if someone had slammed trekking poles on each of my little toes - how true - what an accurate description I provided. Both toes had been doing much better - so much so that I hadn't been noticing any foot issues. This morning I planted the right pole and pushed off. All I felt was the pole sliding down the rock; down the rock to the top of my little toe. The pole just scraped dark green something and continued to slide down the rock - in slow motion. I tried to reduce the force I had applied (everything was in slow motion, surely I could stop, or at least slow this down) without any success. The pole slammed onto the top of that little toe. It didn't even make a sound when the pole struck that toe; but I did. No, not an expletive, not even anything obscene or vulgar; the other 2 knew something had happened. And yes, it was, and is, the same pain. Precisely and exactly the same, so I am assured my description was perfect (now when will this pain go away?). Nothing further remarkable occurs the rest of the day. At least not until the very end of the day. First the end of today's hike was a short rock scramble followed by a very steep rock scramble. And second, we are now camped at the picnic pavilion of a restaurant; we had to walk 0.8 mile to get here - downhill. Tomorrow morning may be interesting since I picked this.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Danielsville, PA

To: New Tripoli Campsite 
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We are up at 0500, on the road at 0610, and finally on the trail at 0710. There were only 4 cars up the hill in the time it took us to walk to the trailhead. None of them was going to stop and pick up 3 old guys. Two side notes: 1. Pat from PA, is actually Pap from PA. All previous entries have been corrected. He does have a trail name. Item 2: My mileage does not include off-trail miles. For example, yesterday we walked 0.8 miles from the trail to a picnic pavilion. That mileage is not reflected anywhere. I just know that someday I'll add all the side trail and off trail miles to my "journal." The original plan was to get to Bake Oven Knob Shelter and assess today's activities. We have to get through Lehigh Gap, which, in the vernacular, "just ain't easy..."Up, out of Little Gap, it's rocky, across to Palmerton, there are some rocks. Then a smooth hike to the gap. Once there it takes us over 1 1/2 hours to traverse less than 1 1/2 miles. But we finally made it across the bridge. Then, of course, up again, on the other side. The trail continues up for about 3/4 mile; there are a spring and shelter at this point. Pap has been having "uphill" problems for the past 2 days. I think it's the distances we're covering plus the pack weight. Sunday we covered distance, but without significant weight. Yesterday and today we've had full packs and are covering more than 15 miles. Though I've seen what is in Pap's pack; there can't be more than 15 or 16 pounds total. We have lunch at the shelter and while I'm out to the privy (there isn't one, I'm just being polite) Pap decides to call the owner of "Rock&Sole" for a ride. He claims he will meet us in Port Clinton.BoulderDash and I continue, there is another 600 get of elevation gain right after we start. Then the ridge - more rocks. We make Bake Oven Knob Shelter by 1430. BoulderDash reports one couple that hiked NOBO by us reported the reliable water at the shelter about 4/10 mile away. This means we could be 1 mile closer to the campsite after one trip for water. We therefore continue - and find - more rocks - bigger rocks - climbing rocks - sharper rocks - wobbly rocks. After an hour we are still 3 miles from the campsite. We are determined - I know I am, but I'm also out of water and thirsty. We persist and BoulderDash probably arrived about 1815; I know I got here about 1830,and he was probably 15 minutes ahead. The water is reliable; reported at 0.2 mile west, I count 1100 steps on my return from the bottom of the hill. My strides, even tired and uphill, are longer than a foot each. All the chores are completed. Dinner was again good (Pocket Rockets make cooking consistent).Off to bed.
Date: 2016-06-01
From: New Tripoli Campsite 

To: Eckville Shelter 
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I awake at 0525 and think I slept in; BoulderDash has been calling me at 0500. I check his tent, he actually had to set it up last night, and find he's not there. Neither are his water containers, therefore he is on another water run for some reason. But our plan is still Eckville Shelter and we're off at 0645. The day is relatively unremarkable - just another day in Rocksylvania. More big rocks, more wobbly rocks - oh, and something just a little bit different - a woods road, in the game lands. Not for long however, back to rocks. We encounter 2 other SOBO hikers coming from Anderson Shelter. They are firefighters from Powell, MI, (halfway between Detroit and Flint) I believe. Their exit is Port Clinton. They also mention thunderstorms on Friday. This will need evaluation. We follow a long steep downhill for about an hour, then come to a footbridge (we are 0.5 mile from the shelter) and then onto a paved road. I know I saw a paved road listed, Hawk Mountain Road, on which the shelter is situated. I stop to check the map; BoulderDash believes we go further. I walk to the south side of the road and on the south side of the sign payed there I find my confirmation - the word, shelter, vertically with an arrow in the proper direction - signs, as well as blazes, favor the NOBO hiker.This shelter has a caretaker and a bunkhouse; we are here early, I'm bunking in. There is also a shower (solar-heated; read "cold in 30 seconds"); thank you, I want one of those anyway, and my clothes get rinsed.Over dinner we discuss options. A check of the forecast (isn't technology wonderful) confirms thunderstorms Friday morning. The obvious choice is to hike into Port Clinton Thursday. If we get there before 1600 BoulderDash gets his package. If later he can still get his package Friday afternoon; the post office is only open afternoon hours during the week. This will provide a zero for Friday; I'll try to resupply in Hamburg. But these are plans for another day. Tomorrow's hike requires tonight's sleep.
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Eckville Shelter 

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

Boulderdash is determined to get to Port Clinton early. We are up and gone by 0500. I can agree with the early start; we have been putting on the majority of our miles in the morning hours, and, it is cooler. We have a lunch break about 1030. Afterwards BoulderDash seems "on a mission." I'm not lagging behind, but I'm not going to try to maintain his pace in these rocks. We get to the post office before 1300, it hasn't been open for a half hour yet. And we have hiked 14.8 miles today. I theneed discover BoulderDash's watch is in some other mode or function; he believes it is after 1430.We are now so early we can accomplish chores. He gets his box so he now has his resupply. First a room at the Port Clinton Hotel (don't ask, it's an old hotel). Then a shuttle to Cabela's - BoulderDash is looking for a new inflatable pillow. He doesn't find it. I get 3 backpack dinners. Next, off to wally world - the rest of my resupply for breakfast and lunch. Then Subway - first dinner. Return to the hotel. Unload packages. And off to the barber shop (it is a unique hang out for hikers - and they actually do cut hair. I check the fire department's social hall for food and settle for a snack. On the return to the hotel I stop at the peanut shop for some hard candies. I finish with a second dinner at the hotel. Upstairs, repack my bag, shower, shave, sleep.