morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:For once I was actually up early. This was due in part to accidentally grabbing the bottle with my morning caffeinated drink at 4am instead of the water. I went back to sleep after that just fine, but when I rolled over at 4:50 I was already feeling the buzz.I needed to resupply in Waynesboro, PA and set to work putting up some big miles in the morning. I stopped for lunch where Thin Mint caught me before continuing on down to the Pen Mar Park where I was hoping to get a ride into town.On the last stretch of the descent I ran into part of the Steed family out for a walk during their weekly picnic. They insisted I seek out the rest of the family and share in some of the meal. Having emptied my food bag at lunch I was more than happy to take them up on that. In addition to the food, they also gave me a ride to Walmart in town saving me the trouble of hitching (big thanks guys if you're reading this).That was easy enough and on the way out I was picked up by two young gentlemen making it one of the easiest town trips I've had yet. Due to the unplanned, but much appreciated, conversation and socialization with the various trail angels of the day it was later than I had planned to be getting back on the trail. 7pm and I still had five miles to do on sore feet.I was saved from that, however, when I ran into H2O, Senator, and Napoleon! They were camped 0.9 out from town and I was more than happy to throw down there. My pack was once again absurdly heavy with more food than necessary. We hung out with some weekend campers for a while before I once again, not feeling like setting up the tent, just lay it out on the ground.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Falls Creek

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I woke up to rain at some point in the night and fumbled to get my rain fly up and over me. This did not mean setting up the tent it turns out as the poles clip right into the ground cloth cutting out the need for the tent itself. That done I went back to sleep only slightly damp.Again, without my buried journal this blitz post is missing some of the mid-day details. We hiked, and took a break, and then hiked more. The fact that it was Memorial Day weekend became apparent as I came though as I passed through a big park at the at end of the day. I was hoping to score a burger or dawg from one of the many families, but alas nothing.A short climb up to the shelters found them just as fancy they had been built up to be, but also very full. The four of us set up just up the trail. Satisfied with how the previous night's rain save had gone I decided to cowboy camp again.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: scattered clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:Today was a big day. Today we hit the halfway mark of the trail, accurate for this years millage. Then we hit the official halfway post. Then we git the general store with the half gallon challenge (more on that later), and finally the Appalachian Trail Museum which also claimed to be the halfway point. It's very confusing.We met up with Cool Story, Mudder Fingers, Dorothy, and Rocket Girl at the first shelter and again at the second. There I said goodbye to Mama Bean as it was the last time I would see her before she left Bean Dip to head home. I also met a group of day hikers, some from the Susquehanna Trail Club, and walked the three miles to the general store talking with them.At the store I found the other thru hikers in various states of the half gallon challenge (one half gallon of ice cream in less than a one hour sitting). I jumped right in (despite the previous experiment at Partnership Shelter with lactose intolerance...) with a container of Moose Tracks - hard mode. With that packed away in just over half an hour it was time to move on. This meant strolling through another park full of Memorial Day picnickers. Still no handouts, although to be fair I wasn't really putting any effort into yogi'ing anything.At the end of the park I took the wrong trail (very misleading signage) and didn't notice for about fifteen minutes. By the time I was back on track and headed up the climb I was pretty angry and I charged that hill. And then the flat section after. And then descent. Finally getting to the shelter just in time to see H2O, Senator, and Napoleon returning from the blue blazed trail to the shelter. Their report: not worth walking to.We set up camp there and were later joined by parts of the half gallon challenge crew. A section hiker, Mike, was looking to lose some pack weight (looked like he had at least 120 pounds...) and hooked us each up with ramen, jerky, and Gatorade mix. It was a good night.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:The day started without rain surprises but with a decent climb. I hiked alone all morning until catching H2O, Senator, and Napoleon at Boiling Springs. My feet were hurting and I was more than happy to break for lunch. I sent home some gear I had forgotten to in Harper's Ferry and then moved on an hour behind them.The afternoon was quite flat. Entirely flat actually for 12 miles through or around fields. My feet were still giving me grief though and the impending storm was not helping. I ended up getting caught by a few short bursts but overall it passed quickly and left me only slightly damp. I also met up with another bear, Pooh Bear, along the way.The shelter itself had the Taj Mahal privy but I was too sore and tired to really appreciate it. I also didn't trust the weather to cowboy and went with the shelter. The only other occupant was Emperor, a section hiker finishing up his last little bit, and there was quite a bit of room.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:The morning was rocky, cloudy, and painful. I arrived in town unable to find H2O, Senator, or Napoleon and assumed they had resupplied and continued on already. I was unsure of whether I would call it a day and stay at The Doyle or not, but Twizzler's review of the food and stay had be with a room key in less than five minutes.I took care of the minimal resupply I needed and then laundry. I also took a shower and finally gave my feet the attention they needed. And man did they need it bad. The blisters I had were worse than I thought and after I had cleaned everything up I knew I would need to take a zero day before walking on them again.More hikers arrived though and the bar began to fill up. Among them were the three I had assumed moved on. Apparently they had stopped at the shelter I skipped and ended up behind me for a change. They were camping at the end of town but had walked the 1.9 miles back through the residential area to hang out. I wanted to join in the socializing but was exhausted and went to bed shortly after eating.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I was still unsure about the zero when I woke up after thirteen hours of sleep. Not feeling that well in mind or body I decided breakfast would help only to find the breakfast place had closed six minutes prior. I was saved from my dejection by the arrival of Thin Mint, Ranger, and Raven (girl Raven). They informed me of the imminent arrival of a large drove of hikers, all staying the night, and I decided it might not be such a bad day to hang around.After lunch at the BBQ place I took a three hour nap. Then got up briefly for a quick Trail Journals and socialization session before heading back to bed. I got up again shortly thereafter for a phone call with my sister and then it was out for the night.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Stealth Site (1160.5)
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I was up before 6:00am and feeling good. The excessive rest the day before had left me mended and more optimistic than I had been. The plan was to actually hit the breakfast place and then get on the trail early. This plan was shattered when I found out they had a pancake challenge. I went for it.I was one quarter of a pancake from the current record when I decided it wasn't worth wasting a day and feeling miserable to force down the last 1.25 plate-sized pancakes and threw in the towel. The hiking out didn't end up happening then until close to 10:00 and the hike itself was slow, bloated, and uncomfortable.Crossing the Susquehanna River we saw quite a few peregrine falcons though. They were dive bombing Thin Mint and I, which was less cool, but none of them actually made contact. Then was a heck of a climb, due mostly to the pancakes, with a few false summits to it.The day was pretty uneventful aside from just missing some trail magic and then not planning ahead resulting in the need to fill up water down the 0.3 mile steep trail with over 300 stone steps. I will say I have to admire the craftsmanship and effort put into moving them, but my thighs did not appreciate the climb back up.With a large gap between shelters we met up with quite group near a spring. I had planned on cowboy camping but the bugs were bad enough that I threw the tent up. Again, sore and tired I didn't have a whole lot to say to anyone and just cooked and turned in.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Stealth Site (1160.5)

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:The morning was a good one for podcasts and I worked my way through NPR's TED Radio Hour archives on the way to the next shelter. I took a two hour lunch break there overlapping with Raven, Ranger, Survivorman, and Wonder Llama at different times.After lunch I kept the podcast streak going. I passed through the remains of an old mining town and saw quite a few warnings about drinking from spring water in that area. I didn't see too many people until passing by a popular swimming hole. I thought about stopping to jump in but decided I didn't want to take the time. I was caught by surprise as I passed a family taking a break under the interstate. Other than that the afternoon was pretty uneventful aside from a steadily growing pain in my feet. I was more than ready to call it a day when I arrived at the shelter to find Thin Mint, Grey Squirrel, and Flossy.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I decided it was worth sleeping in and didn't get on the trail until 8:30. My feet were still quite sore from the day before and I took it pretty slow, glad I hadn't tried to push the last 4 miles to the 501 shelter the night before. Once I arrived I met Red, just getting up himself, and took a longer-than-planned break there.After that I didn't see any other hikers until camp in the evening. I stopped again at a picnic table between two streams for an abbreviated lunch before traveling on. I was feeling pretty negative about the trail the entire afternoon and was not enjoying the hike very much. It was another showcase of how important it is to take the time to make sure you are eating well because low blood sugar was certainly responsible for my mindset and probably wasn't helping my feet either.The shelter itself was empty when I got there but plenty of people were camping; C.V., Grey Squirrel & Flossy, Thin Mint, 3x5, and Taz were set up when I arrived and we were joined later by Bear Bait, Roc Doc & Purple Blaze, and Sky.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 9.3

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:The morning began with a full-participation debate over the value of institutions. It got pretty heated pretty quickly and I just headed out. Got into town mid-morning and was thoroughly surprised to see Will, from way back at Woody Gap, pull up to give people rides into Hamburg. Turns out an injury had taken him off trail for this year, but he was running a shuttle in the area.I went to 5 Guys with Emperor and then hung out at the Walmart for the afternoon before joining Will "Dad" and his girlfriend Dale in Kutztown for the long-talked-of wing night in town. After a few drinks we headed back to the tent set up on the Kutztown University quad and camped out there.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: light rain

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:Dad dropped me off back at the trail head and after an early lunch of hotdogs and beer at the first shelter out I met up with Survivorman. We hiked together the rest of the day which wasn't too bad rock-wise. Hung out at The Pinnacle for a bit, which was certainly the best view of the day, and ran into some day hikers there.After some trail magic sodas we missed the turn onto the paved road for the shelter and ended up hiking a half mile further before retracing our steps. Finally reaching the shelter we met up with Trouble, Professor T, and Taz. Joining us later were John and Headbanger.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: broken clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I talked with Professor T about electrical engineering (which he teaches) for a bit in the morning before heading out alone. After the first climb I met up with John and we hiked together until the morning snack shelter. We met Cowgirl there, still trying to find her lost dog. Wishing her the best of luck finding him I continued on.The afternoon help a lot more rocks and heat than I would have liked. I got to the Bake Oven Knob Shelter quite thirsty and ended up going on a mile hike down and around the ridge to find a flowing spring due to poor signage and blazing. I was not a happy hiker. I took a longer lunch break there to recover and rehydrate before moving on again. During the last leg I picked up the pace to make it to the shelter before the storm hit. I got in and met Banter there before calling it an early night.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:It rained over night and I kept putting on getting up until it finally stopped around 7:30. I got down to Palmerton just in time to meet Thin Mint, A-Train, and Grease Spot getting back on the trail after spending the night at the jailhouse.We climbed back up out over the big Superfund rock scramble, met up for a morning snack, and then took off again each at our own pace. I just missed John and Headbanger at the next shelter, but not having taken a real lunch break I decided not to continue on. G Walker and Banter were there and after making the long walk down to water I set up a tent and called it a night.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.2

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I managed to get up early for once though it still took an hour and a half to eat and pack up so I didn't quite get the early start I was looking for. Thin Mint and I stopped for a quick breather at Wind Gap just in time to see two cars pull in and exchange in sketchy looking dealings. We sat at the other end of the lot there just to be safe.We met up again at the Kirkridge Shelter for a long lunch break before hiking together the last miles into town. At the Church of the Mountain hiker hostel we met up with John, Headbanger, Kamikaze, and a few others. We all ended up getting dinner and dessert together but not before I had had a chance to check out the local thrift store Hobo Chic and score some nice town clothes as well as a pretty sweet jacket to send home for another time.
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Backpacker Campsite #2, NJ
Miles today: 5.3

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:Even after a late night I was up at 6:00 but undecided about whether to zero or not. I spent the morning writing and working on my school readmission application before going with Problem Bear to take care of resupplying. The afternoon went to doing some preventative gluing of my shoes and I didn't get out of town until 4:00pm.Another state down though as I crossed over into NJ and then ascended through the park there up to the campsite at the top. I met A-Train there and camped out with him. We saw a few deer wander through camp and could hear the echoes of a live music event in the valley as we drifted off.
Date: 2014-06-08
From: Backpacker Campsite #2, NJ

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: scattered clouds

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the shorthand rundown:I was up and out pretty early and just missed the sunrise at Sunfish Pond. The trail was pretty nice all day and I hiked solo until meeting Tim, a section hiker, who I hiked with until reaching the planned lunch spot. The pump there was broken, however, and fortunately Tim had enough water to give me some. I took only a snack break before moving on to better water.Along the way I met Chris and Tammy, two SoBo section hikers, a group of four day hikers, and then Bob and Sue, siblings who were handing out much-appreciated carrots and apples. I had a late lunch at the next shelter before going the next six to camp alone except for the company of mosquitoes.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Thistle Hill Shelter

To: Hanover, NH
Miles today: 14.7

As much as I try to, it seems impossible to stay up to date with posts on here. Pictures and a full post to come - for now the quick rundown:Actually got up before 6:00 this morning - a first in quite a while - and was on trail just after 6:30. The trail and encroaching flora were still wet from the rain last night and the chaffing from yesterday had not gotten any better. About 0.2 miles in I gave up and just took the shorts off. Hoping not to see anyone I continued on like that until just before West Hartford.Thirsty caught up to me there but fortunately I saw him before he saw me and pulled the pants back on fast. We crossed the creek there and were waved in by the Hart family. Randy and Linda Hart have been doing some serious trail magic for hikers since 2002. In addition to Thirsty and I they waved in another five or six of us and before long it was a party around the table.The sun had made an appearance by the time we had finished eating and a quick dip seemed back in the cards. Not just a dip though with a bridge like that right there it would be a waste not to jump. Five of us took the plunge and after thanks and goodbyes Thirsty, Boot Burner, and I hit the trail again.We hiked straight through into Hanover with even more trail magic as we got closer to town. Once across the Connecticut River and officially into New Hampshire Boot Burner and I stopped again to find a place to jump in. We got denied from the first Dartmouth-only dock but found got lucky a bit further up river.Refreshed, we hit the town to take advantage of the various thru-hiker freebies. Refreshed and full we made our way back to the Dartmouth Outing Club to cool off for a bit and use the computers. As soon as I submit this I'll be heading over to say hi to the Zeta Psi chapter here and then getting picked up by my friend Nils to head into Boston for the fourth. Hopefully back on trail Saturday with only two states and 443 miles left!
Date: 2014-02-01
From: Gainsville

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I didn't plan on attempting another thru hike. While upgrading my gear last year for a section hike I bought a new pack, then later a new sleeping bag, then a different tent. I decided recently why not go for it.. In 2010 I got in 1100 miles before the mental part said stop. I had all the wrong gear all the way down to my spork. I'm not saying I'll make it all the way this time, but who knows? For those who are new to the trail it will be the hardest thing you will ever do. Physically and mentally. Hope to see you on the trail.
Date: 2014-04-15
From: Woody Gap/Suches

To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

It has been very cold and now it,s raining. Getting in good milage despite being sick and having a bad eye infection. Tuesday did the approach trail in wind and snow showers. Wednesday the start of the AT there was ice on the trail with icicles hanging from the rock ledges. Everyone has been real nice. Reports of a very sick hiker near Gooch gap they were trying to get 911 help.
Date: 2014-04-26
From: Dicks creek Gap

To: FRANKLIN NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Met Billy Goat and Jumbo Jimbo at Bly Gap. Jimbo was a trampoline salesman. ATC crew let me paint one of the last white blazes between GA & NC., an honor just to meet them. Entered North Carolina on the 23rd. Had a difficult climb out of Bly on the 24th but got in 12.1 miles to Beech Gap. Long Branch shelter to Franklin NC motel 21.5 miles. Meet Tornado and Twinkle Toes downtown Franklin. Weather is heating up and have sunburned head and arms. I can see the GSNP in the distance. Walking with Ken from Ga. has keep things interesting. Heading out tomorrow for Wayah Bald, a place with a great view.
Date: 2014-04-27
From: FRANKLIN NC

To: Newfound Gap GSMNP
Miles today: 137.2

Long time since I had an available computer. In Gatlinburg for a 1 & 1/2 day rest. Have met people from 20 states and Germany and China. Encountered wild boar, snakes, deer. ticks (no spit)and a million bugs. Ken had a serious fall but moving on with a broken elbow and long laceration. I had a bout with dehydration. Moving on thursday we will be out of GSMNP this weekend.
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Newfound Gap GSMNP

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 67.1

Out of GSMNP and away from their permits and regulations. Had a bear encounter in a shelter, but he was just a nosey fellow. Stop in Hot Springs for food supply and a pizza. 6 or 7 days until we see a town and hot water again. Rain heading our way.