morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-21
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, Quality Inn
Miles today: 13.4

I set the alarm for 5:15 and was the first one out by 6:15. I had to make it to Front Royal by 1:00 to meet my cousin, Candy. And I had to hike 13 miles over slippery terrain. Hobo was going to hike and yellow blaze on her own and meet me there too. Every turn I took I would sing and clack my sticks..I didn't want to surprise any bears. I took a wrong turn and got twisted up, but was glad to see that I didn't get all frazzled and was able to retrace my steps. Floss joined me for awhile and we had great conversation flowing until we came to a timber rattlesnake on the trail! I felt super lucky to have Floss there, he is very knowledgeable. He only has 3 more days to hike and then he will have completed the entire AT. He is going to celebrate by going to a B&B honeymoon suite in Waynesboro, PA and sit in the hot tub! It was National Hike Nude day...it was chilly so I didn't see anyone nude. I arrived in Front Orange and Candy and our friend, Helen, were there!!! They were 'classy trail angels'!!!! What a feast! It felt like a tail gate party with very very hungry (and grimy) guests! Candy was so generous...she really took care of me, Hobo, and our trail family. We were dropped off at the Quality Inn and we got our chores done! What a great day!
Date: 2014-06-22
From: Front Royal, Quality Inn

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

It was hard to get up and leave the cozy beds at the hotel. But....that's our job! We completed 10 miles and Hobo did super. I was the one dragging. It was a fun and leisurely hike. It was entertaining hearing about everyone's adventures in Front Royal. I talked with a section hiker named Oneboot and I kept calling him Onefoot by accident...yesterday I caught myself twice calling Floss..Glide. I think I'm losing it out here in the woods!! I hope I sleep good tonight, I'm really tired. Oh, a really nice woman named Marie handed out trail magic...ice cold beer. We had a fun time gathering at the picnic table. Lots of laughs.
Date: 2014-06-23
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I love this trail because every day you just don't know what to expect. Today nothing happened and it was perfect! It was wonderful to have Hobo feeling well and spending the whole day with me. She did super. We took generous breaks and laughed a lot. Butterflies fluttered all around me. Tomorrow we hit 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents-called the Roller Coaster. We're going to break it up by eating pizza at the Bears Den hostel...should be a great day! I beat Senior Chief, HoboNobo, at gin rummy tonight! Oh, and I also tried to move a snake from the trail using my hiking stick and it startedslithering up it...I threw my pole down!
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: campsite right after Raven Rocks
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: moderate rain

Great day! The Roller Coaster was a piece of cake! 'Naturally HOB' kept us entertained. He had so many great stories of all his travels and he shared his cherries. We stopped at the Bears Den Hostel...what a great stop! It was built in the 1930s by a rich Dr. and it looks like a European Medieval Castle. In the 80s the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club took it over. Hobo was the first in line to purchase our frozen pizza and she had it in the oven before a line even formed! We bought snacks and Hobo drank 4 sodas and a Hawaiian Punch!! We split a pint of Ben & Jerrys....yum! We finally shoved off and passed the 1000 mile marker and the VA/WV state line!!! We had to put on our headlamps and we experienced some night hiking. We got into our campsite at around 9:00, gorgeous night for a walk!
Date: 2014-06-25
From: campsite right after Raven Rocks

To: campsite near Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: light rain

We had a late start--8:15. It was a super morning to walk. We stopped at the Blackburn AT Center and just kicked back. It was amazing how quickly time passed while doing nothing! We chatted with a Boy Scout group from Wisconsin and saw Cherry Blossom again. We finally took off and made it to the Mountaineer Mini-Mart & Torlone's Pizza. It was quite a classy place (not really). But everyone was so friendly and the food was great and I played Keno for the first time, and didn't win a thing! I was surprised when people were smoking in the bar/restaurant. We stayed there for two hours and then everyone warned us of a storm coming our way. We got to our campsite by 7:00 and set up before the storm hit. Actually it really didn't amount to anything. Hobo beat me at Rummy tonight. Can't believe that tomorrow I'll be in Harpers Ferry!
Date: 2014-06-26
From: campsite near Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry, Economy Lodge
Miles today: 5.0

Today was a super day. Hobo and I walked 5 miles to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. We walked over the Shenandoah River bridge and up some steep stairs. I immediately liked Harpers Ferry....Lots of history. The people at the Conservancy were so nice. They took our pictures and we were entered in to the photo albums. I was the 826th thru-hiker to come through this season. It was a great feeling. We walked to the Economy Lodge sat down in the lobby and I looked up and there was Albert, my husband! I knew he was coming to visit, but I still jumped up and tripped over my backpack! He looks super, and it was so good to see him. The last time I had seen him was three months ago, when he dropped me off at Springer Mountain. We had a super time exploring Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2014-06-27
From: Harpers Ferry, Economy Lodge

To: Harpers Ferry, Economy Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Great day in Harpers Ferry! It's hot, but you get a little relief in the shade. Our trail angel, Albert, took us to Walmart then out for lunch and drinks. We resupplied, pigged out, and did a little shopping. We actually did a lot of walking as we toured the town. Hobo and I will be up and out early tomorrow morning. Can't believe how fast these past two days went. I really appreciated Albert coming to visit. Thanks to Auntie Laurie and Uncle David for dog sitting.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry, Economy Lodge

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4

I had a big breakfast and then it was time to say good bye to Albert. Hobo and I were back on the trail by 8:45. It was really interesting leaving Harpers Ferry. We saw Jefferson's Rock and many other historic sights. We saw big turtles sunning themselves and we answered many questions from weekend walkers. Some of their faces are priceless when we tell them that we started hiking at the end of March and that we're going to Maine. A woman named Vicki wrote in my trail journal that she would like to provide lunch for Hobo and me when we reach Gathland State Park. Vicki's friend's daughter is hiking the PCT and was blogging about it. Vicki lives about 45 minutes from the AT. She started giving trail magic on Mother's Day and hasn't missed a weekend since. Her enthusiasm and generosity are incredible. Her husband, Howard, was there too. They had steak/chicken salads for us, bread, fruit , brownies. It was like a cocktail party. Predator and his 5 friends,Red Robin(horse vet) and Cat were there. Cat wants to be the first Chinese American from Taiwan to finish the trail. I'm just blown away from all this generosity and find it so much fun to have all us random people thrown together...we all have so much respect for each other. We continued to Rocky Run Shelter. It was so new and clean..hobo and I decided to spend the night in it. No mice...my streak of seeing no mice continues!
Date: 2014-06-29
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up and out at 7:30 this morning. The AT went right through the Washington Monument State Park. We love reading all the plaques and information boards...... quite a history lesson. We walked over the I-70 foot bridge... I got dizzy looking at all the cars whizzing by. We had a rocky stretch to hike...yow, now that hurts! We made it to a campsite right before the shelter. Just as we finished our Mountain House meal...'Naturally HOB ' showed up with pizza and Girl Scout cookies for us. Of course I still had room for more food! HOB keeps his pack weight down...hobo and I are carrying too much food! Our packs are too heavy and we're going to fix this problem before we start the second half of the AT. Harpers Ferry wAs the psychological half way point. We're soon approaching the true half way point. I'm so excited for having the opportunity to have this adventure .. It's a great fit for me, love this journey.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

Up and out at 7:30 this morning. The AT went right through the Washington Monument State Park. We love reading all the plaques and information boards...... quite a history lesson. We walked over the I-70 foot bridge... I got dizzy looking at all the cars whizzing by. We had a rocky stretch to hike...yow, now that hurts! We made it to a campsite right before the shelter. Just as we finished our Mountain House meal...'Naturally HOB ' showed up with pizza and Girl Scout cookies for us. Of course I still had room for more food! HOB keeps his pack weight down...hobo and I are carrying too much food! Our packs are too heavy and we're going to fix this problem before we start the second half of the AT. Harpers Ferry wAs the psychological half way point. We're soon approaching the true half way point. I'm so excited for having the opportunity to have this adventure .. It's a great fit for me, love this journey. I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line!!
Date: 2014-07-02
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel--Gardners, PA
Miles today: 16.8

The Quarry Gap Shelters were so maintained. Hanging baskets everywhere! We took off for Pine Grove Furnace State Park. At the campground store they have a half gallon of ice cream eating challenge. If you can eat the ice cream you get a little wooden spoon that boasts that. We had a lively group there. It was fun to hear that Chopsticks completed the task using chopsticks. We spent the night at the Ironmasters Mansion Hotel. It was so pretty there. It's an English Tudor brick residence built by the Ironmasters for his family in 1829. It was renovated into a hostel in 2010. It was neat doing laundry in the basement and finding secret rooms.
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel--Gardners, PA

To: Campsite at mile 1112
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light rain

Ireland, Sweet Tea, Rare Breed, Hobo and I sang Happy Birthday to Chopsticks this morning. He turned 24. It was great because it's my Dad's birthday too. Chopsticks was beaming, he was a good sport about it. We walked to the Green Mountain Store and we ate too much, too fast in high heat and humidity and we ended up with bad stomach aches 2 miles down the path. We learned! It was about 4:00 pm and a storm came rolling in so we put up our tents and rested. We then wanted to try some night hiking. We left at 7:00 pm and only hiked until 9:30! We had every intention to hike longer but I thought it was spooky and Hobo was having problems with her depth perception. It was like we were wearing bad bifocals, it was tough to spot the next blaze as you keep an eye on all the rocks. We ended up tenting right on the AT trail. We were lucky an animal didn't run right into us during the middle of the night.
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Campsite at mile 1112

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy 4th of July! We woke up and broke down camp so that we wouldn't get caught with our tent on the trail! Last night while we were hiking I rolled onto the top of my foot....Ouch. I can also feel my shin splint on the opposite foot...the rocks make this section hard. People are dropping out all over ; bat bites, impetigo, stress fractures, brown recluse spider bites..and we continue to chug along. We're still learning but the combination of up early, keep at 15 miles, and keep pAck weight down is what's keeping us rolling. We had a blast in Boiling Springs for the 4th. We saw a contest called 'Anything Floats'...I loved hearing the National Anthem and then watching this tradition of 37 years. The boat made with bamboo and plastic did well. We had an awesome Italian dinner, hung out at the ATC office and ate Girl Scout cookies and blueberries. We were offered some trail magic. A man offered to take us to his house for a picnic, tempting but we moved on!
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Darlington Shelter

To: the Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3

We arrived into Duncannon at noon and we went straight to Hawg's BBQ. We met Aloha Nice Shirt there and we all had a super lunch. Next it was on to the Doyle Hotel. HOB warned us that Duncannon has 7 bars and 7 churches and not much more....sadly he was right. The town was run down. Duncannon once manufactured Lightening Glider Sleds. The Doyle use to be really something a hundred years ago, it was grand but now not so much! The Doyle is a must stop for thru hikers. We dared each other to stay the night. It cost Hobo and I $17.50 each. Kind of clean towels and hot water, what more do you need! We hung with Ireland and Rare Breed, lots of laughs.
Date: 2014-07-06
From: the Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: campsite at mile 1158.9
Miles today: 16.1

It was a tough, rocky hike and unfortunately I rolled the top part of my right foot again...oh boy...I'm taking Advil and soaking my foot every opportunity that I get. Hobo and I met up with Ireland, Rare Breed, Fire Walker, tea Bag and Bushwhacker at the campsite. We were watching the National Geographics AT Documentary ...jokes were flying!
Date: 2014-07-07
From: campsite at mile 1158.9

To: campsite at mile 1176.5
Miles today: 17.6

Can you believe that I only have 113 miles left in PA? I've hiked Georgia, n. Carolina, Tenn., Virginia, W. Virginia, Maryland and soon PA!! I am a bit concerned for the top of my right foot...it's not swollen or black and blue...if I don't twist it for the third time, I'll bet it gets a little bit better each day. Hobo and I left the camp at 6:15 and enjoyed hiking when our legs were fresh and the air was cool. We had a great chat with a young section hiking couple. We also talked with a solo hiker. His emotions were so raw....he told us that he feels like he is hitting a wall...he didn't want to get up this morning. Again I feel so fortunate to have Hobo. We keep each other's spirits high and we always have something interesting planned. We got into the campsite by 4:00. It was sad to see Aloha limping down the trail. He was going to thumb to the ER... He twisted his foot and he heard something crack...that put my injury into perspective. Poor guy, he was the one who got the brown recluse spider bite earlier. Hobo and I were able to freshen up in the creek and then we shared a pot of mashed potatoes. I feel relieved.....I just was able to update 5 days of journaling....I hope I sleep good tonight.
Date: 2014-07-08
From: campsite at mile 1176.5

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a challenge packing up our wet tents but we were on the road by 6:30. It was a tough hike because of all the rocks. I had to travel slowly because I didn't want to twist my foot. Hobo had two ticks on her after our lunch stop. We're going to avoid sitting on logs, from now on we'll plop down on rocks. We were the first hikers to arrive at the 501 Shelter. It was so awesome! We hung out all our wet clothes/tents. Then we took solar showers, and ordered take out pizza and lasagna! Now this was a shelter! It's funny....I can hike all day and still you're near a road. It's a funny feeling I think I'm in the middle of this big forest but actually I'm really close to civilization. It started pouring so everyone came to the shelter. This 7th grade girl, Molly, was there with her Dad and Grandpa. They were so generous! They shared all their extra food with the thru hikers; a very sweet family.
Date: 2014-07-09
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1

Naturally HOB, Hobo and I took off at around 7:00 this morning. Two miles into our hike, Sloth had dated and wrote a note and left it on the trail to warn us of the rattlesnake inches off the trail---it was huge! We continued to Hertline campsite where there was a spring fed watering hole with a rope swing! There ended up being about 10 people there. I had a ball---so refreshing! Rare Breed lost his bandana and my AT earring popped out of my ear when I smacked in the water...darn. We pressed on...but HOB told us many stories which made the time go quickly. We met Impossible today. She was so fragile...we tried to convince her to come with us to the shelter....but I believe she had made up her mind and decided to get off the trail. Morale is really getting low for some people. Some are pressing so hard to catch others.....Hobo and I continue to get our miles in but we make it lots of fun. I feel like I'm a 6th grader away at camp!!P.S. The top of my foot is feeling better and I did not roll my ankle today.P.S.S. For those who have been following for awhile...one of my hiking pals, Trillium, (I hiked with her in April) decided that she is ready to get off the trail in a couple of weeks ...her journey is done , she's accomplished what she set out to do. I'm happy for her.
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Up early and hiked 9 miles into Port Clinton. Hob, Hobo and I went right to Cracker Barrel. Tammy,our 4 star waitress, was awesome. I told her about Trailjournals, I couldn't believe when I saw that she signed my Guest Book! She gave me 3 corn muffins and butter for the road! We then went to Cabela's Outfitter. It's huge....I took a picture of a stuffed black bear and then texted it to my sisters. Yep, they fell for it...I horrified them! I bought smartwool long johns and 2 pairs of Merrill boots. I bought my last pair in Damascus...so they lasted about 600 miles, that's good enough for me. We then went to Walmart, we resupplied and got a subway sandwich to go. Smiley, a section hiker and local, then gave us a ride back to the trail. We hiked 6 more miles! We were really, really tired putting up our tents!
Date: 2014-07-11
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We were on our way by 6:30. We have had gorgeous weather. The only rain that we have been getting is at night and that hasn't been much. The rocks are tricky. I just don't want to mess up my ankles. My new boots felt great. It took us 12 hours to hike 16 miles. The difficult terrain really slows you down. I love being in the woods. It feels safe in here. I am enjoying taking pictures with my iPhone. I never was into photography....but I find myself looking for that something special to capture. Hobo and I enjoy looking forward to different stops but the highlight is always on the Trail. I'm always curious to see where each day brings me. We ate lunch at Eckville Shelter....water from a spigot, flush toilets and the caretaker tossed us a freezie pop as we were leaving....living the dream here! Slept in the Allentown Hiking Club Shelter....it was a gem...my record still stands, as of yet I've seen no mice in the shelters!
Date: 2014-07-12
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: campsite mile 1252
Miles today: 16.8

You know it's the weekend....the day hikers are out with many questions. I also get my dog fix...I do miss Winnie. So many day/section hikers comment that they always dreamed of thru hiking. It was a hot one today but since I'm from Florida, I'm use to the heat and being in the woods actually feels cool. It's still damp and chilly at night. I wear smartwool and use a sleeping bag liner and a fleece blanket. Hob, hobo and I conquered the rock scrambles. We tried to get water but the spring was dry. I was prepared to make a cup of water last for 6 miles when we bumped into Trail Magic! They say when you need it the most it appears ....and they were right! I downed almost a liter of water, ate 3 donuts and an orange! Hobo had the same plus a can of spaghetti 0s ! There were about 4 of us gathered for the magic, we got super punchy! I forget the trail angels name but I will never forget his generosity. Hob just showed up to our campsite. He hitched into town. He surprised us with pecan wheels, blue berries, cherries and OJ! It was so nice of him. Hobo and I are starting to feel really grungy.....we do our best with wipes, streams, boil hot water ....but let's face it we need a shower!!FYI....if you're out in the woods and someone says that they have paper work to do.....be on your merry way because they have to poop!
Date: 2014-07-13
From: campsite mile 1252

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7

We enjoyed our 'OJ and pecan pinwheels' breakfast...thanks Hob! So we left a little later than normal this morning. We crossed the Lehigh River and started climbing up the rocks. It had my full attention....1 slip up and it could be the end of my journey. This was a rocky, steep trail--a deforested ridge due to zinc smelting from 1898-1980. When Hob hiked this trail 25 years ago, he said everything was dead. He said it was really eerie. He was so pleased to see blueberries, sweet peas and blackberries. But nobody dared to pick them. We continued walking and when we got to Smith Gap, Iceman (David) was there with trail magic. Wow!! Talk about generous. He is an avid hiker who has been following and helping thru hikers for 4 years. He has been reading my journal and he knew I'd be crossing Smith Gap. He drove an hour and a half and brought all kinds of goodies. He brightened our day.
Date: 2014-07-14
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter 
Miles today: 13.8

The day started out with me looking for my tent pole sleeve bag. I thought Hobo was going to die laughing when she saw it was hanging from my shorts like toilet paper! We walked over rocks and more rocks; now I know why they call it Rocksylvania. We stopped for lunch after 7 miles and split 3 Ramens. Hobo had a challenging time cooking all 3 at the same time in the little titanium pot. The Ramen got scorched a little, but that was ok it tasted like popcorn! We walked 6 more miles and made it to the shelter by 5:00 pm. Perfect timing, we put our tents up and it started pouring.
Date: 2014-07-15
From: Kirkridge Shelter 

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.4

Two things to celebrate....I made it to New Jersey and hit the 1300 mile marker! Hob, Hobo and I had a blast at the town Delaware Water Gap. We treated Hob to breakfast and met up with the Fun Factor Gang. We then got a huge slice of pie and a hotdog for$2.25, and made our way to the Mohican Outdoor Center. We got a cabin, which was awesome because it poured all night. Because we were thru hikers they gave us a free dinner and breakfast. Hobo and I enjoyed talking to the group of kids from inner city NY who had never camped before.
Date: 2014-07-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

We were so happy to take showers last night and this morning. We needed them! Hobo kept saying that she smelled like a gerbil cage! We really enjoyed our hike until I fell. I looked just like people do when they slip on banana peels. I landed on my backpack....nothing at all hurt, thank goodness! I slipped on a big slopey, slippery rock. Then we saw a BIG bear. Hobo recorded it on video and we were laughing so hard when we got into camp for the night and replayed it. We had some comical exchanges. We met up with Big Sexy, Skippy and Sloth at the shelter. I like how all the shelters have their own personality.