morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-09-07
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Didn't get started until 7:30 this morning, but got 10 miles in by noon. Pennsylvania threw some of her rocks at us, but there are many more to come. We are seeing several southbound thru hikers. Most of them started from Katahdin in June. We stopped at Caledonia State Park for a break and hopefully vending machine Pop. Since there were no machines, I watched the gear and Papaw headed out on a recon mission. A short while later, he came back with the goods. We are staying at the Quarry Gap Shelter tonight. It is the best maintained I've ever seen. There is a man that takes care of it. It is first class. The trail, signage, and shelters have been great so far; a tribute to the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. Might be at a Hostal tomorrow night. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-08
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

After an evening of great conversation with some thru hikers and section hikers, we headed for our tents. The rain that appeared to be going around us finally found us early this morning. We were on the trail at 7:00 and had great trail all day. We walked through one nice Pine forest. For the last 2-3 days we have been running across groups of students backpacking. Some of them are on college freshman orientation trips (most were from Princeton), the others were 14 yr old kids participating in "Outward Bound." We also had a great conversation with a retired British infantryman. He was telling us that he had taken a blue (side) blaze trail to the site of a former POW interrogation camp. He said it was used during the Revolution and WW2. After giving us a hard time about torturing his mates during the war, he complimented us on how beautiful our country is, and headed south. I did pass the halfway marker today. While Harper's Ferry is the psychological halfway point, the actual spot is further north. We are staying at the Ironmasters Mansion Hostel tonight. It's next to the Pine Grove Furnace General Store, where thru hikers celebrate half way by eating a half gallon of ice cream. But, it's closed. Hostel is Great! Highly recommend. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-09
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

After a waffle and bagel breakfast at the hostel, we were on our way by 7:30. We had great trail all day. There were a couple of rock mazes, but they were a fun change of pace. We did see more school groups and one group of soldiers in a British signal outfit. Not sure why they were here, but they looked like they were enjoying themselves. I haven't mentioned how dry it's been out here. If the guide book says a water source is questionable, you can count on it being dry. Today l decided to carry water the last two miles (4 liters) because of this, and naturally there was plenty here. It's all good. At the shelter tonight, we have a newly retired Army Officer, a southbound thru hiker, and father/daughter section hikers.   I have some level hiking tomorrow, so hoping for big miles. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-10
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

We had about an hour of hard rain last night. The tent handled it pretty well. On the trail by 7:00, we soon dropped into the Cumberland Valley. The trail was very flat until the end of the day. We went through many corn, soybean, wheat stubble, and hayfields. When we walked into Boiling Springs, we ditched our gear at the Regional ATC and headed to a nearby convenience store for coffee and junk food. Part of the day I walked along a river. I stopped once and washed out my stinky shirt. Many of the locals, and their dogs were wading in it as well. My hiking partner, Papaw left today. Thankfully, this time it was planned, unlike last time when he had a family emergency. He and his "main squeeze" are headed to the beach to work on their tans. If anyone sees him, congratulate him on hiking a week without falling down! He did "sit down" once, but he said that didn't count. You'll have to ask him what that means. I did run into an interesting character on the trail today. I met him walking toward me carrying an Easter basket. When he got closer I noticed it had several mushrooms in it. I asked him what kind they were, and he said "I'm not sure. I was going to ID them, but my bandmates called, and I'm running late for our show tonight." I'm at the shelter tonight with a man I met while I was at the hostel a couple nights ago. His trail name is "Kan." He told me an interesting story about it. Going into Duncannon tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-11
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

After a night where the rain held off, I was on the trail by 7:00. The weather was cool and windy - perfect! I passed some day hikers and southbound thru hikers on the way into Duncannon. It is a long walk on the streets through town. One of the popular stops in town is Doyle's Hotel/Bar. I stopped in to have some dinner and was told I was too early (open at noon on Sunday), but to have a seat and watch them work til noon. I had the half pound burger and fries, and a couple frosty beverages. I planned to then walk to a campground on the other end of town to await resupply from my son tomorrow. When I got there, it was the worst campground I've ever seen. The shower was so dirty I wouldn't use it after 3 days without one. The place should be removed from the guidebook. That left the option of going to the next shelter and choosing another resupply point, which I did. Had a pretty tough climb to the shelter, but met a couple southbounders, and had some good conversation. Kan is here again tonight as well. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-12
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: overcast clouds

With the weather cooling off, sleeping is a lot easier. I was up and on the trail even earlier this morning because I knew that my son planned to set up a grill and cook breakfast at the first road crossing. He was bringing out some resupply and threw this in as a bonus. I brought along Kan for the feast. He also fed one southbound thru hiker. He shopped, drove two hours, and set up, before I got there. Thanks Adam, it was just what I needed. I ate all I could, refilled my food bag, and headed out. There were some great views of the river valley. I saw about an equal number of southbound thru hikers and deer. Water is really getting to be an issue. While it's nice to have a high mileage day, I really had no choice. The last eleven miles had no water. Even the spots marked dependable were dry. The southbounders told me where I had to go, so I knew it was going to be a long day. I never ran short of drinking water, but more is needed to cook. I am tenting at a little area near the shelter. A young lady (Creature) that just graduated from Michigan State and is thru hiking is here also. We had a great conversation over dinner. We also filled each in on what to expect down the trail. While it's dark now, another hiker just came in. I'll see who it is in the morning. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-13
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

Another cool night led to a good nights sleep. Got started a little late but the trail started off pretty good, so was able to make good time. I crossed a couple roads and went under I-81. Later in the day the trail became overgrown, interestingly, right after a sign warning about Lyme disease. While walking down the overgrown trail, I saw something moving on the grass beside the trail. After jumping away from it, I looked to see what it was. It was a baby rabbit. I short while later, the same thing happened. This time I quickly realized that my trekking pole had struck a Copperhead, causing him to thrash around. I grabbed a quick picture and moved on. A little while later there was a black snake on the trail. Just like the one at our campsite a few days ago, he didn't want to move. I found a Long branch and moved him away. I'm staying at a shelter tonight that used to be a Potter's shop. There is a caretaker that lives in a house next door. There are four here tonight. A southbounder from New Jersey who quit his job and is going through a divorce. A young man from the Czech Republic that flies over and does sections. Last, but not least, a young man from Oregan who is about as hyper as any human I've ever met. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-14
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

A little late starting this morning, but made 15 miles by 2:30. Other than a couple nice views and a road crossing or two, there wasn't much to see. The number of rocks on the trail is increasing. My feet take a beating walking over them for hours. No wildlife today except for one handsome box turtle. Water continues to be an issue. When hikers meet on the trail or at the shelters, the first topic is always about water sources. I have about one liter to make nine miles to Port Clinton in the morning. That shouldn't be a problem that early. There was an interesting mix of hikers at the shelter when I left to go to my tent. The Czech is here, along with a South African who lives in New Zealand, and a Puerto Rican who lives in St Louis. The Czech and I had an interesting conversation over dinner about his country and their relationship with Russia and other European countries. It's looking like rain again tonight. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-09-15
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton Pavilion
Miles today: 9.0

I'm sitting at a pavilion owned and operated by Saint John's Church. I arrived here after an easy 9 mile hike this morning into the town of Port Clinton. Except for the last 600 yd decent. Very steep and straight. This pavilion has room for many hikers to sleep, and an area across the road for many tents. I don't think they will run out of room. I would like to see it during peak season. As for now, it's just me. There is a shallow river beside it for swimming/drinking/bathing, and a privy. What else could a hiker ask for? The rain never came last night, but it cooled off nicely and I had the best nights sleep of the trip. Today's weather is perfect. While cooking a while ago, I chose to cook in the sun instead of the shade. I passed a hiker headed southbound on the way here that had done a flip flop and would be completing her thru hike in Harper's Ferry. She seemed very happy. I keep forgetting to compliment the trail builders in this area. All they have to work with is rocks, and plenty of them! They build some amazing steps, water breaks, retaining walls, etc, using only manpower, pulleys, pry bars, and the like. Some of the rocks weigh thousands of pounds. I'm here for the afternoon waiting for Adam to pick me up and take me to his house. Once again, I get to end a section hike by visiting my grandkids for a couple days before flying back home to start planning my next hike. Section #10 covered 195 miles in 3 states. I'll have 78.9 miles of Pennsylvania left when I return. I also went over 1500 total miles! Thanks to my loyal readers, and standby for section hike # 11, coming late spring or early summer 2017. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-01
From: Port Clinton Pavilion

To: Dan's Spring
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Yes, we are back for section # 11. My hiking buddy, Papaw, drove from Virginia to Ohio to do a 2 night backpacking trip with a group I hike with in Ohio called Backpack Ohio. That went so well that we decided to head back out to the AT for a couple weeks. We drove to my son's house in Maryland on Monday, and got to pass out Halloween candy to the goblins that night. After a 2+ hr drive this morning, Adam dropped us off in Port Clinton, Pa. and we were headed north by 8:15. It was a great hiking day. A bit chilly at the start, but perfect most of the day. We had pretty much every type of trail. A couple very steep climbs, some smooth trail, some rocky. We also had a lot of flat trail, as well as several miles of forest service road. We stopped for lunch at Pulpit Rock. There is an incredible view from there, as well as telescopes belonging to an amateur astronomy club. We are camped along the trail tonight and looking forward to big miles on favorable trail tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-02
From: Dan's Spring

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Now that we are into the fall, our starting time has changed from 6:00, to 7:30. Despite that, we were able to pull off a 20 miler today. We encountered all types of trail. We had smooth, rocky, rockier, rock hop, and boulder climbing. The trail went through very nice areas and the views were great. Since we've been out here, we've seen several sounthbounders. Most of them are completing flip flop hikes or sections. Today we saw our first northbounder. Not sure what his plans are. We have a man at the shelter with us tonight that has 99 miles to go to finish his section hike. We are in the shelter tonight because there isn't a flat spot to put our tents. Hopefully the mice stay away. It was very warm today. We actually saw two snakes. The snakes, some birds, and one squirrel are all the wildlife we've seen. Tomorrow we start with a big climb into the Palmerston Superfund site. The area was deforested due to zinc smelting from 1898-1980. Should be interesting. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-03
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

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

We spent the day with rocks of all sizes. We began our day by hiking down to and across the Lehigh River. We then headed up out of Lehigh Gap. It is a climb I've looked forward to because of its popularity. It didn't disappoint. There was a lot of rock climbing, that gets the heart racing a bit. Once on top, the view is spectacular. You can see the zinc smelters in the foreground of Palmerton. They are still in operation, but I don't know what they do now. You could tell that the mountain had been deforested, but it is recovering nicely. Mother Nature is good at that. I did see another squirrel and a deer. Most of the hiking we are doing is through hunting areas, so that probably explains the lack of visible wildlife. Most hikers, myself included, are wearing hunter orange clothing to let the hunters know we are there. We didn't see any hikers until later in the day, when we met a couple southbounders completing flip flop hikes. We also met two guys and a dog headed northbound. They are at the shelter here, and we are tented up the trail a bit. After a long day, we had a mile, round trip, to get water. It was a good trail and the spring was great, so it was worth it. It sure is windy, I hope these tent stakes hold. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-04
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, Pa
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Well, the wind didn't blow us away last night, but it wasn't for lack of trying. I had a good nights sleep and awoke to a chilly morning. We hit the trail at about 7:45. It was one of those days when what you wore depended on which side of the mountain you were on. I went between short sleeves and fleece 4 times. This was our last full day in Pennsylvania, and she bid us farewell by throwing every type trail she had at us. I won't miss all the rocks, but the views we had along the way made it worth it. It's all part of the adventure. We met a few more southbounders today, so they are still coming. We saw another deer and squirrel as well. Water continues to be an issue. Our guide said there was water at the next shelter today, which was about 13 miles. Of course, there was none, so we decided to keep hiking. We met a southbound dayhiker a couple hours later and he said we were almost to Delaware Water Gap (town). That was all it took. We headed out and did another 20 mile day which was rewarded with a bed and breakfast. We are now clean and full, and ready to head into New Jersey tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-05
From: Delaware Water Gap, Pa

To: campsite at mile 1360
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: moderate rain

After hustling into Delaware Water Gap yesterday, we rented a room at the Deer's Head Inn. The first order of business was showers, then food. We'd have to pay a cover charge at the Inn to eat, so we headed down the street to a diner. We had a nice meal and refreshments. This morning the Inn didn't open for breakfast until 8:00 so we walked to a store to buy some hiker food. After a nice breakfast, we headed for New Jersey. The trail led across the very long I - 80 toll bridge. The state line was actually painted on the bridge sidewalk. I was anxious to experience what New Jersey is like. The only time I've ever been there was on a train ride from Newark Airport, and I wasn't impressed. My initial experience, however, has been very positive! Most days out here kind of blend together and are forgettable, but today is one I will remember. The entrance into the NJ trail was beautiful, and while some of Pennsylvania's rocks have found their way across the state line, it wasn't that bad. We soon came to Sunfish Pond. It is a glacial pond that has an acidic mixture that only allows a couple species of fish to survive. We rock-hopped around it and passed a couple rock gardens created by hikers. Pictures of these, and many other things are in the photo section. The mountains are turning into more rolling hills now. We spent the whole day walking down a single ridge, watching everything far below in the valley. There were several huge lakes, and we even saw a man mowing hay - in November! Maybe I better get home and go for a 4th cutting. Other things we saw today were - a tow plane pulling gliders right over our heads, a fire tower, and a swamp. We also walked through several Rhododendron tunnels. We passed two more southbounders finishing their hikes, and had breakfast with a young couple finishing theirs as well. Water continues to be an issue. We are camped at a campsite tonight, and couldn't cook because we are low on water. Can't wait to see what NJ has in store for us tomorrow. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-06
From: campsite at mile 1360

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Was a cold windy night last night, and we are in for another one tonight. We hit the trail at first light and made pretty good time on mostly good trail. There are still some rocks here and there. While today's trail wasn't as spectacular as yesterday, it wasn't bad. We still saw several huge lakes, and one of them had some impressive houses built around it. We saw another fire tower, and some Pine and Hemlock trees. Water, or the lack thereof, dominates the discussion whenever hikers meet on the trail. This is a great help, but there basically is none. Around noon we came to the road at Culver's Gap. We headed into town in search of water. As luck would have it, there sat Gyp's Tavern! They had a sign directing hikers to the back. When we went in, the barmaid told us to bring all our water containers to the bar and she would fill them up (before we could even ask). She also told us to help ourselves to the electrical outlets for charging. What else could a hiker ask for - oh yea, food and refreshments! We had a burger and a couple drinks, which was long enough for the Giants to score two touchdowns, much to the delight of the bar patrons. If you're planning to hike through this area, be sure to drop in. They are very hiker friendly and had great food. We are camped in our tents by a shelter tonight. No one else is here yet. Water doesn't look good up ahead, but we have enough to last the day tomorrow. Hopefully some trail angels will leave some at a road crossing. 41 miles to New York! Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-07
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

After a 28 degree night we were anxious to get moving this morning. As soon as we got started we began seeing orange clad hunters. I had checked the Pennsylvania gun season dates, but forgot about NJ. So it is the first day of a two week black powder season. We put on all the orange clothing we had and hoped for the best. Kind of sympathize with the deer now. We did have a lot of rocks today. My feet feel like they did in Pennsylvania. Around noon we arrived at the High Point State Park Headquarters. We were able to get water and charge our phones for a bit. After leaving there we came to a monument that sits atop the highest point in NJ (thus the name High Point State Park). Soon after leaving there we began dropping down off the mountain. We eventually spent a lot of time going around hayfields. The highlight was probably the end of the day. The guide book mentions "The Murray Property" as a place that allows hikers to stay. We did 18 miles to get here and boy was it worth it (see video under the video tab on the left). There is a building to stay in, water hydrants, electric, and a privy. There is nobody here except us and two little donkeys (Is that an omen for tomorrow?)that greeted us, then tried to eat our dinner. We have a town stop in the morning then will be heading to New York. Nice pictures posted today. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2016-11-08
From: Murray Property

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a frosty morning, but we were in good shape inside Jim's cabin. We decided to make a cup of coffee before we left, then said goodbye to the donkeys and took off at 7:00. We soon came to the road leading to Unionville, NY and headed in to grab some breakfast and resupply. We did this at Horler's Store. Seemed to be a popular spot with the locals. Heading back out, we had very nice trail. We went about a mile around a nature preserve. We saw several ducks and hawks. After that, the trail changed. We started going up and down mountains. Around 1:00 we came to a swamp with a very nice elevated (about 3') wooden walkway winding back through it. It ended up being about a mile long with an impressive bridge in the middle. At the end of the walkway, we began the approach to Wawayanda Mountain. We could see it from far away, and it took quite a while to get there. We walked through a field of cows and calves. It must have been feeding time because they headed across in front of us for the barn. After we waited for them to cross, we continued to the mountain. Just like at the swamp, there were people everywhere. The mountain looked like it was going to be a challenge, but I noticed very young kids headed up with their parents. Hmmm. When we started up, I understood. While it's an imposing mountain, and definitely a long climb, steps had been built into it out of rock practically the whole way. Very impressive. Once we reached the top and headed down, the crowd was gone. We stopped at Wawayanda Shelter and are staying in the shelter because rain is predicted at 8:00, so we aren't taking any chances. You probably noticed we were in New York today. The trail wanders back and forth between the two states for a while. We officially enter New York tomorrow. Lots of pictures posted. Until next time. Sent from my iPhone