morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

Hiked a quick 11.7 miles to get to the campstore at Lewis Campground for lunch. Not much selection but enough to please me ... can't go wrong with ice cream even if it is just an ice cream bar instead of a pint. Then it was a big push to get to the Big Meadows wayside for burgers and blackberry milkshakes. This didn't work so well for Ansel and Me. First we miss the turn off for the wayside (it is not marked) then we got up to he lodge area and asked for directions down to the wayside. Wes, the guy I had asked about the wayside, walked down with us. Real nice guy. Second issue is that the milkshake machine is broken. So its just burgers, well that and a blackberry cobbler with blackberry ice cream on top. I guess that will do.I was planning on going further to get to the Rock Spring Hut for the night. However, Pilgrim offered me and Ansel a place in his room at the lodge so we took him up on that. We didn't ask the lodge if they had the milkshakes which turned out to be a mistake (because they had them). One thing I gotta say ... feels good to be clean.
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

I pushed on and arrived at skyland right after they stopped serving breakfast and I was not going to wait an hour and a half for lunch so that was out. We asked about the shakes ... the don't have them. That makes it 0 - 4 for milkshakes (one time being our fault). Ansel and I got the great idea to push on to the next wayside for shakes and dinner. I changed my mind by the time I hit the next picnic area. There was no way I was going to get there before it closed. So I decided to just go as far as I would tonight and then go there for breakfast in the morning. Also at that picnic area I met a couple from Oklahoma. They offered me and Ansel cold Gatoraid. This tasted so good on a hot day.So since the big day push is off, I stopped in at the Pass Mountain Hut. Camping of course since the weather is so nice. Joining us tonight is the awesome couple who we talked to yesterday about the wayside. They are hiking with there two dogs dixie and mocha (I believe) I am bad with names. ... And now I dream of blackberry milkshakes.
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Flyod Wayside
Miles today: 23.6

It decided to rain at 04:30 this morning. It only lasted about 20 minutes. The couple we had been camping with packed up there stuff and headed to the shelter for breakfast and an early start. Ansel and I just waited awhile for our tarp/tent to dry. The mice in the Pass Mountain Hut were very bold. The couple said that they went after their packs even with them standing next to them.Did a very quick hike over to the Elkwallow Wayside for breakfast and FINALLY blackberry milkshakes. They were worth the wait. Had breakfast with the couple we have been hiking around and talking to and plan on bumping into them again later today. It is nice to talk with other hikers who aren't thru-hikers. It gives a change to the usual conversation. Also managed to pick up a SNP patch at the wayside. Nowhere else I had stopped in the park at them.From here it was a hot/humid hike to gravel springs hut. I did not stay long due to a funky smell. Glad I had not planned on staying here the night. Pushed on to the Tom Floyd wayside (which is actually just a shelter, right out of the park) The temperature finally started cooling off while I was making some dinner. Maybe with the temperatures cooling off the bugs won't be as bad. Here is to hoping.
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Tom Flyod Wayside

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The traveler rolled into the shelter around 06:30. Then hiked on to Front Royal where Ansel and myself resupplied and then went to Blimpie with The Traveler for lunch. Then to make things even better, we were getting ready to hitch back (Ansel and myself) The Traveler is staying in town. And the couple who we had hiked off and on with through SNP dry past. I wave and they stop and give us a ride back to the trail. It was nice seeing them again. Back on the trail it was a short hike to the Jim and Molly Denton shelter. This place is nice, but its really early. I had only planned on taking a short day to Manassas Gap Shelter. But it is still early and this shelter is not nearly as nice as the last one. So I push on to Dick's Dome Shelter. This one is full, and not the group here isn't too talkative so I push on. I stopped to have dinner at a bench that was at the turn off for the Sky Meadows State Park. Then I hiked on to get to the Rod Hollow Shelter, although I was tempted to camp in that no camping zone. Ansel and myself arrived a bit after dark. On the way Ansel was caught off guard when two foxes ran out of the woods down the trail towards him and then back off the trail again. Once at the shelter, set up my tent and time for bed.
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today I did the 'RollerCoaster' A series of PUDs that lasts about 13.5 miles. It really wasn't bad. I am glad that I waited until today to do it though. (not that I had the time yesterday) I stopped for a long lunch/water break at the Sam Moore Shelter. I wanted to swing by the Bear Den Hostel but I was eager to get to the blackburn trail center for the night so I didn't go down to the hostel. Once I got there, I wasn't looking forward to the long climb down but it was well worth it. This place is great. And the caretakers, Redwing, Hopeful and Hikelet are great. Hopeful made us some pizza for dinner and we stayed up late playing dominos ... didn't call it a night until almost 22:00. I'm ejoying it here so much I'm taking a zero here. I think I would rather hang out here than pay for a room in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Ansel took off this morning, but since my dad is not coming to get me until tomorrow I am going to stay here. During the day Boone and Needles came in so I have some people to hang out with. Although I spent a lot of time hanging out with Hikelet. Fun times!
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To:  Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a lot later start than I had hoped for, but it is suppose to be easy hiking so it should not be a problem. I arrived in Harpers Ferry around lunch and headed straight to the ATC office. Met my dad and got my picture take. NOBO #28. Less people ahead of me than I thought. But with this week off ... that I am sure already has changed. Not that that really bothers me. Finally got to meet Juniper, I had been behind her the whole way and some of the people I had been hiking with kept talking about her so I wanted to meet her. BUT ... I'm hungry and its time to head home for the week. I'll be back on the trail as soon as I can get a ride back out. I know I will be anxious to come back out, but the rest will do me good.
Date: 2007-05-14
From:  Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Campsite
Miles today: 17.9

Happy Birthday to Me!I am back on the trail. I arrived late last night, I guess technically is was very early this morning. And stayed at the Hilltop House Hotel for some sleep. Now its back on the trail! In the morning I stopped over to the ATC office. 30 NOBOs had passed me during my week off and I had not met any of them. Hopefully that will change over the next couple weeks. I seem to be in another small void of hikers. After that large wave and somewhere before the next. We'll will see how things shape up. After I stopped in there I swung over to the Outfitters @ Harpers Ferry for a new sleeping bag and some new tips for my leki poles. So after taking care of all my needed things in town I was back on the trail. Taking a week off really does interupt your hiking ability. Its amazing how out of shape I feel. I stopped for lunch at the Correspondents Monument and then went on to the Dahlgren Backpack campground for the night. Nothing special really, except flush toilets and a restaurant that was right there. But it is closed Mondays. I am seeing a trend where a lot of places are closed on Mondays.
Date: 2007-05-15
From: Dahlgren Campsite

To: The Free State Hostel
Miles today: 13.7

Today was not all that great of a day, not feeling well.Stopped by the (Maryland) Washington Monument for some pictures and then hiked on up to Pine Knob Shelter for lunch. The plan for the day was to hike on to the area above the devils racecourse but by the time I reached MD Hwy 17 I just was not feeling great and needed some rest. I went down to the Free State Hostel. It was the most expensive of the hostels I've stayed at. And although I must say it was really nice, had internet, laundry, showers, beds, and he even gave me a ride into town to resupply. However it is still very pricey.Resting today.
Date: 2007-05-16
From: The Free State Hostel

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

It started raining today right after I made it down what I assume was the devils racecourse. The hiking lately really hasn't been bad at all. It was a light rain that felt great. I didn't even bother with rain gear. I stopped in at Pen-Mar County Park for lunch. (planning on eating my left over pizza) but there was an army group having a picnic under the other pavilion and they invited me over. They were finishing up a AT challange and having a picnic for the participants and welcomed me in giving me gatorade, water, soda, burgers, hot dogs and fruit. And great conversation as well. Boy I lucked out. So after a very long lunch I started moving on into PA. It started raining harder and getting cooler out so I ducked into the Deer Lick Shelters. Since it was getting cold and I was soaked. I stopped for the night and attempted to get dry. Also in my shelter was Slowstepper and in the other shelter (there were two) was Rt66.A good start for PA so far!
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Another short day. I got a late start, but eventually put on my wet close and got hiking. I stopped in at the Old Forge Rd park and emptied my trash and had breakfast. Then Hiked on past RT 30 to Caledonia State Park. Had an early dinner (mainly so I didn't have to carry the trash, I enjoy garbage cans) From there it was a short hike up to the Quarry Gap Shelter. I really should have kept going but this shelter is great. Definitly one of the best on the trail so far. I must say "Thank You" Innkeeper for maintaining such a great shelter.
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 24.5

Slept in again. I need to break this habit. I eventually got moving and made great time today. It is a very cool day with a light mist in the morning. The terrain is not difficult either. I wish it would be like this more often. Passed by a couple shelters and up to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It took longer to get there than expected due to a math error by me. Oh-well, you'll have that. I stopped over to the store and picked up a 1/2 gallon of Peanut Butter Twist ice cream. This was not the best choice for me to do the half gallon challange with since it was too rich for my taste. I had already done it with a 1/2 gallon of strawberry but that was at home on my break. After finishing and getting my wooden spoon I hiked on to the James Fry Shelter. The masquitos are really bad today since I am so close to water but no good place for a tent so its shelter tonight. A weekend hiker rolls in after a short while and it is really nice having the company and good conversation. He even gave me a big slim jim!
Date: 2007-05-19
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Started out with some ups and downs but most of the day was relatively flat. I reached Boiling Springs, PA around lunch time. Once I arrived in town I was treated to sandwhiches, gatorade and cookies by a boyscout troop who was doing a service project. Great group. Stopped by the ATC regional office even though it was closed for a shady spot to sit and have a snack. Crossed many fields and over several large highways. Then finally started climbing again a couple miles before the darlington shelter. Had a decent group here tonight. But I didn't stay up too late, wanted to get up early and head into Duncannon, PA tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: The DOYLE Hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and moving at a reasonable time. The hiking wasn't bad at all. I stopped briefly at Hawk Rock and enjoyed the view with a really nice family who fed me cookies. Then down to Duncannon, PA where I checked into the Doyle Hotel (a cool historical building). Got showered and had lunch in the bar. Met some past hikers Oodie and Mystic who were coming home from trail days. They treated me to beer and fries. Later I met section hikers Bearsnack and Hiaku, two cool girls from Iowa. After resupplying it was time to relax.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

Made good time hiking today. It took awhile (across town and then across two bridges) to get back to the woods. I reacehd up to Peters Mtn Shelter in the early afternoon. Normally I would have pushed on but it was 18 miles to the next shelter and although I could probably make it a good ways, I feel like an easy day. That and it is suppose to be rocky soon, so short day it is. While at the shelter I met Dice, XI, and Bearsnack and Hiaku also arrived for the night.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Got a reasonable start while it was still cool out. When I reached Shikellimy Overlook there was a sign warning of "Snakes, Rattlers" Sure enough there were four of them there. Three on a rock to my left and then one came out by my foot while I went to take a picture of the first three. The bugs are really getting to me today. I think its going to be like this from now on. I wanted to set my tent up. But there really is no camping here. But it was nice that the spring was right in front the of the shelter. None of this walking a half mile down hill to get it. Joining me again tonight is Bearsnack and Hiaku. I've really been enjoying their company.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up early and headed on. It took me a bit longer than expected to reach the William Penn Shelter, then after a short break I hiked to the 501 Shelter. Rinsed off in the solar shower (which was cold) then ordered a sub, pizza and some soda. It took forever to get here. But it tasted good. Ended up with the place to myself. But my allergies are acting up and I am very stuffed up so sleeping is hard. So its gonna be a long night.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

Got up later than I wanted to, but when you are inside it tends to happen. The hiking was not bad at first The rocks are rough on the feet, but its not quite as bad as the horror stories that people tell. Had lunch (the rest of my pizza) at sand spring trail juncture. I really don¢t think the trail is well marked through this section. I did some extra miles today. For some reason the PA game lands like to use white squares as markers and there are times where the AT blazes are more like squares and the game lands markers are more like blazes. The weather is back up in the mid 80s and the snakes are really active. Large (6¢) black snakes and tons of garner snakes. I have not seen any timber rattlers or copperheads lately though. When I finally arrived at Port Clinton (more extra mile). The construction crew turned the sign saying to turn right instead of left. I doubt they even knew what they did. Before I could even make it over to the pavilion I was offered a ride over to the Ye Olde Backpacker outfitter. They put some basic bunks in a store room and had a shower and they were letting thru-hikers stay there. So I am here tonight with XI.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Dan's Spring
Miles today: 18.6

Got a late start while we waited for our shuttle back to the trail. XI and I got back on the trail around 9:00. The climb out of Port Clinton was rough, but mainly do to the heat. Regardless we made good time to the Windsor furnace Shelter. Then another climb brought us up to Pulpit rock for a break where we spent some time talking to a family. It is now over 90 degrees Pushed on down to the Eckville shelter, a nice place, but no sodas like the companion said. This made us sad. That and the caretaker Mick was not a pleasant person. It was possible that we caught him on a bad day (but later talking to others they said the same). This hints to me that maybe the ATC should get a new caretaker for this site.We moved on and as I was going through a section of rocks I lost my one trekking pole tip. This day was not going well. BUT I got to Dan¢s Spring and decided to set up camp with XI and he happened to have an extra trekking pole tip that he gave me. Awesome! After a buggy meal, it was time to get into my tent. Water is becoming a bit of an issue. I have been filling up and carrying more than I would like. But with this heat I have been drinking up to 5 liters a day.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Dan's Spring

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter 
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up early, not really wanting to hike in the heat. I guess I don¢t really have a choice. It got hot quick. Stopped for water at the Allentown hiking club shelter. The shelter was pretty nice with a nice privy. The climb over the knifes edge was fun and great view from bake oven knob. Stopping in a the George W. Outerbridge Shelter for the night. Have 2 past thru-hikers here for the night with me and XI. Nice guys. Neon Leon gave us some unexpected trail magic. Tomorrow I am going to stop into Palmerton, PA. It should rain tomorrow so it will be nice to be inside for that.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter 

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.9

It was a short day hiking down to the road/bridge. It wasn¢t the best place to hitch so I decided to take the blue blaze around to town. I mean I had not even hiked a mile yet to this point. So I hiked around to the blue blaze path, this however was not as easy as the companion made it seem. The road went down to was closed off with a gate and if you followed it, it seemed as it was going away from town. But I did not want to climb up that big hill today so I followed the road hoping for another way into town. I eventually found a railway bridge that crossed into town. So I checked and then hopped up on the tracks and made my way into town. I received some odd looks by people watching me walk off the tracks into town.While in town I am staying at the borough hall building. It has everything I need. A bunk and a shower. I had lunch and then resupply, they gave me a free apple at the IGA. After that was done laundry and then dinner. It started storming shortly after dinner.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: light rain

The day started off with a light rain. But that changed quickly to mid 80s and 90+% humidity. Up and out of Lehigh gap was interesting and I was really sweating by the top. I made it through the waste land at the top. It is a superfund sight. Throughout the day felt like I was really forcing miles and I was not having fun. I reached Wind Gap around dinner so I went in for some fast food. It was a longer hike into town than I expected. The post office is actually on the far end near the AT. After dinner I stopped at Rita¢s and then just ended up staying at the Travel Inn for the night. I really don¢t want to be spending money like this, but I need a night of not thinking about the trail. I¢m not having fun. Pulled another 6 ticks off me today.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: few clouds

A real late start today. It took me awhile to get a ride back to the trail. At least it isn¢t that long of a day. Last full day of PA. I am hoping some of the fun comes back into this trip soon. Also just meeting up with other thru-hikers would really help. I guess when I start knocking off states real quick (the next 4 are short states) I should really start feeling better about it. I hiked on to Delaware Water Gap. My last night in PA. We have a large group tonight at the hostel at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. Its me, Dr. John, the Brain, Garret and Garret, XI, Gene and Spike. Had some food and a shower. Resting, tomorrow New Jersey.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: MOC
Miles today: 10.5

Got a late start, was talked into breakfast at the diner. Then onto hiking. After crossing the bridge into New Jersey and getting back into the woods I saw my first bear of my thru-hike. Then stopped at Sunfish Pond for a short break. Then a little longer to the Mohican Outdoors Center (MOC). The southern most of the AMC¢s influence. Camping here tonight, Dr. John is camping too, some of the other guys paid for a cabin, which are nice but camping is free.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: light rain

Got a later start than I had wanted, but you'll have that. It is getting really hot. The hiking in New Jersey has been so mild compared to that of PA. But the heat and humidity is killing me. Upon arriving to Culvers Gap today (US 206) I needed out of the heat so I stopped into Archies Pizza Bar and Grill. I was so glad I did. I had good food, good service adn great company. By the time I was about ready to leave there Dan (who had spent some time on the AT himself) ended up treating me to an early dinner as well as buying me a few drinks. I spent awhile talking to him and his neighbor/friend Bill (who is a living hero himself). After awhile though I had to hike on. I did the three miles up to the shelter in no time and set up my tent. Lately the ticks and other bugs have been bad. Been pulling them off in double digits per day. So I set up my tent to avoid them. Dr. John got to the shelter shortly after me and brought with him a small watermellon. Early that day we had been talking about cravings and when he stopped into town for a resupply he picked one up to split with me and The Brain. And let me tell you, that really hit the spot.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Jim Murray Cabin
Miles today: 18.3

As I was getting ready to leave the shelter this morning, The Brain came walking back with a sad look on his face. He said that his tendonitis (spelling?) was acting up in his ankle. So I walked back down the road from the shelter down to Hwy 206 and let him use my cell phone to arrange for a ride to his grandma's house. His plas was to take a week or so off, let it heal and then be back on the trail as soon as possible. I hope I get to see him again, I am sure he will be back on shortly. After breakfast with The Brain and Boyd at Joe to Go I headed back up the road to the shelter and started the days hike. It is another day in the 90s and very humid. I don't know how much more of this I can stand. Hopefully it will cool back down again soon. After many miles of walking through the heat I finally stopped for a long break at the High Point State Park HQ and refilled my water. The water out of there spigot was cold and refreshing. After the break it was beginning to cool and I was feeling a bit better so I made great time making it from there to the "secret shelter" Jim Murray's Cabin. This place is really nice. A loft for sleeping, a nice large sink inside the cabin (previously a darkroom sink) and a shower! After showering and eating I set up for the night, joined by Dr. John. There were some donkeys in the field behind the shelter. They were very amusing.