morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-30
From: PA 16

To: Shippensburg Rd
Miles today: 26.9

I was worried about my knee this morning. During the night I couldn't move unless I grabbed my leg and pulled it to where I needed it to be comfortable. So I took my time getting ready this morning and I didn't get moving until 8:30. I moved pretty slow for the first hour then my knee started to show signs of improvement and I was able to walk a bit slower than my normal pace. Today was also one of the hottest days we have had in a while. The water was really spread out making hydration tough. I got to calendonia state park around two and I was in need of water. I sat down and chugged 2.5 liters of water. The stop at the park completely changed my day for the better. The morning was tough due to my knee and the lack of water but after the park I was fully hydrated and I knocked out the next 13 miles feeling great. By mid afternoon my knee felt perfectly fine and I was able to hike at my normal pace. The shelters in PA are extremely nice and they are all designed differently. I got to the parking lot to meet my family around 7:30 and they arrived a few hours later. My random thought of the day: It would make things a lot easier if water had calories....I am now with my family and I got to take a shower l. Can't wait to spend the day with them tomorrow!Goodnight
Date: 2013-05-31
From: Shippensburg Rd

To: zero day in gettysburg
Miles today: 0.0

Zero day and it has been a great one! We started the day off with a tour of Gettysburg battlefields which is unbelievably large. I was really excited to visit it and learn more of the history. I enjoy going to battlefields but today I spent a lot of time thinking about how weird they are to me. Another thing I realized....according to all the monuments only generals fought in the civil war. Where is the monument for the enlisted man? (I might have missed it, it was just a thought I had) the national park was incredible and provided a great glimpse into history. I am super thankful for my opportunity to visit it. After the park we went to a local restaurant for lunch and I had one of the best burgers I have eaten! It was a great stop. We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing by the pool and taking naps. For dinner we went to the Dobbin house which is in the oldest building in Gettysburg. It was built in 1776. Everything was lit by candles and setup to make you feel like you were having a meal in that era. I had a steak and ice cream! It was fantastic! My family also got to see my appetite ha it is rediculous...but I need it...I need ice cream...I am hiking tomorrow but we are going to take our time getting ready in the morning. I have really enjoyed my time with my family and it has been a blessing to see them! This is the last time I will see anyone until Maine so I am enjoying it. In the back of my mind I am excited to start hiking again but I will have plenty of time for that. so for now I will relax in my comfy bed!
Date: 2013-06-01
From: zero day in gettysburg

To: campsite at 1103.2
Miles today: 14.1

It was a nice and relaxing morning. We took our time getting ready and got to the trail around 11. Sally and I were going to hike together this morning and meet dad and pawpaw at pine grove furnace state park. We were thankful for the easy terrain today since it was so warm. We had a fairly flat hike all the way to the park. I have enjoyed my opportunities to hike with my family. It is really cool to see their reaction and excitement for the beauty of our surroundings. It really makes me smile and to not let myself forget how beautiful it is out here. Remembering to not take things for granted and to appreciate the small things. We passed the official halfway point today and it was nice to be able to share that excitement! It feels so great to be able to say I have hiked more than I have to go! After that we arrived at the park around 2 and to the site of the half gallon challenge. I was debating on whether or not to do it because I didn't want to be sick after. Once I got to the freezer and saw the chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream it was on! I knew I could crush it haha! I got a spoon and I sat down to chow down, 20 minutes later the ice cream was gone and I didn't feel awful. It was great and I am glad that I did it. After that I hung out with my family for a few more hours before we said our goodbyes. It was so nice to see them. My family is extremely supportive of all I do and it is a blessing to have their support! Thanks family, love y'all! After I left the park I cruised down the trail just soaking in my surroundings. The mountain laurel is really starting to bloom and it is really cool to see. I got to the top of my climb and found a flat spot to camp. It is really quiet! I built a fire tonight and relaxed for several hours by it before getting into my tent. I am looking forward to an early start in the morning! Really enjoying my time out here! Looking back at all the things that happened in the first half and how my perspective on life has changed I cannot wait for the next half. Life is incredibly simple out here. I carry what I need on my back and nothing more. It is quiet, stress free, and I am able to really focus on my thoughts for hours without distraction. Nothing makes me smile more than to have a flat spot of ground to setup my tent on, a warm meal at night, toilet paper that I can't see through, and a hit shower every week or so. Thanks for all of your support and encouragement through the first have of this journey! I rarely respond to you when someone signs my page but I do read them and appreciate your thoughtfulness! Please pray that I remain healthy!Enjoying the journey
Date: 2013-06-02
From: campsite at 1103.2

To: campsite at 1122.8
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a really relaxing morning. I started hiking later than I wanted to but I had plenty of time for the miles I had planned. After about an hour of hiking I stopped by a stream to fully hydrate for the day and to do some reading. I hung out there for about an hour before moving on. Once on my way the terrain was up and down a bit for the first time in a few days. We also went through what is called the rock maze...it is basically a bunch of large boulders that the trail weaves its way through. It was a lot of fun and something different. Then the trail descended into the Cumberland Valley. It was really pretty. The trail went through a lot of farm land and reminded me of home. I thought about bunkie the entire time through it. It was another hot day and I met another hiker that was struggling with dehydration, thankfully we were about 2 miles from boiling springs, pa. I stopped in town for about an hour, mainly just wasting time before I headed out. I got back to the trail a bit before 5 and hiked for a few more hours for my campsite for the night. It has been a relaxing day! I will be in Duncannon tomorrow afternoon to resupply and then I will probably hike out that evening. Really enjoying PA!
Date: 2013-06-03
From: campsite at 1122.8

To: Eagle Scout campsite
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: light rain

I really enjoyed my campsite last night. It was really quiet and I had a great night of sleep. I had a good start this morning at 7:30, I hope I make it even earlier tomorrow morning. I enjoy hiking in the mornings especially with how cool it is! The first 8 or so miles were through farm land and really flat. After that I had a short climb up a mountain and them back down to a few more miles of farm land. Then I climb up onto a ridge to begin my approach to Duncannon and the Doyle hotel! Town visits are always exciting especially when the trail goes through town. So once I began my decent into Duncannon I was treated to a great view of the town and the Susquehanna river! Then it was down off the ridge and into town. The trail lead right to the doyle a famous hotel.....or at least a famous one to hikers. I had a mail drop to pick up while I was there and I had to charge my phone. So I got to relax at the Doyle for a while enjoy the atmosphere. I saw several hikers that I knew that were staying there. They asked me if I was staying and I told them that I was going to press on a bit more. They laughed and said that is probably a good idea. It is no secret that the Doyle is known to be a sleeping bag on top if the mattress type of place. I enjoyed my time there and the owners were super nice. I am glad that I got to stop by for a few hours. Then it was north through town. I wanted to find a place to grab a quick bite to eat and when I got to the edge of town I had two options.... 1) subway 2) a gentlemens club that served BBQ and ice cream.... I went with subway. After eating it was back not the trail and out of town. I enjoyed some great views on the way out of the Susquehanna River. It was a really peaceful day today. Looking forward to tomorrow!
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Eagle Scout campsite

To: Rausch gap campsite
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night it got down into the 50's and it was so nice! I have been just sleeping with my sleeping bag liner but last night I got to get into by bag to stay warm. It is looking like we are going to have another cool night tonight too! The day started off fairly early and I was able to cover most of my miles before noon. I had several first today which made things interesting. I saw the first rattlesnake and copperhead of my hike. They were both under the same rock and the copperhead was sitting on top of the rattlesnake. I am not a fan of poisonous snakes so I didn't get close to take a picture but two locals were there looking at them and taking pictures. They were telling me all about snakes and how they come out to try to find them. They ended up pulling both snakes out from under the rock with a stick to get more pictures of them. As soon as that started going on I left because I didn't feel like carrying a person out if they got bit. All morning I noticed something else, there was an extremely loud noise all through the mountains that sounded like a bunch of police sirens all going off at once. I finally asked someone what in the world is that noise.....come to find out it was cicada's. yes they are out and they are terribly annoying. After listening to them for hours, around 2 I couldn't take it anymore I had to listen to music to block them out. I got to my campsite around 5:30 and I have been able to relax for several hours and soak my feet in a stream. My feet got pretty beat up today from the rocks. I have a bruise in the arch of my right foot and a few different hot spots on my feet. The hot spots are developing because my feet are never landing in a normal position with the rocks. I will tape them up in the morning to prevent any further damage....they shouldn't be an issue. I have to run into Lickdale tomorrow to grab a few supplies so I can make it to hamburg and Cabelas the next day. I have been looking for an outfitter since the middle of SNP and I finally get a one! I cannot wait to get new socks mine are torn up!Loving my campsite. I am right by a stream that is putting me to sleep as I type....so goodnight!
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Rausch gap campsite

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a bit of a late start this morning and took my time getting warmed up. The first part of my hike was just 6 miles to the hwy leading to Lickdale then another 2 mile walk to the city since I couldn't get a hitch. I spent several hours in town relaxing and resupplying, then it was another 2 mile walk to the trail. I planned on keeping it short once I got back to the trail so my foot could heal up, but it started to feel better as the miles went by. When I was about .25 from my goal for the day, I ran into some locals that had a fire built and a great view of the valley. I hung out with them for about an hour. I am at the 501 shelter tonight and I get to shower in the morning since I got here late. Today was a tough day on the trail. I am honored to be carrying my little nephew's sock along with me. He inspires me everyday!
Date: 2013-06-06
From: 501 shelter

To: port clinton
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: clear sky

Got the morning started off right with a cold solar shower at the 501 shelter...not much solar activity at night. Then I was off to start my day.   My goal was to reach port Clinton/Hamburg by the end of the day so I could resupply and do everything I need in town. So I set of from camp and the trail was really rocky and slow. I only covered 6 miles by noon and didn't think I'd make the 24 into town. Luckily the trail got easier and I was able to knock out miles through most of the afternoon. As the day went on a sprinkling rain would progressively get harder making the trail a bit slippery but manageable. The trail today was a lot of the same. I spent the entire day on top of a really flat ridge and I was surrounded by trees of bushes so no views. I met a guy going south and he said the trail would smooth out for the next several miles and the get rocky right before I descended into Port Clinton. He was right. The trail was extremely steep when it started the descent. I tried my best not to slide down the wet trail. Once in town at 6 I knew I either need to setup camp and wait till in the morning to resupply or get a fast hitch into Hamburg. A guy walked up to me and asked me if I needed a ride while I was making that decision! So I was off to Cabelas for new socks and a spork! I got both along with a resupply and a big dinner. While I was at dinner I talked to a large family that was seated next to me and told them all about what I was doing. They wanted to know if I ever get a hotel room and I told them not to often since it is so expensive. By the end of the meal and conversation they came to say goodbye and insisted on giving me money for a hotel room one night. It was a blessing and I am super thankful. I am going to hold onto it until I really need a room! I really enjoyed meeting the Gingrich family. After dinner it was a resupply at Walmart then I had to walk 2 miles back to port Clinton....nobody would pick me up. I am sleeping in a pavilion in Port Clinton tonight...it is an interesting experience. Not a fan of these rocks! Goodnight
Date: 2013-06-07
From: port clinton

To: elkville shelter
Miles today: 14.8

I think it is safe to say that every hiker is thinking the same thing....get me out of PA!!!! I have 61 miles left until New Jersey. The thing that isnt fun about the trail here is you dont know how far you can make it each day. In VA I knew exactly how many miles I would go that day...in PA I say well 20 would be nice but you can only push so far on the rocks before your body says I'm done. So today ended up being shorter than I planned but it is good to relax and to be out of the rain! The trail today was not to bad and it was really good the last five miles to the shelter but I knew I didn't need to push any further. I really enjoyed the woods today...it was raining but the rain covered up the noise of the interstate a bit to my east. So the woods were really quiet for the first time in weeks. I cruised into elkville shelter at 3:30. Since I have been relaxing and dreaming of ways I can get to town and get a good meal. The shelter is apart of the NPS but it is behind a house. I am here with one other guy that is hiking southbound for a few days. He is an interesting character....not to sure what to think of him. One thing that is entertaining about the AT is the fact that you never know who you might run into! Thankful to be dry for tonight. Rumor is that the rain is supposed to stop in the morning. Ill believe it when I see it. Hopefully Lehigh gap will be dry by the time I get to it. Ah well it will be an early night and I will get an early start in the morning. The guy here is full of stories and all of them are ridiculous. It is going to be a fun night!Oh the sign in the picture is the first time I realized I was over 1200....the last 200 have gone by so fast. You know something is of when you think huh I only have 955 miles left...that's not far at all
Date: 2013-06-08
From: elkville shelter

To: side trail at 1250.8
Miles today: 22.6

I got a fairly early start since I kind of slept with one eye open last night. I left around 8 and started the day. When I left the shelter I was super excited to start the day and to hike...i am super thankful for that. It makes me laugh that I can do this day after day and still love it. The morning was kind of slow moving. The terrain didn't allow me to get a rhythm going. So by lunch I only covered 7 miles leaving 17 for the afternoon to reach Palmerton. The trail this afternoon allowed me to cover miles fairly fast until i got to knife edge and oven bake knob. they were both really cool. After knife edge I was brainlessly walking down the trail and I almost stepped on a copperhead. I then messed with him for about five minutes just to be familiar with how they act. It was nice to learn that they aren't super aggressive, that will helping me walk in some peace since they are so hard to see in leaves. After that I was just trying to get to Palmerton before it got dark. Before I began my decent into the city I noticed a guy camping at spot with a great view to the west. I started thinking why am I going into Palmerton to sleep in a gym and to take a shower...I don't care about either, I showered four days ago. So I dropped my plans for Palmerton and had a new goal of finding a great campsite with a view of the sunset. As I hiked down the AT the trail started to turn east away from the views and I was thinking my chances were slim. Then I found a side trail that turned west and said scenic trail. I knew it had to be going to the edge of the mountain. So I walked a mile down the blue blaze trail and I found an incredible site with a great view west, of the river below, and I can see the lights of three different cities below. Once I got to camp I built a fire ring and collected wood. After that it was a relaxing evening with a fire. This could be the best campsite I have had on this trip! That's all for now I'm going to enjoy the view!Retired at 23
Date: 2013-06-09
From: side trail at 1250.8

To: wind gap
Miles today: 22.9

I didn't get much sleep last night. After I typed up my journal last night, I sat by my fire and looked at the city lights below until 9:30. Around 10:45 one of my stakes came out of the ground and my tent fell on me...so I had to get up and tend to that. Once I got back in my tent I couldn't fall asleep until midnight. So this morning it was tough to get moving since I was so tired. Once I did it was a 4 mile decent to the Lehigh river and then I began the climb out of the Lehigh gap. It was a great climb and I had so much fun doing it. The trail was super steep so I was using my hands to get up and over short ledges and large rocks. So much fun and I had some incredible views. After that i hiked thru a lot of grass and the ticks were insane. I could see them on the grass all around me. I checked myself very often while I was going thru it. By the time I was back into the woods I pulled off 17 ticks. None of them latched on, they were just crawling up my legs. Thankful to be out of the tick forest. After that I cruised the rest of the day to wind gap. I have 16 miles left in PA. Thankful that I got a good meal tonight and a place to stay!
Date: 2013-06-10
From: wind gap

To: church of the mountain hostel
Miles today: 15.6

Another late night last night. I stayed up with three other thru hikers just hanging out until 12:30. Way way to late but we had a lot of fun just relaxing. I figured I wouldn't wake up in time to get an early start but I was up a bit after 6 and hiking by 6:20. The rain started to get heavy soon after that. It was one of the hardest rains I have been in since southern Virginia. The morning was really slow moving and it took me a while to get going. After the first 3 miles I was able to get a rhythm as the rocks thinned out. When it is raining I don't expect to see any snakes.. Today though I saw my first timber rattler. It was in the middle of the trail and I saw it before I got to close. It was a smaller one...I hear they can get huge. I watched him for a bit then it was back to heading north. Like I said before my morning was kinda rough...it was raining pretty hard and I was having some stomach issues. Once I got that worked out i had so much fun. The trail was slippery and super wet but for some reasons I was having a blast. I'm not sure if this is true for all the hikers but I am in a surreal state at this point of the trail. The AT has been a dream for so long and I'm not only doing it but I am close to fulfilling that dream. I no longer feel overwhelmed by the miles. I have 900ish left and now that I have hiked 900 miles I feel like I have a better grasp on what is ahead of me. Before I would see a sign saying 1400 miles to Maine and it gave me a feeling that I couldn't even grasp how much more I had to go. I am savoring every step of the way. It is great to be at the Delaware water gap! Tomorrow I will hike another half mile in PA and then ill enter my 8th state New Jersey. I am looking forward to it! Hopefully the rain will clear out.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: church of the mountain hostel

To: brink road shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: broken clouds

Great first day in NJ. The hostel was pretty crowded last night and everyone got up at the same time to try to pack up and leave. I stayed in my bunk for a while to let everyone thin out so I could have space to pack. I got on the trail a bit before nine. The first part of the day was a climb out of the Delaware water gap, along the dunnfield creek. Since we have had so much rain the creek was rushing down the mountain. It was really cool and the first big creek that I have seen in a while. After that I kept climbing up to the sunfish pond which is a 41 acre glacial pond! The trail wrapped around it and gave me several great views. Then I walked along a ridge for several miles to a fire tower. I was able to climb up to the top and take in a great view of where I would be heading. New Jersey has been great. There are still rocks but they are farther apart, giving us long smooth stretches in between. Thankful for that! I saw a lot of wildlife today: black bear, deer, turtle, grass snake, rattle snake, bullfrogs, and I saw Bigfoot...unfortunately I couldn't get a picture. It rained a for a bit around 5 but soon stopped. I got to the shelter around 7 to find it full. It was hard to find a campsite tonight because the ground is so wet but I finally found a dry spot....unfortunately I'm right next to the bear box. Anyway looking forward to more NJ and for what is ahead.It is what you make it!Goodnight
Date: 2013-06-12
From: brink road shelter

To: high point shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: few clouds

I slept in this morning not by choice....I just didn't wake up until 9. I guess I just needed to catch up from the last few days of not sleeping well. So once I finally started hiking around 10:15, I had 3 miles to a hwy and a restaurant. I hung out there for about an hour then decided I needed to get going to cover miles before dark. As soon as I left I saw a group of turkeys and baby turkeys. Then the trail was rough and rocky all the way to the shelter. I did get trail magic today! I walked up to an ice chest and it had one mtn dew left and a day hiker gave me an apple. It is crazy how good fresh fruit is when you have been out here for a while. Anyway I am at high point shelter tonight with 3 other thru hikers. The weather is supposed to get nasty tonight so I'm not sure how far ill make it tomorrow. I would like to zero but I'm not close enough to a town to do that so we will see