morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-10
From: Knot Maul Branch Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

Eventually joining me last night at the shelter were Wolfpack and JimBob. I enjoyed reading Agatha Christie with a campfire going. Once again we got to listen to owls singing to one another.Today's hike was a bit like taking the final exam. It involved one of the longest hikes with one of the biggest gains in elevation (19.8 miles and 2,100'). How would Traffic Director do? Well, it took a bit over eight hours including three pack off breaks.At the top of the 2,100' up we were rewarded with great views from Chestnut Knob, a former fire tower site. The fire warden's former quarters are now the shelter. We've seen some great views of Virginia throughout the time in state, and today was no exception.What a dilemma I have! Tomorrow I end my hike in Bland, and what do I see in my foodbag? Not one, but TWO two-person Mountain House dinners! Sure don't want to be carrying trail food into town now, do we Traffic Director? So I guess I'll have to eat them both tonight. Dinner #1 at 4 p.m., dinner #2 at 6:30. Now that's living!For the first time on the hike, this evening I had some mosquitoes bother me. Black flies are a pest at this shelter, too, what with the low elevation. I'm getting off the trail just in time!Hikers encountered today: Bald Eagle, No Problem, H-Cubed, Millhouse, LOTAT, Capt Kirk, Alien, Wolfpack and Jim Bob. Started saying goodbye to most of the hikers I've met the past few days.
Date: 2011-05-11
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Bland Big Walker Motel
Miles today: 11.5

It rained and thundered last night for about 10 hours beginning at 7 p.m. This is one of the amazing things about the hike: most of the stormy weather has come at night and therefore not hampered the hike. The rain is of course needed in order to have the springs and streams filled with water.I headed off into a cloudy day on my last day of hiking, headed for Bland VA and my rendezvous tomorrow with Laura. I was smoking down the trail, leaving the shelter at 7 a.m. and being in Bland by 11 a.m. at the motel. In the middle of the hike a thunderstorm hit for about 10 minutes which had the effect of cooling me beatifully with rain water, though the eight lightning/thunder booms were a little unnerving when you're carrying two lightning rods in the form of the trekking poles. Upon arrival at the highway I only had to wait seconds for a kind trail angel in his pickup truck to come by and haul me right to the front door of this motel. Wahoo! God, you have been so good to me!So the day is being spent getting clothes washed in the bathtub (no laundromat) and walking into town to the public library to update this journal. Tonight are two NBA playoff games on TV, so I'm loving it. Looking forward to seeing my awesome daughter tomorrow! How bless can a guy be?
Date: 2011-05-15
To: Laura's house
Miles today: 0.0

It was so good to see Laura show up on time and get us going for an awesome long weekend. A highlight was visiting the Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC. So the hike is over! Where on earth did the fifty days go? I met a lot of fantastic people who encouraged me. I look forward to reading their trail journals and following them to Maine. Thanks to all of you! And thanks to everyone who followed along with me on the hike by reading these journals.
Date: 2011-06-14
To: gear and packing
Miles today: 0.0

This year we have changed a bit of gear. I have made 2 more hammocks with foot boxes and bug nets. They weigh 15 and 13 ozs. I will post photos once we start. We also now have a cuben fiber tarp from Hammock Gear. It has great coverage for 2 and has doors. Check it out at hammockgear.com. Without lines it weighs 6.5 oz. Packing and decisions today. Will post pack weights when done
Date: 2011-06-16
To: Home work completed
Miles today: 0.0

Yesterday we completed all of the home work. Lawn, and mail and paper stops.Final food selections and packing was completed today.Anne's final pack weight is 21 lbs with 1 liter water and lunch for one day.My pack is at 30 lbs with the remainder of 5 days of food and 1 liter water.As we progress the food weights will come down for sure. We will likely eat whatever we find along the route as we are not doing food drops or a bounce box this time. Picking up the car at 8 AM and heading off.We will stop at Too Late and Too Soon's on the way out to Harrisburg for a visit. We hiked with them in 2010 for over 20 days and had a blast.
Date: 2011-06-17
To: Travel
Miles today: 0.0

We left after picking up the car from the airport by 8 Am. Traveled the turnpike through Ohio ans stopped to see TOO Late and Too Soon near Pittsburg. They had a wonderful meal for us of lasagna and salad, with bread. We caught up on what they had been doing since we last were together in July of 2010. We talked about all of the fun we had and what fun was yet to be had this year. The time just flew by and before we knew it we had been there 3 hours. Gotta go, another 5 hours to get to Harrisburg.The ride on was uneventful. Arrived at my sister, Mary-Lou's at about 9 Pm.Vern offered to pick me up at the airport so we dropped the car tonight. Glad that is done, but it really worked out well to be able to stop when we wanted to.
Date: 2011-06-19
From: Duncannon PA

To: Peters Mt shelter
Miles today: 8.4

We were dropped off at susquahanna river at 9:30 and headed up the trial. We met Glide as we started up from the road. 3 other hikers passed us as we climbed. For a first day it was a bit of a climb but we did OK. We were on top in a bit more than an hour. Anne stepped on a loose rock and was almost catapulted off the trail. We got to Clarks Ferry shelter and did not need water so we didn't even stop. We got to Peters Mountain shelter at 3pm and decided that was enough for the day. The spring is a ways down the hill bui has a very good flow. After a while Shutter stopped. We talked and he is a software writer. We all fixed dinner and talked. Perigrin stopped also for the night. And is now fixing dinner. He is retired this year. It will be an early night for us.
Date: 2011-06-20
From: Peters Mt shelter

To: Rausch shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

June 2018Left by 7Am, heading for Rausch Gap shelter. We saw a big black snake before we covered 2 miles. After another 2 miles Shutter was waiting for us to warn us uf a rattlesnake in the rocks. He was not to allarmed and we wanted to keep it that way so we looked and passed by quietly. The trail is very nice grade and has stone stairs often. We got water at a very nice piped spring before PA325. We were passed by a couple of other hikers and one SB but did not chat. Gutsy, from last night, had stopped for a long lunch and we were able to catch her. After a bit she and Anne were walking together and as we passed Cold spring trail at mile 1165.5 we saw a beautiful black bear. It did not stay to look back but headed off over the hill. We arrived at Rausch Gap shelter at about 4 Pm. The shelter had a group in it allready so we got water and went back to the tent area. Made dinner and cleaned up. Now 8 Pm and I think I need some rest
Date: 2011-06-21
From: Rausch shelter

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

6/21/201117.5It rained overnight but we stayed dry. We got up around 7. We had an easy morning and did not leave until near 9 Am. We met Jamie, a section hiker last night. This morning Gutsy is going to go back north 11 miles with him due to a blister on the bottom of of her foot. She hopes to get dropped off at 501 shelter. We had a nice day today. Mich of the trail is smooth and for us 3mph fast. Some of the others are not so fast or smooth. We ran oit of water before William Penn shelter. Got a refill and thought of spending the night but Anne really wanted to make 501. It was another 4 miles so off we go. We made it in by 7 Pm. We ordered pizza and had it delivered and enough for breakfast. Now 9 Pm and time for bed
Date: 2011-06-22
From: 501 Shelter

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

6/22/201115.1It thundered and lightening last night and we were glad to be inside, even if we did not have pads for the bunks. In the morning it was raining lightly. We had the following hikers with us last night: Shutter, Gutsy, Peragrine, Leap, Sarge, Weaver, Shenanigan. All are fun to talk to and have stories to tell. Gutsy will be off the trail from here to attend to the sale of a house. We left after the rain stopped about 9 Am. The trail varied from good to "why did they do that". We got water at a good spring so we would not run low again as we did yesterday. We arrived at Eagles Nest shelter around 6 Pm. Not real fast and only a couple of great views. We ata a big dinner with cheese cake for dessert. Cleaned up and hung our hammocks. Anne is now enjoying the show all of the mice are putting on in the shelter
Date: 2011-06-23
From: Eagles Nest shelter

To: Microtel Motel
Miles today: 9.3

9.3We got up at 6 Am for breakfast. Overnight a mouse did a dive into Peragrin's water bag and drowned. No one used that. We headed off by 7 and had good trails. Pretty level but a bit rocky. We made good time and had only one bit of uphill. We saw a deer as we crossed one of the game land roads but not much else for wildlife. We made Port Clinton by noon after a steep downhill. Took a break in the train yard park and made reservations at the microtel. We tried to hitch a ride but had no luck until Weaver pulled up with Sarge. Weavers husband had come to pick them up and get Sarge some medical care for intestinal trouble that came on pretty fast since yesterday afternoon. They dropped us off and headed off to get Sarge some attention. We checked in and soon were clean again and clothes also. We went to Cabela's, ran the gauntlet across 61, and got Anne a larger pair of shoes. She has some blisters but not real bad. We ate at the buffet in Cabela's and it was good. We then went to Walmart for food. When we were there we ran into Shutter, Peragrin, and Leap. They were able to get to the brewery but we will have to do it another time. Back at the motel we have repacked and selected stuff to return home. The post office is about a mile away so we will get to it tomorrow before we check outThanks to all for reading and all of the support
Date: 2011-06-24
From: Microtel Motel

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

15.1We left the microtel after breakfast and caught a ride with a sectionhiker that was headimg out out for the day. Her trailname was Dessert. She has done all of the best sections,1300 miles, and is now doing other parts. She took us back to Port Clinton to the post office. We mailed a package home. As we were re packing a lady came out and Anne asked her for a lift to the trail. She was heading out to pick blueberries so said sure. We left from the trailhead at 8:30. Pretty uneventful day for the first part. We got to the astronomical observitory and took a break at the view. When we stopped for a break after lunch I sat my pack in the rocks and when I picked it up there was a Copperhead snake under it. The view from the Pinnacle is the best I have seen this trip. In a crack in the rocks there was a pretty big rattlesnake. The last 5 miles into Eckville Shelter was mostly on the road. At the shelter there are 2 section hikers Dan and Jim, Shenanigans, Leap were allready here and Perigrine and Shutter came in shortly. We all ordered takeouts and some took showers and now we are all talking and waiting for the food to arrive
Date: 2011-06-25
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Another hiker arrived later in the evening, Buckeye. He was able to get in on the food orfer also. It took nearly 2 hours for it to get there and we all devoured it completely. We were gone from Eckville Shelter by 7. It wea quite a climb back to the top of the ridge. The views from Dan,s pulpit were great but the rock path was not. We made less than 2mph to the AllentownHiking Club shelter. We were very happy to have our first trail nagic when we got tothe road. John and Perry, Hangout, were there cooking burgers and dogs. They are both previous thru hikers. We each had 2 and 2 sodas. Shutter and Leap were also there. We spent nearly an hour talking then had to go. We topped our water an the Blue Mt resturaunt and headed off. The knife edge was great, if you did not have any bnalance issues. As we got close to Bake Oven Knob there were many day hikers. Lots of trash and graffiti on the rocks. The trail away from the summit is not well defined and very tough due to where it is placed. We got to the shelter and se up on top of the hill. Perigrin is in the shelter, Leap and Shutter tented. The water was far downhill. Dinner done and in the hammocks about 9.
Date: 2011-06-26
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: jailhouse hostel Palmerton
Miles today: 8.6

We got up late this morning due to the hard day yesterday. We left camp at about 9 Am. The trail is not very remarkable along here, rocks as usual. We took. South mountain trail for the only views of the day. They were from both sides of the trail, through a high large boulder field. Most of the time you could stay on top of the big ones and did not have to get down into the rubble. There were a lot of blueberries and we ate a bunch of them which slowed our progress a lot. Had lunch at another fine view where the fire pit was still warm from the weekenders that have been all around us for the past couple of days. Stopped at the George W Outerbridge shelter for a moment. It is a log structure and quite old but interesting. The spring just north of there on the trail was a real good one, piped and appeared clean. We crossed the lehigh river on the bridge and headed towards Palmerton. The trail was closed for rockslides so we made our way around as best we could and finally arrived in town at the jailhouse hostel after aboue 2 extra miles of road walk. Peragrin is here and not feeling real well. We showered and then did laundry, then we all went to Berts for dinner. I had a roast beef dinner and 2 malts. Anne had crab cakes and 1 malt. Now we are resting and enjoying the evening
Date: 2011-06-27
From: jailhouse hostel Palmerton

To: Leroy A Smith shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

15.7We had breakfast at Bert's whenthey opened. Farmers omlet for me and 2 eggs and bacon for Anne. Peragrin is having the same as Anne amd a pancake added. He is still not feeling well amd is going to try to see a Dr today. We arranged a ride woth the owner to get us back to the trail and were dropped off at 8:30. The rock climb out is a real scramble with jands on rockd a lot. Very steep but the views are great. We did not make any fast time tosay between the rock scrambles and te loose rocks in the trail. The views were very good though so it took your mind off the rocks. Palmerton was a zinc mining and smelting area fron 1890 to 1980. The hillsides were all devastated from the smoke plume from mill area but are now starting to recover. There was trail magic again at a road croaaisg in the form of water but we missed it. Luckily we are carrying an extra 2 litres. We met a pair of traiul maintainers today clearing blown down trees and counting American Chestnut trees. We talked fpr a bit and learned quite a lot. Arrived at the shelter after 6 Pm. Got water from spring #2 and went to the tent area and set up our hammocks, cooked a Lipton side dish and added chicken fo dinner. Got cleaned up amd hit the sack at 9 Pm
Date: 2011-06-28
From: Leroy A Smith shelter

To: Wind Gap Travel Inn
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: overcast clouds

4.4We decided after the last 9 days of travel we deserve a bit of rest. We got into Wind Gap around 11Am and started into town. We were headed for the Travel Inn on the south end of town. We stopped and talked to a fellow and he offered to take us there. Robert was his name and he says he does this quite a bit for hikers. We checked in and then cleaned up and then washed clothes. We walked to the food store and got a bit of food. We then went to dinner. After dinner we went and got a milkshake and then back to rest and re pack. Robert says he will try to pick us up in the morning and take us back up to the trail. If not we will hitch.
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Wind Gap Travel Inn

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

15.8We left the motel by 6:15 and tried to hitch a ride back to the trail. We had poor luck until we had walked nearly a mile. A woman that hikes in the area picked us uo even thougjh she had to turn around to do so. We started up the trail at 7 Am. It is always uphill when heading out of town. There was nothing very remarkable about the day. There was a couple of great views and a lot more rocks. We met a couple more thru hikers today, Mingo, Dutch, and we met Doc a we were having lunch at Kirkridge shelter. Annes feet and legs are giving her problems. No new blisters, just muscles and swelling. She says she has had enough fun and is thinking of going home. We got into Delaware Water gap after 5 Pm. Took showers at the Church of the Mountain Hostel. Hung our hammocks out back and then went into town for dinner. We both had hamburgers. Doc came in and sat with us and ate also. From there we went to the ice cream shop for a malt. The ice cream shop is in a histpric old building that was once a hotel. In its day it was pretty high class. I called our daughter, Jen, to check out the best way for Anne to get home. Looks like 19 hours on Greyhound.   We will talk more about it later.
Date: 2011-06-30
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican outdoor center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

10.5Anne decided for sure to head home today. I need to thank Peter and Jane, who we hiked with in 2009, for offering to come from CT to pick her up and take her to the airport. Our daughter Jen who helped with the travel planning and my sister who also helped with planning. Thanks again for all of the support. After getting breakfast this morning and bus reservations we had a quiet morning. Shutter is also leaving the trail for a short time but will be back. I left the hostel around 11:20 and headed into NJ. There were still a lot of rocks, just like PA. I saw 2 bear after climbing out of the gap. The trail was good and the views made the travel more bearable. About half way around Sun fish Pond I caught up to Doc. We talked for a bit and as we did a glider made a loop turn and came towards us from pretty high across the lake. He passed about 50 feet off the water and 100 feet down the lake from us. He had picked up a lot of speed and was really neat to see and hear that close. About a mile from the Mohocan center I saw a young buck deer. I arrived at the center just after 4. Met the manager and checked in, had a sandwich and soda. The manager gave me a tour of camp, it is pretty large and has quite a bunch of facilities. As we got back from the tour Mingo and Doc were there. We set up on sites 1-3 and talked a bit. I think it will be an early night
Date: 2011-07-01
From: Mohican outdoor center

To: past Sunrise MT Pavilion
Miles today: 24.2

24.2Left camp at 6:30. There are quite a few good views in this section. Passed a fire tower after about 2 miles. Doc left before I did but stopped for a view and caught back up. We seem to hike about the same speed so we stayed together and talked about just. About everything. We passed the Brink Road Shelter at about 11am and were soon at US 206 where there is a small sandwich shop called Joe's to Go. Got a sandwich and pop and bought a gallon of water and ice cream bars. It was all good. As we were getting the ice cream the owner gave us 2 bananas and 2 bagels. We ate our sandwiches and saved half for dinner and then headed on thinking we would stop at Gren Anderson Shelter, but we got there around 3 so just got water and brought it to the shelter and I rinsed out my shirt as the salt was starting to show. We decided to head on for a bit and finally stopped for the night north of Sunrise Mountain Pavilion quite a ways. Ate the other half of the sandwich for dinner and then called home. Anne got home after 3 Pm and said it was a looong ride. She is happy to be home and is soaking her feet.
Date: 2011-07-02
From: past Sunrise MT Pavilion

To: Murray Property
Miles today: 15.1

15.1We had a pretty lazy day today. We left our trail side camp at 7 Am hoping to get water from the creek, when we got there it was the out flow of a beaver pond so we passed it up. At Mashipacong shelter there was another couple out for the weekend and water in the bear box so we topped up and after a brief conversation headed out. We got to High Point SP and stopped at the beach for burgers, ice cream, and a drink. We stayed at the beach for about an hour. We finally left and went to the monument and climbed to the top. You can see at least 3 states from there. We finally left around 2 and took a detour trail off the ridge and down. We came out on county rd 519 and had to walk the road for about half a mile to get back to the trail. We passed quite a few stone fences today and you can only imagine the amount of work to build all of those. We arrived at the Murry. Property. Backpack@warwick.netIt is really nice of him to offer this to the hikers. There is an outdoor heated shower and a. Building where you can sleep on the floor. Cooked a good dinner and as we were finishing dinner Small Knee cap came in and Oompah from Holland. We sat on the porch and talked and were ready for bed soon.
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Murray Property

To: Wawayanda
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: moderate rain

18.6It rained most all day today. We crossed lots of swamps and lots of boardwalks today. Not a lot of scenery but when we got pinwheel overlook the rain stopped long enough for a lunch break. We arrived at Wawayanda shelter about 4:30. Doc is in the shelter and I am in my hammock again. I find it is so much better sleeping that way. We had to walk about .3 to get water and fixed dinner. I have to go to town tomorrow for more food so not sure where I may end up
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Wawayanda

To: Anton's on the lake
Miles today: 9.9

9.9There were quite a few other hikers that came in last night after I hit the sack. Most all were still sleeping when we left this morning. The trail was still wet and slippery from the rain yesterday. I took photos of the NJ-NY state line and we moved on. We crossed a lot of big rocks and at one point there was a ladder to climb to get up a steep rock face. We got into Green wood lake at about 11 Am and stopped at Murphy's for breakfast. I had steak and eggs and half a fruit plate. Doc had eggs Benedict. All was very good. We made our way to Anton's on the lake and checked in. This is a nice place to stop and rest a bit. Showers and laundry done and then back to Murphy' for a half rack of ribs. All was very good. Maybe another early night for me.