morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Front Royal Hostel

To: Rod Hallow Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: few clouds

I got a late start today (10:30) as I had to go to town to the post office to pick up my new Outdoor Research gaitors (thanks OR for standing behind your products). The gaitors I had were brand new when I left Ga but 900+ miles takes a toll on them and I needed new ones. Once I got going my plan was to hike 18 or so miles but Va is beginning to flatten out a bit. Sure, there are uphills but they are usually less than 500 feet compared to the 3000 feet climbs we were doing a little more than a week ago. I hiked by myself a bit and the ran into Sisafris ( who I met in the Shenandoahs) I stopped for lunch at a real nice shelter and she continued on. I also met up with Moose, Princess and Ranger who stayed at the hostel last night and were slack packing back to the hostel   When I got to the third shelter (Dicks Dome) it was 6:15 and the next shelter was 9 miles away. It was such a nice day/evening I decided to head to the 4th shelter knowing that I would hike in the dark for the last 30-45 minutes. I got here just passed 9 - and took a nice tumble on the way over a rock I didn't see. No damage. Today I left the Shenandoahs and tomorrow I start a section called the Roller Coaster - due to the steep ups and downs over several miles. To Ms Repose's class - tomorrow I will leave the state of Virginia which has the most miles of any state the AT travels through (550) - what state will I be in tomorrow?Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Rod Hallow Shelter

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 21.1

Was out of camp at 8:00 with the hopes of getting into Harpers Ferry today but that would have meant a 30 mile hike. My hopes were dashed when I started the Roller Coaster within .5 miles of leaving the shelter. The Roller Coaster is 17.5 miles of steep ascents and descents over several small peaks. It kicked my butt. A I stopped at the Sam Moore shelter about halfway through the Roller Coaster and had a snack and a rest. After that break the two steepest ascents and descents were next to do. About 1:00 I stopped at the Bears Den Hostel for lunch. This hostel is beautiful. I was able to buy 3 sodas to go with my lunch. After Bears Den there were still more of the Roller Coaster but most of the hard stuff was done. I was pleased that the weather was overcast and cool - would not want to hike this section on a hot day. A couple of things to note: - I crossed the 1000 mile mark today - I finally am out of Va - 550 miles of it which accounts for 25% of the ATI have less than 10 miles to hike into Harpers Ferry tomorrow. Looking forward to stopping at the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conservancy) who watches over the AT. They will take my picture and tell me what number Northbounder I am this year. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-21
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Tea Horse Hostel, Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: broken clouds

As I conclude my 10th week on the trail I find myself at what is considered the halfway point of the AT - Harpers Ferry, WVI was up early this morning and on the trail by 7 to get to town. It seemed to take forever as there were quite a few rock zones to pick through as well as some areas that still had mud on the trail from last weeks storm. Once I crossed the Potomac River it was uphill to the trail that cuts over to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters. They took my official picture and I am northbound hiker #178. Met up with Ranger, Geared Up, Canadia and Topo at the office. I left the office and continued on the AT to downtown Harpers Ferry and met Stretch and Turtlefish for lunch and a couple of beers. After lunch Stretch and I went to the Post Office to pick up the package that MMRF had sent (thanks Kelley) and was surprised to finally get my package that was missing in Franklin NC. After the PO Stretch and I went for a second lunch at a pizza place and then Stretch hit the trail. I waited for the hostel to open and then showered and then went for dinner. I had time today to make a few phone calls to some friends and family. It was great talking with all of you. Thanks again for your support and encouragement. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Tea Horse Hostel, Harpers Ferry WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: light rain

It was tough leaving town today. We had a great breakfast at the hostel and I just took my time getting my stuff ready. By the time I left the hostel it was probably 9;30. I walked downtown and it was hot and humid. I stopped by the outfitters to try to get new Darn Tough socks but they don't sell them so I had to settle for Thorlo hiking socks. Hopefully that will give me some extra cushion for my feet. Also was looking for a camelback as mine was giving me issues - they didn't sell those either. Went to Private Quinn's for lunch and a couple of beers and then by 11 it was time to hit the trail. Hiked along the Potomac River for a few miles and then up to Weaverton Cliffs which had a nice view of the Potomac. From there it was easy ups and downs to the shelter. Stopped by Gathland State Park on the way and spoke with two section hikers (Joe and Ty). It was at the park that I realized that my camelback has a puncture in it which is why it was leaking. I tried duct tape but that didn't help so I will need to purchase a new one in the next town. Joe offered to give me his on Saturday when they are done hiking. Depends if we are still together at that point - but thanks for the offer. Ran into Canadia while hiking. I asked her why she was hiking south - she said that she was heading north. After a few minutes of discussion and checking the map I got her turned around and headed back north again. Here at the shelter with the PATC ridge runner (Kite), Survivorman, Topo, Elusive and another thru hiker. Joe, Ty and their elkhound are at the other shelter that is about .2 mile away. Also today, check off one more state done. West Va is only 6 miles and I am now in Maryland. I should only be here for another day or two and then it's on to the next state. Five states down - nine more to go. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Campsite by River
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: light rain

Quite the day - mostly sunny and cool and the terrain was fairly flat until late in the afternoon. Was on the trail by 7.45 and the first stop was at Turners Gap site of one of the battles of the Civil War. From there I went up to the Washington monument - a stone structure recognizing George Washington. From the top there was a great view of the surrounding area. While relaxing (and purchasing some things I need online) a school group came by and I had about 20 kids asking questions about the hike. It was really fun.I left there and the next stop was Annapolis Rocks - another area with a nice view. While I was snacking there I got a text from Stretch saying he was at PenMar Park and had just ordered a pizza. That was all I needed to hear - I had 12 miles to get there and I was having pizza for dinner. The only issue was there was a steep rocky climb to get up to Ravens Rock and an even steeper and rockier climb to get down to PenMar Park. I got there by 7 but had no cell service and needed to borrow a phone from someone in the park to order the pizza. Pizza arrived by 7:30 and I was content. While eating the temp dropped - enough so that I had to put on a fleece and a jacket and was still chilled. I didn't stick around for sunset as I wanted to get to the camping area and get set up before it got too dark. On the way I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line. I'm finally out of the south and can cross yet one more state off the list. Goodbye Maryland - you had the easiest terrain yet. Hello Pennsylvania - I hope I'm ready for the rocks. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Campsite by River

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: light rain

Left camp just before 8:00 under sunny skies and cool temps Plenty of day hikers out today for the holiday weekend. I was in no particular rush so I stopped by most shelters and took a quick break and signed the register. Spoke to quite a few people today on the trails including the caretaker at one of them. The PATC does an amazing jobs on the trails and keeping the shelters clean. Stopped by an Italian restaurant for my first dinner around 4:30 on US 30 and had a steak and cheese sub, ice cream and a few cokes. While there I was interviewed by some guy (same guy had interviewed Stretch a few hours earlier) for an upcoming documentary. When I was ready to leave I got another large sub and a coke to have for my second dinner at the shelter. Here tonight are Topo and Pooh Bear and many weekend hikers. We spent the evening chatting with two women from DC who are hiking for a few days with their daughters. Good company. Thought of my dear friend Paula quite a bit today on the third anniversary of her passing. I have dedicated this hike to her and to raise money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. (MMRF). To date I am almost at 60% of my goal. Thanks to all who have contributed - if you wish to contribute you can follow this link www.tinyurl.com\MMRFsaint. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Jim Frye's Shelter
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: clear sky

What a great day. Sunny all day and the terrain was great. Made the first 7.6 miles in 2 hours and 15 min and stopped at the shelter for a quick snack. Met up with a couple who live nearby but she got her graduate decree in Boston. Ran into them a few more times during the day - real nice people. Quite a few Boy Scout troops out backpacking today. About a mile after the first shelter one of the leaders who had transported them was setup with trail magic - Krispy Kreme donuts and water. In the same parking lot Trademark was waiting for a friend to pick him up - when he arrived he gave Topo and apple and I got a nectarine. Headed to the next shelter and had a quick/small lunch because I knew that the Half Gallon Challenge was 3 miles away. On the way I passed the halfway sign (although this year the halfway mark was about .5 miles before the shelter). As I went to cross a stream - a woman asked if I was a thru hiker and if she could take a picture holding her (I assume) grandson - sure, it's what I do. Met and spoke with lots of day hikers on the way to the store. Once I got to the Pine Grove store - the deal is I buy a 1/2 gallon of ice cream and if I can finish it the. I get a wooden spoon. No problem doing that. I was there with Pooh Bear and Twizzler and we had many people come by and chat and take pictures. It was a blast. Next door to the store is the AT museum - and they stayed open past their closing time just so we could go in and walk around. We debated on getting a sandwich to go from the store but decided not - and then started hiking the remaining 5 or so miles to the shelter. Here tonight with Topo and Cowgirl (and her dog). Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Jim Frye's Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: broken clouds

I slept quite well last night right next to a river. For some reason I lacked energy this morning - all I wanted to do was take breaks. There is a store not far from the shelter and my plan was to stop by and get breakfast and possibly a sandwich to go. Before I knew it - I had hiked past the store and was a couple miles down the trail. I guess it worked out ok - as it got me into Boiling Springs in time for lunch. The morning had a few ups - most notably was the ascent to the Rock Maze (there were two mazes) and they were interesting. After that there was a shelter and then a climb to Center Point Knob - the original AT halfway point. From there it was all downhill and flat cornfields into Boiling Springs. Met up with Topo at a great sub shop. I had a large steak & cheese sub, a large cheeseburger sub and about 3 Pepsi's. After that I went over to a gas station and got an ice cream and another Pepsi. While in the gas station parking lot - a pickup truck pulls up and the driver yells "Gandalf". Turns out to be Bloomer who I last saw in Pearisburg   He is off the trail for now but lives in the area and gave me his number in case I need anything I'm the next 70 miles. Thanks Bloomer. Topo & I sat around by the outfitters while I was eating my ice cream. At least two couples stopped by to ask questions about our hike. I finally took off around 2:30 as we had another 14 miles to hike. The hiking was FLAT! No hills - pretty much just cornfields. The last mile or so was up 500 feet to the shelter and we got here just after 8. Here with Topo, Twizzler and probably 10 or so day/section hikers. It was sunny all day and a bit on the warm side. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Always excited to get to a trail town. Normally it's downhill but today we had a couple uphills as well. Left the shelter at 8 and took a break after an hour and another break at the shelter along the way. I felt sluggish but was better after eating some snacks at the shelter. Was in town by 12:30 and stopped by a gas station for a pint of ice cream and two cokes. From there I checked into the Doyle and had lunch. Stretch stopped by for a beer and then hiked out as the rain came. Ramen Chamin and Cheezit waited the storm out and then left. A shuttle brought us to the market to resupply. Went to the Pub for dinner and then back to the Doyle for a nightcap. Here with Twizzler, Topo and Cowgirl (thanks for the drink)Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0

I was up early - as usual and was undecided if was going to take a zero day or hike out of town. I was at the laundry at 7 to get that started and the went across the street from the Doyle for breakfast. Breakfast consisted of coffee, Cole, scrambled eggs, toast, bacon and French toast. After breakfast I threw the clothes In the dryer and headed for the Post Office. All they had was the bag for my tent (the other one had ripped). She suggested to come back in the afternoon. I ended up spending time sitting around with Twizzler who was waiting for a UPS shipment and Topo - who eventually hit the trail. After the UPS driver showed up at the Doyle I headed up to the PO and got my package. Two new pairs of Darn Tough socks and a new Camelback to replace the one with the hole. The next thing on the chore list was to send the old socks back to Darn Tough. I did walk around town a bit this afternoon and got an ice cream cone and then stopped at Sorrentos for a Stromboli - man was that good. A few hours later I finished off my eating frenzy with stuffed pork chops and salad at the Doyle - again, very good. For a nightcap I had paint of black raspberry ice cream. I think it is time to leave this town. Great zero day - the first zero in 2 weeks. Now it's back to the trail for at least 4 days. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 29.0
Weather: clear sky

I need to mention this one story from last night. As I went over to the Quick Mart for the 2nd time after dinner (to buy another pint of ice cream) - I took my wallet out and the clerk noticed my Ma license. We got to talking and apparently his brother owns the Quick Mart in Hingham center. Small world - if you stop by tell him TJ from Duncannon says hello. Was up early and on the trail (sidewalk) by 7:15. The weather was damp with off and on showers all day long. As you are leaving Duncannon you have to walk across the Clark's Ferry Bridge. About 1/2 way across this falcon starts dive bombing me. I actually held my poles in such a way that I could defend myself. Almost over the bridge is a sign stating that there is a nest under the bridge. The day consisted of a 400 ft ascent with many switchbacks after I crossed the bridge - after that it was flat and good terrain. Stopped at the 2nd shelter for lunch and Twizzler stopped by for lunch as well. Mid afternoon there was a 1000 ft ascent but it was over 4 miles so it too was quite gradual. Got to the shelter just before 7 and had dinner. It was a big mile day and I'm trying to do another so that I can get to the Post Office in Port Clinton before they close Sat morning. Here tonight are Ramen Shamin, Cheezits, Topo, Twizzler, Napolean, The Senator, Pooh Bear, Bear Bait and a few more. Hoping for nicer weather tomorrow. Gandalf
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 32.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I have decided what motivates me to hike is food and Post Offices. Tomorrow I will be in Port Clinton before the PO closes at 11. In order to do that it meant BIG miles today. Here are the milestones from today. - crossed the 1200 mile hiked point- most miles hiked in a day - 32.6- biggest 2 day total - 61.6Left the shelter at 6:45 and hiked a couple hours by myself and then met up with Bear Bait and we hiked the rest of the morning. He was quite entertaining and discussed politics, education, environment and economics. For a 25 year old high school dropout he was quite articulate and had some great ideas. When he is done hiking he is taking a job in Berlin as a Software Engineer with Nokia. The topics were all items that I really haven't thought about much on the trail - it really made me think about things. The rest of the day I hiked by myself. The elevator gain or loss wasn't really significant - however rocks are becoming an issue and apparently get worse as you go further north. The weather was mostly sunny but coolHere in the shelter with Hyperbole and Sassafras. Gandalf.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Was up early and out of the shelter by 6:15. I needed to be at the Post Office before it closed at 11 and wasn't sure how rocky the trail would be heading into Port Clinton - it was only 9 miles. Got to the. Post Office in plenty of time and got my hiking boots as well as a couple packages of brownies from Jackie and got about 10 lbs of cookies (oatmeal raisin and hermits) from Karen & Joe. I was able to send my down jacket, some other clothes and my trail runners back to Jackie but still would have to figure out what to do with all the sweets. Headed up the street to the 4 C's for lunch (even though it wasn't noon yet). Had a burger with chips and a couple Pepsi's. I then headed back to the trail and hiked .3'miles to Rte 61 and then walked to the Microtel (about 1.3 miles) to get a room. I needed to resupply at Walmart plus went to Cabela's to get new tips for my poles (which they didn't have). While checking into the hotel - they said that there was a shuttle back to the trail for $5. I called the guy to make a reservation and it turned out to be Dad - a hiker I met in the Smokies. I gave Dad some of the cookies so that he could share them with hikers he shuttles. They were delicious - I just couldn't carry all of them. I ate dinner at a Roadhouse (like Texas Roadhouse) and had prime rib and shrimp. It was great. All packed up and ready to hit the trail by 8 tomorrow. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Hamburg, PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a good nights sleep and had breakfast at the hotel before Dad came by to shuttle me to the trailhead. Day was sunny but not to hot. Had a few more ascents and descents than I've had in the past few days - but on the positive side you get some good views. I had views from Pulpit Rock,'The Pinnacle and Dans Pulpit. The trail started with some rocks and progressively worsened throughout the day. Not sure how I would have managed with trail runners - so happy I got my boots yesterday. Only problem with the boots is that my feet have either grown or are swollen so they are a bit snug on me. Here at the shelter with Napolean, The Senator and H2O. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

Was up early and on the trail by 7:15. I had the shelter to myself and somehow my snoring woke me up twice. First part of the morning was pretty smooth sailing until I hit Knifes Edge - then it got rocky for quite awhile. On two different occasions I lost the white blazes and had to retrace my steps to find the blazes. Pretty uneventful day but nice weather and warm. I hiked 1.5 miles off the trail to Palmerton where I am staying in the old jail. Went out to dinner with Napolean, The Senator, H2O and about 6 other thru hikers staying here tonight. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up around 6:30 and brought all my stuff outside to pack up as everyone was still sleeping. Hiked back to the trailhead (1.5 miles) from Palmerton and then hiked straight up rocks to the site of a superfund cleanup. It was sunny and quite warm and was happy to see some of the workers there who gave me some water. The remainder of the day was non eventful - mostly flat but humid. In the afternoon I could hear thunder and when I was about a mile from the shelter it started raining. It actually was refreshing and kept the dive-bombing horseflies away for a little bit. By the time I got to the shelter it was about 3;00 and the rain had subsided. I filled up on water and decided to go the extra 4.6 miles into Wind Gap. I hiked down the street about a mile to the Beer Stein and they let you camp for free or for $15 you can stay in the camper, get a shower and do laundry. Camper it is for tonight. Had a great burger at the Beer Stein plus a few good beers followed up by a pint of Turkey Hill ice cream. Life is good. Gandalf
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 26.4

Was out of the camper before 7 to hike the .8 back to the trail. I slept great and showered and got a coffee and donut before I left. After a brief uphill to get out of Wind Gap it was fairly flat with some occasional rocky areas Made it to the shelter for a quick break. Ran into Chris who was out for a 7 day hike. Also ran into Green Ghost and Sprout at the shelter. They had passed me earlier and were flying. They stopped at a spring which is when I passed them and then met them again at the shelter. I should also mention that someone left a cooler of soda (trail magic) just before the shelter - thanks. As I have stated before - town food motivates me and I was planning on pizza in Delaware Water Gap. Got to the pizza shop just past 2 and ate a 14" pizza and drank a 2L of Coke. Left the pizza shop quite full around 3:30 and still had 10 miles to go. After leaving DWG - you walk on a sidewalk on I-80 and cross the Delaware River. The other side of the river is New Jersey. Yay! Seven states completed - seven more to go. The miles went fast after entering NJ. Still some rocks but not as many as PA. Made it to the Mohican Outdoor Center which is run by the AMC. Was able to shower and get a bite to eat. Here with Green Ghost and we have this entire place to ourselves. The weather does not look good for tonight or tomorrow - not sure what that means for miles tomorrow. Also. I should mention that the Mohican Outdoor Center is at mile 1300.4. Another 100 miles done - only 885 miles until Katahdin. Gandalf