morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-01
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Drop, GB, and I made short work of the half mara into Front Royal. The humidity was oppressing, however. Many ounces of sweat were expelled. We rented a car in Front Royal to get us to Centerville. I'm laying here like a bloated whale after enjoying a wonderful Arabic meal cooked by Hala, my ex. She is such a gracious and generous host. On the menu was baba ganoush, hummus, foul mudamas, grapes, Afghan bread, pita chips, a saah, and kushari. Back to the trail tomorrow where we will make haste for Harper's Ferry. That will be sad, as I will be saying "so long" to Drop and Gold Bond. We've all been together for 700 miles or so. No small thing.
Date: 2012-05-02
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.6
Weather: broken clouds

Thanks again, Hala! Breakfast and coffee were delicious. Drop and I had leftovers from last night, and Gold Bond inhaled an entire strawberry rhubarb pie. Well done, GB. After a late-ish drive back to Front Royal to return the car, we got on the trail at 10:15 or so. We really thought we'd be in rain all day. But, apart from some showers and a vaguely menacing storm system which we thought would eat us, we managed to stay dry. The terrain was pretty easy as the trail took us through poplar forests with thousands of trees standing straight, true, and high. Equally noteworthy were the fields of lavender trillium and long tracts bracketed by aromatics. Aromatherapy on the move. This was our latest day yet, as we arrived at camp around 7:20. Hot Garbage Crew and Bams are here. Gold Bond gave Boozah some GB powder for a bad case of chafing. Boozah was hilarious to watch as she tried to put it on without making a mess. Sounds like there may be some thunder in the distance. Bag time.
Date: 2012-05-03
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This has been one helluva challenging day. Temps were in the high 80s with humidity pretty much maxed out. It was stultifying. The day began with 13 miles of terrain called "the Rollercoaster." This is exactly what it sounds like. Ups and downs that keep on going. The ascents aren't particularly tough, but they are repetitive. Taxing, to say the least. Very cool wildlife today. We saw 2 red efts, 2 bullfrogs, 2 bald eagles, a huge black rat snake, and another snake we didn't 't recognize. We took our time, hydrated, and ate well, stopped and enjoyed some riparian delights, and ended up here at the shelter in late afternoon. This shelter, btw, is wonderful. It has a porch, a swing, and a very good spring. Oh, so we left VA and entered WV. In doing so we hit 1000 miles. So there's that.   Weather coming in. Trekking into Harper's Ferry tomorrow. I'll be saying goodbye to Drop and Gold Bond there as I continue on while they take a couple of zeros. Hiking with these two has been wonderful. I'll miss them.
Date: 2012-05-04
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 9.4

It is nice to finally be at the symbolic halfway point of the AT. The actual HWP is in PA and about 4 or 5 days away. This town is a big deal and important in my life. Yes, because of the AT bit, but also because this is the place where my wife, Carol, and I came for our 2nd date. It has very special memories for both of us. We think it kind of sealed the deal. I walked the place this afternoon and remembered the reenactors, the cemetery, the church ruins, the frozen custard and all the rest. Very nice reflections. I was sad to say goodbye to Gold Bond and Drop today. Fantastic guys and superb hiking partners. I wish them well as they continue an already successful AT experience.   They are slowing down and enjoying some well-earned zeros, and I am continuing on. I hope circumstances allow us to hike together again. I was delighted to link back up with Pa Bert tonight. We just returned from some excellent BBQ and beers. I'll be hiking with Pa for the near term and seeing how our days match up. Hopefully we'll be able to do PA together at the very least. Both of us expect to make it to the end by early (ish) July.
Date: 2012-05-06
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Free State Hiker Hostel (in MD)
Miles today: 15.1

Today has been very nice here in the MD flatlands. No major terrain, cool misty, albeit humid, weather, and the good company of Pa Bert. We are staying at Free State Hostel, a place owned and operated by PB's friend and '06 NOBO, Bone Pack and his wife, Jannel. Great place. Very spacious, beautifully situated, well appointed, and clean. Today has been one of the most culturally diverse days of the hike. While thru hiking seems to be dominated by white folk, leisurely Sunday strolling is not. I met some Indians, some Koreans (who invited me to eat with them), and some hikers of African descent. Refreshing not to see the basic paleface set. Also, after I posted last night I caught a beautiful 4.5 ft Black Rat Snake. Snakes fascinate me. I took him to the boy scout camp to show the kids. They loved it. Tomorrow we enter PA. Exciting.
Date: 2012-05-07
From: Free State Hiker Hostel (in MD)

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: light rain

We left Free State this morning early, and hit the trail at 6:15. It was a long day but the terrain was very forgiving. I am very unaccustomed to such flat terrain as we have seen north of Harper's Ferry. The big news is that we are now in PA. Crossing the Mason-Dixon Line was a big step for me, psychologically. Not sure why but I suspect it has something to do with just being back in the North. It makes New England seem palpably closer. Exciting stuff. My foot pain, which has been chronic since the start was really starting to irritate me. So, I tried a system today which gave me some good results. I took 600 mg of Vitamin I two hours into the hike, stopped to unshoe and massage the feet every 5 miles, and adjusted my poling technique to consciously relieve pressure from the balls of my feet, which is where the problem has been. It worked. I was in pain at the end of this big day, but not nearly as much as in the past. Yay, me. That said, I'm pretty tired, so.....
Date: 2012-05-08
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: moderate rain

A rainy and wet day hiking, but enjoyable. The rain was cool and cleansing. I'm really enjoying PA. Such a breath of fresh air. The pine forests are fragrant. Moreso than any Yankee Candle. The birds are actively flitting about. My golden-throated wood thrushes are here, as are chickadees and phoebes. Woodpeckers, too. Not so many juncoes. This shelter is right on the halfway point.  All downhill from here, as they say.  I expect the second half of the trip will seem greatly accelerated.  It already does. I looked at the numbers from the first half and it seems like I have had 65 hiking days and 5 zeros. That puts my daily average at around 17 miles per day. I'm okay with that. I intend to get more intense over the second half and complete it in 55 days (plus 3 zeros). This should have me finished toward the end of the first week in July. We'll see how it all works out.  Anon.....
Date: 2012-05-09
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 22.9

Another great PA day. Since it rained yesterday, the muddy, boggy, swampy side of the state came out in all it's glory. It was redolent of ass. But that passed and I enjoyed several miles of beautiful pine groves, from there, a nice state park and more flat forest, followed by a nice long walk through recently cut hay fields and into town. Pa Bert and I are staying at the Allenberry Resort & Playhouse. Nice place, especially for the hiker special of 20.00 pp. Early day tomorrow as we make for Duncannon, home of the legendary Doyle Hotel. I usually don't do towns two days in a row, but this is just how the mileages worked out. Hoping for a good night's sleep this evening.
Date: 2012-05-11
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Yellow Springs Camp Site
Miles today: 24.7

Finally. I finally saw a timber rattler in the wild, up close and personal. Actually, he saw me first. I was ahead of the pack just walking;  and out of corner of my eye, about a foot and a half to my left,  saw some movement. I looked, became paralyzed with primal fear for a split second, and then leaped backwards instinctively. Talk about adrenaline. It was a rush.  What a magnificent creature. Just beautiful. He was about 4' long and as thick as a fist. Bomber and Pa Bert came up and we just watched the serpent for a while. Then Bomber attached his Go-Pro camera to his trekking pole and pushed it in for a close-up. The snake was confused and intimidated. Then it struck. Man, are they quick. Shockingly so. Bomber is an interesting guy. An EMT from Rochester, NY, he recently completed a monster 62 mile day. Impressive stuff. Bomber has joined the Air Force and is leaving for boot camp in September. He's going to EOD school after that. I've been trying to some military mentoring. He'll do just fine.  Should be in Port Clinton on Sunday.
Date: 2012-05-12
From: Yellow Springs Camp Site

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great PA day. Largely flat, a bit rocky, gorgeous streams and springs, and a very cross Black Rat snake which defied my efforts to capture it. The shelter we're at is very spacious and has bunks to sleep on. Refreshing. Tomorrow it is in to Port Clinton, catch a ride into Hamburg and do some resupply. I expect we'll be leaving PA on Thursday. Oh, cool, some car campers from up the road just brought over freshly grilled sausages and German potato salad. Very neighborly. Delicious.BTW, another milestone was reached today. I now am in triple digit mileage left to go. What began as a 2184 mile odyssey is now a manageable 996 or so. Easy day.
Date: 2012-05-13
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 24.1
Weather: broken clouds

Quite an unremarkable day, scenery-wise. It was flat, a bit rocky and as hot as Hades. We were all anticipating getting to Port Clinton. Though we are staying in the pavillion, our stomachs were attending to the myriad possibilities at the hotel restaurant. So Bomber, being a mileage guy, pressed on. Pa Bert and I were heading into town. I was about a mile or so ahead and sped down the hill at an irresponsible speed. It was hot. I was sweaty, tired and beat up from the day. I needed to find a ride to Cabela, a couple of miles away, so when I saw the fire department door open I poked my head inside. It was the FD's bar and social club. And it was happy hour. To make it better, I scan the bar and see my old buddy Salty. He figured we'd come by so there he sat, perched on a barstool, waiting. The cold beer and comraderie were simply tremendous. We met up with Pa at the hotel for dinner later on. The portions at this place are enormous! Pa' s chopped steak took up the whole plate. My Reuben was huge; and Salty's pork chops were massive and thick.Here in my bag at the pavilion I am trying to sleep. Tough to do with all the cars cruising on PA 61.
Date: 2012-05-14
From: Port Clinton

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: moderate rain

I didn't end up going to Cabela's last night so I went this morning. Nice place and super helpful staff. I got the isobutane I need. Should last me up into VT. I also had breakfast: 2 Egg McMuffins, 1 Sausage Egg McMuffin, 3 hash browns, and a cup of coffee. Too easy.I got on the trail at 8:30 and had about 3 hours of drizzle. Then at noon the heavens opened up. I got to the shelter at 4:45. Drenched, of course. The pace was slow due to the rocks, which I am not a fan of. Today is the day that PA earns its rep. And of course the rain makes the rocks even better. I'm beat. Palmerton tomorrow. Free hostel. Hooray.
Date: 2012-05-15
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 17.9

The day started with rain. Lots of it and unrelenting in it's presentation. We knew we had some short mileage to do, but the rain was fierce, our clothes from yesterday were still soaked, and we knew that the torrent would not cease until 4 pm. So we cowboyed up and had at it. The town of Palmerton rewarded us. We did checked in to the free Jailhouse Hostel, did laundry, shopped, dried our gear, and then found a tavern. The name of the place is Joey B's. Portions are massive and delicious (I enjoyed a salad, potstickers, pierogies, and wings), beers are cold, and the bar mistresses are friendly and savvy. I didn't want to leave. But, if I were to overdo it there, it might sully my day tomorrow. That would not be good, as we will begin the day by exploring a Superfund site. Apparently there was a zinc plant in operation here. It was listed in 1983. Right then. Off to bed.
Date: 2012-05-16
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Campsite (approx 6 mi north of Wind Gap)
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Oh, in the name of all that is Holy....I want the rocks to be gone. Today was nonstop stone-treading. I love the boulder hopping; it's rather fun. It is the smaller dessert plate-sized slabs of basalt which are sticking out of the trail at obscene, sadistic angles that bother me. But beyond that it was a nice relatively level day with the exception of an evil climb out of Palmerton and a lusty little dash up a mountain leaving Wind Gap. We had a nice trail magic today. We had breakfast this morning with a guy from the hostel with really bad heel blisters. He took care of the check. Nice. Leaving PA tomorrow. Despite the rocky eastern bit, I've really enjoyed the state. Now on to NJ.
Date: 2012-05-17
From: Campsite (approx 6 mi north of Wind Gap)

To: Mohican Outdoors Center
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

New Jersey!  PA is finished. Who'd have imagined it was to blow by so quickly?  The rocks were tough (I think I stepped on every Keystone in  existence) but overall I really liked the state.  The first 10 miles of NJ were great, especially for a reptile admirer, like myself. During a stroll on the AT along Sunfish Pond  I saw 2 massive bullfrogs, no fewer than 12 water snakes, and the largest garter snake I have ever seen. It was 3' and as thick as a hot dog. Hitting the trail tomorrow again and aiming for the Gren Anderson Shelter about 20 miles away. Things look good for Mom to pick me up in Salisbury, CT on the afternoon of Saturday, the 26th.
Date: 2012-05-18
From: Mohican Outdoors Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: clear sky

My blisters have been giving me problems again. Prob due to the recent rain, rocks, and daily miles. So today I walked gingerly, babying the feet. At the end of the day they feel marginally better. The problem is that the blisters are under thick callous. Hard to get at so one must just tough it out. Though the elevations are relatively low, the views are simply magnificent. I especially liked the one from Rattlesnake Mountain. Which reminds me- I saw another rattler today. To my left a d under a bush. When I came toward him he moved pretty quickly and I spotted him right away. No rattle, but still I froze. He was the same size as the last one though I can't be sure since he was coiled up. I just admired him for a while and then left. Pa Bert and Salty slack packed today and are at a shelter 6 miles north of me. Slackers. Meh. I think I have 25 to do tomorrow and then will enjoy the good hospitality of Greenwood Lake, NY on Sunday.
Date: 2012-05-19
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: clear sky

Last night was sublime. I was absolutely alone at the shelter. Not another soul. No alarm clocks from the early leavers, no hubbub at all. I awoke when my body was ready, did my break camp stuff and started the day on my own terms. I rather like that, and will be doing more solo tenting as this trip enters its next month. This may have been the best day on the trail. Certainly in the top 3. My opinion of Jersey is definitely changed. I don't know what you typically associate with NJ (apart from Springsteen; but he's transcendent so doesn't count), but I'm sure it is not majestic woodlands, rugged mountains, rural homesteads, loamy swampy marshland, rolling meadows of hay, and waterfowl preserves. But that is exactly what I got today. More variety than at any other point on the trail. And so many animals and birds: several snakes, gray squirrel, black squirrel, chipmunks, heron, swan, goose, red-winged blackbird, cardinal, wood thrush, to name a few. Looking forward to a town stop at Greenwood Lake, NY tomorrow. I'll resupply, have a few cold ones, enjoy some Chinese food, and pray for good weather. Next week is not looking promising.
Date: 2012-05-20
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake, NY
Miles today: 19.4

Today was hot and I'm slaking a man-sized thirst at Murphy's Tavern. I am also taking care of a craving for fresh vegetables by putting down a large Caesar's salad. The roast beef club is on the way. I'm in NY now and must say that I am less than impressed with the trail quality here. The path is overgrown and the blaze work is the worst I've seen, especially on the high rocks. That said, I'm happy to have finished another state. I'll miss the surprising New Jersey. So far in May I've completed VA, WV, MD, PA, and NJ. Wouldn't it be cool to do NY, CT, and MA as well? I have 11 days. While in town I did a quick check-in with my good buddy Jonathan. This is one badass SOB that I admire more than most people on this ridiculous orb, and on levels beyond the quotidian. Thanks for the convo, Justus. It was a tonic for a weary man.
Date: 2012-05-21
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

So the weather teller was right when she called for full-on rain, today. I am soaked to the bone. But in a good way. The air was warm so the water on my skin has been bath-like. Or at least tepid. There was some really sweet terrain  today. High meadows with massive rock carpeting, scrambly bouldering problems, precipitous descents, pugnacious climbs, huge ponds, and wide-open woodlands. Also,  the trail was much more clearly blazed today. Tons of toads, too. Tomorrow will be the shortest day I've done in a long time. I'll be doing 16.5 miles to get to the Graymoor Spiritual Center, a Franciscan monastery that allows hikers to sleep in its pavilion. Should be cool. I'd like to talk some theology with the good brothers. I had major insomnia last night. Time to see if I can get some good shut eye.
Date: 2012-05-22
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Short miles today but some hell-spawn climbs. New York recalibrateswe hikers spoiled by the flatlands of WV, MD, PA, and NJ. Rainy again, but not as torrential as yesterday. Unfortunately the views afforded me from atop Bear Mt were not spectacular, though I did see parts of the Hudson. The AT took us right through a little city zoo today. I particularly enjoyed the bear exhibit. It was the high point. As it happens it is also the low point in elevation on the entire AT, at 166'. My thoughts and prayers go out to my little Benjamin, who broke his arm this weekend. Doc says he's fine and that the bone will heal well. Sleepy.....
Date: 2012-05-23
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: broken clouds

NY state has a toughness to its trail. Nothing is really difficult, but it takes time to get through. The wetness from continuing showers adds to the issue. When these rocks are wet, they must be dealt with carefully. Not much wildlife out there today. But I did see two large whitetails run off. There were some really nice views from various places during the day. Unfortunately, the best one, from the summit of Shenandoah Mt, was sullied by loads of trash and metal cans. This loathesome phenomenon is all too typical of peaks that are are a short distance from a main road. Littering seems to me to be an act of pure selfishness. No luck with the monks last night. Didn't see a one. It would have been nice to go deep with them on matters of God, Soul, and Church, all issues which have been taking up my brain space lately. Looking forward to getting back to Canton, CT this weekend and take a couple of zeros and hang out with my Mom.. I'll be there Saturday night, all day Sunday and Monday, then back to the hike on Tuesday. Okay, it is 4 pm and I can barely keep my eyes open. What gives?
Date: 2012-05-24
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 25.6

It did not rain at all today. This is super good. In fact we got some sunshine.   Still, I was forced to wear damp socks all day, though, as all three pairs I have had been exposed to the recent extended deluge. My feet did not like the damp and responded by extreme chafing and blistering on the top of the toes where the shoe crease meets them. Very painful but I hope a good night of airing them out and trying to dry a pair of socks may help. Tomorrow I'll terminate somewhere around Cornwall Bridge; but I'll be stopping in Kent on the way to have lunch with a friend. This shelter is only a mile and a half from CT, the state where I was raised and where my Mom still lives. There is something very cool about striding into CT tomorrow. Pa Bert and I met a group of five retired ladies from Georgia enjoying a section hike of the trail. We walked up on them as they were lunching. They gave us carrots, chocolate-covered coffee beans, and chocolate-covered ginger. All very tasty. Right. To the bag, then.
Date: 2012-05-25
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was great. Not very much rain at all and my foot pain was manageable through creative taping.I had a great lunch and visit in Kent with my friend Kathleen, and I saw some cool wildlife, the best of which was a behemoth of a snapping turtle. Since I was off the trail for three hours today, I hiked until dark. I'm 19 miles from Salisbury, where I will be picked up by my Mom tomorrow. I'll be taking two zeros. God knows I need them. Time to crash.   Great site, I hear the gentle rush of a mountain stream. ' night.
Date: 2012-05-26
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Salisbury, CT (Rt 44)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

I woke up at 4:15 this morning to the sound of a rumble in the woods behind my tent. I thought it was either a bear or Indian spirits. Turns out it was a dead tree blown over by a gust of wind.Tough terrain in the morning. Very steep climbs in very humid conditions. I was soaked in sweat within 15 minutes. This will be a day to pay close attention to water sources. Connecticut has some beautiful vistas up here in the NW corner. I'd never realized. The mountains aren't high but they are rugged and challenging. During one bouldery climb late in the morning I heard a strange growling/hissing sound from above me. It sounded like a big cat. It wasn't that; it was something far more sinister. And ugly. It was a huge Black-faced vulture agitated by my presence. It wouldn't move even though I tapped my trekking pole near it. I think it was guarding its eggs. I continued on. Finally I made it down to 44 where my Mom, and her cool friend, Diane, met me. The trip back to Canton was great, made greater by cheese and crackers and a fresh fruit salad. Manna. I'll take my first zero tomorrow. Going to a birthday barbecue for the daughter of a friend.