morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-02
From: Boiling Springs PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

June 2nd: Hiked 14.3 miles from Boiling Springs to Darlington Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1131.2, 1054.7 to go. Thanks again to Jack and Sheila for a truly great time. After sleeping in, i was treated to a big breakfast which we ate outside on the deck. A nice mellow start to what turned out to be a comfortable day for hiking. Jack and Sheila dropped me off on the trail in the afternoon for the start of my relatively short hike. The first 12 miles was pool table flat through farmland and a lazy river. Could have made better time but I had plenty of time so decided to chill and enjoy the day. Got into the shelter area by 7:00, fetched my water, cooked my dinner and hung out with Fox Trot and Meadow Flap Jack catching up on trail news. Looks like everyone is heading to the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA. I have heard that the place is a charming dive with a decent pub style restaurant and a good beer selection. The guidebook refers to it as a century old hotel and a true AT classic. Figured I won't be this way again so I better check it out. Should be fun.
Date: 2013-06-03
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

June 3rd: Hiked 11.3 miles from Darlington Shelter to Duncannon. Total miles hiked: 1142.5, 1043. 4 to go. Today was another easy day on the trail with a short 11 mile hike into Duncannon, another quaint trail town out here on the the AT. Got my first taste of the PA rocks but it wasn't horrible. Arrived at the historic Doyle Hotel in the early afternoon and booked a room for the night. I'm sure this was a grand hotel in it's heyday but for $25 a night, they will get no complaints from me. The food was way really good and so was the beer selection. For a hiker this place is must see TV. The pub was filled with hikers when I arrived and it was a great way to while away the hours on a quiet afternoon. The next trail town in my sights is Port Clinton, about 70 miles away. Looking forward to a good night sleep off the trail. Kinda getting spoiled out here.
Date: 2013-06-04
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Henry K Trail
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: scattered clouds

June 4th: Hiked 19.7 miles from Duncannon to the spring past Henry K Trail. Total miles hiked: 1162.2, 1023.7 to go. Today was the start of my 4th month on the trail and when I think back to March 4th, I have come a long way in both distance and experience out here on the trail. I feel like I have graduated from babe in the woods status to a woodsman who can get along fine out here. Today was a perfect 10 weather wise. Temps in the 70s with low humidity and a steady breeze made for enjoyable hiking. The trail all day was reasonably flat but the rocks made for slow going. Although I wear insoles and a trail runner with vibram soles, the bottom of my feet took a beating from the rocks. Still, I survived the day unscathed. I know that PA is going to get worse but the 102 miles I have hiked in it so far have been better than expected. Just 127 more to go before NJ!
Date: 2013-06-05
From: Henry K Trail

To: William Penn Camping Area
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

June 5th: Hiked 23 miles to the William Penn camping area. Total miles hiked: 1185.2, 1000.7 to go. Another beautiful day for hiking with temps in the 70s and low humidity. Was on the trail at first light and made good time throughout the day. For the most part PA has not lived up to it's reputation (not that I'm complaining) and although there were several rocky sections, much of the trail was flat and wide open. One thing I did notice is how green the trail has become and narrow as the plant life encroaches from the sides. Tonight I am camping next to a cadet from Annapolis who is section hiking. His name is Nick and he just finished his 3rd year studying Russian abroad in Georgia. I asked him if he knew my Nephew Ryan who just finished his second year. Thought he recognized the name but couldn't place him. Anyway, they train these young men right. When I made a disparaging comment about fetching water down a side trail, Nick told me he was going too and offered to get mine as well. Out here on the trail getting someone water at the end if a long day is about the nicest thing you can do. Rain in the forecast tomorrow. Hopefully the rocks won't be too bad.
Date: 2013-06-06
From: William Penn Camping Area

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

June 6th: Hiked 19.2 miles from William Pen to Eagles Nest Shelter area. Total miles hiked: 1204.4, 981.5 to go. Today for the first time, miles to go fell to triple digits. Didn't think I would ever be excited about "only a thousand miles to go" but strangely that was one of my first thoughts when I crossed that threshold. The hiking today was relatively easy with only a handful of rocky sections. Hiked under the threat of rain most of the morning hours and by lunch time it had started to come down lightly. Hiked with Doc most of the day and with an eye to the sky, we kept up a steady pace all day with just a couple of short breaks. Reached our final destination before 4:00 and set up our tents with no time to spare. It is now going on 5:00 and the rain is beginning to pick up in intensity. The forecast is calling for heavy rain throughout the night with the possibility for over an inch. Tomorrow I am leaving myself a short 9 mile hike into Port Clinton for a resupply and will most likely spend the night. Also meeting a hiker buddy I met on the trail early on. Tom was doing a section hike down in GA and we shared a bunk room at the NOC. Since then, we have stayed in touch and Tom, who lives near Port Clinton, is going to pick me up and drive me around on my errands. More trail magic brought to you by the AT.
Date: 2013-06-07
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton PA
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: light rain

June 7th: Hiked the short 9 miles into Port Clinton, PA where I will be spending the night at the Port Clinton Hotel. Total miles hiked: 1213.4, 972.5 to go. Last night's rain fell steady and hard as you may try to keep gear and clothing dry, Mother Nature has a way of foiling dry packs and rain covers. Damp is the operative word in these parts and Port Clinton was welcome relief to chill out and dry off. Shortly after arriving in town, Tom Nurse, my trail buddy from the NOC showed up with a trunk full of food and a car full of gas to feed and shuttle us weary hikers. Trail Magic on steroids. After feeding us soft pretzels, snack food and cold drinks (including beer) Tom shuttled us across town to Walmart and Cabbalas for resupply. All of this on a rainy day just adds to the convenience quotient and this simple act of kindness pretty much sums up my AT experience. Before leaving, Tom handed me a six pack which ZZ Topless and I enjoyed on this rainy afternoon. Tonight I plan on kicking back and watching the Bruins game on TV. So far I have really enjoyed hiking in PA but I have been assured by those in the know that the trail gets serious north of Port Clinton. One step at a time I say, one step at a time.
Date: 2013-06-08
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: scattered clouds

June 8th: Hiked 22.2 miles from Port Clinton to Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1235.6 hiked, 950.3 to go. Today was yet another awesome AT day. After a really good breakfast in town, I left the Port Clinton Hotel at 9:30 for the short 15 mile hike to the Eckville Shelter. For the first time since I can remember I felt no foot pain. Typically I spend the first 15 minutes each morning applying blister pads and taping my feet but today, none of that. Even on the rocks my feet held up great and the small toe on my right foot which has been giving me trouble felt perfectly fine. Don't want to jinx myself but maybe just maybe... Hooked up with Sparky in the early afternoon. He was also heading to Eckville and knowing we had plenty of time hiked at a leisurely pace. Around 3:00 when we were within a couple of miles of the shelter, Yard Sale, Mud Mouth and Maineiac caught up to us. Now I hadn't seen these guys for several weeks so it was a nice reunion as we caught up on doings and whereabouts. We talked for a while before I moved on for the Eckville Shelter. As I was walking down the trail, Maineiac caught up to me where we got so engrossed in conversation that I walked right by the turnoff to the shelter. It was nearly another mile of hiking before I realized my mistake and rather than backtrack the mile, I decided to press on to the next shelter 6 miles away. So there you go, my easy 15 mile day turned into a 22 mile jaunt. But 3 really good things came out of my lapse. I was able to catchup and hike with Maineiac, I'm 7 miles further into my hike and my feet still felt great after an 11 hour, 22 mile hike.
Date: 2013-06-09
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Superfund Detour South
Miles today: 18.8

June 9th: Hiked 18.8 miles from Allentown Hiking Club Shelter to Superfund Detour South. Total miles hiked: 1254.4, 931.5 to go. Today was a really tough day of hiking. A day where I felt like I had to work for every foot of real estate. Today, PA lived up to it's billing with rocks of all shapes and sizes. Water has also been an issue. Water sources are sparse on a good day in PA but more and more of them are drying up requiring me to carry more water when it is available. And more water means more weight. My pack weight was significantly more than normal which made for difficult climbing especially at the end of the day when I was scurrying up rock face hand over hand. When I made it to the top I pitched my tent and called it a day. Just 35 miles left in Rocksylvania but truth be told so far I have enjoyed PA rocks and all.
Date: 2013-06-10
From: Superfund Detour South

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

June 10th: Hiked 19.3 miles from Superfund Detour to Wind Gap. Total miles hiked: 1273.7, 912.2 to go. There are good days and bad days and every now and then terrible ones. Today was one of those. Started out with a light spitting rain around 5 am. Didn't think too of it until an hour later when it picked up in intensity. By the time I broke camp it was an deluge and just about everything in my pack was soaked through. Nothing to do but soldier on. Once I hit the trail my boots stayed dry for about 30 seconds and the rocks, which are challenging on a good day were slick and downright perilous. Less than 2 hours into the hike, I checked my guide book and found Wind Gap, a small trail town 15 miles down the trail. Good enough for me. Pretty much made the entire stretch in record time (for me) without rest stops. I even ate lunch on the go which included wet CheeseIts and candy bars. Hitched a ride into town and booked a room at the Travel Inn. They insist that they gave me a non-smoking room which makes me thank God that they didn't give me one where you can actually smoke. Still its a roof over my head, which under the circumstances is nirvana. Regrouping and trying to dry out, tomorrow can only be better. Forecast is a little iffy with rain tonight and showers tomorrow but I still plan on hitting the trail in the morning for the 16 mile hike to Delaware Water Gap on the PA/NJ boarder.
Date: 2013-06-11
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

June 11th: Hiked 15.6 miles from Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap. Total miles hiked 1289.3, 896.3 to go. Another good day on the trail. After a Really good night sleep at the Travelers Inn, I walked across the street to a diner for a breakfast that couldn't be beat then back to my room before hitting the laundry mat. Around 9:30 I hitched a ride back to the trailhead. Within minutes on the trail, I came across Sparky sitting on a log. We hiked together before Maineiac caught up to us. The three of us then hiked the remaining 10 miles into Delaware Water Gap, a really pretty trail town a scant 3 tenths of a mile from the NJ boarder. After hitting the local ice cream shop for shakes, we checked into the Church of the Mountain Hostel Bunkhouse. Around 6:00, Gerald "Critter" showed up with pizza, soda and desert for all the hikers. Now get this, I met Critter in Harpers Ferry a few weeks back when he approached me and Meadow Flap Jack to ask us questions about thru-hiking. Since that time he has followed my progress and reached out to me as I made it to DWG. Even though he lives an hour and a half north he drove down here after work to deliver his awesome trail magic. After the pizza fest, Critter drove me to Walmart for a light resupply before heading home. Simply amazing. Looking forward to tomorrow when I cross the boarder into NJ, my 8th state since hitting the trail.
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: broken clouds

June 12th: Hiked 10.8 miles from DWG to Mohican Outdoor Center. Total miles hiked: 1300.1, 885.8 to go. 7 states down, 7 to go. Hit NJ, the 8th state early on in the day. Always feels good to cross a state boarder out here and today was no exception. That being said, I really enjoyed PA. After hearing all the stories, I had built up in my mind a Godforsaken rock pile but found it to be pretty trails and interesting landscapes. I cursed the rocks more than once and I'm happy to be done with them but for me, PA was a pleasant surprise. My only big disappointment is that I didn't see a rattlesnake, one of the AT critters on my must see list. The trail I hit this morning in NJ was absolutely gorgeous. Worked my way up Kittatinny Mountain with its stunning panoramic views of endless forest that faded into the horizon. In the early afternoon I reached the Mohican Outdoor Center. Owned and operated by the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Center includes a bunkhouse that can accommodate 17 hikers. Given the weather forecast, which includes heavy rain, wind and hail beginning tonight and lasting through Thursday, I made the decision to call it a day and grab a bunk for the night. Want to avoid another night and day in the rain so if the forecast pans out I will likely wait out the weather and stay here tomorrow night as well. Unfortunately, sometimes Mother Nature rules the day.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0

June 13th: Zero Day Spent the day at the Mohican Outdoor Center. I was ready for a zero day but ideally would have preferred to zero in a cool trail town but Mother Nature had different plans. They were talking heavy rain throughout the day and although the rain was sporadic at best it was windy and cold throughout the day. Last night, I was hanging out at the Center's great room with Cleveland and Which Way when a local named Glen who was there attending a fly fishing club meeting offered to drive us into town the next day to resupply. At 10:00 sharp he showed up and drove us the 5 miles into town to the A&P where we stocked up on high calorie food that we could cook up in the bunkhouse kitchen. It was your basic food orgy with steak, eggs, hotdogs, and junk food with a 6 pack of Stone IPA for yours truly. Nothing like roughing it on the AT. The weather is supposed to get nasty again tonight but hopefully things will improve enough by tomorrow when I plan on hitting the trail early. My goal is to make the 160 mile trip to Kent CT by the 22nd and then on to MA where Jan will pick me up off the trail on the 28th for a wedding. It will be nice to re-enter the real world if only for a weekend.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: broken clouds

June 14th: Hiked 20.6 miles from the Outdoor Center to Gren Anderson Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1320.7, 865.2 to go. After being stuck indoors all day yesterday it felt good to get out on the trail. The forecast called for rain showers but that was good enough for me to hit the trail by 7:00. The skies remained overcast much of the day with lite rain off and on. Unfortunately the trail was a wet muddy mess and my boots and feet were wet early on. Still, I made good time. In the late afternoon I came to a road crossing and was psyched to find a lakeside pub less than .2 miles down the road. Never one to pass up a burger with fries and cold beer, I took the short detour and grabbed an outside table. Within minutes of placing my order, ominous dark clouds rolled in and dumped a TON of rain. Blowing sideways everyone had to make a run to the inside bar. Celebrating my good fortune for hitting the pub instead of the trail, I ordered a second beer and waited out the rain. As is often the case with a deluge, the rain stopped abruptly and the sun reappeared. I paid my bill and hit the trail. That is when the wheels came off. Another thunder cell rolled in and the rain once again came down In buckets. By the time I got my rain cover, my backpack was soaked through and I looked like a wet pet. Taking a face plant and dislocating my finer on the muddy trail only added to my misery (hurt like hell but I was able to pop it back in). By the time I reached the shelter the damage was done. Thank God that I had stored my tent and camp clothes in a dry bag. Talking sun tomorrow so at least I can hang out my gear to dry. Sometimes I really hate the AT but thats what keeps things interesting out here. Tonight all I can do is regroup, try to get a good night sleep and hope for a better day tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: broken clouds

June 15th: Hiked 20.1 miles from Gren Anderson Shelter to Unionville. Total miles hiked: 1340.8, 845.1 to go. The AT only dishes out what you can take and today was no exception. Today dawned sunny and dry with pleasant temps and a gentle comfortable breeze. The trail itself was wet and muddy with rocks reminiscent of PA but still, I really enjoyed being out on the trail lost in my thoughts. Spent several hours hiking with Tin Man and Crayfish. Was planning on a 17 mile day but ended up hiking into Unionville, a small trail town just over the border in NY. Ended up at Wit's End Tavern. They are known for killer ribs and an awesome beer selection and the big added bonus is they let thru-hikers tent on the property. I caloried up with enough food to sink a boat and enjoyed their impressive beer selection before hitting my tent for a night of relaxation and hopefully deep sleep. Had a good laugh when I ordered the half pound hiker burger and a rack of ribs. The owner looked bemused and said "that's a lot of food for a little fella". Now I have never been referred to as a little fella but it just goes to show the toll long distance hiking takes on your body. Within 6 weeks on the trail, I had lost 53 pounds and although I have managed to gain some of the weight back, I must admit I am now on the skinny side. I have heard (only half in jest) that the men who finish the hike, look like POWs and the women resemble yoga instructors. Truer words were never spoke. Should be able to finish up NJ tomorrow then it is off to NY and beyond.Oh by the way, I finished both meals with relative ease and the owner shook his head in disbelief.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Unionville

To: Bellvale
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: broken clouds

June 16th: Hiked 20.9 into NY, my 9th state since hitting the trail. Total miles hiked: 1361.7, 824.2 to go. Today was a really nice day on the trail. Had a little of everything from marshland, to pastures and mountain tops. Spent much of the day hiking alone but did hook up with Cleveland as we hiked to the outskirts Vernon, NJ where we hit a Farmers Market and a hot dog stand. Now really, you can't pass through the Garden State without having hot dogs and these ones (I had 4) had that famous NJ snap when you bit into them. The trail into town was really pretty with a hike on a mile long winding boardwalk through marshland. I was told by a local that Vernon has more dragon flies per square mile than anywhere else on this big beautiful spinning blue orb we call home and today I saw a ton of them. It feels good to have another state down but I will miss NJ, probably my favorite state so far. NJ had it all and maintained an open wild feel with beautiful vistas of rolling fields and unencumbered forests. Even the trails, which were overgrown with seemingly no trail maintenance added to the wild unkempt feel. I can only hope that NY will keep the streak of awesome trails and killer views alive.
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Bellvale

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: light rain

June 17th: Hiked 22.3 miles from the state line to Fingerboard Shelter. Total miles hiked: 1384, 801.9 to go. Today kicked my ass. I'm talking tough. Took me nearly 14 hours to cover the 22 miles and it could have taken longer. First of all much of the day involved rock climbs, hand over hand stuff that slows you way down under ideal conditions but today my woes were compounded by the fact I got misdirected (lost) several times. On Buchanan and Arden mountains in particular the blazes were so bad it had me walking in circles. Now I know the blazes are maintained by well intentioned volunteers but these ones were faded out to the point of being invisible and failed to point out turns in the trail. The trail maintenance was also an issue where parts were indistinguishable from the woods around it making the blazes all the more important. Several times I had to retrace my steps and in one section burned over 45 minutes trying to figure it all out. When I finally made it off Arden I encountered Eleven who also got lost and told me her 10 mile day took her 7 hours. Determined to make the shelter I pushed on even though I knew I would reach my final destination around dark. The rest of the trail was well blazed and beautiful which helped lower my blood pressure and made for a nice finish to a long day. Frustrating as it was, the day had one big highlight. Just before lunch I was walking along the trail when I caught up to 2 black bears out for a stroll. Like me, they were walking the trail (same direction thankfully). One of the bears was absolutely huge and unlike the other 2 bears I encountered earlier in my trip, these guys didn't even acknowledge my presence. They simply stepped off the trail and ambled off into the woods. Was really cool to see these magnificent creatures in their natural environment acting like I didn't exist. Keeping my fingers crossed that the AT will be kinder and gentler tomorrow.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Graymoor
Miles today: 21.8
Weather: mist

June 18th: Hiked 21.8 miles from Fingerboard Shelter to Graymoor. Total miles hiked: 1405.8, 780.1 to go. I've said it before but what a difference a day makes. The hiking today was still tough with a lot of ups and downs but the rock scrambling I had to endure yesterday was nowhere to be found. One of the days big climbs was Bear Mountain. When I looked at the elevation profile I was thinking no fun here but I couldn't have been more wrong. The trail was positively manicured with 100s of granite steps. Had everything but an escalator. You are supposed to be able to see the NY skyline on a clear day but the haze obscured the view. It was then a short 2 mile hike into Bear Mt recreational area where I waited out a downpour under the town pavilion. Once the rain subsided I continued my hike through the Trailside Zoo. The trail actually passes directly through this legit zoo and what is really cool is thru-hikers don't get charged admission. The zoo was limited to indigenous species but was really done up right. And here is an interesting fact: the bear exhibit at 163 feet above sea level is the lowest point on the entire AT. After I left the zoo, I crossed the Hudson River and got off the trail near Peekskill, NY where I am camping on a baseball field owned by the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, a monastery located on the outskirts of town. The field even has a cold water outside shower that hikers are welcome to use. I did. Woke me up and got me clean at the same time. Making good time in NY and should hit the CT boarder by Friday afternoon.