morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon. the Doyle
Miles today: 11.2

We ate a good breakfast and took our time hitting the trail knowing we only had 11 miles today and we would be in Duncannon. The rocks are here, but so is the sun. It was a beautiful day, we both got a bit of sunburn. That last mile in the woods is scary!!!! All downhill except for that uphill bump because someone didn't want the trail by their house. Rocks. Loose rocks. Two guys were building steps, so it should be in better shape later in the season. Tears..... We got into Duncannon and checked into the Doyle. It was fun eating drinking and visiting. Laundry. Shower. Our room was interesting. Typical Doyle style. They cater to us hiker trash.
Date: 2015-04-03
From: duncannon. the Doyle

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

We got out the Doyle, and headed across the street for breakfast. On the trail headed out of townA good climb up out of town, and we made it to the shelter about one minute before it started pouring!! Which worked out great, because Weirman just collected rainwater instead of climbing the 300 steps to water. We enjoyed the brownies Emily has made and sent in our resupply. Pippen and Santa were in the shelter, so we gave the last two brownies to them. I wish I would have recorded them eating them. They enjoyed them SO much. The shelter was probably nicer than the Doyle. Cleaner anyways.....
Date: 2015-04-04
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning the wind was blowing pretty hard, but it was so bright and sunny. The miles went by fast except when we entered the rock festivals that Pennsylvania is so proud to share. It was Saturday, Easter weekend so we thought we might see a few more hikers on the trail, but it was not to be. When we got to Rausch Gap, the river was running fast and it sounded so soothing. We decided to hike the .3 mile to the shelter. The first thing I saw was a dog,a German Shepard. Having been attacked and bitten by a German Shepard As a child, my anxiety level went up. Then we saw three kids standing on the roof. There was a family of six staying in the shelter. That is the first time we have ever run into that situation before. We decided to hike back out to the trail and pitch our tent by the river. Much better choice.
Date: 2015-04-05
From: Rausch Gap

To: 501Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Walking the first few miles this morning was interesting. There was a nice creek, and history of the settlement that used to be there. The weather was great. It was Easter morning.   Except for the rocks, the trail was flat and fast. We ran into lots of hikers today. I found an Easter egg on the trail, and yes I picked it up and ate it.   It was wrapped in foil..... That last mile to the shelter was a killer. Up and down around and over rocks. The view was so inspiring.   We got to the shelter and were hoping to order food for dinner, but since it was Easter, it was closed. So out of the bag we ate.   It was great to sleep "indoors" with the skylight overhead. The moon was full and it was a glorious night.
Date: 2015-04-06
From: 501Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Weirman and I enjoyed a nice breakfast at the 501, and hit the trail. By 9:00 am we were down to just shorts and shirts. It was going to be a warm day. The rocks were rolling, and rocking it again today. Thanks to a nice breeze, it never got unbearably hot. We arrived at the shelter to find two young men there from Lancaster. They were so interested in Alaska, that we visited for a long time.   They headed back out that evening, and we were able to wash up in the creek, which felt heavenly. Tomorrow we meet up with my three sisters!! I am so excited.
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I couldn't sleep last night, it was too warm!! My sleeping bag is a zero degree bag, and it was around 50 degrees last night. I tossed and turned for hours, but the moon was incredible again. I finally got up around 5:30am, and we hit the trail around 6:45. We thought maybe we would get a break from the rocks, but they were there to welcome almost half of the day.   It was supposed to rain, but instead it was just cloudy and really humid. We headed down the hill into town, and man that was a downer!!! So glad it wasn't raining. I only fell and slid once.   We got through Port Clinton, and soon we could see my three sisters walking towards us.   It was SO GREAT to see them!!! They had drivin out from Wisconsin Sunday night to support us for a few days!!   We got to their van, and immediately drank a cold beer, and inhaled some food.   We went to the hotel, showered, and I get to wear real clothes for a few days, they bought me some clothes!!   We went to the Appalachian Brewing Company in Harrisburg for dinner. Then ran some errands in Hamburg. I bought a new sleeping bag at Cabelas!!!!   Life is good.
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Hamburg

To: Jersey Shore
Miles today: 0.0

We were in the hotel this morning eating breakfast, when Pippen and Santa appeared out of the elevator!! They had hiked a long day to get in to town. It was wonderful to see them.   We checked out and headed east with Peg at the wheel. We drove to Sandy Hook NJ.   The weather was cold, windy, and wet. A good day to be off the trail, but not so great for sightseeing on the Jersey Shore. We had fun anyways, lots of history, and some went on a lighthouse tour. We didn't have plans for where to stay that night, so Peg began the search on her phone.   She picked out a place called the Palace in Edison NJ. That was after we decided it was too far to drive to Trumps in Atlantic City. When we arrived at the Palace, we were all a bit taken aback. It was a beautiful building in the middle of construction or so we thought. We checked in and on our rooms there was a huge hot tub. The beds in one room looked like they were sagging in the middle, so we had Weirman take that room. He can sleep on anything, anytime. We were able to Skype with Tessa, Kale,and Atlas, which was so great.   Kale and Atlas are growing so fast. Dinner time came around and weian went to the front desk to get some suggestions. He came back with a stack of menus for take out, and was told their was a restaurant in the hotel. This hotel was owned by an Indian man, and the good was Indian. Peg and Weirman went to check it out and they came back very enthusiastically told us we needed to check it out. We went down, and there was a huge wedding party going on. Not a wedding, but a party to celebrate a wedding. The food was so good even if we didn't know what we were eating.
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Jersey Shore

To: Dutch Motel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We got packed up and headed somewhere..... Stopped in a cute little town on the Delaware River and went to an antiques shop and bakery. Then we got a map and decided Togo find some covered bridges. They were cool. I think we found 4. Then we headed back towards Hamburg. I feel asleep for most of the ride. We decided to stay at a little motel. Then we drove into Hamburg to get a few groceries. I had to show my sisters the Pennsylvania beer store.   We bought some Yuengling and then we found a yarn store. SCORE!! I didn't buy any yarn, but Peg did!! Then we headed back to the motel and watched the horrible storms that were hitting Illinois.
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Dutch Motel

To: windsor furnace shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: overcast clouds

We got up to a foggy day, and heard thunderstorms were heading our way around 2 pm. My sisters drove us to the trail, and I said my tearful goodbyes. It was so wonderful to see them, and I really hated to say goodbye. We hit the trail around 8:45am, planning to hike the few miles to Windsor Furnace shelter.   The hike there was easier than we had anticipated, and we arrived around 11:00. Now what??? Do we keep going or stay put?   It was still pretty cold and foggy. We ate some lunch, and debated weather to hike to the next shelter. It was nine miles away, and we didn't know if it was opened or not. We decided to stay put.   We pitched the tent in the shelter and pretty much waited for the light show to begin. It never happened. Oh well. Some days.
Date: 2015-04-11
From: windsor furnace shelter

To: Allentown Hiking ClubShelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up and were on the trail by 6:45am. We had hiked about 30 minutes, when we heard lots of noise in the brush off to our right. We both stopped and watched. At first I thought is was a bird getting ruffled, but soon realized it was much bigger. I saw a deer jump up and run south, and right behind it a bear.   The bear was on top of the deer in seconds, and we could see their heads only. It was kind of downhill from the trail. Scary, but we were glad the bear was after the deer and not us!! We climbed up to the pulpit kind of backwards.   We met two runners at the pinnacle, and enjoyed the next four rock free miles. After we crossed Hawk Mountain Road, the trail wasn't much fun.   The rock fest had begun again. It was Saturday, so there were several people out. It was a beautiful sunnyday. When we got to the shelter, there were five people there. We pitched the tent near the shelter. Then the Boy Scouts arrived. It was a loud and late night.
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Allentown Hiking ClubShelter

To: George W Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

We got up to see the sunrise, it was so wonderfully orange. The rest of the camp was still sleeping, so we quietly walked by the shelter. The first six miles were heavenly, soft, flat, and rock free!! We got to Knife Edge, and started crossing over the top, when I stopped to take a picture of Weirman. Right behind me was a young gal, and I swear she just flew over those rocks. No pack helps I know, but it still is amazing how fast some of theses locals can maneuver these rocks. We had a beautiful sunny day, and it was Sunday, so there were a lot if people out, especially around Bake Oven Knob. We stopped at the shelter to get water and food when we met Coalcracker, a local guy training for a section hike in July. He talked and we visited for awhile then headed back out. The rocks rolled and carried us to the shelter which was right on the trail. We had lots of visitors who were heading down the trail into town. We were only a mile from the highway. The view from the shelter that night was cool, we could see all of the lights below. It was another great day on the trail.
Date: 2015-04-13
From: George W Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

We hiked that first mile into town as the sun was rising. It was BEAUTIFUL. we got to the bottom and met 3 young kids who has also gone out to see the sunrise.   After we crossed the highway, we knew we had a tough rocky climb ahead of us. We just didn't know HOW tough. They say do something every day that scares you, I think I'm good for about a month. That was way out of my comfort zone. We got about halfway into the climb and were admiring the awesome views , when the "fun" began. A rock wall, and there were white blazes all over it. Slowly but surely we made it up over the top. Weirman would go ahead and then come back without his pack, tack my pack, and help me up to the next ridge. When we got past the worst of it, you could see where someone had painted an American flag on the side of some rocks. Incredible. We made it to the top, then took then Superfund detour around the area they are attempting to reforest after the zinc mining operation. The detour was great, grassy and soft. When that ended we were back into reality. Rocks and more rocks. We ran into Pippen and Santa, they had bypassed the climb and walked right thru the detoured area. We hadn't seen them since Hamburg. They were headed to the same shelter and we flip flopped with them all day. Water was not easy to find today, but we had loaded up this morning and made it to the shelter with a few drops to spare.   Weirman spends a lot of time watching the trail. You have to with the terrain, but today he walked rightintoa dead tree that was leaning across the trail. It started to creak so he backed up just in time. It fell right across the trail. Pretty close call. I cannot reply to individual e mails, but thanks to everyone who is following us. We appreciate your support. Joe Pault. Jim Montgomery. Almost to New York...... Any takers???To the Formbys. I will let you know our next mail drop when I line it up. Where are you located??
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: overcast clouds

It was raining last night, so a great night for sleeping. We spent the night with Pippen and Santa again, they are good company. We got up and got on the trail before 7 again. We wanted to get to Wind Gap so we could get some food and do laundry. We got there around 9:30, and I stayed at the laundry mat and Weirman headed out to get breakfast. He was gone a long time. The restaurant that was close didn't open until 11:00, so he had to walk further into town to get a meal. He bought minebck, And it was delicious. Then he went to the post office and mailed an envelope to Hadley. Also sent our LED tent lights home, they decided to quit working. Which is a bummer because we were really enjoying them. By the time we got back on the trail, it was 12:30. The trail to the shelter was the usual rocky mess, but we did see a little bear cub. He was right on the trail, then ran off and scurried up a tree. We were kind of thinking mom would appear, but we never saw her. We got to the shelter and Pippen and Santa were there. They had also seen the bear cub at the same place, they were about 20 minutes ahead of us. They didn't see mama bear either, I hope that little bear isn't an orphan. There was no water at the shelter, but some kind soul had left a few gallons. There was only about a liter left when we got there. Good thing Weirman had pickedup a couple of sub sandwiches in town, so we had dinner.   It was a good day on the trail, only 7 more miles left of Prnnsylvania!!!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: backpackers campsite
Miles today: 11.7

Since we didn't have any water to spare, we ate some hard boiled eggs Weirman had bought yesterday, and dried mangoes and the little Debbie peanut butter cream cookie for breakfast. We headed down the trail, and about ten minutes later we ran into a guy camping in the most beautiful spot. A grassy clearing with an awesome view. He was just doing a two day hike and we had hi take our picture there. From there we hiked in Delaware water Gap. As we got into town we rani to two bicyclists going from Connecticut to Oregon. We headed to the Water Gap Diner, and they were so nice there, and the food was delicious. On to the gas stations to pick up some junk food, and the outfitters to get some Mountain House. Then we finished our walk through town and crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey. I didn't like the bridge, lots of fast moving traffic, and the bridge was bouncing at times. Then we walked past the visitors center which was closed still. Then hiked up to the backpackers campsite. The place was deserted so we had the place to ourselves. It was nice to soak our feet in the creek.
Date: 2015-04-16
From: backpackers campsite

To: campsite mile 1311.8
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Last night around 11:45 a hiker walked past our tent. The first night hiker this year. It was another beautiful clear cold morning. Sunfish Pond was so calm and inviting. We hiked to the Mohican Outdoor Center where we had a resupply box waiting. We took showers which felt incredible. Then we ordered lunch, the most delicious vegetarian chili.   Then I realized I had lost our AWOL book pages. We searched and had the employees looking with us. No luck. Then one more search through my pack, and I finally found them. Phew. We hit the trail again and walked on a ridge for most of the day. The views are so wonderful. I love the lakes and fire towers. We saw a deer with a fawn, and a beaver pond. The trees in the area were taken down. Busy beavers.   We found a really nice campsite. Night night
Date: 2015-04-17
From: campsite mile 1311.8

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

It had rained last night so everything was wet. We packed up and decided to walk to the Brink Road Shelter for breakfast. This is a new shelter so it was a pleasant place to eat. We walked for miles and saw a few other SOBO hikers. It was a long day but sunny and nice. The shelter was .4 off the trail but it was a nice area. Grass lawn and a nice creek to soak in. We had just settled in and started to fall asleep when I heard voices in the distance. In a few minutes a Boy Scout troop showed up.   They were loud and stayed up for a long time. I guess they don't know about hikers midnight.
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

We woke up to another stunning sunrise and hit the trail early. We wanted to try to get into town today and get some food so we had some miles to cover. There were lots of road crossings today, and by 7 am we were already hot from the morning sun. We met a few weekend hikers out. We got to High Point and stopped and took pictures. We got to Goldsmith Lane and there was a hiker who thought he was at Lott Road to head into Unionville NY. it was Nose Flute. We had heard of him earlier from other hikers. He plays a nose flute and has a very polished routine when you meet him with one liners and very bad jokes. We decided to stay with into town. We went to Annabelle's. A pizza joint. The food was so very good. Weirman did his usual eating to disbelief. A pizza, French fry appetizer, and a steak sandwich to eat on his way out of town. We ordered wraps to go for dinner. The waitress there was so sweet, she bought out our food in a box the size of a small carry on. Everything was in its own styrofoam box!! We asked for some aluminum foil, and te packed everything to fit in our packs. She told us about a hiker box in the pavilion across the street, so Noseflute went to check it out. Since he had no fuel, he let us take the three dehydrated meals. We headed back down the road looking for the End of the Line Grocery for ice cream. We started walking ... The wrong way..... Got turned back around and found the store. Mint ice cre sandwich!!! Fudge sickle for Weirman. Back on the trail, lots of highway and road walking. As we entered the Wallkill Preserve, I felt a blister was in the making. We stopped and sure enough I was sporting one on my heel. BUMMER. We walked AROUND the preserve and started up the mountain to the shelter. There is an abandoned house just off the trail to get water at!!! It tasted so good. It was so cold and refreshing. After joking about just staying there for the night, we finished the climb to the shelter. Saturday night. The shelter is full. It was clear so we could see the monument at High Point in the distance. It looked like a glowing toothpick. There were six guys there. It got pretty rowdy later with lots of drinking and singing. It was someone's birthday. The worst part was when they decided to burn all of their garbage. They had styrofoam and plastic water bottles. Weirman got out of the tent at this point and asked them to cool it a bit. We were concerned we would get some sparks on the tent. Not to mention the toxic smell. Then the throwing up began. Oh what a night.
Date: 2015-04-19
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter 

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: moderate rain

We crawled out of the tent around 6:30 after a long night with not much sleep. Nose Flute was up as we were leaving, and let out a loud note on his nose flute. Morning revelee. We were looking at another sunny day and short miles. It was Sunday and lots of people out and about. We were walking around the boardwalk when a couple told us about another ice cream stop just off the trail at NJ 94. We got there and we got 6 apple cider doughnuts and I got some blueberry and strawberry ice cream. DELICIOUS!! I found a loaf of pumpkin bread on their 1/2 price rack and Weirman said he would love to carry it!! Up Wawayanda mountain. We stopped at the top and ate lunch and enjoyed the view. Then we found a nice stream and soaked our feet and did some laundry. Ziplock washing machine. Clean undies. Clean socks. Weirman washed his shirt and put it right back on. We got to the shelter and there were three people there. Just day hikers. It was fun to visit with them, They left and in an hour or so Nose Flute showed up. We ate dinner and settled in for the night. Weirman walked down to the park and got water. He was amazed they had porcelain toilets that flushed and hot running water. Nose Flute mentioned that he might snore. I said I had my earplugs handy. This man does not snore, he snorts!! It is absolutely past annoying. Ear plugs don't even start to block it out. When I did fall asleep, I woke up in a start with his snorts. Another rough night.
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shekter
Miles today: 12.1

Rain this morning. Wind too. It was another shorter day today. The climbs were the usual. Up to the big rocks that look like big whales with barnacles on them as Nose Flute commented. We crossed into New York around 4 miles into the day. It was about as windy as we could stand up there at Prospect Rock. There was an American flag flapping flying half mast. We were not sure why. We were hoping the ice cream store would be open, and were pretty sure the hot dog stand would not be. We got to hwy 17A, and walked toward the creamery. OPEN!! The lady in ther was so nice, she let us bring our packs inside even though they were soaking wet, and showed us where to plug in our phones and freshen up. We were all soaked to the bone. This is becoming the ice cream hike.   At least for me!!! A banana split this time!!! Yum. A lady came in the creamery that REALLY wanted to help us out. She offered her home, and would have driven us anywhere. We knew tomorrow was going to be a long hard day so we declined her generous offer. She did run to her house and came back with a bag of random food. Nuts, tea, and tomatoes?? Nose Flute asked her to take him to a laundromat so he could dry out his clothes. We stayed behind and visited with the owner and nice lady that had helped us earlier. We are always amazed that people that live so close to the AT but have never hiked on it. The last two miles were great with blue blazed trail around the rock climbs. I took the first one and met Weirman at the other end. We got to the shelter, and around 7:30 we heard Nose Flute's whistling coming up the trail.   Oh no. Here comes the snorter. We had a thunder and lightening storm pass through around midnight. It was quite a show and very close at times. Somehow the rain made the snorting stop. Finally some sleep