morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-04-27
From: Before Humpback Mountain

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 12.3

1568' gain3225' lossWe got to Rockfish Gap by 11:30 and a trail angel was kind enough to come pick us up and take us to Waynesboro. He even stopped at the outfitter and waited while Mike bought a new rain suit. Unbelievable, fantastic trail support.It was too early to check into the hotel so we went straight to Ming Garden AYCE Chinese buffet. I thought we were somehow transported to Vegas. I could not believe all the food. Standard Chinese food - chow mein, General Tso's chicken. Sushi. Mongolian grill where you choose your meat, veggies, and sauce and they stir fry it for you. American food - pizza, mac & cheese. Dessert - fruit, jello, cake, cookies, ice cream, eclairs. All for $10. My first town meal I can eat a lot. I had an entire plate of stir fry green beans alone. They must lose money on hikers!Mike got a new rain suit because his current one is not keeping him dry. It is Gore Tex but completely wets through. He ended up buying what I have - Frogg Toggs. Extremely cheap but effective. He was hesitant because he doesn't want to have matching gear, but the weather forecast is for a lot of rain in the next few days. He had to do something!
Date: 2014-04-28
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Near Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.6

5171' gain4357' lossToday we entered Shenandoah National Park. I've been looking forward to this section of trail! Unfortunately it started raining soon after we started hiking. It rained on and off all day. And it was cold enough that we basically could not stop hiking or we would get cold very quickly. We could not see any views - it was misty and foggy. The trail parallels Skyline Drive and we crossed it multiple times. Not much traffic today.We did see our first Turks Cap lily and a bunch of other wildflowers.We got to camp and my sleeping quilt - that was in a dry bag, that was in a garbage bag, that was in my pack with a pack cover - was wet. Not soaking wet but water definitely got in. Nothing else was wet. I don't know how this happened.
Date: 2014-04-29
From: Near Blackrock Hut

To: Swift Run Gap
Miles today: 24.8

5646' gain5978' lossIt rained all night. We had a small pool of water in one corner of the tent but it wasn't terrible.It rained all morning as we made our way to the Loft Mountain Wayside. When we got to the road where the wayside was supposed to be but we could not see it. The fog was too thick! We eventually found it and they were still serving breakfast. It was warm inside and we had hot coffee.Back out on the trail it was cold enough that we basically could not stop hiking or we would be cold very quickly. The trail zig zagged back and forth across Skyline Drive. Not much traffic today! We had no views from Hightop Mountain - too foggy. I had to stop occasionally and empty the pools of water from my "waterproof" over mittens.We got to the ranger station at Swift Run Gap and used the phone at the ranger station to call the Country View Motel. The owner was more than happy to come pick us up and give us a room for the night. What a relief. We were soaked and the weather was only going to get worse.Thunderstorms moved in at night. The thunder was so loud it shook the whole cabin.
Date: 2014-05-01
From: Swift Run Gap

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 24.9

5449' gain4049' lossThe storms are over! We woke up to a beautiful day and perfect hiking temperatures. Bob, the motel owner, dropped us back at the trail.We are still in Shenandoah National Park. We've seen a bunch of deer and they are not afraid of humans. This morning the birds were singing like crazy. They must be happy the storms are gone too.Nice trail today. Fairly easy climbs and some flat stretches. We finally got to see some of the glorious views from the viewpoints.
Date: 2014-05-02
From: Skyland Resort

To: Near South Marshall Mountain
Miles today: 24.2

5069' gain6037' lossThe trail continued through the park today. It continued to criss cross Skyline Drive. We saw a bunch of hikers first thing in the morning and then we saw very few hikers after that. I was expecting more day hikers - we are getting to the weekend and the weather is nice. The nice westerly views also continued. Some of the viewpoints were on rocky outcroppings. Very cool.We had an early dinner at the Elkwallow Wayside. They had a better resupply than we were expecting. The BBQ pork sandwich was actually pretty good. The guidebook says it is open until 7 but the posted hours said 6.
Date: 2014-05-03
From: Near South Marshall Mountain

To: Beyond Trico Tower Trail
Miles today: 26.4

5089' gain5984' lossThe trail left Shenandoah National Park today. I was sad to leave. The trail immediately dropped down under 1,000' and we were walking in backyards again. We walked for a long time with a 8' fence (with barbed wire on top) on our left.We stopped for a break at the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter. Wow! It had a porch with Adirondack chairs, a cooking pavilion, a solar shower. Daffodils lined the path to the brand new privy. Grass that a caretaker mowed. If there was ever a place for an on-trail zero, this is it!Towards the end of the day we walked through trillium in full bloom. They blanketed the forest floor. They were in their prime - in white and pink. This went on for at least two miles. I've never seen anything like it.Mike lost his glasses today. Major bummer.
Date: 2014-05-04
From: Beyond Trico Tower Trail

To: North End of the Roller Coaster
Miles today: 24.2

6027' gain6719' lossToday was The Roller Coaster - 13.5 miles of tightly packed ascents and descents. We started it right after lunch.On the second ascent we saw our first rattlesnake on the AT! He was right on the trail, blocking it. He didn't announce himself. Doesn't he know the rules? He announces himself and I don't step on him. I was a little in front of Mike and when I told him about the snake his response was "where's the camera?" as he rushed up to see it. It was a big one too.Then, a couple of ascents later, I saw the first bear of our AT hike! I heard a lot of crashing in the ravine next to us and I stopped and saw it. It was exactly how I like to see bears - from a distance and running away. I think it was running from us. It stopped for a second and looked back towards us, then disappeared. Mike missed it.A big milestone today - we crossed the 1,000 mile point. It's hard to believe. In some ways it feels like Georgia was so long ago but yet it feels like yesterday.We also crossed the Virginia - West Virginia border at mile 1,002.We got to the end of The Roller Coaster and we were tired. Not only was it ups and downs but it was rocky too. The Roller Coaster was 13.5 miles and 4327' in elevation gain and 4069' in elevation loss (according to Mike's altimeter log).At one point this afternoon I heard a day hiker ask her friend, "why are we going up again?" That is a question for which there is no answer.
Date: 2014-05-05
From: North End of the Roller Coaster

To: Shenandoah River Bridge
Miles today: 15.7

2566' gain3002' lossAfter yesterday's ride on The Roller Coaster we had easy hiking into Harpers Ferry, WV. We hustled to get to town in time for lunch. It was a late lunch but we made it!We crossed the Shenandoah River right before we got to town. It's a much bigger river than I was expecting.
Date: 2014-05-06
From: Shenandoah River Bridge

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We took a zero in Harpers Ferry today. It is situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia meet.There's a lot of history in this town. There is Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. It is best known for John Brown's raid on the Armory in 1859 and its role in the Civil War. We wandered through the Park, reading interpretive signs and exhibits. The old buildings are really fun to see too. Some date back to 1820. We stopped in the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harpers Ferry. They took our picture for their log book. We were thru hikers #60 and 61 for the year. With a touristy town comes expensive restaurants. There is also no grocery store here.
Date: 2014-05-07
From: Shenandoah River Bridge

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: light rain

2252' gain2139' loss(Elevation is incomplete - Mike's watch malfunctioned.)First thing this morning we crossed the Potomac River and left West Virginia and entered Maryland. Not much time in West Virginia!From the bridge over the Potomac we had a great view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac. Mike pointed out that the two rivers were different colors. The water was two distinct colors for quite some time.More thunderstorms today. One lighting strike was pretty close.We crossed several roads that were on the Civil War Trail. Interesting exhibits. The trail also went by the Washington Monument with commanding views.At the end of the day we crossed I-70 on a pedestrian bridge that was fully fenced in - a fence tunnel, if you will. We stopped to take a picture and cars on the interstate honked and waved. They knew what we were doing!Camping in Maryland is limited to designated sites only. We are camped at the Pine Knob shelter which is not far from the interstate. We can still hear the traffic and have better cell phone coverage than we had in town.
Date: 2014-05-08
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: clear sky

4331' gain4370' lossMaryland was another quick state! We crossed the Mason-Dixon Line and entered Pennsylvania. Everyone has been warning us how terrible the rocks are in Pennsylvania and we had a little sample today. My feet are sore because of the rocks. So are Mike's.Today is the first day that has actually been hot. Dripping sweat uphill hot. Laying on top of our sleeping bag hot.Good wildlife sightings today. First we saw a turkey with a red head. Then Mike saw a bright red bird - not a robin. Maybe a cardinal? Then we saw the cutest, tiniest, sweetest little rabbit I've ever seen. I'm not sure if it was a baby or just a small breed but I swear it could sit in the palm of my hand. So. Cute.
Date: 2014-05-09
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 25.8
Weather: overcast clouds

3848' gain3999' lossWe officially crossed the true halfway point today. The AT Museum posted a marker on a tree. The trail mileage changes based on trail re-routes, etc. The official halfway mileage was 1,092.65.The shelters in Pennsylvania have been really nice. We passed one today with a "Welcome" sign with a duck on it, potted flowers, tent platforms, and a nicely channeled stream. The shelter we're at tonight has beautiful tent pads - perfectly level and graveled for good drainage. We also passed a couple of trail volunteers who were mowing the grass on the trail.Pretty easy hiking today. We walked 0.4 down the highway to get lunch at an Italian restaurant. The food was pretty good. It was good timing because both of our food bags are a little light.
Date: 2014-05-10
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 22.9

3350' gain4117' lossI mentioned yesterday that the trail mileage changes a little each year. Today we passed two more halfway monuments. Of course we stopped and took pictures at both. The first was 2.2 miles beyond the true midpoint, the second was 21.8 miles beyond. That shows how much it has changed over the years.The forecast was for storms today and we got all the way to Center Point Knob (the original midpoint) before the rain started pouring. Up to that point I was hot and then the rain felt like I had stepped into a cold shower. I was instantly cold.For lunch we walked 0.2 off trail to Green Mountain Store. It was worth it. The best sandwich on the trail so far. And the second best milkshake. Highly recommended.We got to Boiling Springs right around dinner time. The trail goes right through town. There are some neat old historic buildings. But again, no grocery store.
Date: 2014-05-11
From: Boiling Springs PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6

3048' gain3150' lossLeaving Boiling Springs was flat. I think it is the flattest stretch so far. The trail is through farmland here and we cross many roads. The landscape is green and lush.The guidebook described a 6-mile section today as "very rocky". I was mentally prepared for the worst. But it turned out to be not as bad as I was expecting. I can think of other sections that were worse (e.g, ridge line south of Dragon's Tooth). It's funny how expectations can change your perception.We saw another scary snake today. It was right off the trail and rattled to warn us. But it was a really dark color so I'm not sure what kind it was. I'll have to look it up.We are staying at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. They warned us that if someone flushes the toilet while you're in the shower the water will scald you. Old plumbing!
Date: 2014-05-12
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Beyond Horse-Shoe Trail
Miles today: 21.0

4140' gain2815' lossThe walk out of town today was along a very busy highway. But we had to cross the Susquehanna River (which is a huge river) on the highway bridge.The trail climbed back up to a ridge line that was covered in huge boulders. That kind of hiking really slows me down and puts a lot of strain on my inner ankle.The weather continues to be warm and dry. Showers looked possible but didn't materialize. The water springs today were awesome. Cold, cold water that tastes so good. Right out of the ground.
Date: 2014-05-13
From: Beyond Horse-Shoe Trail

To: Round Head
Miles today: 28.6

3625' gain3783' lossMore rocks today and occasional boulder fields. It really takes its toll on my feet. At least the trail is relatively flat!!The flies are getting bad. They were around almost all day. They hover around my head, fly in my eyes, nose, and ears. Really annoying.A great wildlife sighting today: a porcupine. I have never seen a porcupine before. It had seen better days - it was walking really slowly across the trail and was missing a bunch of quills on its back.
Date: 2014-05-14
From: Round Head

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: broken clouds

2205' gain3248' lossThe forest is coming alive with birds. And they wake up early! Nice flat trail again today. But the rocks continued - as everyone warned.We got to Port Clinton where my mom and her husband were waiting to meet us. I was so excited to see them. They drove us to Hamburg for dinner and a motel stay. Both were much needed!
Date: 2014-05-16
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Hawk Mountain Road
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: broken clouds

3153' gain3189' lossA big storm was forecast for today. From 1-4" of rain. My mom generously volunteered to slack pack us today. We were happy to accept her offer!When they dropped us off in Port Clinton it was like stepping into a shower. My shirt was completely wet within 30 minutes. I was even wearing a brand new Frogg Toggs rain suit.The trail became a creek. It was ankle deep in places. We gave up trying to avoid the water and just walked right through the trail/lake. On the plus side - the forest is incredibly, vividly green. Absolutely beautiful.
Date: 2014-05-17
From: Hawk Mountain Road

To: Near the North Trail
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: overcast clouds

3117' gain2270' lossWe woke to beautiful sunny skies this morning. Cool temperatures and low humidity. What a difference from yesterday. Perfect hiking weather.We said goodbye to my mom and her husband this morning. They dropped us back at Hawk Mountain Road and continued on their trip. We had a great time with them and were so lucky to have their help.Today may have been the worst rocks yet. There were several long rocky ridges with huge boulders. Sometimes we had to use our hands. My feet felt so great this morning and now they are just thrashed again.We're camped in a forest that is a lot different than typical AT forest. The trees are smaller pine trees, the underbrush looks almost sub-alpine-ish, and there are trees that look like aspens. I'm not sure why the forest is so different.
Date: 2014-05-18
From: Near the North Trail

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 23.0

3360' gain3858' lossThe rocks were even worse today. First we had the "rocky, steep trail from Lehigh Gap." We had to put our poles away because we needed to use our hands. I was thinking two things: I'm glad it's not raining and I'm glad I'm not going down this trail. It was over quickly though. Then after that much of the trail was just rocky. Big rocks, little rocks, and everything in between.This was the "Superfund" trailhead. The whole ridge was deforested due to zinc smelting from 1898-1980. The smoke killed all of the vegetation. But nature is coming back - which is nice to see.We were trying to make good time because a hiker we met on the PCT, Two Weeks and Three Days, was meeting us for some trail support. With the rocky trail we were not making good time. He hiked south from Wind Gap and we met up on the trail. It was so nice to see him!!He drove us into Wind Gap, PA for a great dinner at the Beer Stein. The Beer Stein offered to let us camp on their lawn but since Two Weeks had a car we got a motel room instead.It was so fun to compare PCT stories and hear about his CDT hike too. I could talk trail for hours.
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Wind Gap

To: Backpacker Campsite
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: few clouds

3153' gain2822' lossTwo Weeks was kind enough to drive us around to finish the rest of our town chores: grocery shopping, laundry. The town is pretty spread out so it was so great to have him there. We drove back to the trail and he hiked with us for awhile. I tried to convince him to just continue on with us but it didn't work. He turned around and headed home. I was sad to see him go. A big THANK YOU to Two Weeks for the awesome trail support. I hope we can return the favor someday!Surprise! More rocks today.We got to Delaware Water Gap in time for dinner. I had a most delicious chicken Marsala dinner that was delicious. I'm amazed how many restaurants taste like a Stouffers frozen dinner. Or like they opened a can of chili and stuck it in the microwave. Not at the Water Gap Diner. It made me miss home cooking.We were standing on the sidewalk in Delaware Water Gap looking at our map when a guy in a car who was stopped at a stoplight said, "You hungry? Want my banana peel?" as he dangled the peel out of the car. We ignored him. We didn't react. The light turned green. He drove off laughing, "are you sure you don't want my banana peel?" I think that is the first time I have been openly ridiculed for being a hiker.After dinner we crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey. Pennsylvania went really fast.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Backpacker Campsite

To: Culver Fire Tower
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

3970' gain3658' lossWe were hoping that the rocks would magically disappear when we left Pennsylvania. They haven't disappeared but the trail is a little bit better.We saw an incredible number of high school kids going south today. Probably around 150. But there were very few adults. I can't imagine where they will all camp.We walked down highway 206 to get some dinner at a tavern. They were not very hiker friendly. Hikers could not use the front door nor eat inside. The bartender barely acknowledged us and made no eye contact. I wasn't even sure if we would get served.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Culver Fire Tower

To: Near Pochuck Mountain
Miles today: 27.6
Weather: scattered clouds

3875' gain4357' lossSometimes the trail surprises me. After High Point State Park (named for the highest point in NJ) the trail dropped down into beautiful rolling meadows. It must have been farmland at one point. The meadows were outlined by trees and vegetation. We would go through the trees and pop into another meadow. They were lush and green with knee high grasses.I got my first mosquito bite today (and 2nd 3rd 4th....) I'm actually surprised it took so long. They came out of nowhere and only bit my left side. Very strange.In the tent tonight I was trying to get comfortable on my Thermarest NeoAir inflatable mattress when I heard the horrible sound...pshhhhhhh. The sound you don't want to hear on an inflatable mattress. A root or rock had punctured the tent floor and made a huge rip in the mattress. It was at least 1/2 inch. But in a way the big size of the tear was helpful because it was easy to spot. Luckily we had a repair kit and it actually worked. It took the entire repair kit. We also had some repair tape for the tent. Let's hope both hold!
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Near Pochuck Mountain

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

3914' gain3770' lossThe rain that was forecast for yesterday finally arrived overnight. We had quite the lightning show and lots of rain. Luckily by the time we got up the rain had stopped.Yesterday the rocky trail was gone. Today...the rocks returned. There was even a ladder to climb. And with the rain the rocks were really slick.We crossed the New York state line this afternoon. New Jersey went fast!!We made it into Greenwood Lake, NY in time for dinner. We both had new shoes waiting from Zappos. Much needed.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: NY 17A

To: Near Woods Road
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

4816' gain4813' lossTough hiking today. The trail went up and over boulder field after boulder field. Over and over. I just can't go fast over that. We went through the "Lemon Squeezer" which is two huge rocks that form a narrow passageway. We could barely get through with our packs on.Harriman State Park was beautiful. At the top of the climbs the forest floor was covered with bright green spring grass. The forest was more open with nice tall trees.We passed the junction with the New York Long Path. Had we turned right we would be in Manhattan in 52 miles. I had no idea this trail existed. Amazing!
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Near Woods Road

To: Near Canopus Hill
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: broken clouds

5682' gain6135' lossThe trail was better today. Not nearly as rocky or steep as yesterday. We crossed Palisades Parkway in the morning - a busy four lane divided highway. I can't imagine trying to cross during rush hour. A road sign said 35 miles to NYC.We then climbed up to Bear Mountain. The trail was awesome - nicely graded with stone steps and even graveled towards the top. We figured out why the trail so nice when we got to the top. It is a very popular trail. There is also a road to the top. It was crazy busy. Hitting it on a holiday weekend was...unfortunate. Even though it was cloudy we still had a great view of the New York City skyline.We ate lunch at the top and considered getting a motel room in Fort Montgomery. So I looked online at the Holiday Inn Express and the prices were $350-$1,000. Per night. What? So Mike called another motel listed in the guidebook but they had no vacancy. They told him it is graduation weekend for West Point.At the bottom of Bear Mountain we went through a small zoo and then crossed the Hudson River. It's a big river. We also hit the lowest elevation on the trail.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Near Canopus Hill

To: After Depot Hill Road
Miles today: 26.2

5997' gain5423' lossIn the middle of the night we heard a huge crashing in the woods. It woke Mike up. It sounded really close to our tent. Mike thinks it was a tree falling. Scary.I felt really tired today. I'm ready for a zero. But that's still a few days away.We met a guy today who thru hiked the AT in 1980. He said that there was much more road walking back then. He also talked about cell phones. It's true - cell phones, especially smart phones, have changed the trail tremendously. For example, my shoes were wearing out so I ordered a new pair from Zappos - from my tent - and they were waiting in town for me. Incredibly convenient.