morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-10-03
From: Stealth Tent Site

To: Jim Murray Shelter
Miles today: 15.5

On the trail by 7:30 a.m. Hiked down the rocky slope that the locals call :the Stairway to Heaven". Hitched to Vernon, NJ for resupply at the grocery store. Took me a couple of tries to find fuel for my alcohol stove. Had lunch at Burger King then hitched back to trail. I was back hiking by 11:30 a.m. Headed through a cow pasture then down a very long board walk. Saw dozens of painted turtles concentrated in the small amount of water remaining in the wetland.   Was able to play with a whitetail doe & fawn in a wooded section of the trail. Hiked along the dykes of the Wallkill National Wildlife Reserve. Saw ducks and egrets before it began to rain heavily for about 45 minutes. Arrived at the shelter by 6:00 p.m. Stayed there with two SOBO couples (Gonzo and 3 other names I've forgotten) and one dog.
Date: 2016-10-04
From: Jim Murray Shelter

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

The donkeys at the Gren Anderson Shelter annoyed me while I was putting on my shoes. They were in my face, literally, and very persistent. Some rocky trail sections slowed me down. At one point I looked back and saw a big tower. It turned out to be the The Monument on High Point, a veterans memorial. Made it to the Gren Anderson Shelter in fading light. Just before getting to the shelter I met a doe and we challenged each other for a while.
Date: 2016-10-05
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Centre
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

I saw 2 timber rattlesnakes on the trail today. The first was curled up in the undergrowth beside the trail. The second one was stretched across the trail and rattled when I was about 6 feet away. I spent a few minutes watching it move down the trail and took a few pictures. Much of the trail was along rocky ridges today, great snake habitat. Made it to the Mohican Outdoor Centre by 8:00 p.m. which included a 1 hour night hike. Took my first shower in 12 days then set up my tent and went to bed.
Date: 2016-10-06
From: Mohican Outdoor Centre

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I had to wait until 9 am. to pay for my stay. Was able to exchange a pair of Darn Tough socks for a new pair at the store at the centre. The trail was mostly along ridge lines, with some very rocky sections and some old road beds. Crossed the Delaware river on busy highway bridge that moved uncomfortably when a big truck rolled by. Entered Pennsylvania when I was halfway across the bridge. Enjoyed some town food at Sycamore Grill Pub in Delaware Water Gap. Got an expensive 2 day resupply at a convenience store. I had intended to hike further but ended up staying at the Church of the Mountain Hostel with King Arthur, Bear Snack and Greg.
Date: 2016-10-07
From: Church of the Marlin Hostel

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Had breakfast and a shower in the morning and hit the trail at 9:20 a.m. There was a significant climb up from the river valley but no views due to the fog. There were lots of rocks. From a lookout point I watched a paraglider fly to the valley floor. I assume it took off from where I was watching. Many turkey vultures were soaring in the updrafts along the ridge. I night hiked through some rocks (not a pleasant experience, nor a good idea), reaching the Leroy A. Smith Shelter at 9:00 p.m.
Date: 2016-10-08
From: Leroy A. Smith Hostel

To: Bert's Restaurant
Miles today: 15.8

Water was hard to come by along this section. There was a long downhill hike to a spring but I missed the side trail. I came out at a road and was able to get a resident fill my bottles in her kitchen. The trail today was mostly flat (except for the climb down and back up for water) There was a long open stretch along a ridge with a view of the town of Palmerton below. Hiked through the Superfund site that is slowly growing back some vegetation. Reminded me of Sudbury, Ontario which also, with significant effort, is slowly regreening. Hiked into Palmerton to Bert's Restaurant. Had supper there then did laundry at the laundromat next door. Had a shower and slept in the hostel / garage behind the restaurant. Had the place to myself. The people at Bert's were treated me very well.
Date: 2016-10-09
From: Bert's Restaurant

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a good breakfast of french toast. Resupplied at the dollar store and grocery store. Got a ride to the trailhead from one of the Bert's crew. Refilled my water supply from a spigot behind a shelter. Arrived at the Allentown Shelter after about 20 minutes of night hiking. It was cold through the night but my down sleeping bag kept me toasty warm.
Date: 2016-10-10
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early start. It was cold enough that I wore gloves, hat, and a puffy for much of the day. It was sunny and it warmed up significantly by afternoon. I came within one step of treading on a Timber Rattlesnake that was sunning itself on a rocky part of the trail. The clear day made for some great views at the lookouts. Went the wrong way (NOBO) after stopping at the Pinnacle. Took about 10 minutes or so for me to figure it out. Reached the Windsor Furnace Shelter just as darkness fell.
Date: 2016-10-11
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: clear sky

Cold morning. Parts of the trail were poorly marked ... lost it twice. Stopped for lunch in Port Clinton. Had a burger at Port Clinton Hotel and bought some candy at the Port Clinton Peanut Shop next door. Met Axe and his dog at the Hotel. He is taking his time SOBO, his dog is a chihuahua (very short legs) . Had difficulty finding the trail out of town. Had to cross several sets of train tracks at the touristy train station to get to the trail up the mountain. There was a steep climb to the ridge and then it was relatively flat, but rocky trail after that. I noticed a road on the map that paralleled the trail through some of the Pennsylvania Game Lands. To avoid the rocks I hiked this gravel road for most of the afternoon. Saw a buck and doe and flushed several grouse. There were crop fields planted for wildlife and structures built for hibernating snakes (hibernacula). Had to backtrack about a 1/2 mile north bound where the road crossed the trail. Arrived at the Eagles Nest Shelter by 6:00 p.m.
Date: 2016-10-12
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in until 8:00 a.m. and was on the trail by 9:00 a.m. Hiked on the gravel road again and covered 6 miles by 11:00 a.m. Flushed a grouse. Had a chat with a deer hunter. Later I met an ecologist and we talked about American Chestnut restoration. Got to the 501 shelter by 4:45 p.m. Molasses arrived shortly after and gave me several slices of hot pizza. I emptied my pack and headed to the road to hitch into Pine Grove for resupply. The road was a very steep downhill and a tough hitch. It took me an hour to get a ride. The guy who picked me up drove me to the grocery store and made arrangements to pick me up later and drive me back to the shelter. He was pulling in to the parking lot as I was walking out of the store. When I got in the car he had a hot bowl of chile for me. On the ride back he told me about the flood that had hit the town a few years ago. Trail angels are awesome. Stayed at the shelter with Molasses and Greg.
Date: 2016-10-13
From: 501 Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 8:30 p.m. Foggy and rainy today. Slow going with the wet rocks. The weather cleared up in the afternoon. Saw a large black snake (Eastern Ratsnake) stretched across the trail. Was at least 6 feet long. Flushed several grouse. Just plugged away at the miles today. The last few miles of trail were nice and smooth (old roadbeds). Arrived at Rausch Gap Shelter just after dark. Shared the shelter with a northbound section hiker.
Date: 2016-10-14
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I noticed a food bag hanging in a tree last night as I was approaching the shelter. The other guy in the shelter came back with a ripped up food bag, probably from a raccoon. My food was undamaged, hanging at the front of the shelter. Started hiking at 9:30 a.m. Saw a garter snake, grouse, bear, box turtle and deer. The bear saw me and ran away very quickly. The Eastern Box Turtle was a first for me. It was about the size of a cantaloupe. Still a few rocks on the trail, but not as bad as previous sections. Peters Mountain Shelter was huge. There were 4 guys set up in the loft when I arrived. To stay a little warmer I slept in my tent that I set up in the lower section.
Date: 2016-10-15
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

My four shelter mates turned out to be three guys who hiked a couple of miles to stay in the shelter for the weekend and a north bound section hiker named Phoenix. The campers provided me with sausage, coffee and an English muffin for breakfast. After breakfast Phoenix headed north and I headed south. I hiked along a long ridge then down a steep bluff, across a set of railroad tracks to a parking lot beside the Susquehanna River. I was leaning against the guard rail in the parking lot, checking the map for the correct route across the river when a vehicle pulled in. Someone yelled "Odder" several times. I looked up to see who could possibly know my name and it was Phoenix. He had gotten an Uber ride back to his truck after he reached his road crossing destination. I was apparently sitting beside his truck.   He gave me a ride across bridge and bought me lunch at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon. After Phoenix and I parted ways I hiked up a steep bluff to Cove Mountain Shelter, arriving just as darkness fell. I shared the shelter with Cirrus (SOBO) and a section hiker.
Date: 2016-10-16
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Boiling Springs - Backpacker Campsite
Miles today: 22.1

Started hiking at 8:00 a.m. The trail was somewhat rocky at first and then dropped down into Cumberland Valley. There is no camping allowed in the valley so I needed to make it all the way to Boiling Springs today. The trail ran through fields and wood lots for many miles. I arrived in Boiling Springs a 1/2 hour after dark. Had a pizza supper at Aniles Restaurant. Then I night hiked through town to the backpacker campsite.
Date: 2016-10-17
From: Boiling Springs Backpacker Campsite

To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 18.8

On trail at 8:00 a.m. The terrain went from fields to wood lots. Hiked up Centre Point Knob. The trail became rocky with lots of ups and downs. At the bottom of a hill was a nice flat manicured pathway at Pine Grove State Park. I arrived at Ironmasters Mansion Hostel just before dark. After I checked in I had a shower, did laundry, ate pizza, and called home. There was no cell service but I was able to call using the WiFi and What's App. The place is really an early 1800's mansion, much more high society than an AT shelter. Other SOBOs staying there were Agent, Ben There and Butterscotch.
Date: 2016-10-18
From: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

The Appalachian Trail Museum was closed as was the store. I was unable to do the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge. I left the mansion at 9:00 a.m., after a waffle breakfast. There were some rocks to be negotiated, but lots of smooth trail. Came across a monument marking the half way point of the trail. It wasn't this year's half way point, as the trail changes a little every year, but it was good enough for me. The Quarry Gap Shelter was really two small, connected shelters and had manicured surroundings. There were 9 other people at the shelter, a bit of a SOBO bubble.
Date: 2016-10-19
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

I had a long chat with Traveller before I left the shelter in the morning. Got started hiking at about 9:00 a.m. It was slow going for me as I had the start of a migraine. Still some rocks but lots of smooth trail. I arrived at the Deer Lick Shelters just before dark. There are two small shelters, side by side. Shared the shelters with Agent, Ben There and Cirrus and another SOBO.
Date: 2016-10-20
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a 2 mile hike to get to Pennsylvania Route 16. It was a tough hitch for me. Well over 100 vehicles went by before a nice guy in a Jeep pulled over. Got dropped off at the Walmart in Waynesboro PA and got resupplied. Had a town lunch then purchased new shoes at the sports store beside the Walmart. I had to walk all the way back to the trail. Apparently my thumb was defective. Crossed the Mason Dixon Line into Maryland. I felt like the run into town had limited my distance so I kept hiking after dark. I night hiked 8.9 miles to the Ensign Cowall Shelter. I stayed there with Llama and a young guy with his service dog.
Date: 2016-10-21
From: Ensign Cornwall Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.8

Hit the trail at 8:45 a.m. This will be my only full day in Maryland as I plan to meet up with my friend Cal tomorrow in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I came upon the Washington Monument in the fog. I liked the enclosed staircase much better than the stairs on the fire towers. While I was at the top of the tower with a couple of weekend hikers a mature bald eagle soared past. The other two hikers thought it was a very American moment. I had planned to hike further but stopped short of my goal at the Rocky Run Shelter at 6:00 p.m. Was able to set up in a very nice, new shelter in the last of the daylight. I stayed in the shelter with a guy that was attending a wedding the next day. He had driven from the mid-west, parked his car at a trailhead and hiked a mile or two to the shelter. He was planning to hike back to his car in the morning then drive another hour and a half to the wedding. Free accommodations anyone?
Date: 2016-10-22
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Tea Horse Hostel Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 16.1

On trail at 7:30 a.m. Passed through civil war battle sites. It was very windy. The tow path along the river was pleasantly flat and very busy with cyclists and day hikers. Crossed the bridge and arrived in Harper's Ferry at 3:30 p.m. The bridge and historic village were very crowded. I went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters and Visitor Center, where I registered and had my picture taken. I am SOBO (South Bounder) #230. Stayed at Tea Horse Hostel with a bunch of cyclists and Cirrus. Had dinner at the Anvil Restaurant with Macro Man. My new hiking partner Calvin arrived at 8:00 p.m. He is going to do a 10 day section hike through the Shenandoahs with me.
Date: 2016-10-23
From: Tea Horse Hostel - Harper's Ferry

To: Blackburn Trail Centre
Miles today: 11.9

Waffles for breakfast at the Tea Horse. Sorted out long term parking for Calvin's car. Got started hiking the trail at 10:00 a.m. Had hoped to do 20 miles to the Bear's Den Hostel, but got going too late. Stopped at Blackburn Trail Centre and stayed in the hiker's cabin. Only got 12 miles in, but it was a good start for a the newbie. The cabin had a wood stove, so we stayed warm and toasty.
Date: 2016-10-24
From: Blackburn Trail Centre

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

Up early, but a slow start. We did the Roller coaster, numerous ups and downs with some rocky sections. Stopped at the Bear's Den Hostel and talked to Mantee who will finish his flip-flop thru-hike tomorrow. Had a couple of cold sodas there. Night hiked last 2.4 miles to the shelter.
Date: 2016-10-25
From: Red Hollow Shelter

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.4
Weather: clear sky

Met Calamity Jane, who was sleeping when we arrived at the shelter last night. We were on the trail by 8:30 a.m. Some rocks but mostly decent trail. Hiked through a grove of large and tall tulip trees. Very Impressive. Stayed at the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter with Calamity Jane. The shelter has a deck, adirondack chairs, a shower, a covered picnic table and a horseshoe pit. Nicer than some motels I've stayed in.
Date: 2016-10-26
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Played some horseshoes before we left the shelter, leading to a bit of a late start. I won. Saw several deer. We were up over 3000 feet in elevation at times. Got to the Gravel Springs Hut 40 minutes after dark. Lots of people at the shelter including Elgixon (who will finish section hiking the entire trial tomorrow), Calamity Jane, Nigel Thornbury, Furprittius , WiFi & dog and Bug Bite. Calvin has assumed the trailname "Sassafras".
Date: 2016-10-27
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Open Arms at the Edge of Town - Luray
Miles today: 14.3

On the trail by 9:30 a.m. Hiked in the rain. To celebrate his completion of the trail Elgixon left $10 for each of us for lunch at Elk Wallow Wayside (cheeseburger, chili fries, and coke). Alison from Open Arms at the Edge of Town hostel picked us up about 5:30 p.m. Had a shower, did laundry and resupplied at Walmart. Went to an Italian restaurant for supper, party of seven (Odder, Sassafras, Elgixon, Calamity Jane, Nigel Thornbury, Furprittius, Bug Bite). Furprittius was very generous treating us to appetizers and cannoli for desert.
Date: 2016-10-28
From: Open area at the Edge of Town, Luray

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: clear sky

Started at 10:30 a.m. We had a big climb to Mary's Rock with an incredible view of the Shenandoah Valley. Had a cold, windy break at Bird's Nest #3 Hut. Summited the Pinnacle (3602 feet). Arrived at Rock Spring Hut at dusk. Stayed with Snacks, Cirrus, Wifi & Luke (dog).
Date: 2016-10-29
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Stealth Site at South River Picnic Area
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

On trail at 9:45 a.m. Experienced the luxury of a flush toilet at the Big Meadows campground. Stopped at the Lewis Mountain camp store for Coke, ice cream and salt & vinegar chips. Arrived at the picnic area in the dark. Saw two deer on the trail into the picnic area and saw five more in the picnic area proper. Cooked supper on the picnic tables in the dark. Found a stealth site on the edge of a small field. I didn't sleep well, was worried about getting caught camping where I wasn't supposed to be.
Date: 2016-10-30
From: Stealth Site at Smith Rain Picnic Area

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

We were up early, trying to get going before we were discovered. Had breakfast at the picnic site with water and rest room. Some good views today, with colour on the trees. Gorgeous, warm, sunny weather. Talked to a mother and her son on the peak of Hightop Mountain. She gave us sandwich magic. It was fantastic. My left knee was sore, especially going downhill. Saw two deer at the shelter. Got to the shelter early, 5:30 p.m.
Date: 2016-10-31
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Stealth Camp past Rip Rap Trail
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

We had a good visit with the hut caretaker before we left. Met Okie at a lookout. Crossed paths with Snacks twice. Stopped at the Loft Mountain Campground store but it had just closed for the season. Snacked at the picnic tables beside the store. Found a campsite at 6:30 p.m. just as it was getting dark.
Date: 2016-11-01
From: Stealth Camp past Rip Rap Trail

To: Waynesboro Quality Inn
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

On the trail by 8:20 p.m. Made good time in the morning. Cirrus passed us while we were taking a break, soaking up the sun on the side of the trail. He told us the AYCE Chinese food restaurant was closed for renovations. That really let the air out of our balloons. Also Stanimal's hostel was closed. Found a list of trail angels who give free rides into town posted on a tree. Got a ride into Waynesboro from a wonderful retired lady. She even gave us a tour of the town. Stayed at the Waynesboro Quality Inn. Had a great meal at Weasie's Kitchen. Resupplied at the Kroger. This was Sassafras's last day. He has a shuttle back to Harper's Ferry arranged for tomorrow.
Date: 2016-11-03
From: Tent Site on Blue Ridge

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Got a late start. A sunny, windy day that turned to rain in the evening. I was asked to take a picture of a day hiking group on top of Three Ridges Mountain. They each dug into their day packs and gave me food. It was great trail magic. Climbed last 1000 vertical feet of the Priest in the dark and rain. Met SOBOs Sweet Toots, Monster and Beast (dog) at the Priest Shelter when I arrived at 8:30 p.m.
Date: 2016-11-04
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Bald Knob
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: clear sky

My shelter mates were up early and on the trail by 7:30 a.m. I was on the trail by 8:30 a.m. Chatted with Pokey Mom (future thru-hiker) on the trail. Stopped at Seely-Woodworth Shelter and read the shelter log. It said that Shakespeare was off trail with shin splints and Pokey Mom had written that he got back on the trail today. Later spoke with a day hiker who told me he was one hour ahead. Found Shakespeare camped on top of Bald Knob. We last saw each other in New Hampshire. I set up my tent and we sat around the campfire and caught up.
Date: 2016-11-05
From: Bald Knob

To: Bluff Mountain
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Spent a cold night camped on top of Bald Knob, but my down sleeping bag did a good job keeping me warm. Hiked along Brown Mountain Creek where freed slaves had sharecropped along the creek. It was difficult to imagine how anyone could farm in this place. There was very little flat land along the creek and the slopes on either side were quite steep. Further down the trail I hiked through an experimental plot of old growth, large trees and a stand of tall, straight tulip trees. Found some trail magic drinks at a road crossing. Met Breeze and Mosey, 2 SOBO's. Climbed at end of day to top of Bluff Mountain, watched the sunset and tented with Shakespeare there.
Date: 2016-11-06
From: Bluff Mountain

To: Sulphur Springs Trail
Miles today: 13.8

Up early enough to watch the sunrise on Bluff Mountain. Shakespeare left before me but I caught up to him later in the morning. We hiked three miles together until we reached the James River. He hiked on and I attempted to make my way to Glasgow to resupply. I tried to hitch a ride for 2+ hours with no luck. Then I walked back to the parking lot at the James River Foot Bridge. I had no cell phone service so I could not call for a shuttle. Plan C was to ask people leaving the parking lot for a ride. The 2nd person I approached said he would be happy to help. He was from London, England and was travelling with his wife. They were in the US for the weekend to see a Bob Dylan concert in Roanoke. They drove me in their rented Mustang convertible (red) to the grocery store in Glasgow and drove me back too! They were very interested in the thru-hike and had lots of questions. They even took pictures with me, to show their kids. Their trail magic turned a crappy experience into a great story. After I got my supplies squared away, I made my way over the bridge. I hiked through dusk and set up my tent in the dark.
Date: 2016-11-07
From: Sulphur Springs Trail

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Started at 8:30 a.m. It was less busy on the trail today. There was a very strange building / radar installation at the peak of Apple Orchard Mountain. In honour of tomorrow's election I listened to PBR on my headphones for most of the day. Hiked the last 4 miles in the dark. Bryant Ridge Shelter is huge and I had it all to myself.