morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-24
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

5/24/16I got a good nights sleep. It was nice to wake up and see the sun and not having everything damp. Going to try to geg 15 miles in today so wasn't worried about too early of a start but was packed and ready to go a little after eight. On my way out of camp I saw a turtle so I stopped to take a picture and my camera was acting funny....but got the pic and headed on. Walked out of the big stream to get out of camp. When I got to the trail an older lady that stayed in the shelter was sitting down. I believe she was in her eighties and she had an accent. I asked where she was from and I believe she told me Zimbabwe. I kept moving and their was a hiker behind me and she was from Quebec. So hiked down the trail a little ways and had to pass the stream again. It seemed as if the stream and the trail were the same for quite a while. Not sure if this is normal or just because of all the rain they have been having. The trail was still sloppy in places but better than yesterday. I have been taking advil the last couple of days and my foot that was a little swollen was now feeling good again. I hiked a few miles and I caught up with Dr G. We hiked together for most of the morning. We ran into five guys I had passed the morning before that were section hiking. They were coming towards us. Stopped and got Intel on the trail ahead and told them what we had been hiking through. Dr G and I stopped for lunch at the next shelter. We really haven't been seeing many hikers the last few days...wondering where all the hikers went. After lunch we were going to start the roller coaster. It is a 13 mile stretch of ups and downs of about 250 ft. I'm a little faster and pushed on ahead of Dr G. We were doing half the roller coaster today and the other half tomorrow. There is a shelter right in the middle. All and all it wasn't too bad but did slow me down a bit. At one point I was coming down hill pretty quick and a snake scurried off just before I stepped on him. I made it to camp around 4. A little later than I planned but thats okay. There were a few hikers there Two Ton, Jester, and Wild Turkey. Jester and Wild Turkey left and Dr G arrived. A pretty light crowd tonight as one other section hiker arrived. This shelter is just shy of the 1000 mile mark...999.6. So tomorrow we hit 1000 and the next day I should be out of Virginia. I was in Virginia the last day of March and just now leaving....of course I was off with an injury three weeks...but still. Many hikers refer to getting the Virginia blues we are here so long. It was a nice day with no rain. The temps are suppose to be hitting the mid eighties by Thursday with a chance of afternoon thunderstorm....well that's the last weather forecast I have heard. Hiking was so fun...I think I'll do it again tomorrow
Date: 2016-05-25
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Camp Festis (camp ground)
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: clear sky

5/25/16I woke up a little after five today after sleeping well. Got up and hit the trail a little after seven. After a half mile I came to the 1000 mile marker...it felt good to see that...90 more miles to the halfway point. I stopped and took a few pics and headed on. I caught up with Dr G shortly after. We still had six miles left of the ups and down section they call the roller coaster. About three miles into the day we came to the Bears Den Hostel. We didn't need to stop but it is considered "A place not to miss" on the trail. It was only a little off trail so we went to check it out and get a soda/pop. A Dr had it built in 1933 and it looked like a castle. A development company bought it but couldn't get the permits required and after 20 years of being abandoned it was turned over to The Appalachian Trail Conservancy. In the 1980s the land was used to take the AT off the highway and they built the roller coaster. The castle like structure is now used for a hostel for thru hikers and the up stairs is used for other functions. It even has a rock wall that goes around it. I found Falling Upward there...he was at the shelter I had lost/found my cook pot at. Before we finished the roller coaster there was one other highlight...we would enter West Virginia. After being in Virginia over 540 miles(over a quarter of the total miles of the AT) we were going to move into another state. We are in the Virginia sooo long some hikers refer to it as getting the Virginia Blues. I took a couple of pictures with Dr G and we pressed on to finish the roller coaster. After finishing the roller coaster we stopped for lunch. The rest of the days trail was a lot easier...mostly downhill and smooth although we did have some rock beds/ankle twister sections to navigate through. We got to a shelter around four and decided to push on a few more miles so we could get into Harper's Ferry earlier tomorrow. A lot of history in Harper's Ferry so I an to spend one night and checkout the town and maybe two. It may be time for some new shoes too. I could probably get a few more miles out of them but not sure when I'll get the chance to get to an outfitter with a good selection. The weather is turning warmer I heard it was in the mid 80s today. The AT is considered the "Green Canopy" because you are usually under tree cover so the heat to day was very bearable. The bugs are starting come out a little more but not terrible yet. Another great day with no rain.
Date: 2016-05-26
From: Camp Festis (camp ground)

To: Harper's Ferry (Teahorse Hostel)
Miles today: 6.7

5/26/16It was a warm night... I left the front of my tent open for air circulation. After a while I closed the front....its amazing how much that thin material gives you a sense of security...lol. Was up and heading to town by 7:30. The path was a little more rocky than I expected. Dr G took off before me but I'm a faster hiker and would catch him. Had to pass one busy road and it was rush hour....after I was across I was looking down the road and stepped on something...looked down and it was a deer leg. Poor fella had been hit/killed by a car. I hiked into town with Dr G and Black Bear caught up with us...he had been off the trail a few days with his uncle and getting off a few more days in Harper's Ferry to visit DC. We came out of the woods and had to cross the Shenandoah river..it was a long bridge. It felt good with cool breeze and light backpack(not much food) and knowing a restaurant was not far away. I almost felt like jogging. The first stop though was the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Center to get our picture taken out front and they register and put our picture in the book. I was number 312...I was looking and seven days ago they were only at number 225, so a lot of hikers are in the area. It was nice to look through the book and see the folks I had hiked with in the past. Marathon was one of the earlier hikers to make it here. Went to check in the hostel but couldn't get in until two so we went to the pizza place. Now to tell you how big this town is....the post office, police station, city hall and the liquor store are all in the same building. At the pizza place I asked if they had beer they said no but I could go to the liquor store and bring it back. I stuck with a water. Went back to the hostel and sat in some chairs under the tree until we could get in. Tried to eat a snickers bar I had packed but it had melted. Guess that's something to consider with the summer heat arriving. There is a lot of history here and they have a lower part of town with old historic buildings. The Lutheran church was used to warn the people of trouble coming during the civil war and they claim a cannon ball from Maryland over a mile away hit the church. It had to be a crazy time in American history. We walked down to the lower part of town...they are set up with shops for the tourists and have a lot of cool buildings. They have an outfitter I planned to look at shoes but they had a very small selection. The restaurants down there were a little pricey for a hiker so we came back closer to the hostel and ate at the Anvil. Then went to 7-11 for ice cream and back to the hostel. The hostel was full 16 people.
Date: 2016-05-27
From: Harper's Ferry (Teahorse Hostel)

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: overcast clouds

5/27/16Well I was thinking of taking a zero mile day in town but unable to resupply here and lack of hiker support I decided to hike on. I had seen a section hiker, Falling Upward several times during the week and he stayed at the hostel with us last night and went to dinner with me and Dr G. His car was at the hostel and he kindly volunteered to drive us five miles to Charles Town to Walmart to resupply. The hostel came with a waffle breakfast so after breakfast we went to resupply. I was on the trail by 9;30 and a couple of miles down the way I was in Maryland. I crossed the Potomac bridge and that is where the Potomac and the Shenandoah rivers connect. I walked a bit further and had to cross under a bridge...and who did I meet? My good friend Pigeon Toe... He had got a ride and went up north, he hiked this section southbound to Harper's Ferry. He was getting off trail for a couple of weeks for his daughters wedding. It was great to run into him. I sat down and we caught up for about a half an hour. The trail was good, not a lot of rockbeds and pretty smooth. The terrain was gradual ups and downs. I thought I would run into Dr G but he must have stopped at the shelter I passed by. I stopped at Gathland State Park for lunch....I ran into two hikers I hadn't met before. I was 11 miles in for the day and really didn't have a plan for the day so after checking my guide decided to go for the shelter 13 miles away. There were other places to stop if I needed to shorten it up. Water was minimal in one area and you had to walk a half mile to get it at other places so had to be strategic on where to stop. I passed by several areas with signs telling of the civil war history. My guide showed a restaurant .1 mile off trail I was looking at stopping at. I stopped and it was a fancy place so I sat for a quick break and one customer approached me and told me what the highlights I had ahead the next few miles. A couple of miles before camp I came to Washington Monument State Park. The trail actually follows the trail up and signs highlight George's life. I had to go off trail .1 miles to get to the actual monument and it over looked a beautiful valley down below. A mile later I was crossing over interstate 70/US40...felt like I wasn't that far from home . Made it to the shelter a little after seven. Quite a few campers were already there, seeing how it is now Memorial Day weekend. Set up camp...ate...and it was off to bed.
Date: 2016-05-28
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

5/28/16I got a good night sleep after a long day. I was surprised to see most of the campers gone by the time I got up. I was going to try to do 22 moles today. The trail started out a little rougher than it has been but nothing too bad....give it a little time and it was a pretty rough rock bed turning your feet every which way. I was making it through and I came up on a couple of guys...my foot skilled and down I went. If that wasn't bad enough...my hand went down on one side of a rock and my treking pole was across the rock causing the free end to come up and smack me in the face. It did no damage so I got up and chatted for a minute before heading on. The terrain soon improved and I was making good time. You can tell it is the holiday weekend...lots of people on the trail. I made it to the first shelter of the day...was joined by a section hiker and later a father and son. Later I went to see a cliff where you can launch hang gliders...I forgot mine . At that point I had 14 miles in and there were some couples out on there Harleys and started asking questions. They were very inquisitive. It was getting late afternoon and I still had miles to get in. About an hour later I came to a park...I was hoping to find a soda machine but struck out. I sat down for a quick break and a lady was walking by pulling her cooler. I asked if she would happen to have a soda and she said no. I filtered some water I had been carrying. The lady comes up from behind with a Pepsi and Dr Pepper and says here you go my brother had some. I offered to pay her and she refused to take my money. People are kind to us thru hikers. I left the park and a quarter mile later I came to a sign. I was leaving Maryland entering Pennsylvania. Also I was passing the Mason-Dixon line. I stopped for a picture and headed to camp. I was surprised to find just one other tent camper there. There were actually two shelters and they were both going empty. The nat's and flies have been on the increase so it will be nice to have the mesh protection during the night. I hiked in four states in the last four days. There is actually a challenge that I refused to do...some people walk the 45 miles/four states in one day. That's a lot of miles and I wasn't interested. Minus the time I was off...I have been on the trail exactly 10 weeks today. Tomorrow if all goes well I will hit the 1094 mile marker which is the halfway mark. The temps are starting to warm up but then trail is known as the green canopy...so that helps to keep it more comfortable while hiking. You just can't beat a day on the trail
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.2
Weather: overcast clouds

5/29/16I didn't get the best sleep last night...too cool without the sleeping bag too hot with it...so I continued adjusting. We must have been in a popular section yesterdw because there were not nearly the amount of hikers today. We started with a 1000 ft climb...I had not noticed the elevation change until I started up it. I got to the top and there was a nice view. I seen some guys that had passed by the shelter last night and I was surprised to see them...figured they would be sleeping in because they came through kinda late. They had this little dog and I guess he scooted right up the mountain. The down was a nice gradual decline. I passed a couple of ole army guys...I didn't think they were thru hiking because nothing was dangling outside their bags. They told me they were ex army and knew how to pack. I said this is how the Air Force packs and they laughed. We got to one section and it was rocky and hard to find your way through...but after a short time we were through that. I got to the next shelter and needed water but a couple of ladies told me it was a poor water source and there was a park three miles ahead that I could get water. They also had cheeseburgers at the park so I couldn't pass that up. There were a lot of family get togethers and a good number of people enjoying the park A stream ran in the middle of it and people were out wading so I decided to join them. I put my crocks on and it was cold but felt good...it was refreshing to my tired feet. After 15 minutes of that I dried my feet off, put my shoes on and was back on the trail. I had ten miles to do and the time and miles went fast. As I was hiking I heard small engines revving... I thought I was going to pass a dirt track but some kids thought it would be a good idea to take then motorcycles on the AT.....I just stopped in my tracks and shook my head at them as they stopped. I told them they were going to get fined and got out of their way. The second one stopped and said it would be okay because he paid his taxes. I let them know the rangers were out and they continued on. It was terrible to see the tracks their tires dug into the trail. I was going to call the ranger but couldn't find a number and didn't think it was 911 worthy. Made it to camp around six. I've pounded some miles the last three days totaling close to 70. Highlights for tomorrow...1)hit the halfway point... 2)may stop by a lake and swim if the weather is warm(it may be a rainy day). 3) Take the half gallon challenge. The half gallon challenge involves eating a half gallon of icecream after you pass the trails halfway point. I'm definitely up for that. It s raining tonight...will see what tomorrow holds. I heard a tropical depression moved into the Carolina's. Another great day for a hike.
Date: 2016-05-30
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 17.1

5/30/16I slept better last night...we did get some rain overnight but stopped NY morning. I IP and on the trail a little after eight. A little over two miles in I was halfway done with the trail..... 1994.5 miles. I missed the official sign but there was another one a little further down the trail. The trail changes every year so the halfway point moves as well. Five miles further I made it to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. This is where they have the half gallon challenge. You eat a container of ice cream to find it is only 1.5 quarts...then you have to get the other .5 qrt of ice cream. It took me about an hour but I got it down and wasn't feeling too bad. I stopped by the Appalachia Trail Museum and then thought about going to the beach for a swim. In was walking right through the middle of the park and families were on both sides having picnics. I got past them to the beach and it was packed so I pressed on. Up the trail I passed a family and the little girl says...out of the way here is a real hiker. I replied..,I thought you were a real hiker. The terrain was pretty level and not too challenging for the most part. I passed a black snake and he scurried off the trail. Later I seen a chipmunk cross the path....I put my foot down and he darted back and into it. He turned and was gone in a flash. I was feeling good for the most part but later I think the sugar high wore off and I wasnt feeling as good. Allergies were bothering my eyes and nats were buzzing my eyes and ears. I had two shelters pocked out...one at 17 and one at 25 miles. I elected to stop at 17 and call it a day. I was then first at the shelter but five more joined me later. The rain held off and it wasnt too wet after last nights rains. It was nice to have a shorter day and just hang out a little earlier. Happy Memorial Day....A day to remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up their lives so we can enjoy our freedoms. And not only them but their families, mothers, fathers, spouses, sons, daughters and siblings who will be missing their loved ones. I hope all Americans take time to remember these hero's today.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Darlington
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: overcast clouds

5/31/16Well I didn't have my tent set up the best last night...it was uneven ground and I kept sliding to one side, but I didnt sleep too bad. I didn't get as many miles in yesterday as I wanted so to make it to a shelter today I was either have to do 8 or 26 miles. So knowing me it is 26. There's a town about 13 miles in so town food is in order. Hitting these higher miles blisters have become an issue on the back of my heels. A little mole skin on them and there are manageable. I left out about eight and for the most part the terrain wasn't bad. I did hit one area early on called the rock maze. It was a little interesting climbing on and between rocks to get through. Things like that keep the hike interesting. I didn't see too many people on the trail today. One guy stopped me and we talked about a little of everything for about 10 minutes. After that I was getting close to the town of Boiling Springs and was ready to eat. Before that the trail came up on some fields and it went between a corn and wheat field. I hiked a couple of miles before I came into town. I was looking at the Pub in town..a beer would hit the spot. I walked in and the hostess was in a real nice dress...I asked if I was underdressed and she said no even though I knew I was. She told me where I could set my pack and let me sit at the bar. I got the cheese steak and a couple of cold beers and was on my way. There was very minimal elevation gain during the day and I found out more of the afternoon hike was also in fields. It was a good day for 26,miles though since they were easy miles. I did get stopped by a train though. I was coming down the trail and heard a loud motor and then seen it coming past the trees. I just set my pack down and found something to snack on. It didn't last long and I was on my way shortly after. There were a few areas the grass and weeds were tall and the trail narrow. Another place the weeds had taken over and you had to make your way through it and could just see the blazes on the tops of the posts five foot high. The last three miles were uphill. I ran into some day hikers and they gave me a package of nutter butter cookies. I hauled them to the top of the climb and stopped at a scenic view and enjoyed them. I hiked one more mile and was in camp shortly after seven. My marathon hike was over and I was ready for some food and to relax. I passed over two interstates today. The temps seemed a little cooler today and all the hiking with no tree cover wasn't too bad. I feel a shin splint trying to develop but hopefully a short day tomorrow will help so it doesn't get any worse. Even with the big mileage it was a great day to hike. I guess it is time to get some sleep....I hear the animals snooping around camp
Date: 2016-06-01
From: Darlington

To: Duncannon (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

6/1/16Pretty good night of sleep...whenever I was awake it did sound like something was moving around out side my tent though. I was charging my phone and I think my external battery overheats it because it shut down. I thought it crashed and I would have to reload everything again but all my stuff was still there. All that walking through the field was terrible on my allergies. Between blowing my nose....swatting gnat's and brushing cobwebs off my face I was not having a good day. And what laid ahead but another field with four foot high wheat and a narrow path to go through. By the time I got through it I was sneezing and had yellow pollen all over me. I usually don't get irritated but today I was and having a bad day hiking. I was only going eleven miles so it shouldn't have been a bad day. So I stopped said a prayer....cleaned my glasses and decided to slow down and make it the best hike possible. I started giving thanks for all the blessings in my life and my problems faded to a point. Still stumbling over rocks and even fell once, but the day was better. The miles started adding up and I was actually in town by 12;30. I ate at the Doyle which is a famous bar/hotel you walk past on the AT. It is a real old cool hotel but not the nicest one you will come across. I was thinking of going to another hotel with AC but my allergies had settled down and I decided to stay here. Still contemplating a zero day tomorrow and staying here again. I did get laundry done and the local store had someone come and pick several hikers up to go resupply at 4 pm. A bonus was Christ Lutheran Church a couple of blocks away had "Hiker Feed" on Wednesdays June through July, so I scored a free spaghetti dinner with salad and fruit and homemade ice cream. It was great and I hadn't been seeing a ton of hikers but we had a nice crowd there tonight. Some of the hikers I thought were long past me showed up...some how I had gotten ahead of them. Afterwards I went and sat on the balcony of the hotel. What started as a crappy day turned out to be a pretty good day.