morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2018-07-04
From: Boiling Springs Backpackers Campsite 

To: Cove Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The train wasn¢t that bad with earplugs, I woke up a couple times during the night but may have just been from regular stuff. I was out around 7:30 and stopped by the cafe in town for second breakfast to go. The trail wasn¢t well marked in town and was a little confusing where to go. That always happens on roads; in the woods it is easy to see where to go!The morning went quickly, mostly going through pastures or the woods next to them. I did find a bunch of raspberries that complemented my bagel. The weather was cloudy so not as hot as it¢s been (ie triple digits heat index).For lunch I stopped at a barn the ATC uses for work crews that has a picnic table and water spigot. What I didn¢t realize is that it¢s also a popular spot for locals to go tubing on the river. Let¢s just say... there were some colorful characters.The afternoon was a little tougher, but not bad. I rested at the next shelter which had the ¢Taj Majal¢ privy (even signed accordingly). Someone wrote it was bigger than their whole apartment!The skies darkened and I could hear thunder, but only got sprinkled on and the thunder passed, so figured I was safe.When I got to the shelter, there was only an old section hiker inside. I figured it wouldn¢t be very popular as it was a ways off trail, the water was further, and we are only a few miles from town. As old men are notorious for snoring and signs warned of a ¢porcupine party¢, I decided to tent. Unfortunately, there weren¢t really any good spots. Which was disappointing because the last shelter had so many! I found a sloped rocky spot, but figured since the storm passed I wouldn¢t have to worry too much about rain.Well, as I was getting water after setting up my tent, the heavens opened up. If I had just waited 15 minutes I would have set up in the shelter. But at least I was dry and could dry out my tent in town tomorrow. It was also a good test of some of the holes I had taped on the rain fly.I escaped to the shelter to cook and figure out some logistics. When I got back to the tent, the fly was soaked and the outside of the bathtub was super muddy, but the inside was dry. And I was hoping the rain will put a damper on some fireworks tonight. I like to see them live, but hearing them all night long when you observe hiker midnight is tough!
Date: 2018-07-06
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Yellow Springs
Miles today: 20.1

I left my rain fly doors open last night because it was so warm and I didn¢t think it was going to rain. Well, I woke up at 2am to a downpour. I quickly closed the doors and fell back asleep pretty quickly. When I woke up around 6, my fly had mostly dried. However, all my clothes I hung were soaked. Well, I figured they would either dry when I was wearing them or would get soaked again. Someone said the heat advisory was now replaced by flood warning. Good thing we were already up high!I got out at 8 and the weather was a lot cooler. It sprinkled a bit, but nothing serious. And the trail followed the ridge so that was nice with a couple of views back over the Susquehanna and Duncannon. Unfortunately, it was a bit rocky and my wet socks weren¢t helping. I just took it nice and slow, also had to conserve my water because there was a long stretch without.When I finally got to the spring, it was almost two and I hadn¢t had lunch yet. I ended up sitting for over an hour and a half resting my feet and figuring the next towns (no good options if I want resupply and cheap but decent motel or private hostel room).When I got back on the trail, sun was trying to come out. But I was in the green tunnel and finally feeling bored. This has been an interesting thing because most thru hikers listen to headphones. But so far I have always occupied myself with the natural sounds. I remember seeing a family of day hikers that were maybe half hour from the parking lot trailhead and felt the need to play music out loud. The fact that they couldn¢t just be happy with the sounds around them for a short time amazed me. There have been multiple times I am lost in my thoughts or surroundings and get jarred by someone playing music out of their phone.Well, call me a hypocrite because I have become one of them and put my headphones on. I originally got an iPhone so it could sync with the iTunes on my computer before I left, but that didn¢t work. I just figured out how to download podcasts for free and listen to them while in airplane mode. I only have a few This American Life, Invisibilia, and Sounds of the Trail episodes but will be on the lookout for more next time I get WiFi!The rest of the afternoon went quickly, although some steep and rocky parts slowed me down. I had originally planned on making it to the next shelter, but stopped a group campsite near water. A guy had already set up and a few more came, but everyone kind of kept to themselves and were in tents by 8. Guess the heat and rain are getting to everyone!
Date: 2018-07-08
From: 501 Shelter

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

Note: this post contains some mildly graphic descriptionsI got to sleep later than usual last night, woke up at the normal time but kept going back to sleep until 8:30!My legs didn¢t feel horrible, the weather nice so I took slow and got out around 11. I made the executive decision to wear sandals to reduce some of the friction even though the terrain was full of mud and sharp pointy rocks. Baaad idea, my feet got torn up!Since I had a big late breakfast, was going to skip lunch. However, around 3 I hit a sign right before PA183 saying ¢Trail magic ahead by Hawk Woman¢. Sometimes there are old signs up, so I didn¢t get my hopes up. Hawk Woman is an older lady that through hiked in 2016 so knew exactly what we wanted! Burgers, veggies, chocolate milk, etc. Similar to yesterday, she had her family and friends there and it was super chill. I stayed there a while, and when I got to the actual road there were coolers with food and a woman with ¢Trail Angel¢ license plate! Not sure what it is about central PA, but there has been a bunch of trail magic!The afternoon was a lot tougher than the morning. I guess the heat or distance got to my legs and they started killing me. The bumps had developed into pus-filled blisters, even under my shorts, and felt like on fire. I could feel the skin on my knees rubbing against itself every step. Plus I kept stubbing my toes on rocks and bleeding. I probably was going less than two miles an hour.Unfortunately the shelter was 0.3 miles off trail, but I was thinking it would still be easier than going on to a campsite without amenities so I stopped there. The spring was on the way, I stopped and tried to wash off all the dirt and blood but it was so caked on. I debated staying in the shelter since no one else was, but it was kind of dark and weird so just set up my tent right next to it.Even though I had eaten so much I didn¢t need dinner, I didn¢t get done with all my chores until after dark. Mawga showed up and set his tent in the shelter, I was a little annoyed since I thought I would have privacy but it was nice because he had extra hydrocortisone cream he gave me.It ended up being another late night since walking anywhere was a process, but glad to be lying down!
Date: 2018-07-10
From: Hamburg Microtel

To: Hamburg Microtel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was hoping to sleep in a bit but woke up at the normal time. Breakfast wasn¢t a lot, but enough. They are probably used to hikers because all of the bowls and plates were super small. I talked with a hiker that was taking a shuttle to Yungling Brewery and I was considering but wouldn¢t be ready in time. Instead, I relaxed and took a long bath while listening to Brandi Carlile.Eddie the Trail Angel took me to the post office where I had an awesome care package (so much food though I need to get back on trail to eat it!). He then drove me to the library so I could update blog/Facebook. It really is easier to do from a desktop computer. When I was done, I walked a bit around downtown Hamburg. It is actually pretty cute with coffee shops, antique stores, etc. I stopped in an old drugstore/soda fountain to grab some supplies and Eddie happened to come in with his family so it worked out he could drive me back. He grew up in the area, and knew all the old stores. We talked about opening up an outfitter/hiker friendly store in town... one can dream!
Date: 2018-07-11
From: Hamburg Microtel

To: Cohen Residence
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up at normal time with my legs looking better, but still didn¢t want to be in the sun with them. Eddie was going to pick up hikers at the Budget Motel in Reading, so I figured it would be good to go with him. Then I could stay somewhere cheaper, be closer to Philly, etc.It was about half hour ride, and when we got to the parking lot the hikers were sitting outside. When I asked how it was, they kind of looked at each other and were like ¢well it is super dirty, has bedbugs, but if you are desperate for a shower and bed it will work¢. I didn¢t really need that since I spent the last two nights at a motel so stayed in the parking lot trying to decide what to do. My legs were getting better and it hadn¢t even been 48 hours since I started meds so I didn¢t see a need for any more medical visits. I talked with my sister and she was able to pick me up that afternoon and take me back to her home in Philly even though it was an hour each way for her. While I was waiting I was able to eat some of the food in my bag since it was so full and I wasn¢t eating any. I forgot about the hiker smell, so first thing we did when she picked me up was stop at the store for deodorant! I was able to rest and then help pick up my super cute nephews and hang out with them the rest of the day.
Date: 2018-07-12
From: Cohen Residence

To: Cohen Residence
Miles today: 0.0

I slept until seven and didn¢t get out of bed until nine. My legs looked better, but there were still a few blisters that haven¢t popped yet. I didn¢t really do anything all day, but maybe the Benadryl kicked in because I was feeling tired and lethargic anyway. A shame because the weather was so nice and I was stuck inside. We picked up my nephews in the afternoon and went out for pizza. So I finally got fresh air around 5!
Date: 2018-07-13
From: Cohen Residence

To: Cohen Residence
Miles today: 0.0

I was debating going to a dermatologist or medical facility regarding my legs, but decided I was healing so they couldn¢t really do much. But spent most of the morning on the phone with insurance, etc. Around lunchtime, my parents arrived. They had already planned on coming to Pennsylvania for a medical procedure, and were going to meet me on the trail. Now it just worked out instead seeing them at my sisters.We hung out the afternoon then they picked up the boys. We all had Thai dinner.
Date: 2018-07-15
From: Cohen Residence

To: Eckville Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0

Woke up to grey but dry skies. I had some stomach issues so didn¢t sleep much and was feeling out of it. Got out of Philly around 8 and on got to Port Clinton about 9:30. It was a little tough to find the trail (as in other towns), but eventually found the spot Eddie picked me up on Monday so I could start back at the same place.After a week of sitting inside during beautiful sunny days, the skies opened up into a downpour as I climbed up the ridge. Still, it felt good to be on the trail again and wouldn¢t expect it to greet me any other way! Luckily the thunder passed quickly, but the rain lasted a few hours. It finally cleared up in the afternoon and the sun even came out.I got to the Eckville Shelter really early, but there weren¢t good options in the next few miles as I wanted good water for my leg situation, so decided to call it a day after only 15 miles. Eckville was similar to the 501 shelter but was literally right on the road, just up from the trail. It is basically a normal house where the caretaker lives, a small bunkhouse, privy, and tenting in a yard across the street. There were a few other people tenting so I joined them. There were some familiar names in the logbook, so some of the people from a while ago may have caught up to me.I had dinner, went to the bathroom and my stomach felt better. Was weird having so much free time, but will rest up for normal miles tomorrow.
Date: 2018-07-16
From: Eckville Shelter 

To: Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: clear sky

I woke up at 5:30 and was out before seven. It was a little unfortunate as it was foggy and had to pack up a wet tent, but I¢m glad I left when I did because the terrain was probably one of the toughest in a while.I had planned on doing 24 to a shelter, which didn¢t seem like that much and the terrain was flat. What I didn¢t expect were the rocks. Yes, it¢s not been great since Duncannon, but today was probably 80% climbing over boulders and sharp pointy rocks angled badly. A lot were still wet from yesterday¢s rain (and today¢s humidity isn¢t helping) which made the smooth ones tricky. It all culminated in Knife¢s Edge, a quarter mile scramble only a few jagged rocks wide with decent views.Another issue was that there isn¢t a lot of water in this section. I basically had to go 7 or 24 miles. Someone did put a few jugs at a road crossing which was nice.A further complication for me was this is the first day I¢ve really felt chafing in my inner thigh. I know it¢s a common thing, but somehow I¢ve been spared so don¢t carry body glide, etc.All these factors resulted in my hobbling into camp after seven, meaning I averaged less than 2 miles an hour. And I took a short lunch! I was sore, dehydrated, and hungry so wasn¢t thinking straight. I probably should have just set up in the shelter, but it was crowded. I think there were sites down the hill, but I was lazy so set up my tent in a less than ideal spot. It didn¢t really even matter because I kind of half-assed it and the rain fly wasn¢t totally covering. Chance of rain tonight so I put my bag in the shelter just in case, trudged through camp chores, and passed out.Rocksylvania is no joke!
Date: 2018-07-17
From: Outerbridge Shelter

To: Blue Mountain Northwest Ridge
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: moderate rain

I walk up around six, took my time and was one of the first out around eight. Luckily, it didn¢t rain last night and was sunny this morning. Since there¢s no good water for the next 17 miles, I cameled up and filled my bladder, so was carrying about 5 extra pounds.The first mile was basically down to a road junction to Palmerton, Slatington, and Walnutport. After crossing the Lehigh River, the trail ascended steeply up Blue Mountain. I¢m talking hand over hand scrambling and rock climbing. It was tough (especially with the extra water weight) but fun and much more enjoyable than the rock walking of yesterday. Think I gained some serious muscles in my legs!Once on the ridge, the trail leveled and was pretty easy with good views of Palmerton. Interestingly, it was actually a Superfund site they turned into a nature preserve, the only the country.Dark clouds started rolling in, so I had a quick lunch and barely through on my rain gear before it started pouring. Luckily there was minimal lightning and I was glad I had done the rock climb in nice weather!The rain continued on and off the rest of the afternoon. I got to the shelter before 5 and still had some energy, plus it was pretty crowded with no privy, so decided to fill up on water and continue on. Unfortunately, I didn¢t realize the close water was still dry despite the rain and had to  a steep half mile away. By the time I got back to the trail, it was already 5:30. I planned on going a few more miles, but heard thunder and legs started chafing so found a stealth spot only a mile after the shelter. I quickly took care of camp chores and was able to escape to my tent before the storm.
Date: 2018-07-18
From: Blue Mountain Northwest Ridge

To: Church of the Mountain
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

I slept all the way until 7, luckily the morning sun dried everything out and was on the trail around 8:30.The terrain was pretty easy and the rocks not too bad. The only issue was no water until the shelter in 12 miles. I had a nice lunch at Wolf Rocks, and the Kirkridge Shelter actually had a spigot courtesy of a retreat center next door.I made it to Delaware Water Gap around 5, passing Lake Lenape. It made me think that the trail really doesn¢t go by many lakes, at least not yet!There is a church that has a free hostel, so I quickly set up my tent  and ran to the outfitter before they closed. Must have gotten the hours wrong because they already were.Unfortunately, there is no grocery store so I had to resupply at a gas station. Not ideal, but I made it work. Probably would have been better if I wasn¢t hungry!I was in the mood for a burger and a beer, so went to a place that billed itself as a ¢grill/taproom¢. But when I asked the server about the beer selection she had to check and was like ¢Budweiser, Miller Lite..¢   The guy at the next table was lap surprised so we started talking. He is from Long Island but does a lot of hiking in New England and got me excited for the Whites.The internet wasn¢t working great at the restaurant, so I ended up having to go outside the ice cream shop to update!
Date: 2018-07-19
From: Church of the Mountain

To: Rattlesnake Mountain Stream
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up at 5 and it was cold and foggy so took my time and went through yesterday¢s resupply. My plan had been to go to the bakery for breakfast, but since they didn¢t open until 8, I decided to just eat food I had and get out earlier. People were packed inside the bunk room area, and when I left at 7:30 most were still sleeping.After a short walk through town, the trail crossed the Delaware River and into New Jersey. Pennsylvania started great, but between my dermatitis and the rocks it got rough and I was glad to be done. The sky cleared as I walked by Kittatinny Point and nice beaches along the river.There was a gradual climb but it was over a few miles so not bad. And the weather was sunny but not too hot. Had a snack at Sunfish Pond at cool rock sculptures. Apparently it is one of the ¢Seven Wonders of New Jersey¢. I¢m curious of the others... Bruce Springsteen?  I wasn¢t planning on stopping at the Mohican Outdoor Center, but heard they had some gear so wanted to check it out. The MOC (not sure if anyone actually calls it that) is run by the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and is a retreat center with cabins, camping, store, grill, etc. It¢s only a quarter mile off the trail so I figured why not. When I got there, a big group of hikers had just ordered lunch. Even though I wanted to reduce my food weight in my pack, a sandwich sounded good so I ordered one. Everyone got there food and I kept waiting. I went back to the desk and when the worker finally got done checking in a group was like ¢Oh, they didn¢t make it? I will then!¢ She was nice about it, but didn¢t offer me anything. I guess it¢s all for a good cause, as was my $8 bandanna!I was probably there close to two hours so booked it the afternoon. The terrain was pretty easy and perfect weather, so made good time. The only issue was not a lot of water, so set up camp a little sooner than I wanted. The stream was pretty stagnant so I had to play around with the rocks and leaves for a bit to make a funnel and get some flow. But I was able to find a stealth spot away from the trail and got all my chores done pretty early so all in all a great day!
Date: 2018-07-20
From: Rattlesnake Mountain Stream

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: clear sky

I got up at 6 and was out at 7:30. The morning was pretty easy and had decent views (flat but of trees not farms). I felt good being in nature so didn¢t listen to headphones.At the US 206 road crossing there is a bar that lets hikers get water, but they weren¢t open yet. I saw a gas station sign so assumed they had a convenience store, but it was literally only gas and tires. A little ways down was a fishing store, but they had Gatorade which was worth the walk!I lunched at the Sunrise Mountain pavilion, and talked to a bunch of day hikers about thru hiking and the blog.At the Mashipacong Shelter, a trail angel had left water in the bear box, but what caught my attention were signs for magic ahead. At the Deckertown Turnpike was an awesome setup with tons of fresh food, plus spices and condiments packets to go. I probably stayed there at least an hour. Up ahead was the office for High Point State Park. In addition to bathrooms, they offer a free soda to thru hikers.  Plus someone had left yogurts and chocolate milk! So stayed there a bit, plus realized I had left my water bottle a quarter mile back so that took time.A few miles up was a wooden platform observation tower. It had good views and a few locals smoking weed. They had no idea about the AT and were amazed about thru hikes (although may have been the drugs...)I finally made it to the side trail to the monument. I stashed my bag and ran up. It is the actual highest point in New Jersey and had a great 365 degree view. I talked to some more people about thru hiking. Definitely felt like a celebrity!By the time I got to the shelter and set up my tent, it was almost dark. I ended up setting up by the privy, but the smell was fine and it was away from everyone.I went over to the spring by the shelter to soak my feet and talked for a while with Bright, who used to be a volunteer coordinator with Habitat. Before we knew it, was after 9:30!Overall a long but satisfying day. The only issue were the rocks started getting bad and my shoes were rubbing badly against my feet, definitely time for new ones! (Shoes, not feet... I have been quite pleased with them!)
Date: 2018-07-23
From: Wildcat Shelter 

To: William Brian Shelter 
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: light rain

It rained off and on pretty much all night. I finally got up at 6 and was the first one out around 7 in just a drizzle.The first couple of hours were super easy including walking up a waterfalls and I was thinking it would be no problem to pull a big day. Well, that ended with what the guide warns, ¢Despite the unimposing profile, abrupt ups and downs make this section challenging.¢ It was like other states would be like ¢oh, we need the trail to get to the top? Let¢s wind around and use switchbacks¢ but New York was like ¢Nope, going straight up the middle!¢ The rain didn¢t help either. One nice thing is a local group stashed waters at each of the road crossings. Not that the creeks were dry with all the rain, but it was nice not having to filter.It got a lot easier once the trail entered Harriman State Park. Well, by easier it was normal ascents and descents. It was actually a pretty area with a lake, open views, etc. The weather was super finicky- basically every hour would pour for twenty minutes, then clear up and sun would come out.Even though overall the terrain was easier, there was a section called Lemon Squeezer that was a narrow opening between two boulders. I was stubborn and didn¢t take off my pack, which was a mistake because it made me slower and the mosquitoes and rain got me.A few more miles in, someone had left a note warning about a bee/wasp nest. I didn¢t see anything for a while so forgot about it, but about an hour later I felt a sting on my knee. It¢s always something!I finally got to the shelter and Rogue Cartographer was there with his family. I haven¢t seen him since southern Virginia so we caught up a bit, then they left for the next shelter. That had been my original plan, but was too beat up to push on. The only cool thing is you can see the NYC skyline from there, but I¢m guessing not in this rain anyway. There was no privy or box but the shelter was nice and stone with bunks. Unfortunately there was no broom and was really dirty - even hiker trash have standards!Slowly everyone arrived running in from the rain - Zephyr, Blue Moon, TBD with his friend, and Mademoiselle. We all stayed in the shelter, such wusses! Someone was talking about us becoming a trail family so I will have to put in big miles and get away from them soon...