morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-18
To: Ironmasters Mansion Hostel
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Got a great nights sleep last night. PC & J showed up around 8:00. I visited with them a bit and hit the sack around 9:00. Hitechs having some foot issues, so we've taken our time breaking camp today. It's 10:00 and we're heading to the next shelter, kinda slow, to give him a chance to catch us. During breakfast, I sang a chorus from an Uncle Tupelo song "Let's take the long cut, we'll get there eventually" Halfway through, Porkchop chimes in, he says that songs been in his head the last few days. How perfect is that? We arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, home of the Half Gallon Challenge (care to eat a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting?)around 2:00pm. It is a thru-hiker tradition, but I declined, I'd rather not puke ice cream all over the trail. Well as the day went on, we had quite a crew accumulate. In addition to me, PC & J, we had Hitech, Toothfairy, Fire, Whisp, 46'er, Storyteller, and the Pro from Dover showed up. It's a class of '06 reunion at the HALFWAY POINT! 1087 down, 1087 to go. Wild. We all hung around the campstore, all the others ate ice cream. Fire finished her half gallon in 22 minutes 11 seconds. It was decided, mostly by the severe thunder and lightning storm to stay next door at the Ironmasters Mansion Hostel. While at the campstore, Don, the employee took group pictures for us. Nice guy, thank you very much. The Hostel is a huge brick building built back in Colonial times. At one point in time it served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The power went out in the park around 4:00pm. As night fell, we're all real happy that we carry headlamps. If you ask me, a headlamp is one of the most essential pieces of gear we carry. No sight out here could be very dangerous. I feel great to be among these hikers. We're all charged up and ready for the next half. On to Katahdin! KILL YOUR TELEVISION
Date: 2006-07-19
To: Backpackers Campsite
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: light rain

The sunlight streamed through an opening in the tree canopy, bathing the bridge in it's warm glow. The four hikers sat silently on the bridge, watching the creek babble peacefully by. The dog laid in the water, alternately lapping a drink and snapping at the flies that encircled his head. One of the hikers spoke "Hey guys, the store is about one two from here, let's hit it" The others nodded in agreement and began to move towards their packs. "Food" "Cokes" "Beer?" They buckled their packs on and slowly began shuffling northward again. The sounds of civilization could be heard just a short ways away. Trains, cars, a construction crew. The cool shade of the forest was a welcome contrast to the heat of the sun. The hikers strung out along the trail, roughly fifty yards apart. The first hiker came to the road crossing, paused, checked for white blazes across the street and resumed hiking. A construction crew was gathered around their project. Nods, waves, and hello's were exchanged. The pattern was repeated with each passing hiker. As the last hiker (and dog) went through, one of the workers muttered "Crazy Hippies". The others had a good laugh as they returned to standing around the jobsite.
Date: 2006-07-20
To: Darlington Shelter -tent
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

Hmm, way too freaking hot today. I didn't get much sleep last night. The Backpackers Campsite is located in a tick and mosquito infested field, directly next to a railroad track. Twelve, yes twelve freight trains, complete with whistles and screetching wheels passed by in the night. We (Pro, Hitech, Porkchop and I) had breakfast at JC's Cafe in Boiling Springs. Damn good coffee. Then we visited the regional ATC headquarters and did some post office stuff. I sent almost 6 pounds of gear and food back to Cari's place. That sure makes a difference on my back and legs. During the late morning hours, I was feeling pretty shitty. Nausea, chills, headache. Heat exhaustion anyone? A lot of the trail today was through a flat valley, surrounded by fields. Not much in the way of tree cover. I was taking a break when Fire, Whisp and Toothfairy showed up. They could tell something wasn't right, and walked with me the next few miles to Scott Farm ATC center. Got there around 2:00 and watered up. (I've been dehydrated a few times out here, today I WAS doing everything right) I took an hour or so nap and felt a lot better. During my nap , 46'er and Storyteller showed up as well. Everyone hung around for a few hours. We met ridgerunner Will, who lives on the property. We exchanged trail stories with him for a bit, and then took off around 6:30. It was only three miles to Darlington, I guess we all decided it wasn't worth it to hike in the midday sun. Darlington was a beautiful shelter, very new, with a huge two seat privy. Privies are so funny, there's so much variety in design and implementaion. 46'er gave me some gatorade, which helped out. Thanks to all my friends for looking out for me today. KILL YOUR TELEVISION
Date: 2006-07-21
To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3

Not too much to report on today's hike excpt rocks and mosquitos. Lots of mosquitos! We rolled into Duncannon around noon. My neck was tight. I was hoping to find a massage. A block from the Doyle, I found a spa. Let's see, hair, no...nails, no...massage, yeah! I jokingly asked them if I should shower first....heehee.We checked into the hiker friendly Doyle Hotel (www.doylehotel.com) and met the awesome proprietors, Pat and Vickie. I cleaned up and scheduled my massage. Lisa did a great job, working out the kinks and knots in my body. She said they really don't get a lot of hikers in there, which is a complete mystery to me. I've gone too long without one. We did laugh about the fact that the hikers who do come in are generally the 40 and up crowd. Our old bodies need a bit more work. Didn't do much else besides relax and drink a bunch of water and gatorade. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0

We awoke to dark skies and pouring rain. My neck and left shoulder were still a bit stiff, and I had experienced a few more chills on Friday (residual effects of heat exhaustion, I don't know). Those factors, coupled with the fact I'd be carrying a full load of food out of town, were enough to convince me to stay in town. But there was more. I've lost so much weight that the hip belt on my pack doesn't adjust down anymore. As a result, it's been pinching and bruising upper mid hip area. After I'd washed off all the hiker gfrime and took a closer look at myself in the mirror, I realized some of those red marks were hike finflicted rash. We're in tick country/season now. Deer ticks are ridiculously small. I've been doing daily checks for a while and have tried to educate myself. I didn't think this was a tick bite, but I had many of the symptoms associated with Lyme. Sore muscles, headache, chills, fatigue,...but hey, those just come from hiking.I checked and the local doctors were closed. I could get a ride to Harrisburg, 15 miles away, but they only had an emergency room. I called the local doctor's answering service, told them what was going on, and the doctor called me back in five minutes. She asked me questions, taught me some more, and said I didn['t have a tick bite. It's obviously some sort of bug bit, I'm still not sure what. The doctor was very generous with her time and knowledge. Much appreciated. She said most of the people that come to her for tick bites don't have tick bites. Now I'm more educated too.I shared the good news and new knowledge with my pals. They and I are all glad I'm not going to die a slow, miserable death. I spent some time at the internet cafe, even uploading a week's worth of journal. I have real shitty handwriting. Believe me, this transcribing is tough. Thanks, Adrienne (you're welcome, Steve).Talked to Jan who invited me to speak at her Baltimore classroom this fall after my hike. I gladly accepted. Went out for some killer taco pizza. The Doyle has live music Saturday night by Sue, who plays guitar and harmonica. Covers all the old folk and blues favorites, lots of gems. She was real good. I didn't catch all of her set, but got to hear Dylans' "Shelter from the Storm," "Me and Bobby McGee," and more. Pat played harp on a tune, as did patron Tommy. Great to hear live music. Lately, I've had the pleasure of hikingj alongside Pro, (who treated us to the solos from "Sultans of Swing" the other day on his backpack guitar). Beyond that, live music has been conspicously absent from my life. Bummer. Oh, a stick has to be in you for 24-36 hours for you to be at risk for contracting Lyme. Hence the daily self checks. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Clark's Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: broken clouds

Well, 4.6 is better than zero! The four of us and Jackson, all kinda hung around the Doyle today. Checked out at noon, ate lunch, visited with incoming hikers (Mash showed up just as I was headed out). He had a great time in DC. I'll hear more later. Planned on 11 today, settled for 4. Didn't leave town til 3ish or so. I put together a very reasonsable, very doable, very timely schedule to be in Kent, CT, by 8/12 with no zeros. We're all planning individual trips and stops along the way, but this keeps us on the same rough page. Hitech's going to NYC, hell with that, not for me. I'd rather visit Ashtray in MA. Anyway, this foursome (plus dog) seems to be traveling well together. Just as I wrote that, I recalled writing that a long time ago. Yep, the day or two before I parted ways with Dogwood, Fireman, and Zamboni. Haha. I doubt that will happen at this point. Besides, Pro's mom asked the other day. "Um, I have a feeling I'll be feeding more than just you when you get here." (In CT). Hey mom, yep, there'll be a few of us. Kill your television.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Clark's Ferry Shelter

To: Yellow Springs Village
Miles today: 19.7

Amazing what a bit of time and perspective provide. All my "illness" lately has probably only been lack of sleep (at Backpackers Campsite) coupled with an allergic reaction to a mosquito bite. No Lyme, probably not heat exhaustion, just some simple stuff. Amazing the perspective I have on my old life. There's plenty of time to chew over old events, decisions both good and bad, paths followed or not, dots connected from one and not to the other. I'm hoping to be better at making the right decisions in a more timly fashion moving out of this. I think that's going to happen. This journey has been the most challenging and rewarding experience I've ever had. I've experienced highest highs and lowest lows, both physically and emotionally. (sometimes all on the same day!) In all honesty, coming out of HF, I thought about throwing in the towel. I'd walked a thousand miles. A thousand miles is quite an accomplishment, right?I can always come back and finish up some other time, right? I'm tired and need more rest, right? and on. And I could answer yes to every one of 'em. But I did not come out here to quit. No more quitting for me. I need to have this. It's up to me to make it happen, no one else can be pointed at if it doesn't.Largely uneventful day, long ridge walk, one descent, then nearly 1000' ascent to the next ridge. Took a nice break at the beautiful Peters Mountain Shelter. Pressed on to Yellow Springs Village, basically a clearing in the woods, site of a long lost village. On the way in, Pro and I ran into a rattlesnake. This one never coiled, but rattled loudly to let us know he was there. Beautiful snake really, darn near five feet long. Pro played us some Dylan and Dead. Then we all crashed around hiker midnight. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Yellow Springs Village

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

This morning as we were breaking camp, Pro, Hitech, and I discussed journalling. In the conversation, I mentioned that I had just written I had considered quitting around HF. They each emphatically expressed the same feeling. Our discussion turned from journalling to our feelings about the trip. Seems we've all been feeling some of the same things over the last week or so. As it turns out, all fresh in our resolve to finish the trail. I'm glad the coversation came round. I knew (or thought I knew) that I couldn't be the only one feeling this, people drop off all the time. Quitting is just not something we talk about. Pretty easy walk today, only two climbs. I minimized my breaks and hiked at a good clip. Why you ask? Why pizza of course. 501's a place you can have pizza delivered to the nearby road. I was about 15 minutes from the shelter when the thunder first cracked. It started raining shortly after. I slapped on my pack cover. Hitech caught me there, we hiked fast and went up to the shelter. PC & J showed up about 45 minutes after us, completely soaked. Put together a pizza order and Pro called it in. With about 10 minutes left in our wait time, the rain quit. Hitech and I left 5 minutes later, upon which time it began to pour, like Noah's Ark kinda pout. We dashed down to the parking lot, a tenth or so away. Tried staying out of the rain by the park sign, but the overhang was like 8 inches. A few minutes later the pizza guy pulled up. He told us it wasn't raining in the valley. That explains why the sun was shining too. I grabbed the pizza and started running. The parking lot had become a lake, some spots were 6 inches deep. I splashed through the last puddle and found the trail. It had turned into a stream! We got the food back safe and dry. Changed into dry clothes and began to chow. Good pizza and salad. 501 is more like a bunkhouse. It's about the size of a 2 1/2 car garage with 12 bunks, a 15 foot kitchen table, and a huge skylight in the rood. I've really been impressed by the PA shelters, all different but all very nice. We were joined by Jamman, Riceburner, 46'er and Storyteller, and Socks. It's 9:15 and the rain seems to have finally let up. Long day, I'm tired, but no more than I should be. I'm looking forward to hiking tomorrow to Maine. Adn so are my buds! Oh, we've less than a thousand to go. Sitting at 995.1 to Katahdin. Let the countdown begin!
Date: 2006-07-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA Pavillion
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Ahh, the sleepy little town of Port Clinton, PA. I hurried to get here, not quite sure why. Let's see, there's a post office and a restaurant, but not much else. Note even a laundromat or pay phone. The town, or rather local church, allows thru hikers to use their park pavillion as an overnight shelter, so that's a plus. Had lunch at 3 C's restaurant, excellent haddock and salad. Barb, a friend of Storyteller and 46'er, approached Hitech and me. Are you the hikers? Do we smell that bad, we joked. She offered us a ride to the grocery store later in the day. Porkchop's aunt and a couple of his buddies came in to hike with him for a few days. Barb cam around about 4:30 and took us first to Cabelas, then the grocery story.Cabelas Sporting Goods was a trip, huge megastore. Chock full of guns, ammo, fishing rods, stuffed game, and cast iron cook post. Not much for a thru hiker, but a definite sensory overload experience. After shopping, Barb and I drove a car up to the trail head for PC&B and company to hike to. During the whole shopping/driving experience, my left knee started to act funny, tightening up. Once back to the pavilion, I climbed in my tent and moaned, "This isn't good!" Peace.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Port Clinton, PA Pavillion

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 100.0
Weather: clear sky

No, I didn't hike a hundred miles, I shuttled. During the night and on into the day, my knee wouldn't hold my full weight, let alone with a pack. I walked around town, looking for way out of town. First the post office, try the peanut shop, and the bus stops across the street. Into the peanut shop, "Do you know a bus schedule?" Um, no, I think you just flag them down. "Um, any idea how often they stop by?" Sorry, no. Thanks...down to the bar. "Hello, do you know anything about the bus service?" Nope. "Um, is there any way out of this town?" Walk. "Oh, what if you can't walk?" Sorry, hun.I began to feel like I was in a Stephen King movie, in which the whole townsfolks' brains had been abducted by aliens. Got back to the pavilion and recited my experience. We all started laughing. Reminded me of the David Gilmore tune, "There's no way out of here, once you're in, you're in for good." Finally found an old beat up business card that had been thumb tacked to a shelter post. I called and left a message, which was returned quickly. Sure, we can get you to DWG, it's a dollar a mile. I went for it. What else could I do? Fritz showed up about an hour later and we hit the road. Got to DWG a couple hours later. There's a great church hostel here, but I wanted a motel room. Peace and quiet, soft bed, lots of pillows, hot shower, etc. I found out the hiker friendly Ramada had been flooded, and they were closed for clean up and repairs. The only other motel in town was the Water Gap Resort. I checked in there for two nights, then Fritz and I went to check out the hostel. When we arrived I ran into my buddies, Stretch, Cud, and Prana. They were all surprised and excited to see me. We hung out and caught up on things, then I walked back to my room around 7:00pm. MOre on the Water Gap resort tomorrow. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Wow, where do I even begin to describe my experience at the Water Gap Resort? Bizarre, crazy, surreal, and weird. Let's start by saying to everyone, DON'T STAY AT THE WATER GAP RESORT! Last night, I checked in. Rate quoted to me was $75. I asked the man if he had a hiker rate or a multi-night discount. Two nights would be $59 each. I'll take it. Dropped my pack and visited the hostel. Upon my return, I tried to make a phone call. Nothing but static. I returned to the front desk. It's a Korean family that runs the resort. Their 7 year old boy was the only one present. I asked for his dad. Both mom and dad showed. I told them I needed to make a call. The lady told me I could use the house phone, and it was ok to make a long distance call. Why thank you, how nice. During my call, the man shows ups. What you doing? Phone is for local calls only! Well, the lady said I could make a long distance call. She's an idiot, he proclaims, (and this has what to do with me?)He continues to get up in my face, helling and ranting. I offered to pay him $5.00 for the call. No way, it costs more than that, so I gave him $10. It was about this time I asked to check out and get a full refund. NO way! I told him that in no uncertain terms, I would be checking out the next morning at 9:00 and expected a full refund for the second night's stay. He did agree to that.They had ofference to do my wash, and I asked for my clothes back at that time, but he said they would still wash them. I resigned myself to the one night stay and went back to my room. Now the Water Gap Resort is a huge place. One old hotel with at least a hundred rooms. Then there's a bunch of out building, indoor pool/lounge area, conference center, seats 300? Half a dozen banks of motel rooms. Place is huge, at least 200 rooms. Get this. I am the only paying guest here tonight. During his tirade, the man told me they cater to large retreat groups. They don't normally cater to individuals ( as if they don't need the bother.) So we shook on our deal and I returned to my room. To relax. To take a hot shower. To prop my knee up. I hop in the shower, not even one drop of hot water. Zip. After my cold shower, I returned to the desk. Found the little boy watching tv, "Where's the Man?" Home, he points, in the blue house. Hmm, I'm not going to someone's house. I returned to a comfortable bad and got a pretty good night's sleep. Well, I was still a bit miffed. But I know my rights in consumerville and I was ready to exercise. Remember, Pacer, Peace.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Ok, here's how the check out went. I went to the office at 9:00. No one there. I called the hotel number and the lady answered. I told her I was ready to check out, please bring my clothes along. She launches into me, saying I took advantage of their favors. She said I talked to Cari for an hour, NOT. I said produce an invoice and I'd pay the difference over the $10 I already put in. Doesn't make a difference, we did you a favor and you turned into an animal! Whoa! Did you just call me an animal? How do you know that? Then she called me poor. Bizarre, eh? I figured out later that it's because I didn't have a car or even a bicycle. They really never got the concept of long distance walking.I asked her to meet me at the lobby and refund my credit card. I sat there for 45 minutes, no one ever showed. I wrote a short note, including my full name, address, and contact infor. I told them I'd never been treated like this at any hotel/motel I've ever stayed at anywhere in America. I'd return soon for my clothes and credit. I walked around town a bit, and stopped by the hostel. Pastor Karen came in to check on us all. I returned to the WGR around 11:30. Guess who's in the lobby? Yep, the little boy. This time, I'm supposed to go to the house to see his mom. Sigh. I trudged up to the front steps. The dorr was open. She invited me inside and I declined. She tried to refund me in cash, but I insisted it go back on my card. She brought me my clothes and we walked towards the office. That's when I mentioned there was no hot water in my shower. What happened, she asked me. I dunno, I replied. Sigh. The lady super apologetic, said she and her husband were fighting when I called. (And this has what to do with me?) So I did get my credit. I did get my clothes. On the way out of the grounds, the man waved at me from the gazebo. I did not wave back. Just past that point, I thought to check my clothing inventory. Missing a shirt. Damn.I walked back to the house, got my shirt, and boogied out of there. Took my pack to the hostel and found more old friends, Adam, Becka, and Don. I went to lunch with Mousehut, who I'd met briefly once or twice. Found out we had a lot in common, similar age and circumstances brought us to the trail. Went back and saw some hikers being dropped off. I didn't recognize them and then saw Danny whom I hadn't seen since Damascus. He introduced me to his friend Beth, and we got caught up a bit. A bit later, a bunch of us went to get a beer. At one point, Frankenfoot, Bobcat, Mousehat, and I were trying to determine how to hike south out of town. (Those three were doing a short sobo) (sp?) We quickly realized we didn't know, as all four of us had yellow blazed to town! LOL That evening, I pitched my tent on the lawn behind the church. Got a real good sleep! Peace.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: Church of the Moutain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Beautiful day on the AT. I awoke at 5:00am to a light sprinkle on my face. I quickly snapped my rainfly on and dozed back after the rain increased a bit. Got up around 8:00, visited with the hikers, and got ready for churhc. Yep, church. Pastor Karen was super cool and this is a beautiful church building. The service was very nice. The choir was very good. The sermon was "On the Moutain Top." Seemed kinda fitting, eh. Before church, Fire's mom and dad stopped by. They came down from Maine and brought a huge platter of bakery treats and crumb cake and sticky buns. A feeding frenzy ensued. After church, I went through my bounce box and took it easy. That evening at 6:00, the church had a jazz combo perform. Drums, guitar, standup bass. The guys were young, but very good. They performed a kickass cover of "Come Together." After the impressive performance, we learned the combo has a standing Saturday night gig at a 4star NYC hotel bar. Seems that DWG is also a general hangout for jazz musicians from all over. Was cool to hear live music. I saw a ton of hikers this weekend, coming and going. Met my first Sobos of the season. Was great to see old friends and make new ones. Peace.