morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-09-30
From: Penn-Mar Park, Maryland

To: Old Forge Road
Miles today: 8.3

Today is Thursday September 30th. We woke up at 7 a.m.in Caledonia State Park in our car. We had pizza for breakfast, which we had the night before. And got out of there at 7:45 a.m. At 8:05 we were dropping off the first car At Old Forge. Then drove down and found the trail at Pen Mar Road. Got ready and started hiking at 8:45 a.m. First you go near some homes and then underneath power lines. Then off into some woods and down to a nice creek with a bridge. Then up the other side, crossed Buena Vista Road, and then we came across the couple from yesterday, Kodak and JollyRancher. The¢re from the Carolinas and went to Western Carolina State. We took each other's others pictures. They are doing 24 miles today and they're only at 7 miles right now. We continued on the trail, was on old roads and we made good time. We crossed Highway 16 and we went through a blowdown area from Hurricane Ivan. We passed a group of the church kids and went by Kodak and JollyRancher. That was at 3.7 miles. It took us another hour to get to Deer Lick shelter from there. At 4.7 miles. Got to the shelter at 11:15 a.m, and left at about 11:32 p.m. We hiked straight through to the Old Forge and that took another hour. That's a real nice place with a toilet and water available. They have picnic tables and garbage cans. We kept hiking, went over Rattlesnake Run Road and then came to our car at 1 p.m. So now we will go pick up our other car and drive into Gettysburg. On our drive we decide to go to a Viewpoint called High Rocks, which gives you outstanding views of the Cumberland Valley. With Hagerstown off to the left. There is a guy and his 90 year old Dad up there on the rock, and they told us the history of hang gliding from here. But now since 9/11 they don't allow hang gliding from these cliffs.It's too close to Camp David, the Presidential retreat in this area. When we left there we continue down this road until we came to a gate that said ¢government property no access¢. So we left there and went down to this County Park where the trail goes straight through. This Pen Mar Park used to be a bunch of summer homes on this Cliff, with the great views of the Cumberland Valley. We walk through the park and down the trail that used to be like a trolley line, and got that part of the Appalachian trail done. From there we tried to drive to Gettysburg and go to Eisenhower National Historic Site, but our maps didn't have the park located properly, and we had trouble finding it. As it turns out you have to get to it by bus apparently, so we went on Back to Caledonia State Park. We would have chili for supper, but Terry had left the stove at home. So we drove into Fayetteville and found a Flamingo Family Restaurant and had a nice meal there. We got to our campsite at Caledonia State Park and went to sleep at 8:30 p.m.
Date: 2004-10-01
From: Shippensburg Road

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

Today is Friday October 1st. Woke up at 6:30 am, and left Caledonia State park at 6:54 a.m. Dropped off a car in the park at 7:09 and drove around to Shippensburg Road. But then we had to change clothes and eat breakfast and get ready. And finally on the trail at 8:15 am. It's a cool morning but the sun's out and it's going to warm up, I think. We are currently sitting at the Birch Run shelter about 1.3 miles in on the trail. The shelter was very nice with bunk beds and plywood flooring and high ceilings. There was some water on the trail and we did some trail maintenance as we walked along. We met Bypass7 and older gentleman on the trail. He was thru-hiking in 2001 when he had to get off the trail in Delaware for heart surgery. So that gave him his name Bypast 7, so he did the thru-hike in 2002. Now he's just out on the trail enjoying hiking wherever he wants to. We hiked on and across MilesBurn Road. We saw Milesburn cabin but it was locked, had been built in 1932.We sat on the porch and both use the privy there. We went on and over a big hill, we just charged right over it. And then flat and really nice and another hill. We passed two Young Backpackers but didn't talk to them. Came to it Trail Junction of something Hollow Road and Milesburn Road. It was a very nice Trail. Had some lunch at little dirt road crossing. Then we went downhill, we met two gentlemen doing a 3 Day hike. They're telling us the trail ahead is rocky and wet and a bad stream crossing. We went by the Quarry Gap shelter which was really really beautiful. It was in among the rhododendron. It was a duel shelter with a covered area between them. And a nice picnic table. They had flowers in hanging pots. And even a roll up plastic tarp you could use to keep the wind off you. They also had a platform tenting area. There was a nice spring available there. Also a nice bench to enjoy sitting. We left there and walked on, and finally down and came out to our car at 2:30 p.m. We drove back to Caledonia State Park, got a shower and went back to get our other car parked out on the trail. Where the two gentlemen from early today were walking out onto the road. One of their names was Bill and they were from Philadelphia. we sat there and talked to them for 15 minutes. We spent last night at Pine Groove Furnace state park. I say it was a mistake. But we paid. Terry was ok with it because it was quiet. We paid Fourteen dollars for nothing, absolutely nothing. There were pit toilets. Trying to keep the smell down by Circulating air. There were no electric, no water, no showers. Very primitive. We still have the problem of supper. So we got in the car and went on to Mt Holly Springs. And ended up eating at the Deer Lodge. Kind of on the expensive side. We had a good meal. And then we bought groceries and made a copy of Pennsylvania map. Came back to our campsite, got in the van to sleep. And then we read some by flashlight. Went to bed like nine thirty. Got up at eleven pm. Got our clothes on, drove to bathroom.  Came back, went to sleep.
Date: 2004-10-02
From: Shippensburg Road

To: Pa. 94
Miles today: 11.5

What is a split hike? 2 or more separate hikes in same day.Shippensburg Road to Pine Groove Road N 8.7miles Pa. 94 to Whiskey Springs Road S 2.8miles Today is Sat Oct 2 2004. We spent last night at Pine Groove Furnace State Park. Woke up at Seven, and on the road at 7:30. Parked the one car at Pine Groove Furnace parking area and drove the other car back up to Shippenburgs road. Had breakfast in car, got ready, on trail by 8:30. Very nice trail, easy going and mostly flat. Pretty with some bad rock and flooding areas, we like to take care of. But mostly the trail was good and we really moved out. Older Couple in parking lot asking if this was the AT. We don't know which way they went. Another couple dropped a car in the lot and left, we may pass them on the trail. And then we ran into a couple, found out we have a lot in common. Talked for twenty minutes. Slim and Bogie from Penn. Hes an engineer for York. They section hiked entire trail From 88-98 and they want to thru hike in 2007. We came to Toms Run shelter and rested there at 11:04am. Spent 20 min there. Left there heading for the car, hopefully to do more hiking. The trail from Toms Run had a lot of water on it. We passed a big group of people. The trail had some long stretches on an old road. There was a nice old gravel road. We passed people backpacking at a bridge. They took our picture, we did more trail maintenance. Finally came out to Pine Groove road at 1:00pm. Walked back to our car at 1:10pm at Pine Groove Furnace parking. Changed shoes, went to Pine Groove Furnace store for ice cream. Didnt do the half gallon ice cream challenge. We did buy a single half gallon but it was too hard to eat right then. Took it to the car and ate lunch and a half gallon of ice cream. We saw Bypass7 at store and the couple who took our picture. There were about 5 backpackers at the store. We left Shippenburg road and parked the Focus on Pa 94 and took the Caravan around on back roads to Whiskey Springs rd, where there was barely room to park. So we headed off at 3:45, where they take you up into these rocks. There were some young guys with a foam mattress doing rock climbing. The trail takes you up thru rock cervices on purpose. We finally get thru there. And there was finally a view point. Terry went on and I followed. We get down to the swamp land and couple of creeks and 2 gravel roads before hearing traffic up ahead on 94. Under some power lines and up to Pa 94 and walk to our car at 5:05PM. Drove back thru Boiling Springs, got our car and started looking for hotels. Found one in Holly Springs for $91, because of a big car show, and its Saturday. Hotel will be $43 tomorrow, so we went to Tag Run campground for $22, with nice showers, electricity and quiet. Most of the campers were permanent trailers with no one at home. Minivan camping is the best.
Date: 2004-10-03
From: Pine Groove Furnace SP

To: Pa. 94
Miles today: 10.6

Pine Groove Furnace SP to Hunters Run Road    N 7.7miles Hunters Run Road to Pa. 94   S 2.9milesToday is Sunday October 3rd. Terry's birthday. He's 59 years old today, but hes still got it. Spent the night at TAG Run Campground, we paid $22 but it was worth it. We had showers, Electricity, a quiet place. We went to bed at 8:30 pm, got up at 7:30 am. And park 1 car down at Hunter's Run Road, Near the campground, And drove up to Pine Grove Furnace State Park at Furnace parking. And we started hiking at 8:30 a.m. in the morning. It's a beautiful cool Sunny morning with clear skies. It was very nice Trail, beautiful went across some really nice Creeks on Bridges. We saw the beach area they have here in the State Park at Fuller Lake. And then I think it was an old railroad bed we were walking on. Because 1 gal passed us on a bicycle. By 9 am we got up to a trail register. That was built by Chuck Wood in 1985. It's said ¢we were a half way on the trail with 1069 miles in either direction¢. Not really true any longer but close to halfway. We hiked on and finally did come to some rocky areas. We just kept hiking along and finally did take one break. For a snack, just a few minutes. We crossed Lime kiln Road. We passed the side Trail to Tagg Run shelter. That was around 12. And at 12:15 we came to our car. We drove back around to our other car at Pine Grove Furnace. We looked around the hostel there, it looked really nice. We sat on the porch in the back for a few minutes. We had our lunch there and then left to reposition our cars. We did 7.7 miles this morning and we'll do 2 .9 this afternoon. Hopefully we will be getting a hotel tonight. At 1:30 p.m. we were off hiking again from Highway 94, going south. And at 2:15 p.m we crossed Highway 34. And at 2:33 pm we completed the hike at Hunter's Run Road. Just a little over 1 hour to do to 2.9 miles, a beautiful trail. The last mile was an old railroad bed. Very few rocky spots on the trail. A great end of the day and now we're heading into Mount Holly Springs to get a motel.
Date: 2004-10-04
From: Whiskey Springs Road

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: clear sky

Whiskey Springs Road to Boiling Springs   N 6.0miles Boiling Springs to Penn Turnpike parking  S 6.8miles Today is Monday October 4th. One day after Terry's birthday. We spent the night at the Stardust Motel. Terry got a present yesterday. About two miles out of Carlisle heading for Mount Holly Springs, We ate at Celia Mexican restaurant And had a couple of pizzas. This morning we got up at 7 a.m, left at 7:55 am. Got our cars shuttled and we're on the trail at 8:30 a.m. from Whiskey Springs road. Trail was rocky in the beginning and went uphill and then down. We crossed the creek and came to turnoff to Dogwood Run campground. It was too far off the trail to go to. We saw four Backpackers going Southbound, don't know where they stayed last night. They were all wearing orange, it was kind of funny seeing them coming. At 9:30 a.m. we were at the trail to the Alec Kennedy shelter. You climb out of there and finally come to Center Point Knob where there is a plaque. This was originally the Midway point of the Appalachian Trail. We got there at 10:05 a.m, and left at 10:15 am. We went down from there and saw some evidence of old mining operations and an old railroad bed. Then you come off the mountain and just walk out into some flat farmland. You start walking along and old field road. You make good time and then turn a corner and walk right into town. And you're back at the car at 11:25 a.m, In Boiling Springs Pennsylvania. There are a bunch of fly fisherman fishing in this Big Spring in the middle of town. So we ate our leftover pizza from last night, while sitting there watching Fisherman. One guy caught 3 fish in a row, Cindy thought it was the same fish each time. Then we took off, went back and picked up the Focus. Brought the focus back to the very spot in Boiling Springs and then took off to the next trailhead. We found a good place to park near the Pennsylvania Turnpike and are now back on the trail, at 1:00 pm. We're walking in the woods and we pass Old Stonehouse Road. We Cross Ridge Road at about 2. Then we went up on a ridge and looked out over Clover fields. At about 2:10 p.m. Boyle Road, At 2:25 pm. Lisbon Road, and Highway 641 at about 2:45 pm. I did step over a snake on the trail today. We've gone through cornfields and soybean fields and cow pastures. Crossed a few creeks and a little bit of everything today. And now we're headed for Boiling Springs. And finally you start to see the houses and come to Route 174. At 3:30 p.m. You do walk along 174 for a short way going into town. The trail takes you by the post office and the Mid-Atlantic Trail conference headquarters. We went in and talked to a lady about the trail conditions ahead. She give us a lot of information about the roads and trails north of here. So we left there and walked along the spring area. They have geese, swans and ducks on the Spring Lake. We might have made it to the car at 3:40pm, if we hadn't stopped to talk at the headquarters. Now we're going to find a motel.
Date: 2004-10-05
From: Penn Turnpike 76 parking

To: Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: few clouds

Penn Turnpike 76 to  Conodoguinet Creek, Scott Farm    N 3.5miles Pa. 850 to Mobil gas station, Duncannon, Pa.    N 9.1miles Today is Tuesday October 5th. We actually got up early today, about 6:30 am. We're out on the road at 7:15 am. We had breakfast here at Scott Farm and then leave one car here at Conodoguinet Creek, then drive back to Pennsylvania Turnpike 76 parking and started hiking at 8:05 am. At 8:30 we were at US 11, going over a pedestrian bridge. We went over I-81 at 8:55 AM. And 9:25 a.m. we were back at the car on Conodoguinet creek. The trail in some places was just a little Corridor of woods. We went through some pasture and we went right down the middle of a cornfield once. There was that little bit of road walk to get across I-81. Then you walk along a creek and over a bridge and we were done for the morning. We got back up on the Interstate 81 looking for hotels for the night, but didn't see any right away. We headed north and went into Duncannon, Pa. And still haven't seen any motels. We saw a white blaze right near a Mobile station where we stopped to get directions. So we just parked right there. We got in Terry's car, drove across the river and we saw motel signs for Super 8 and a Days Inn. Yeah, they both cost over $80, so we didn't like that. We found out, it's about a car show in town, another damn car show. This one is the Hershey's car show. They said people like to arrive early for the car show this weekend. We checked out several more expensive hotels in the area, and then said let's just get on the trail. So we drove up to Highway 850 and got on the trail. At first we were on some old roads and fields and then finally they took us up. And up to 1380 ft. You walk along the ridge, passed an open area for gas pipeline.  Great views of both sides of the ridge. We were looking for where Cove Mountain shelter trail would take off. We finally got to the trail turn off at 2:10 pm. We sat there for a while on a rock. We went on and we passed hikers several times without talking. The next thing we started looking for was Hawk Rock. We got to Hawk Rock at about 4:10 pm. And oh what a fantastic View. You were overlooking Duncannon and the river and the surrounding mountains. And then they take you steeply down and across some boulder fields. And then they do the unthinkable, they make you go back up. The only thing we can imagine, it's a temporary relocation. Finally you come out on an old field road . Then we walked in to Duncannon and Terry checked out a truck that he liked at the Ford dealer. It was way too expensive. And then we got to our car at 5:30 pm. Okay we're going to go get our car, and we may have to stay at the Appalachian inn, way down on Highway 11. That's about 15 miles away from here. We picked up our second car last night at 8:50 pm, and went over Miller's Gap. Drove down the interstate one exit to Highway 11 and checked out the Super 8 hotel there. It was only $6 more than the Appalachian Motor Inn, so we decided to stay there, it was okay , a king size bed.
Date: 2004-10-08
From: Pa. 225

To: Mobil Gas station, Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

8:20 AM on trail @ Pa 225 trailhead parking lot, headed to Duncannon, PA.. Stopped on bridge over Pa 225 to take pictures, and I knocked Terrys hiking poles over the side. Luckily they didn¢t fall on the road below and I could retrieve them.The trail became very rocky and always took the rockiest path on the ridge. We couldn¢t believe it when right under some big electric lines, here come the two men we had met yesterday on the trail. They are from Western NC, about 40 miles east of Ashville. We talked about the Smokies, and they said they are going to backpack thru there in November. We told them that we are doing parts of the Smokies in one week. We had also passed one guy, who then had passed all of us, while we were talking, never to see him again. The two guys were hiking all the way to Hwy 325, about 16 miles. There buddy, hiking our way, was way behind us. At 10:20 AM we made it to Clarks Ferry Shelter. The trail journal was very interesting, with a lot of people in there from this springs hiking. We left at 10:45am. Boulder hopping, ridge walking, never ending, when you want to go down. Finally down, steep down, then flat. Only a few good views on top. Some partial views of town, the river, the bridge. Then down at 12:10PM, across the RR and under a bridge. Big logs lodged way up high under the Susquehanna bridge. Bridge over Juniata river 12:25PM. Looks like flood debris on bridge. Walked thru town, feet really hurting. Long, long town, nice quiet town. Got to our car at 1:00PM, parked at the towns Mobil gas station. Got gas, checked out the town campground for showers, NO. Campground was flooded out last week, still a mess. Flood stopped all exit from Duncannon last week. WOW! Would have been neat to see, but no shower today. Washed up at trailhead, returned rental car, on the road home to Belleville at 2:38 PM EDT
Date: 2004-10-19
From: Smokies A/T Fontana Dam

To:  Fontanna Dam Visitor Center
Miles today: 1.1

Today is Tuesday October 19th. We spent the night at the Roaring Fork Motel. Talk to Ray (Cindys friend the manager) for a few moments. But we had to go up to Newfound Gap to get all our stuff out of the Saturn, into our car and drive back into Gatlinburg. So back at the hotel, they told us to get pizza delivery to the front desk, and the price would be half. So we did that and saved about $10. We had a nice night in our king size bed, room 26. Woke up this morning late, enjoyed life, got out of there right at 10:00am. We went to Flapjacks and had breakfast and then drove through town. Tuesday and the town is very crowded, especially the breakfast places. But we got through town and drove to the Happy hiker Outfitter. We spent an hour there looking around, Terry bought some socks, and then we drove back up to Newfound Gap. We picked up the Saturn there and drove on down to Fontana Dam. We drove through Cherokee on 441 and out Highway 74. Stop in Bryson, NC to get some gas for the Saturn. We asked there about a store, and somebody said you can go to Freds or Lester's for shopping. Terry wanted to buy a new headlamp, so we shopped downtown Bryson. Lester's didn't have what Terry wanted, but the Nantahala Outdoor Center had exactly what Terry wanted, for the right price, so he bought it. Drove down to Fontana Dam, getting there at about 3:30 pm. Decided to hike the 1.1 mile from the trailhead in the park back to the Fontana Dam Visitor Center. So we took the Saturn over to the trailhead and walk back just in our street clothes across the dam. A very nice walk. There was a police car on the dam and we were watched closely as we walked across the dam, maybe we looked suspicious. The walk was from 3:40 p.m. to 4 pm. We went up in the damn observation tower and looked around a minute, and then got back in her car. We are staying tonight in Tremont, Tennessee so we drove around the park on the West Side, taking the Dragons Tail Road. I think it's US28 and we had fun with it. We got around to Tremont and stayed at the Family Inns of America, were we have stayed before. We got a room with a king-size bed for $51.51. We got in our room at about 6 pm, and then went out to eat. We drove through town, but then came back to eat at Smokey's diner near the hotel. A small place with only room for about 20 people maximum. We had the barbecue dinner, it was real nice. Went back to our room and started looking at Maps, to see if our next hike was even possible. The hike we are planning tomorrow is be about 17.5 miles total. We decided we are going to do it. The following section in the Smokies will be a 21 mile backpack. So that's it for now.
Date: 2004-03-15
From: Amicolola Falls

To: Springer
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday, March 15, 2004 Day 1, 7.6 miles (on the approach trail to Springer)   My wife (Janet), 5 year old grandson Eli, and I (trail name Easy Duzit) met my friend Ron Smith for breakfast at Reni¢s in Harrison, TN. After eating a hearty breakfast, Janet, Eli and I headed for Amicalola Falls State Park, and the approach trail to Springer Mountain. We arrived at Amicalola Falls at 9:15. We got rain all the way down from Chattanooga, but thankfully it stopped when we arrived at the park. I weigh 257 and my pack is 45 lbs. I signed in, and we drove to the Top of the Falls. I got started at about 9:45. Eli protested. He didn¢t want me to go. Because ¢It¢s too dangerous, Papa¢. It¢s 7.6 miles from the Top of the Falls to Springer Mountain. I Got to the Springer summit at 2:15. There were about ten other hikers there already and at least six behind me. I took some pictures at the summit then went on to the shelter. I was the first one at the shelter. Some of the other hikers stopped here and some went on the Stover Creek shelter. I was one tired, fat, old man and was in bed by 8:00 pm.Who¢s here at Springer Mountain shelter area: Jane (she saw Eli crying as I hiked away from the parking lot), Slainte¢ (from Tampa, who has a year¢s leave of absence from his job. He tent camped), Happy Trails, an ex-marine, Courtney and Kelly (a young couple from Minnesota, via Seattle. They would later take on trail names, Bonnie and Clyde), me (a.k.a. Easy Duzit), Kevin and several others.