morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-08
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon PA Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Slept great last night. Another great day. Should perhaps continue to hike, but the plan is to stay in Duncannon. I got up early again with the sun and birds and cooked breakfast. I will get a food drop in town from home. My planning was excellent. I only had one dinner and no breakfasts left and only one coffee, and very little gorp. No power bars or candy bars. Perfect! I got out early (7:15) and got to town at 8:40. I took a walk around town and checked it out. The Doyle was closed, so I got a coffee and found this computer store. I Yogi'd (Trail term for begging for something after Yogi the bear) the use of the computer. The guy was nice to let me use the computer. He worked and waited on clients while I typed. I plan to go and get breakfast and hang out, then check in and do a laundry. I will have dinner and wait for the hockey game. As a side note, I called Halfway today and plan to try and meet him at Port Clinton. He is actually a day ahead of himself. All is well. It is 11:00 AM now. I have beeen here quite a while. My typing skills are not that great so this took some time. This is some more info written on May 11, at the Bethel PA Library I went to the Doyle to check in and LWOP and BBH were there also a kid named Frijole and Big Turtle, The 49ers (Jim and Buck) and later Jake who I had hiked with back in MD. I went next door to get some breakfast at Goodies then went to the PO for stamps and sent home some postcards. I took a walk around town (lots of churches) and rested. At 4:00, a van came to take us to the market, a family owned one called Mutzabaughs. I got some food, insoles, shoegoo, and first aid supplies. When we got back,I sat on the old porch with Big Turtle and rested. I got my gear ready and plotted the trip with LWOP. Also, I tried to goo my shoe (It did not work). It was torn off the next day. We went for pizza with LWOP and BBH, then to the pub to watch the Caps lose (Series at 2 to 2) I went back to the Doyle for the 3rd period . LWOP and BBH were in the lounge. We met C Zar who hiked in in the dark. He had been hiking with Southside earlier. He came in at 9:30. Frijole is from Mass. He plays guitar and played some tunes while the singer was at break. I made some calls and hit the hay at 10:30. Happy Trails Peace SquireNote: The Doyle is an old, rundown 104 year old Anheuser Busch Hotel. It is a fire trap but everyone goes there. The rooms are as old as the place. There are shared baths and no frills. You have to see it to believe it. But for $25.00 who can complain. It actually reminded me of the hotels on Main Street in Worcester my Uncle John Murphy stayed at back in the day. GO CAPS !!!!!!
Date: 2009-05-09
From: Duncannon PA Doyle Hotel

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I was up early at 5:30 again, then to breakfast at Goodies again. I went back to the hotel to pack- out at 7:45 with LWOP and BBH. We stopped at Clark's Ferry Shelter for a break. It was a beautiful day. A little hot but nice. I met some flip floppers, sectionals , Putts and Mamma Bear, and hiked a ridge looking out over the Susquahanna River and the Juanita River. After lunch, I hiked alone to the shelter.  It was a quick day- only 11 miles. I arrived at 2:00. Jake was at the shelter and a Fogerty Family guy (They have a party on the trail at PA 225 every Memorial Day and last year Memphis Tim went.I got that from the log). Also, 4 guys from Huntsville, Alabama, going south on a short sectional. The shelter is massive, sleeps 20 with an upstairs, but the water source is 300 feet straight down. I read about this and got my water at the last shelter and carted it with me. C Zar came in and Frijole also. Three kids from town came out and set up tents. They invited us down for some magic. They cooked sausage, hamburgers, and hot dogs for us. They offered candy bars and bottled water as well. The had a fire going, so we all hung out by the fire for a while. I got to bed early and read my Grisham, made some calls, and went to sleep. Joellen called later to give me the score of the Caps. She left it on my phone. I get the bad news when I woke up later. Caps lost 4 to 3 which gives the Pens the edge 3 to 2. I tossed and turned all night. Not a good night's rest. Happy Trails, PeaceNote: There was an older journal in the shelter from last year. In it were the names: Rat Sandwich, Memphis Tim, Dartmabn, Loafy, Willie Boy, Hearts, Juke Box, Phoenix, and Smokey, and ,finally, Ron Shakedown Cruise Beaty. All people I had hiked with last year. The entries went from May 26 to June 8. That would have been about my time frame had I continued on.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. Another excellent day,sunny and cool all day. Again, had only a fair night's sleep. The front came in and the temps dropped guite a bit into the 40's. The bag was good and I was warm. I got up a little late at 6:30. Jake was gone and BBH was leaving. LWOP left at 7:15. I cooked and chatted with C Zur. Last night, I had gotten Southside on the phone, and we chatted with him. C Zur enjoyed the chat. I caught up with the guys and took a break at PA 325, Clark's Valley. I went ahead. I met several people today. First, a fasther daughter team on a section hike. He was from New Orleans. We talked gear and trail and I encouraged him to do a thru with his daughter. Then, two flip flop hikers going SoBo from Bear Mountain to Pearisberg,VA. Their trail names were Castanata Gallactica and Mudflap. They were hiking with two dogs with packs. Then I met a local hiker who took to chat with me about the area. The area is full of history of the coal mines. It was a really interesting day meeting him and chatting. (You know how I enjoy history). I hiked past an old 1850's mine village at Yellow Springs. The kid told me the reason the springs were yellow (really rust) was because of the coal being strip mined in the area. It gets into the water and destroys it. He also showed me a furnace on the hill used for the coal mine. He showed me some maps of the area and pointed out where I could get water on the road to the General. The General it turns out was an old Mike Mulligan type steam shovel that was left up on the mountain during the strip mining days. He actually had a picture of it in his camera. Great stuff. I got to the shelter at 3:40. Jake was there. I took a little hike to the Rail Trail and down to another old mine village nearby. There was no cell service most of the day and none at the shelter. I think this is the first day this has happened. I retraced the trail on the way back, so that I can go out the back side of the shelter and not miss any of the trail in the AM. The two women that I met yesterday are at the shelter tonight, Putts and Mama Bear, very nice ladies from PA and FL respectively. Frijole came in late and set up his tent. LWOP came in then BBH. We have 5 in the shelter. Cozy tonight. It says it can sleep 12. Twelve cub scouts maybe. At best six adults could do it. I cooked Erin's mashed potatoes and pasta. It was excellent. Great spices etc. I got in the bag and finished (finally ) reading my Grisham. Happy Trails Peace
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: PA 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a good night's rest in a crowded shelter. Some shelter symphony sounds (Snoring) but not bad. I had my ear plugs in, so all was well. I wanted to get up and out early so I could get to PA 501 and go the the Bethel Library. I got up early, cooked, packed, and was out at 6:45 AM. Only Jake was out before me. The day is overcast and cool. Great hiking weather. I passed a few hikers on the way and a homeless guy under the bridge at PA 443. At Swatera Park,I met two retired guys on bikes. They were interesting, and I chatted with them for quite a while. They were from Lebanon, PA ,and sounded just like my Philly frienda and a little like Mark Nawrocki. You know that PA accent. One of them had run the Marine Corps Marathon, and I was interested in talking about it, and they were interested in my hike. Actually, I spent longer than I wanted but that's what the hike is all about. I hiked on and caught Jake at William Penn Shelter at noon. I got some water, fixed my blister, and went down to the shelter to get a dish Putts had left there. Jake was gone but I caught him again, and we hiked to the shelter at PA 501 together. We got in at 1:50 (7 hrs and 5 min). We made great time once again. My legs are getting stronger again. I dropped some stuff off but kept my pack and rain gear thinking it would be easier to hitch in this area if I had my pack. I got picked up in about 20 min by a guy named Russell. He was going to an auction in Bethel. I could ride back with him but he will not return until about 8:00 PM. The library is interesting. It is a library and children's community center. It is bustling. Lots of internet use and people coming and going all the time. We are in farm country at the intersection of PA 501 and I 78 and here lies a library right at the interstate. The only other things in town are a vet and two gas stations to service the interstate. The people are nice and let me extend my time. I will try to hitch back in a while. From the shelter you can order pizza which is the plan tonight. The pizza comes from Pine Grove PA which is in the other direction on 501. The pizza house was closed on Mondays so we called others. With the help of Joellen we tried to order out, but no one delivered so we called Amy the hostel person for a shuttle into town. LWOP and I went in with the order. We got pizza, soda, and snacks. Amy showed us her new hostel, really an apartment. We split the ride, came back, and ate. Frejole came in and we had some extra for him. Cool tonight again. Doing some crosswords taken from Duncannon to keep busy. Caps Pens play tonight. Need the win. (And they got it) Tomorrow night I will be in Eagle's Nest Shelter, then the next night, I hope to meet Halfway in Port Clintom. I should be at the Delaware River in 4 or 5 days after that. That's it for now. Happy Trails PeaceNote: 501 shelter has a caretaker, excellent shelter, bunks, enclosed 4 sides, port a john, solar shower etc. Great place
Date: 2009-05-12
From: PA 501 Shelter

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

I got up at 6:15 and out at 7:30. Jake was out first and I was second. It was a nice day. Cool in the AM. I started with a jacket but soon took it off. It was sunny but cool, excellent hiking weather. There was not much to see today and the trail was somewhat rocky and would have been tough in spots if it had rained. The trail was actually doubled up in places because of overuse. It was not well-marked nor well-maintained in this area. I think it gets used quite a bit here. Lots of roads to access the AT. There were a lot of people on the trail today. I met a trail magazine writer named Flint who was looking for Henry. Henry is an 88 or 89 year old legend in the area. There ia a trail named after him somewhere in PA. Flint took my photo for his mag. Also, met an older trail hiker named Lucky Lucy. I ran into Putts and Mamma Bear again going south to 501 to their car. Also 4 guys from Ohio. I got to the shelter at 2:30. I was tired today and a little sore so I took a nap. My throat was getting sore so I rested. While waiting for LWOP and BBH, Frijole came by and ate and we chatted. Jake was not at the shelter and no one coming out of Port Clinton had seen him. After dinner, we took a hike down a blue blaze to an overlook. On the ridge were lots of windmills. Very picturesque. The sun was going down. I got to bed early at Hiker Midnight- 8:15 after finishing my crosswords. Happy Trails PeaceNote: I stopped at an old fort from the French and Indian War(1754-1763) and took a photo - Fort Dietrich Snyder, put there to look out for the French.
Date: 2009-05-13
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

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

I got up late today. Excellent night sleep and I needed it. My sore throat is gone. Bear Bag Hanger left right away. It was a little cool. Another nice sunny hiking day to start. I cooked my oatmeal. LWOP left during my breakfast. I hung around and cleaned up the area and carted out some trash left by hikers. I caught them a little into the trail. We took a break at an overlook and continued into town. I missed a blaze and got lost for my first time this section. I recovered and ran into the guys. I had left before them but my mistake put me behind. I passed them and got to town at 12:00 noon just in time to see an old steam engine starting up and changing tracks. The sight was one to behold, just like you see in the movies. The sound was deafening and the puff puff of the engine as it moved was great. I took some photos. I went to the PO to get my drop and mail my camera home. I went to the backpacker and who was there?? Halfway. He had tried to call me and leave a message, but I did not get it until later that day even though he left it yesterday. We had a great reunion. LWOP and BBH came in. We all chatted bought some supplies, took photos, and went out to Halfway's Inn for lunch. Frijole was there at the bar so he hung out with us for lunch. We chatted about the trail etc. etc. etc. We went next door to the famous Port Clinton Peanut Shop and I bought some fudge. We said our goodbyes and LWOP and BBH and I left for the Microtel. We had trouble getting there so we called for a shuttle. Just as I called ,a guy whose son is on the trail saw us and stopped. He offered a ride so I cancelled the shuttle, and he took us to the motel. There was no computer here but who came in the door? Putts, and of course, she had a laptop in the car so I asked to borrow it. I am writing this and doing the laundry for the crew. LWOP and BBH went to Cabella's across the highway to buy boots. I need them also but can wait the 5 days until I get home. Tonight we will get a good meal and I, at least, will watch game 7 of the Caps / Penquins series. Lots of trail magic today: getting Ali on the phone for trail support, hooking up with my pal Halfway, getting the ride, and finally seeing Putz and being able to use her computer. I did the laundry while the guys went to Cabella's for shoes. They returned and we went for dinner at Pappy T's in the hotel. BZ and Fenceman were there with their crew and Putz came down for a drink. I watched the game, but it was a bummer Caps lost 6 to 2- Series over. I hiked over to the Shell station for some re stock, returned, and got to bed at 10:50 (Late) Good day and lots of Magic. Ali and phone help, driver to the motel (Panama Red Dad,) and the computer of Putz. So it is along the trail Happy Trails. Goodnight. We will shelter 2 nights, go to Palmerton and stay in the jail (they let you), and then hike 2 days to the Delaware River. Then take a bus home. Looking forward to getting back. All is well. Happy Trails. Peace.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Rain today all day but warm. Up at 6:00 -continental breakfast at 6:30 Putz was taking us to the trailhead at Port Clinton and PA 61 at 7:30. El Camerino and Casper were there when we arrived. They have support and are slacking. We were all headed to Hawk Mtn. Road and Eckville Shelter. I got going, we stopped at Windsor Furnace Shelter and Frejole was just setting out. (He gets up late) LWOP came in in a downpour. Frrejole and I hiked together to the shelter. He was wearing Chuckas which bothered him by the end of the day. At the shelter were KZ and Fenceman and later a kid named Spirit Fingers from Prov. RI came in but left and another,Whiz Kid from Georgia, who stayed the night. We all cooked inside and got to bed early. It rained that night, but it was OK in the AM.Note: Walked by the Pinacle today but could see nothing. Halfway told me that there is a 270 degree view from there and you can see all the trail to Lehigh Gap and the rocks. Not today. Also, at the Pinacle there is a pile of rocks. You are supposed to take a rock from the trail and add it to the pile in hopes that there will be fewe rocks on the trail. Never will happen.The shelter is maintained by the hiking club and has a grumpy attendant. It is four sided, has a solar shower,electricity (one light), a flush toilet, and nice grounds. There are 6 bunks to sleep in.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Palmerton PA
Miles today: 25.1

Rocksylvania is living up to its name. One of the toughest (not hills but rocks) and I think my longest day ever- 25.1 miles. I am writing this from the Palmerton Library at 9:00 AM on Saturday (next day). Foggy in the AM but cleared by noon. BZ and Fenceman got out real early. I was next because I knew it was going to be a long day. I got out at 6:45. (11 hours 30 min day). I stopped at Allentown Hiker Shelter and caught up with BZ and FM at 9:20. While hiking I met 4 people from Ohio. They told me that Frejole, who had stayed with them at Allentown, went out of the shelter the wrong way for at least a mile. I had just talked about going the wrong way and the reasons for it yesterday as we hiked. I went ahead and stopped at Blue Mtn Restaurant for water and to use the toilet. As I was leaving, KZ and FM came in for lunch. I climbed Knifes Edge, an outcropping of rocks that come together like a point,( Not as tough as the one in Maine) and stopped at Bake Oven Knob for a great view and photo op. Also, went by Bear Rocks and had some great vists of PA. I saw lots of evidence of mining and destruction of the land here. I went on the Outbridge Shelter and caught up with Frijole . We hiked to town together. (6:15) He waited for a ride from a friend and I hitched into town. I got a ride right away and went to the Police Station to check into the hostel. (Community Center) At the center was Jake. I was suprised to see him. I thought he was long gone, but he was taking a zero today in town. I took a shower, went to dinner at Berts Place, a 50's throwback complete with music and waitreses dressed in 50's garb. Whiz Kid was there also. I went down to the Palmerton Hotel for a nightcap, one Yeungling Draft. I went back to the community center to talk to the guys (Jake, Frilole, Whiz Kid)I wrote in the journal, planned the next day, and bed. (10:30) Great Day, great hike, lots of rocks but more to come, no real climbs except the first thousand feet. I was able to do 25.1 in 11:30. Happy Trails PeaceNote:Palmerton area is in trouble environmentally because of polution from zinc mining. It had the largest production of zinc mining in the world at one time. There is a superfund clean up in the works and the trails have been re routed . Another note, up on Route 61 from Port Clinton about 1 hour is Centralia , a town that is still on fire.   The town dump caught fire and ignited a coal seam. Fire spread too fast and the houses started to cave in. Today there are about 5 houses proped up by pilings and rods so they will not sink into the earth like the others. There is a population of about 12 with a mayor who refuses to leave.
Date: 2009-05-16
From: Palmerton PA

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

It is 9:45 and I am heading to the toughest rock climb on the trail in a moment. The climb out of the Lehigh Gap is the toughest on the trail until New Hampshire. I met a woman in the laundry this AM who is taking us to the trail. Nice people here in town. Jake is gone, I stayed to write this journal entry. I had breakfast with Frijole, did a laundry, and am leaving now. Should be home late Sunday night (10:30) if I can get to the bus by 4:15 Sunday. If not, I will be back Mon PM. All is well. Thanks to all Happy Trails Peace Will finish this when I get home. (I am now home) Pretty good night's rest in the cellar of the borough house. Up at 6:00 to do a laundry with Frijole and have breakfast while the clothes were in. We then went to a local market for small restock. I packed and went to the library. After writing the above, I got picked up by a woman who I met doing laundry who offered to drive us to the trail. Frijole and Whiz Kid decided to take a zero because we were fogged in on the mountain. I got to the trail and saw KZ and Fenceman at the AT and PA 248. I started to climb the gap. I got passed by Dubbs, a U Mass Amherst graduate. I went halfway up and dropped the pack to stow away the poles, then climbed hand over hand with the pack up the rock face. As LWOP would say this is not really hiking because you are not standing straight up. The climb was not as bad as reported. In fact, I liked thechange. It was foggy so I missed the sights atop the gap. It was Saturday so lots of people were out hiking. I hiked alone and ran into a couple from Lynfield, MA who were on a section. Then met PopPop and Granny , a couple from Charlottsville, VA, who I met yesterday on a section hike. I slowed alittle to hike with them. It was most enjoyable and the conversation was fun and interesting. We stopped at Smith Gap where their car was and they offered some Gatorade and peanut crackers. I hiked on to get to the shelter at 5:45. At the shelter were Jake, Dubbs, Moses and later Spirit Fingers. I coooked all the food I had left and got ready for an early start. I will try to do 20miles and catch the 4:15 bus out od the DWC tomorrow to get home.Note: Today was rocky , as usual and the climb slowed me up a litttle but I enjoyed the change and chatting with the people. I was a little leg tired from my long day yesterday.
From: Green Mountain House

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry it's been forever since I posted an entry. The trail seems to take most of my time. I tried to get some done in Dalton,MA. I think I got to the middle of May. So, I am still on the trail plugging away. Hope to get caught up on journals soon. Thanks for signing my guestbook. Longskirt and Jerri I had fun hiking with both of you. Do either of you have any plans to go to the trails end festival in Millinocket? Hopefully, I will have summitted by then.
Date: 2008-01-28
To: Prep #1
Miles today: 0.0

Seems like I'm waiting until the last minute to start my trail journal. It was suggested that I was not being fair in that I wanted to read other's trail journals, but wasn't letting anyone read mine. So, here I go. Please forgive any grammatical errors, misspelled words and downright boredom from my unfamiliar literary endeavor. Took a detour from journal to go work out, go to grocery store, package up some dehydrated lentil soup and breakfast hash and then I started some green peas on the dehydrator. I am also starting to enter my gear list. It's definitely been slow going. So, I will probably do that in bits and pieces. Time has gotten away from me, but I would like to close with this Robert Frost poem. No, it's not " The Road Not Taken".                "THE MIDDLENESS OF THE ROAD"               The road at the top of the rise               Seems to come to an end                And take off into the skies.               So at the distant bend               It seems to go into a wood,               The place of standing still               As long the trees have stood               But say what fancy will,                              The mineral drops that explode               To drive my ton of car               Are limited to the road               They deal with near and far,               But have almost nothing to do               With the absolute flight and rest               The universal blue               And local green suggest.                                          Robert Frost