morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Gravel Hut Springs

To: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

I finished the Shenandoah's today. The very last stop before leaving the park was a special moment for me. It was called "Possums Rest Overlook"! I'm not sure why they called it overlook since there was nothing to overlook. In fact, it was located near the bottom of a gap. Once again, the possum is misunderstood!The weather was extremely hot and humid again and I had to hike 13 miles before reaching a location to meet my friend Rosemary. She met me at the trail head near Front Royal and we drove into town for a great Italian meal (even if they only had 2% milk).After dinner, I hiked another 6 miles. Some of the trail passed along the National Zoological Park Conservation and Research Center. I was a bit disapponted that I didn't see any exotic animals.I camped at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. It was a nice place to spend more then one night. It even had a solar shower! I got in late and didn't use it, but I wish I had. I trouble sleeping because I was sticky even after wiping down!!
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Jim and Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: scattered clouds

This heat wave is killing me! I can handle cold and I can handle hot, but the humid does me in every time.I was pushing to get to Harpers Ferry by the 5th ofJuly. A lot of hikers were meeting their families there on the 4th. This place is significant because it is considered the 1/2 way point (even though that's not totally accurate) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters is located there too.I stopped at Dicks Dome Shelter for dinner at 5:00. Because of the heat, I really was behind on mileage and I still wanted to get another 9 miles in before dark. I didn't think I'd actually be able to do that, but I gave it a shot. The terrain turned much easier the rest of the walking was through meadows and fairly level paths, so I managed to reach my destination.Unfortunately, when I got to the camp ground it was overrun with 17 kids and counselors. I figured something was up because I could hear them miles away. It was no surprise that I was the only hiker.I told the counselors that they could have fun. I was so tired, I figured the noise wouldn't keep me awake. But, they actually decided to sleep so I could sleep... what great kids!It was another sticky night. Every inch of my clothing was wet. I really felt like possum roadkill tonight.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Tent campsite
Miles today: 12.7

When is this heat wave going to end!? It has zapped my energy level and feel like I'm hiking in slow motion. Walking through the Roller Coaster in slow motion is not the way to go!The Roller Coaster is 13.5 miles of ten ascents and descents. The corridor is narrow and one has littlle choice for the routing. The entire thing is along a viewless ridge line.The whole day, I kept thinking about stopping off at Bears Den Hostel for a break. They carry cold soda and Ben and Jerrys Ice Cream! That thought kept me going until 5:00 when I reached the turning point to the hostel. It was only 0.2 miles down the road, but I decided not to stop!In retrospect, I must of been delerious but at the time, I was concerned that if I stopped, I wouldn't hike any further that evening. I did manage to get a few more miles in and I found a great location with a spring and stream.I was so dirty and sweaty that I could not sleep. I even put powder all over me, but the sticky would not go away.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Tent campsite

To: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: moderate rain

1000 miles!!!At the David Lesser Memorial Shelter, I was suprised to see the 1000 mile marker. But, it was a beautiful shelter for the marker to be.It's hard to believe 3 months have gone by. The first week felt like a month, but once you adjust and start to enjoy the experience, the time just slips by.I had more miles to hike today than I had expected. I miscalulated where I spent the night and had two addtional miles to cover. To make matters worse, my feet were killing me with all the rocks.I left camp a little later this morning so I could wash my clothes out in the stream. Even putting them on wet, they felt dryer then with all the sweating I was doing.I stopped off at the Blackburn Trail Center hoping they would have a soda maching. No luck. It was a beautiful place and offered free bunks and camping for the hikers. It even had a solar shower which I was tempted to take, but I really wanted to get to Harpers Ferry for a real shower.Paul from work stopped by with the rest of my goodies, which was great because I have enough stuff to last until next week. There is no grocery store in Harpers Ferry so this was one less thing to do on my zero day tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: ***Zero Day!
Miles today: 0.0

Harpers Ferry has been the home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy since 1972. It's a beautiful town that saw extensive action during the Civil War.It is a stop off place to have your picture taken and logged in at the ATC. It was fun going through the pictures to see who I knew. Unfortunately, the list is growing smaller. Everyday, I hear about someone else who dropped out.Harpers Ferry is supposed to be another location where people decide to get off the trail. I just heard that Many Naps decided to leave and I got word that some others behind me are thinking of leaving once they get here.Today is beautiful. The heat and humidity will be back tomorrow just as I'm heading back to the trail...
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

I got a late start out of Harpers Ferry, but this was no surprise. Some towns are really fun to be in and Harpers Ferry is one of those kinds of towns.On my way out of town, I decided that it was just too close to lunch time, so it only made sense to eat before leaving. I ran into a few other hikers and they were having the smae problem leaving this town!I bought a new backpack and tent at the outfitter. My backpack no longer fit me with all the weight I have lost. If an outfitter carried the same brand as the one I had, they might of been able to make adjustments, but no one seemed to carry my brand. That's ok though because I love my new pack and it even weighs less than the old one.I had been thinking of getting a new tent. I loved the one I had, but it was just too heavy. I bought a one-person tent, so there will be a big adjustment to get me and all my gear into it.I also visited a War Correspondents Monument in Gathland State Park that was interesting. It is the only one in the country! During war, we are so concentrated on the soldiers that we often forget that others give their lives too.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Campground
Miles today: 14.1

What a fun day! The ideas were endless (at least it seemed like it).About 6 miles into the hike, there was a bathhouse with with hot showers and flush toilets! It is operated by the state at no cost to us. Even though I took one right before leaving town the previous day, you should never turn down a shower after hiking in this heat.Since I was all clean, I felt comfortable enough at an Inn for lunch that was right off the trail. When I got there, it appeared a little too elegant for hikers, even though they said hikers were welcome. I decided to push on and meet up with the gang at a Tavern/Restaurant another five miles down the trail.On the way there, I passed through the Washington Monument State Park that was built around the the same time as the more famous monument to George Washington in 1827.We had a great time at the Tavern. The food was horrible except for the fries but we had some good laughs anyway. I then hiked on to a great campsite at Annapolis Rock.
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Annapolis Campground

To: Pen Mar Camp
Miles today: 16.5

The Annapolis Rock Campsite was a beautiful place and it was also extemely quite. During the night, some fireflies were caught between my tent and fly sheet, so I had my own little light show. I left the campsite late because the morning was cool and that made for some good sleep.I wanted to cross the Mason-Dixon Line by nightfall, which would put me into Pennsylvania. Passing through Pen Mar State Park, where the Mason-Dixon line is located, a few young adults were cooking up dinner and invited me to join them. Wow, what a way to start a new state! But, just as we were going to eat the rain started... We gathered up everything and ran for a pavilion that had a wonderful view of both Maryland and Pennsylvania.There was a sign that caused me some concern. It said that the Georgia AT was 920 miles away! Now it made sense why the day hikers I ran into kept telling me I had hiked 920 miles and not the 1050 my guide said! But, it was an old sign and the ATC is always rerouting the trail, so that would explain the discrepancy.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Pen Mar Camp

To: Fayetteville, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 17.8

At the moment I'm sitting at a computer in a comfortable house, clean and getting ready to eat. My friends, Bill and Lynda, picked me up at Caledonia State Park to spend the night with them.It was great seeing them again and I really enjoyed my stay. Lynda and I have many of the same interests, so its always fun to visit with her. They offered me a zero day at their home and I am very tempted to stay, but know I need to push on.I keep hearing about the rocks in Pennsylvania and I am concerned it will take me forever to get through this state. Rocks always slow me down.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Fayetteville, Pennsylvania

To: Michener Cabin Area
Miles today: 13.2

I had a great visit with Bill and Lynda. She sent me off with all kinds of goodies and full stomach from all the wonderful meals.Bill joined me on the trail for a few hours. It was great getting caught up on what everyone at work is doing. At one point, Bill suggested taking a loop trail around Caledonia State Park. As pretty as the park was, I just did not feel the need or desire to take a walk just to take a walk. What was he thinking! If the walk wasn't going to go toward the miles on the AT then I just wasn't interested. Walking is serious busniess here!There have been a lot of Trail Angels in Pennsylvanis. It seems like whenever I really wish for a cold drink, I'll find a cooler full of sodas or juice. At least I think they are for hikers... Wouldn't it be embarrassing if I was just stealing from a family out on a picnic!?
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Michener Cabin Area

To: Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 16.3

Today really tested my mental willpower and dedication.Everything started out great. Even though the weather hot and humid, there were a few things to look forward to for that day. I'd be passing the true halfway point (Harpers Ferry is more of a ceremonial midpoint) and I'd also get to see the 1/2 gallon of ice cream challenge at the Pine Grove Furnance State Park, held at the General Store.I did not accept the ice cream challenge because I have trouble eating that much ice cream at one time. A lot of the hikers did try, but no one was successful at breaking the record of 2 minutes and 19 seconds.The half way marker was good to see. It reminded me of how far I've gone. It's all downhill from here! (metaphorically, of course. Those hills aren't stopping any time soon!)Then, things took a turn for the worse emotionally. That afternoon, the mosquites came out in droves and decided I was their evening entertainment. At one point, I stopped to look at how many were on me and I estimated that there must of been at least 100! All the buzzing and biting and itching was driving me crazy! I can't believe these bugs were enough to bring from such a good mood to one so foul.I decided early on in the hike that if I ever get to feeling that down, I would go into town and rest. So, into town I went.I spent the night at Holly Inn, a great little place and the people were hiker friendly. After some rest and a good dinner, I felt good enough that I planned on hitting the trail in the morning.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Mt. Holly Springs, Pennsylvania

To: Yellow Breeches Creek
Miles today: 10.8

I had a great day after yesterday's mini-meltdown. After a comfortable nights rest, I felt fresh and ready to climb the rocks I'd see later in the day.It rained last night so the rocks were slippery, but I managed to get through them quickly. I talked with a few hikers who were saying the rock climbing was difficult, but I thought they were easy. I think it's really just a state of mind. Had I not gone into town, I probably would have had a much rougher time.I hiked on toward Boiling Springs but found out that I would have to shorten my hiking day. The ATC just acquired a new corridor and there was absolutely no camping. I figured it was a sign to rest my feet some.
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Yellow Breeches Creek

To: Duncannon, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Today, I put on more miles than any previous day for this trip. It was even more than when I was slackpacking. My goal was to get as close to Duncannon as I could.I cannot believe the mosquitos here! Everyone is edgy because of these pesky little creatures. I don't like using Deet , but there is nothing you can do except to use it. Unfortunately, you sweat all the stuff off in about two hours and have to dose yourself again.I did have one pleasant surprise on the trip. I saw a woman ahead on the trail surround by lots of little white boxes. At first, I thought somebody got hurt and it was medical stuff. I could not have been any more wrong... it was ice cream! Some trail angels had a full set-up for us. Any type of topping you could imagine was there! I got some vanilla with chocalte sauce and bananas. It really revivied the spirit.I decided that tomorrow would be a good time for a Zero Day as I needed to catch up on all my regular chores. Also, my friend Kathy and her friend are coming to Duncannon to pick me up and, then we will return to Boiling Springs to spend the night, have dinner, and drink a bottle of wine.I am looking forward to this night of total relaxation because the next 20 miles of the trail is nothing but rocks, and we all know my thoughts about that. Endless hiking, jagged rocks, and annoying mosquitos... it sounds like a dream retirement to me!Possum
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Duncannon, Pennsylvania

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: moderate rain

I had a great day yesterday with Kathy and Mike. They picked me up at Duncannon and drove me back to Boiling Springs for the night where I stayed at a B&B.We had some wine before dinner, then headed to the local Tavern where we had a great meal and some more wine. I forgot people do this stuff on a regular basis! It was very enjoyable, especially since the trail near Duncannon got very rocky.In addition to the rocks, the temps were in the high 90's and, of course, the mosquitoes were there to help push us through those rocky areas.I left late in the day. I thought I would wait for the temps to really heat up so I would enjoy the hike more! [end sarcasm]
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

It was yet another hot and humid day...I got a late start today. It seems my sleeping habits are slowly changing. I used to get up really early, but now I started sleeping in until around 7 (which is late for me!) I also don't fall asleep until later in the evening. My guess is that my body has finally started to adjust to the long hikes and now I need to exercise even more for my body to get tired!I passed another memorial today. There seem to be a lot of them on the trail. They are from/by people who loved the Appalachian Trail, trail maintainers and volunteers, and Civil War victims. It always makes me wonder what these people were like and sorry that I was never able to meet them.There was one memorial of little "Ottie" that I passed back a month or so ago. I read a story in the AT Journal about him. He was less then 5 years old. I don't remember all the details of the story, but in the late 1800's, he apparently left school during recess and just wandered off. HIs body was found seven miles up a mountain where he had He died of exposure.A memorial was placed where is body was found. I was glad I came across his memorial and was totally amazed that he climbed the same mountain that I had because it was not an easy climb! But, I guess that was all his little body could take...
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: few clouds

I stopped earlier than I had planned today. I wanted to go another four miles before setting camp, but this shelter has a solar shower and phone where you can call for pizza! That is too much temptation for one solitary hiker to deny!I originally had just stopped for water, but then the sky turned dark and thought it smart to stay in the shelter until the storm had passed over. There was a lot of thunder and lightning, but I was all warm and cozy in the shelter. The rain came down hard and it didn't look like it would let up soon, so I decided to spend the night.So, in the end I didn't even get to take advantage of what the shelter had to offer. What good is a solar shower when it's raining outside!? And who wants pizza when I can have my Lipton side noodles for the 99th time?This shelter marks the three digit number of miles left to hike! Congratulations to all hikers that made it this far!
Date: 2006-07-18
From: William Penn Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

I did make that stop off at the 501 Shelter to take my solar shower in the morning. It was a good decision to remain at the William Penn Shelter last night. According to other hikers, there were hail stones anywhere in size from a marble to golf ball!The day turned out beautiful, so I enjoyed that shower. I took it with my clothes on so I don't have to wash the clothes separately and put them on wet. I don't like doing that at all, even if it's hot out. It's takes some practice to shower with ones clothes on, but after you do it a few times, it becomes second nature.I spent the night with a few section hikers. During the night I heard someone talking and figured that another hiker came in but that was not the case. One of the sectiion hikers felt water on her face and woke up. She thought maybe it was her water bottle since it started leaking, but it wasn't anywhere near her. So, she thought it might be raining out. Nope, no rain. She took her flashlight and looked around the ceiling of the shelter and found the culprit. A bat was hanging over her head and peed on her face!
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 9.3

I hiked into Port Clinton so I could resupply at the hikers outfitters store. When I got there, I discovered that they went out of business... Apparently, a Cabela's opened up a mile down the road. I'm not sure why the hiker store closed since Cabela's is mostly fishing and hunting stuff.So, I hiked the mile in the other direction to get an early dinner and find a store to resupply. I was running out of snacks. By the time I got to the store and had dinner, I just wanted to take a long nap because of the heat. There was one motel in sight, so I got a room and did my much needed laundry. It was a night of relaxation which I really needed because this heat is really exhausting.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Hamburg, Pennsylvania

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The temps were lower today, but the humidity was up. I think I would rather have a hot day with low humidity.Some hikers decided to spend another night in town, I just wanted to keep hiking and get out of Pennsylvania. The rocks seem to get worse everyday, but I think it's only because our feet are so sore from the day before. I didn't know you could get black and blue marks on the bottom of your feet from walking on rocks!I stopped at the Eckville Shelter, next to the caretakers house. It was a really nice place and apparently he holds a BBQ once a week, but that day wasn't today. This place has a solar shower and flush toilet. I took a long shower. Wow, if every shelter on the trail had these showers, it would be heaven. Lately, it has been hard just getting water to drink, much less to shower with.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Rocks, rocks, and more rocks...Stretch and I decided to stop off at a restraurant that was on the highway near the trail head. We dreamed about eating all kinds of things, including brie cheese with crackers and a cold beer. This was suppose to be an upscale place that accepted hikers, the only problem was that they were closed when we got there. There was a power outage and it cloded about an hour before we arrived. A bit bummed, we headed out.I believe that things happen for a reason, even when we are disappointed. It turned out there was. We had a rocky mountain to climb and a thunderstorm was coming in. Slippery rocks are not fun. We managed to get through the climb just as it started raining. If the restraurant had been open, we would of been slipping and sliding all the way back down that moutain, so it all worked out well.We camped with some weekend hikers and they brought stuff to make s'mores! What a treat. They tasted better then that old brie cheese any day.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: trailside campsite
Miles today: 13.2

The weather finally cooled off and the humidity was low!This was a good day for good weather because I had to climb Blue Mountain, which comprises of scrambling up a steep incline of rocks completely exposed to the sun. Normally, we are in the shade, but sometime you are not so pleasant weather is always a plus.I went into Palmerton for lunch. The town wasn't far from the trail and I wanted to see the town jail. They let thru-hikers stay for free in the cells located in the basement! It's been a few years since I spent a night in jail, so it sounded like fun, but it was too early in the day to stop. I guess I'll have to get into another jail cell the old fashioned way.I had a great lunch then headed back to the trail. Blue Mountain is an area devistated as a result of nearly a century of zinc smelthing. The EPA shut down the furnaces and put the area on a clean up list. Revegetation efforts are underway, but it is taking a long time to repair.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: trailside campsite

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Apparently, the pleasant weather was just a one day performance. It was hot and humid again today (I know, I'm getting just as tired saying it as you are reading it!)I hiked almost 15 miles and decided to get off at Wind Gap because they had a K-Mart. My camera case has been held together with multiple layers of duct tape. When the humidity gets high enough, it stops sticking together!You can't go into town without eating some real food and cold drink, so I did just that. By they time I finished eating, it was nearly 6:00pm, so I checked the area for a hotel and got a room.When I checked, in the hotel clerk told me there were several other hikers staying there. It turned out to be Skywalker, Righty, and Lefty. Righty and Lefty is a mother daugther team that are cancer survivors. I meet them once before when Bill and I hiked together early in Pennsylvania.