morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Rock
Miles today: 9.9

Had a somewhat restless night because there was a guy who snored real loud. Didn't need to go early because the miles weren't long. Today we would be doing part of what they call the roller coaster. It's 10 assents and decents in 13.5 miles. Turned out it wasn't too bad but we aren't finished yet. Stayed at the Bear's Den Hostel for the afternoon and overnight. It was built in the 1930's and has an all rock exterior. Got the needed shower and clothes washing and then just relaxed on the couch. Queen Diva is the lady who runs the hostel and part of her ministry is to provide a meal to the guests. Dinner was meat loaf, potatoes, green beans, peas, and cheese biscuits. There was about 20 of us for dinner. Most stayed the night but some just had dinner and then moved on. Glad I took a short day and stayed here. It will mean a long day to get into Harper's Ferry.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Bear's Den Rock

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: scattered clouds

What a wonderful restful night at the Bear's Den hostel. Got some pictures outside and then took off. There was still 3 of the roller coaster hills left to do. Up down, up down wasn't going to badly. Stopped for water at Sand Spring and completely loaded up because there wouldn't be convenient water the rest of the day. Once past the roller coaster section the trail was pretty easy except for all the rocks in the trail.When I stopped for a break I read my e-mail messages. Heard from Rory and my prayers go out to you and your family. Yes I will do what you requested. Right now I am not near a location like that, but will be further on. Then more bad news: a message from Butterfly Moon that her foot does have a stress fracture and she is off the trail. Tears came to my eyes and I cried. Hate to see someone go through that when they only want to be here with everyone. Please take care Butterfly and get well soon, miss you. Ran into Mayfly and we hiked with her for a while until she went on as she is a faster hiker. Further on we see her again trying to decide about getting water. The shelter is a ways off and the spring another 0.2 miles beyond that. She decides to go the 0.3 miles at Keys Gap to a little store. Well that soundd pretty good to us too. It was an easy hitch in. When we got there they had a restaurant too. Big juicy burgers and lots to drink. Great! now we didn't have to cook dinner either. Got an almost immediate hitch back up the hill in a really fancy car with leather seats. Back at the trailhead we ran into Crickett and Litmus. Mayfly shared some of what she bought at the store with them.Walked a couple more miles and found a campsite. The motels in Harpers Ferry are really expensive so will camp and then do chores there tomorrow and then walk out. I have now walked over 1000 miles!!!
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Campsite

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

Got into Harpers Ferry around 8am. The Appalachian Trail Conference offices didn't open until 9 am, so we met Cuppa Joe and went up to the Hilltop hotel for breakfast. Then it was back to the ATC to get our picture taken and be assigned a number. I am number 410 to come through this year. Someone said they think about 200 more are coming behind us. That means only a little over half of us will make it all the way. Can't dwell on that though, just take it one day or week at a time. Got my drop box from home and a message and pictures from Rachel. That was great! Finished our chores there and headed to the Armory Pub for something to eat. Then it was a trip to the outfitter because Sleeveless wanted a new sleeping pad. When we finished there it was a stop at the ice cream shop for a cone to eat on the way out of town.Made our way out of town a couple miles to the hostel. It's great, for $6 we camp on the lawn and have all the privileges of the hostel. Got a shower and my clothes washed, used the internet and the phone. Didn't use the kitchen to make dinner as I was still full from lunch. Hoping to leave early because the temps will be in the mid 90's.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

The temperature was suppose to be in the mid 90's so wanted to get an early start. Made our way down to the railroad tracks and had to wait for a long train to clear. Glad we left early as it was already very hot climbing the first mtn.When we got to the Gathland State Park there were soda machines so took advantage of that. There were alot of histotic plaques and information about the war. On we went for 7 more miles till we came to the Dahlgren Back Pack Campground.Sleeveless yogied a cold drink from some of the campers. At Turners Gap there is a historic Inn called Old South Mountain Inn where we went in and got a cold drink. Next stop was at the Washington Monument. The Ralstontown Amiture Radio Club was having a field day. Paul and Frank offered to sent a message to someone over the shortwave network. I sent a message home. Thanks guys!We stopped to see the monument too. It was a signal hill for the troops in battle. The locals errected the monument in honor of George Washingon. We still had 3.5 miles to go and it was getting late. Arrived at the shelter around 7:30.Decided to stay at the shelter instead of tenting. Made dinner and talked with Ben and his son who were out for the weekend. Old Graceful showed up and decided to stay in the shelter too. After dinner and cleanup I went to bed. Sleeveless was sitting at the picnic table using my pocketmail. Next thing I know she is screaming and kicking. I woke up all in a daze and she said something was biting her. I started hitting at it to try and get it off her. Then Old Graceful got in the act too. He finally was able to knock if off. It was a racoon! Sleeveless was bleeding badly from her leg and hand. She said it had biten her back too. We started putting sterile pads on the wound and they would soak with blood. Used her ace bandage to wrap around the leg wounds and then slipped a sock over that. Tried to bandage the hand best we could. Yelled down to Ben and asked him if he could drive us for help, his car was about half a mile away. He said yes and they gathered up their things. Old Graceful decided to come too. He carried his pack on his back and Sleeveless's on the front. We all stumbled along with our headlamps showing the way. Ben decided to call 911 and we could hear the sirens as we got closer to the trailhead. They loaded Sleeveless and me in the ambulance and down the hill we went to Hagerstown, MD.We've been here at the hospital for 2 1/2 hors so far. Still don't know the outcome. She will probably need shots for rabies and maybe some stiches. Ben, his son and Old Graceful got a motel nearby in case we need their help. Turned out she had to have 6 shots and take antibiotics. They wouldn't stitch the wounds because they were more puncture-like. She has to go into a hospital in 3 days for the next shot and then once a week for a month. It will be hard to be near a road at the appointed time but she'll have to work it out even if she has to stay in town a few days.
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: haze

Stayed overnight in Hagerstown since we got done at 3:30 in the morning at the hospital. Ben drove us around to get medication and breakfast this morning. Thanks Ben and Luke for all your help with everything! Had a great breakfast at Bob Evans, raspberry crepes filled with a vanilla custard.Got back to the parking lot and headed up the trail. Sleeveless didn't want to go back to the shelter so we just moved on. Told the ridgerunners at Annapolis Rocks about what happened and they called it in. We saw them again and they are closing the shelter. The day really did drag slowly today. Got some trail magic from Popsicle of a cold soda. Because we didn't get going until noon we only did low miles. Saw Old Graceful at the shelter for the last time because he is needing to get to Boiling Springs.Thank you Old Graceful for everything you did for us! About a half dozen people have come into the shelter tonight and everyone now says Sleeveless is famous. The news is quickly moving up the trail.
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: broken clouds

Took off early this morning because it was suppose to be hot again. Was already sweating profusely up the first hill even though it was only 7am. Made our first stop at Pen Mar Park. There was a soda machine, so got that and ate our lunch. A lady offered to drive me to a convenience store but I didn't need anything. Instead, Nurse Rachett went and picked up stuff for Whitewater and Skywalker. When we left the park it wasn't long before we crosed into PA and over the Mason-Dixon line. Had planned to go to the Deer Lick shelter but Sleeveless got a return call from a volunteer who can take her into Chambersburg for her next shot on Wednesday. He wants to meet her at Pine Grove Furnace State Park which is 37 miles so we had to pick up the mileage. He will take her in and wait to bring her back so that's as good as it gets. Staying at the shelter tonight with a bunch of section hikers.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: broken clouds

These entries will be a little incomplete because my pocketmail has not been working and now these entries are from memory.It was a hot and humid day so we tried to get going earlier. Hiking wasn't too difficult today, we were anxious to get to Caledonia State Park because we knew there was a consession stand. Ordered a burger, fries and a large lemonade. The fries were great and the lemonade so cold and refreshing!. Moose and Popsicle were already there taking a nap under the trees. Fancy Pants, Goosebump and Tag-a-Long came along soon as did Epic Flop. Several were going swimming at the pool and Goosebump went in for a shower at the pool house. Hot long climb to the shelter but we made it. The Quarry Gap shelter is special. It is so well taken care of and it has hanging flower baskets. There's also a resident black snake that takes care of the mice. Before the night was up the shelter was full and some were sleeping in the table area. Everyone is anxious to get to the real halfway point. Sleeveless has arranged for someone to take her to the hospital from Pine Grove Furnace for her next shot.
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

Lots of miles to do today but the trail was pretty easy. We were headed to the half way point and the half gallon challenge. The miles went a little slow as my feet were really bothering me. Thought there would be a definite marker where the half way mark was, but if it there, was I missed it. Arriving at Pine Grove there were others who had already started their challenge. The half gallon challenge is trying to eat a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting. I had a choice between 3 flavors and picked chocolate with peanut butter. Scooped the ice cream into my bowl and got started. Needed to fill my bowl 4 times before I finished. It took 49 minutes to down the whole half gallon. Got my victory spoon and the appropriate pictures. Whitewater, Nurse Rachett, Fancy Pants, Moose, Pappa Razzi, Troll, Anchor and Oblivious were doing the challenge that day too.Stayed the night at the hostel there at Pine Grove. The building was on the Underground Railroad. We were able to open the trapdoor and see the rooms where slaves were protected.That evening there were thousands of fire flies and the whole area around the hostel was light show. We all stood on the porch and enjoyed it.Sleeveless got her ride to Chambersburg for the next shot and got back late.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today would be a really long day. We had over 18 miles to do. Made it into Boiling Springs before 9 to the ATC office. Went to the gas station for a drink and snacks. Sleeveless got more information about hospitals ahead so she can continue her shots. There were more and more hikers coming in every little bit. We finally got going after a lunch at the cafe. Today was a 14 mile section across the valley to the other mountain range. Thankfully it wasn't all in the sun like we thought it would be. At the end of the hike was a really big climb and my feet were killing me. Had to take some Ibuprophen to make the last 4 miles. At the shelter that evening I was surprised by Beatbox and Indy showing up with trail magic. They brought in a cooler full of soda, ice cream, fruit, donuts and cookies.The rest of the hikers benifitted from it to and were really thankful. Thanks Beatbox it was really great and good to visit with you again.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Beatbox stayed the night and walked out with us in the morning. We only had 11 miles to go but it seemed to take forever. The rocks were really a struggle to get over. It was good to come down the street and see the Doyle Hotel. That was where I was to meet my family. They wouldn't be in for several more hours so it was time for a beer and something to eat. Anchor, Troll, Oblivious, Cuppa Joe, Weatherman and his son were already there. Also, there was Rigatorstise who I hadn't seen in a long time. He lives south of Duncannon and had driven up to see who was there. He has had to get off trail because of the need to use his money for taking care of his dog's problems. He has been bright spot in my trail experience and I won't ever forget him.The family finally showed up and it was better than anything to see them again. Headed to the motel to get cleaned up and then out for pizza.Went to get some new boots and got some that hopefully will work out.It had been a long day and was so glad to relax.
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Duncannon

To: PA 225
Miles today: 8.9

Got up early to get Sleeveless to the hospital for her next shot. That completed, we went to WalMart for some resupply things. By the time we got back to Duncannon it was noon. Headed out for our 8 mile slackpack. There was some road walking through town and then over the Susquehanna River. The next part was up a big hill. My daughter and husband were also hiking with me today and that made the day special. When we got to the other end of the trail we met my other daughter coming down the trail. She was walking in from where she was picking us up. She had brought us some cold sodas. After we got back to the truck Gozar showed up and we were able to give him some trail magic and visit with him for a while.I was able to introduce my family to Moose and Cuppa Joe today. Headed back to the motel and ate at the restaurant there. We spent the evening looking over my pictures and visiting with my daughters
Date: 2005-07-04
From: PA 225

To: PA 225
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the 4th of July! Good day to take a zero. After breakfast we headed north to get Kinsey. She was camping with Todd and his family. It was so good to see her again! We visited a while and then returned to our motel. Went out for a steak dinner nearby. When we returned the fireworks were starting so we went up on the hotel parking garage to watch. Decided we could probably see them just as good from our room because we were on the 6th floor. Watched several directions and did see more. Ordered the movie Hitch but I fell asleep part way through it. The bed at the motel was sooo comfortable, I'm sure I'll miss it.
Date: 2005-07-05
From: PA 225

To: PA 325
Miles today: 8.6

Another day of hiking with the family. Started out rainy and then lightened up. The hike was mostly on the ridgeline so it wasn't too bad.Just as it started to rain hard again we were at the Peter's Mtn. shelter so popped into stay dry and get a look at the shelter register. With six more miles to go we didn't hang out too long. The rest of the hike was good and we talked off and on as we continued. Saw two turtles at two different spots right on top of the mountain. No water around that we could see, so don't know how they manage. When we got to the parking lot Rachel and Kinsey had just arrived. Good timing! Got back to the motel and cleaned up and then it was off to Rachel's birthday dinner at Benihana. She was wanting some sushi so she got that. We spent the rest of the evening in our room while I packed things up.The plan is to get up by 7am.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: PA 325

To: Campsite
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Went out to breakfast at Bob Evans so I could get Raspberry Crepes again. After breakfast we went by the post office so I could bounce a box forward. Then it was off to the trail. After tearful goodbyes up the hill I went. The miles seemed to roll by pretty quickly. Ran into Ann again while she was having lunch. Didn't go into Rausch Gap shelter because it was .3 miles. Saw the back of a deer briefly and a few chipmunks and that was about it for the day. The only other thing was the low flying jets and helicopters from the Indiantown Gap Military Reservation. They were very loud and constant for a couple of hours. Before I knew it I was at the I81 bridge. Met some hikers there and they were going to push on also after they had dinner. I went up on the ridge a couple of miles and found an OK campsite. Not great but pretty flat so it will do. Called home and then had some dinner. About 8:15 the other hikers showed up and took the not so good spots to camp. The ridge is so rocky we are lucky to have found anything. Long day, better turn in.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Campsite

To: Fort Dietrich Snyder Marker
Miles today: 18.8

Got up and out before the other tenters were up. Wasn't exactly sure how far to the next shelter so could gauge my time. The trail started out rocky and then got alot better. Passed up the William Penn shelter because I didn't need water or the privy. It was 5 miles to the 501 shelter and it seemed long because of the slow going over the rocks. PA is famous for its rocky trails and we have all heard the worst stories. Once at the 501 shelter I decided to have lunch there. The caretaker left sodas and I had one with my lunch. One other hiker was there, Noodle. He was waiting for a ride home for a few days. He had planned to stay the night at the Hertlein campsite but it was only 4 and I hadn't hiked my 10 hours yet. So on I went looking for a tentsite along the way. Got water at the spring by the Fort Dietrich marker and saw a spot to camp. Pitched my tent and it started to sprinkle. Threw the pack in the tent and climbed in and it started to pour. Had to wait out the rain an hour or so before I could cook dinner. It's 8:30 and no other hikers have shown up, other than Noodle and two day hikers I've seen no one else all day.About a dozen hikers are a day to two days ahead of me and I don't know how many behind except for the 6 I saw coming north yesterday. Hope to stay dry over the night.
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Fort Dietrich Snyder Marker

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: few clouds

Awoke to a dry tent inside even though it rained most all night. Found out later that it was the storm from the remnants of Cindy. Got all packed up and left in the rain. It rained until 10:30 pretty heavy and then off and on after that. The trail was rocky in places but not constant. Made good time into Port Clinton. Went to the post office first to get my maildrop. Some hikers there told me there was one room left at the hotel so I hurried right over there. Had to wait for quite a while to get checked in but at least I got a room. After a shower I headed to the dining room to eat. Got laundry done and then just relaxed. A bunch of hikers were in the bar but if I'd had a beer I'm sure I would have passed out right there I was so tired. Laid everything all around my room to dry out from the rainstorm. Even with the pack cover things get wet with that much rain.Watched a little tv and fell asleep
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Forgot yesterday I went over another 100 mile mark. Actually people say we should be counting down now because it's less than 1000 miles to finish. Got up and to the post office just after it opened to pick up the map Randy had mailed me. It was there so I was on my way. Climbing the first part of the big hill out of town I saw a bear. It was about 10 feet off trail and ran off into the woods. The first vista of the day was the Pulpit Rock. It was about noon so decided to have lunch there. Some day hikers were there also and had numerous questions once they found out I was thru hiking. Cantaloupe showed up then and had lunch too. The views of the valley were really great. Everyone was going down on the rock ledge to see the copperhead coiled up there. I passed, would rather not be near any snakes. Soon we were joined by Tink whom I had just met yesterday for the first time. We all headed out for the Pinnacle which promised better views. Better views is what we got, it was really beautiful. We also could see the ridge we would be walking for the next 5 days. Really impressive, especially because we couldn't see the rocks. The rest of the walk to the shelter was almost all woods roads so the miles went quickly. About 10 minutes before the shelter it started to rain but I didn't get completely drenched this time. Staying at the shelter are 49er, Swinger, Cantaloupe, Tink and a guy from Hamburg,Germany. Breaktime and Indy decided to hike on 7 more miles. Breaktime told me Sleeveless got off in Port Clinton to see her family so she is actually behind me. I thought she would get to Palmerton and then get off. She hikes long days so maybe she will catch me before Delaware Water Gap.Relaxed the rest of the afternoon and visited with everyone. The shelter here has a caretaker house so there is fridge on the porch with sodas, cookies and ice cream sandwiches and you just leave money in the can for a donation. Also has a flush toilet and a solar shower. Doesn't get much better than that for a shelter.------------------------------
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Palmertown
Miles today: 7.7

Swinger and Hamberg were going to do 23 miles today so they got up at 5am.They were camped close by so I was awake too. Ended up leaving camp at 6am. Knew it wasn't too far today so took my time. The rocks were not as bad as I had anticipated. Ended up coming out of the woods around 10am. Got a hitch into town right away and went to the hostel. Got checked in and Mouth, Ox, Indy and Apple Pie were there. Got my shower and laid down to rest. Cantaloupe and Tink came in a litte later. Walked up to the post office and resent my box. Stopped at the little shops on my walk back to the jailhouse. Oh, I didn't mention the hostel is in the old jailhouse building. Everyone jokes about volunteering to go to jail. Stopped and got some lunch at Bert's. Then it was laundry and shopping for a few food items. More hikers came in while I was out. Cantaloupe and I went to Bert's again for dinner. Another milkshake but this one wasn't as good. Back at the hostel now and have a ride back to the trail at 6:15 tomorrow morning.