morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

As I'm writing tonight¢s journal, we are experiencing a very intense thunderstorm. Lightning just flashed with almost no delay in the thunder following. Mother nature is putting on a display louder than any fireworks display. The last one was very close. I'm huddled in my tent on my thermorest hoping it will insulate me. So far no major leaks just splashes all around. Today was a walk on mostly level ground around corn, wheat, and alfalfa fields. The AT has purchased enough land so that the road walking is now at a minimum.  Left the shelter at 6:05 and was in Boiling Springs by 7:30. What a cute town. The trail goes around a shallow lake with lots of ducks and swans enjoying an early morning swim. The Mid-Atlantic States Appalachian office was open.  My first question was where could I get breakfast? Answer, nowhere, but the gas station had coffee.  Hard to believe that in these small towns that the country cafe is extinct. I guess people don't congregate and discuss problems any more. I was able to get coffee and a commercial blueberry muffin. Across the street there was a park where I could have my breakfast. I found out where Boiling Springs gets its name. A huge amount of fresh water was bubbling out of a cave.  They said people have scuba dived into the cave. We usedto do that in Florida... deep with lights and lines but not again. So back on the trail. I was told eight miles ahead there was another restaurant on US11.  The trail goes over several major highways I-81 and I-70. It's very strange to look down on speeding cars and trucks when you¢re walking. Couldn't face walking along a busy highway for a half mile...so on I went. It was very different walking through dairy farms, cows, and country homes. Our normal scenery is the long green tunnel. There was the added treat of blackberries. They were all along the path. I could snack on berries as I walked. On our last road crossing we came across trail magic once again. One side had water, fruit drinks, and apples. The other side had Pepsi and grapes. I was told the next shelter spring was dry. Thanks to the class of 2008, I was able to top off my water and keep going. The soda by trail angel Thought Foot¢s mom enabled me to make that last climb.  There is water in the streams, but due to farming which causes pollution and industry causing acid rain there is not a drop to drink. I am meeting so many new hikers. It's into Duncannon tomorrow for a hiker¢s food fest and gathering. The roast pig is sounding good to me. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night¢s fireworks by Mother Nature turned into a steady all night rain. We all talked of getting an early start. That went out the tent flap when I heard the drip of rain. By 6:00 it was obvious that it was going to be a rainy day. By the time I got packed up, everything was soaked. Your choice on days like this are either wear a rain coat and take a sauna or no rain coat and take a shower. Started with a sauna and ended up with a shower.  The rocks of Pennsylvania finally showed up. It's like hiking down a huge scree field for miles. Met one man SOBO (southbound) with his pomeranian dog. It had its hair cut and looked like a miniature bear cub. He said the dog did well through the rocks, but that fifteen miles was his limit (A dog after my own heart). When I was almost at the bottom of the hill, I met another interesting group. It was a brother and his four sisters.  They were Mennonites hiking in knee length blue dresses, white aprons and lace head covers. I really admire their spirit. The only hotel in town is the 100 year old original Anheuser Busch hotel.  It looks more like a flop house, but Vicki and Pat made up in hospitality what it lacked in modern amenities.  Our view from room #26 on the top floor was of the Susquehanna River, and my favorite, a working train track.  Some features I want to remember was a transom over the door, bell button on the wall, hot water radiator, an extension cord as the only outlet and a naked florescent light bulb. Did get my clothes laundered, my tent and gear dry and had a good meal downstairs.  Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Duncannon - Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Decided we might as well stay at the Doyle, because all the other motels were five miles away. Went through my bounce box and backpack trying to get rid of as much as possible. Sent some home and some to Delaware Gap. (I will post as soon as possible my future mail drops). I plan to be in Delaware Gap and out of Pennsylvania by the 16th of July. Keystone, another trail angel, gave Peregrine and me a ride to the post office. He even waited for us and drove us to the hiker feast. We registered, got our beads and name badges. Not much was going on and we had missed breakfast. There was going to a pig roast, but not until 2:00. Decided to go back to the Doyle.  We were hungry. Pat made us a good hot pastrami sandwich with fries.  Something I do rarely...read and took a short nap. With the fan blowing it was a restful afternoon. At 4:00, a shuttle took us to get groceries. Time to resupply and repack our packs. Tonight they had a duo playing in what might have been a ballroom on the second floor. Sue Grace sang and played the guitar. She had a strong voice and held her own on the guitar. There was a guy playing mandolin. They were billed as a folk rock group and knew lots of cover tunes. I was determined to finish my Patricia Cornwell book, The Front. Just as it got dark, someone had some left over fireworks. They were shooting them over the river. We were able to see them from our window. So I got to see fireworks only a day late. It would have been a perfect day until the heavy party folks got rowdy and pretty much kept us up until 3:30 am. Not the best manners, but hey it¢s the 4th of July, and it¢s Hiker¢s Fest.Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Today was just a hiking day... not too many memorable moments. I was surprised to find a blooming rhododendron thicket this late in the season. We were on Peters Mountain and descended down to Clark's Creek Gap. Then back up onto another ridge, then Stony Mountain and Sharp Mountain. Water or the lack of it is a notable problem in Pennsylvania. Of course, it is getting into the hotter part of the summer. We have had rain, but I think it would take several weeks of slow steady rain to really effect the water levels. I carry extra water. We did run across another timber rattler. This one was moving very slowly and didn't even bother to rattle or try to curl in a striking position. When we arrived at the Rausch Gap Shelter, it was an old and built in a depression with stone walls. There was an unique spring at this shelter. Someone had built a metal trough which trapped the piped spring water. Zephyr, Peregrine, Lynn and I tented down the trail along a nice sounding creek. You can't drink the water out of streams because of all the acid in the water. Thought we were going to get drenched by a thunder storm. Later found out it was a military shooting range. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Rausch Mountain Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

The day started pleasant enough with a gentle rolling walk, but with rocks along the ridge line. An AT relocation took us across a stream that had huge rock walls on either side. We were trying to guess what they might have been. I thought it might have been a large water wheel tied to a grist mill. When we hiked further, we found that it was a diversion well built not that long ago. It was sponsored by Trout Unlimited. Due to all the coal mining further up the stream, the water was very high in acid killing all the fish. This was the first one in the US and patterned from a Swedish design. Water would be taken out of the stream. Then it was forced back through a well filled with limestone. This would neutralize the acid making it possible for fish to live. I thought it was interesting that they must have run out of names for their mountains. This one was called Second Mountain. It was a descent into Swatara Gap and under I-81. I can remember when we were crossing this highway way down in southern Virginia. I much prefer the old country dirt roads. One of these led to a an old steel bridge that looked like it was built from an erector set. It was built in the late 1800's and then moved to this location over the Swatara creek. We saw a family out bike riding. They had lots of questions about our hike. The 501 Shelter had a different set up and location than any other shelter. It was right next to a major road the 501. What made it work was there is a caretaker who lived right next to it. He'd come around in his uniform and introduce himself. That way people knew that they were expected to behave. Ron was really a good guy and at times I'm sure his job was not easy. This shelter was an enclosed bunk house. It had a solar shower and the water source was a faucet. Another plus was you could order a pizza. We were camping with Lynn, Peregrine, Cayenne, Tailgate, and Zephyr. Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Hotel Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

After yesterday, everything we had was wet.  I put on some of my dry clothes (which you keep for emergency) just to get in town. I was more than ready to get there and get clean again.  I was singing cheeseburger in paradise all the way over the rocky trail. When I first heard about the rocks of Pennsylvania, I thought how bad could they be?  After all, am I not a girl from The Rocky Mountains? Well I think these rocks are worst or the guy who planned the trails is a real sadist. I've decided to give them names: Titanic Rocks - these are the little pointy rocks that are submerged in the soil 90%. The 10% above ground catches your toes   Stegasaurous Rocks  - these are the sharp edge rocks that stick up at angles like the plates on the back of dinosaurs.   Marble Rocks  - these are all those small loose rocks that roll under your boot like banana peels.   Tippy Rocks - these are any size rock that tip when you step on them.  Crowded Rocks - these are rocks that are so close together that they trap or wedge your boot between them.    Boulder fields - these are large rocks that you have to step or jump from one to another. I try to see how many I can step on before hitting the ground. I really can't say what Pennsylvania looks like. Your eyes are pretty much glued to the ground. We have been told that it only gets more rocky when we leave this town of Port Clinton. I can't wait.  Right now there are three of us in one room of this very old, but nice hotel. I was voted to take the bed. Lynn (Jersey girl) and Peregrine are on the floor. We are headed up a steep mountain first thing in the morning.  Time to enjoy this bed.  Fly right, Ravon
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Hotel Port Clinton

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

There were three of us in the hotel room. Luckily we are all early risers. Up by 5:15 and after a delicious breakfast of cereal bars in our room, we were on the trail by 6:15. It took us through town along not the cleanest looking stream, the Schuylkill River, then  under a four lane highway. From there, it was an uphill climb to Blue Mountain.  I must mention that all my map notes have come from The Bandaid Kid, a thru hiker of 2007. He took great notes about the type of terrain and which springs were dry.  It has been a great help in my hike. Thanks Bandaid. Once on top, there was not that many rocky sections. There were two views. First was the Pulpit Rock. It looked to the west on the rural Pennsylvania countryside. Also on top were three amateur telescopes with observatory buildings.  I could see where this would be a good viewing location with little light pollution. The second view was 2.5 miles further through a boulder field. The Pinnacle was an even more spectacular panorama of the land west. I was surprised to see how much of the land was covered with trees and small farms spaced in between. Only a couple what would be called housing developments. Peregrine and I enjoyed a leisurely lunch at this overlook.  The rest of the 5.3 miles was mostly along a dirt road running through the woods.  This was a very pleasant surprise.  The Eckville Shelter is a house that at one time was liven in by a very early woman thru-hiker. I'd like to find out more about her.  There is a bunk house where most are staying. A few of us are in a nicely mowed lawn across the street surrounded by trees.  What's very nice is the flush toilet and solar shower. Just to be able to rinse off at the end of my hike was a plus. More such places would be greatly appreciated.  Tomorrow we start with a big climb.  Time to listen to the birds. Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Eckville Shelter

To: US 309 - Blue Mountain B & B
Miles today: 11.5

Something very special happened last night.  I was tenting on a  grass lawn.  As it was turning dark I looked out my netting  I began to see little lights twinkling like small fairies all over our camping area. They were fireflies. It was magical how they would appear and disappear. I can remember as kids collecting them in a jar. Now it was a treat to see them in such huge numbers outside my tent.  When I awoke, Peregrine asked if I had poison ivy medicine. Discovered that the prescription I thought was in my first aid was another sacrifice to the bear. Called Mando to track down what kind of medicine it was. This was at 5:30 am. Peregrine had patches of poison ivy patches on her legs, but now it was spreading to unexposed areas. Time to get help. Just as we were trying to find the nearest hospital, Brushstrokes showed up with his friend Brian O'Mally in a car, who took her to a hospital. Long story short, she is back on the trail with meds. Trail-wise the hike for me this morning was a continual series of different fields of rocks. They ranged from small, medium, large and huge. The best are the kind that have flat tops you can walk one to another (this is rare). I started off with a 1200 foot climb over two and half miles to Dan's Pulpit. Then four and half miles to Allentown Shelter. It was a nicely constructed wood shelter where I met a sectional hiker named Brian, nice kid from California. As I was eating lunch, Hike Naked, Motor Butt and Cookie Monster arrived.  Water sources are starting to dry up making it a concern for hikers. I now carry over three liters (six pounds) to start my day. After Allentown Shelter, the trail let up and turned into an old dirt road most of the way to US 309. When I came out on the road, there was a small note saying diner open.  I needed water and a ice cold coke sounded really good. It was only a few feet away...The Blue Mountain B&B. Time for real food and while I'm at it why not a room.  Talked to Peregrine.  She was on her way back to the trail. Thank goodness medication should help her. The trail still leads northward.  Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-13
From: US 309 - Blue Mountain B & B

To: Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 13.3

Had a good night¢s sleep. I didn't want to wait around for breakfast, but there was a coffee machine... always a plus. On the trail by 7:00.  The rocks didn't show up for the first couple of miles. Then they were there bigger than a bread box. There were several boulder fields. The knife edge was the outstanding feature of the day. It was the ridge line of huge boulders set at 45 degree angles.  Peregrine did fine, but a couple times couldn't believe that we were on the trail. Around 10:30, she noticed that her leg was looking much worse and was showing signs of infection. She has better cell phone coverage and was able to talk to the doctor who saw her yesterday. They recommended for her to get to another hospital. She was also able to reach Ira Fine of Fine Lodging and he offered to come get her on a dirt road we would cross. Amazingly, it all worked out. Peregrine went to Palmerton Hospital and the Ravon continued to hike 5.5 miles more. I had a special surprise when I went through an unmaintained area which was more open... along the trail there were ripe wild blueberries. I'd stop and pick a handful. Definitely got a serving of fruit. When I reached the trailhead, Peregrine was filling a prescription for antibiotics for the infection.  The doctor said she could go back out on the trail. Takes a lot to stop two birds like us. I am at the Fine Lodging in a room as a major thunderstorm blows through. Slatington is an old time community with lots of old houses with very decorative slate roofs. Will try to get some photos tomorrow.  Fly right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-14
From: Lehigh Gap

To: Slatington, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Thunderstorms moved through our area last night with lingering showers during the night. When I awoke this morning, it occurred to me another possible plan. The three guys, Zephyr, Serene and Brushstrokes were able to get a room here in the Fine Lodging. Found out they arrived just before the rains came. We all met for breakfast and to discuss plans. We are faced with the most challenging climb through a huge vertical boulder field.  It was my feeling that after last nights rain that the rocks could be very slick. Outside the street was definitely wet. I think Peregrine and Zephyr were leaning toward pushing on. We had all agreed to do a slack pack with Ira shuttling our heavy packs to Wind Gap 20.7 miles up the trail. To do a high mileage hike, I want to start early. Unfortunately, Ira can't take us to the trail head until 8:00 (This is two hours later than I would like). Breakfast turned into a hour and half affair so plenty of time for discussion. We decided to take a zero day. It would give our bodies a little rest and a chance for the rocks to dry.  The first chore was laundry.  The coin laundry was a nice clean place. We all got to laughing when we realized we were watching our clothes tumble like it was a riveting TV program. The library was next. Again what a wonderful surprise to walk in what at one time was a old fashion department store. There was an open area that went up several stories and had a balcony in the center. The computers. least sixteen, were very current flat panel window models most with a printer I was able to get caught up on my journals and read emails sent to me. Thank you for all the encouraging words. Too bad I didn't have my camera cable. I could have gotten all the way updated. Sandy is doing a great job in posting my journals. The five amigos had lunch and dinner together. Momma's Pizza was a great find. The best part was that we didn't have to walk more than a half block all day.Fly Right, Ravon
Date: 2008-07-15
From: Slatington, PA

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

By 7:00 am we were all out on the front porch anticipating the climb up Lehigh Gap. Ira dropped us off at the trail head at 8:00 with just day packs. It was a perfect morning...light breeze, sunny skies, low humidity, and still cool. Five of us, Zephyr, Serene, Brushstrokes, Peregrine, and myself were feeling very good about the day. The boulder climb did require some hand over hand climbing, but it was more fun than a technical climb. The views of the valley below, Slatington, Palmerton, and the ridges we had walked were clear. Everyone agreed that it was better that we had waited rather than attempt the climb yesterday on wet rocks. We were having fun taking photos.  It took us an hour to scale the 1000 foot well marked exposed rocks. The scramble up the denuded rocks is said to be among the most challenging on the AT south of New Hampshire.  Once on top, you enter an EPA super fund site.  The devastation on Blue Mountain is a result of a century of zinc smelting. The furnace was closed down in 1982 and the process of trying to reclaim the area has begun. We saw many stunted tree trunks with some vegetation. You are warned not to eat the blueberries in the area. They are using Ecoloam, municipal waste sludge, fly ash, lime, fertilizer and seeds. Some birds were present and I think it was a peregrine falcon we saw flying near our heads.  After the climb, the rest of the day seemed tame in comparison. Rocks on, and as part of the trail really kicked in. We were all relieved to reach Wind Gap and our motel just 0.1 mile from the trail head. Peregrine and I ordered Italian to be delivered. How the three guys had the energy to walk another mile to get food I'll never know. It was an exciting day made more so by the knowledge we will be leaving Pennsylvania tomorrow.  Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-16
From: Wind Gap

To: Deleware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: clear sky

I must say after yesterday¢s 20.7 mile hike, I was dragging feet. It was a somewhat steep rocky climb out of Wind Gap. From there almost the whole day was walking on rocks. It is like music. When I hike on intense rock sections, I'm never able to establish a rhythm. It's very disconnected, stiff and stacatto like an ultra modern composition played with percussion instruments in unharmonic tones. As your feet and ankles slip, slide and rock off rocks, it's like the clash of cymbals, blair of horns and a cacophony of instruments. There is no counter point of a smooth pine needle trail. After hours of this, it just gets tiring. The trail bosses must have wanted us not to leave Pennsylvania not cursing the rocks so they blazed us onto an old gravel road for the last mile.  We ended the days hike with not a difficult descent, but a long one into Delaware Water Gap. "Here the Delaware river twists through a 2.5 mile long cleft in the Kittating mountains. Mount Minsi, named after a Indian tribe rises on the Pennsylvania side 1200 feet.  Mount Tammany on the New Jersey side was named after an Indian chief." This was written on our map. At first the area was so remote that few came. Then in 1830 a tourist hotel was built and it became a scenic destination. At one time, there were plans to put a dam here, but that was defeated and now much of the area is part of the Wild and Scenic River System. I am staying at the Deer Head Inn, a hotel built in the 1800's and still the oldest operating jazz club in America.  It is a beautiful place to mark the thru hiking of my seventh state (Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania). . Seven (New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine) more to go. It is also a mile marker. I now have less than 900 miles to go (894.6 miles). I can remember when that seemed impossible. Fly Right,Ravon
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Deleware Water Gap

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

I very much enjoyed my zero day. Tried to sleep in and enjoy the oh so comfy bed at The Deer Head Inn.  Had breakfast at the local diner where we found the boys eating before they headed back to the trail. Mary, the owner, was waiting for us. When we came back from breakfast. We didn't know that our room came with breakfast included. Not to worry, hikers can pretty much eat any time. I had some delicious fresh strawberries and yogurt with more coffee.  She also said we could use her washing machine to do our clothes. She has been a most gracious person. Tried to work on my schedule for the remainder of the journey. Realized that this was almost impossible except for a few days...too many variables. Supposedly on this part of the trail you can eat as you go. They call it the deli trail. I find that hard to believe. What I do know is I want to get back to the shelters. In almost every description of the shelter in New Jersey they warn about bears. Time to get some sleep. It' almost hiker midnight.   Fly Right,