morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-11-05
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I have found that I sleep much better (also much warmer) in my tent as opposed to the shelters. So if its not raining, I'll probably pitch the tent. It's my little house...but my yard changes everyday...This time it moved 25 miles from where it was this morning! It's the biggest mileage day so far. And I actually feel good. Sore feet, but nothing unusual.Last night a bear wandered into camp, but I scared it away by shining my headlamp at it from under the tent. It took off quick! I never did see it though. I would like to have a Kodak moment with a bear...but from a distance! Early this morning I descended into a very long and relatively flat valley. It was about ten miles until I had another significant climb, but the first few miles were amazing. I walked through an old sod farm which is now flooded, and frankly, quite ugly. But now the whole sod farm has been protected, and is called the Wallkill Nat'l Wildlife Preserve. I believe I got to experience first-hand why this is so. The sun had not risen above the mountains by the time I entered the preserve, and, with no exaggeration, there were thousands upon thousands of canadian geese floating in the ponds that had formed in this 100-acre field. I didn't even notice them until they started making noise and stretching out their wings, preparing to take flight. I had never heard anything like it! But all at once they took off and circled the sky a few times until they gained enough altitude, and then headed south. Wallkill must be a bird sanctuary because I saw loads of other species of du! cks and birds hanging out as well. It was amazing.When I arrived at Sunrise Mountain shortly before sunset, I met a huge group of hispanic people that had, by chance, met up there. It was a very cool moment, and I'm glad I was able to be a part of it. There were Chileans, Costa Ricans, and a couple of Uruguayans. I could've stayed and chatted for longer, but I still needed to put in 2.5 more miles before dark.I'm stepping on more and more rocks, so Pennsylvania must be close!Easy
Date: 2006-11-06
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

Another bear came into camp last night. New Jersey has more bears per square mile than any other eastern state. I just want to see one during the day!Today I saw so many deer! Probably about 15. Yesterday I saw about 10 wild turkeys along with many deer and grouse. Everyday I see deer and grouse. I'm also seeing plenty of gray squirrels, chipmunks, mice, skunks (one came in the shelter recently and I was afraid to throw something at it), and many many birds. I also saw my first bobcat two days ago. It was quick!Pennsylvania tomorrow!Easy
Date: 2006-11-07
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up very early this morning and was hiking in the dark for the first half-mile or so. The sunrise was absolutely beautiful.I crossed into Pennsylvania on a long bridge over the Delaware River, then hiked a short distance to the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain which has a hiker hostel in the basement. One of the first errands was to go to the post office. I picked up an arm-load worth of packages and carried them back to the church where it felt more like Christmas morning! I was overwhelmed! Thank you Karen, Kathryn, Joelle, Alyssa, Kenny & Beth. I was planning on going to the outfitter afterwards in search of a packcover, but there's no need to now because Joelle sent me the exact packcover I was looking for! Sea to Summit! Ultralight! and blaze-orange! Unbelievable.I did eventually go to the outfitter, and as I entered, the owner asked: "Are you Gray Spainhour? Someone called and left this number for you to call."I returned the call to a Christian brother who had been following me on trailjournals.com who invited me to eat dinner and relax at his place for a day. So when I get to Lehigh Gap in a couple days, I'll have nice place to go and relax.When I returned to the hostel, Storyteller and 46er's packs were laying there, so I went to the local pizza place where I figured they would be. They have now completed their Appalachian Trail thru-hike! What a feeling that must be!Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-11-09
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: clear sky

I took a zero in Delaware Water Gap yesterday due to the rain. It actually rained so much that the basement of the church began to flood. 46er, Storyteller, Jaws and I spent a good part of the morning cleaning it up. Shortly after we got it cleaned up Jaybird arrived soaked to the bone. We spent the rest of the day eating and philosophizing about the art of backpacking, the democratic takeover and Donald Rumsfeld. This morning I left DWG a bit late, but I still needed to get 20 miles down the trail to set myself up for Palmerton tomorrow. I made it to Wind Gap before dusk, then hiked the last 4.5 miles in the dark to the next shelter. I noticed a few pairs of eyes watching me off in the distance, and would like to know who they belonged to...a fox???a wolf???deer???bear??? I'm sure some people would be able to distinguish animals by the shape, size and how close the eyes are set apart. I came to a clearing around 7:40 and sat on a rock, turned off my headlamp and enjoyed the city lights down in the valley for a while. It was a unique feeling to sit alone in the dark on top of a mountain in northern Pennsylvania gazing at the stars and city lights. I then remembered that God has really blessed me by giving me this opportunity. Everyday I walk where I've never been before. Hiking the Appalachian Trail is definitely the most awesome adventure I've had yet! With still more to come,Easy ME~~>GA...and beyond...
Date: 2006-11-10
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Lehigh Gap
Miles today: 15.7

I had set myself up for an easy hike into Lehigh Gap today, where Chris was to meet me at 4:00 and bring me back to his place. The day was beautiful, & by 3:30 I was descending one of the steepest slopes on the trail into Lehigh Gap.Chris' wife, Teresa, had their house smelling way too good with the chicken/pasta dish cooking in a crockpot (chicken cacciattori???) I have no idea how to spell it, but it was GOOD...I think I may have spent about 45 minutes longer than Chris and his family at the dinner table eating thirds and fourths...and then dessert! It was amazing. Then Chris drove me to the hardware store to buy denatured alcohol, and to CVS to get more pictures onto a cd and sent to my wonderful transcriber (love you Mom!) Then Chris worked on some of my gear while I sorted through the food supply he had bought for the next leg of my hike! That was way too much! Way too magical! Trail angels deliver trail magic, and my encounter yesterday left me speechless.Rain is on the way, and tomorrow it looks like the last day of fair-weather hiking for a few days at least...It feels good to be in PA,Easy
Date: 2006-11-11
From: Lehigh Gap

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 40.4
Weather: clear sky

This morning I woke up around 6, packed my gear, and ate a bunch of   chocolate chip pancakes and bacon Chris prepared. By 7:45 I was back at the trailhead with an 18-mile day planned. I was fueled up and ready to tackle even Mt. Everest! It's Saturday and there were loads of day hikers, weekend warriors and scout groups on the trail. A few miles into the hike I crossed paths with a man who was carrying some pigeons in a bag. I had to get an explanation. The man told me that he uses the pigeons to trap eagles in the area and tags them as well as take some other samples. Interesting...Then I arrived at a road crossing where I saw Jaybird. He and I both were contemplating pushing another 8 miles to the Eckville Shelter, so we hiked a little bit into the night to get there.But somewhere between the Allentown and Eckville shelters I made the crazy statement: "Man, if I feel as good as I do now when we get to the Eckville shelter, I might push on to Port Clinton." Port Clinton was another 14.5 miles from Eckville. After saying that, the thought of tackling such a distance became more of a challenge...the challenge then became a goal. At 7:15am the goal was accomplished! I hiked 40.4 miles in 23 hours and 30 minutes, and passed by 5 shelters along the way. I took many breaks along the way. It was very painful, and I'll never do it again. Lesson learned.I'm still not quite sure what Chris put in those pancakes this morning...Easy
Date: 2006-11-14
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

The 501 shelter is a four-walled building with a huge skylight in the roof. It has bunks all along the walls, and a huge dining room table with chairs in the middle. A nice place to avoid all the mist that's flying through the air tonight.Here's a poem I like which was found written on a plaque in a shelter:--ENVIRONMENT--The wilds of nature kindle strongin most of us - the best.Their tranquil silence brings peace,their changing shadows rest.Come rest awhile in this tranquil spot,look unto the hills for renewed strength,and when at last you must depart,leave the environment clean and smart.Round here you'll find 'no dump'!!Your trash is yours to trump.And if you be the next one thru'You'll be proud you found it true.LEAVE NOTHING BUT FOOTPRINTS!Leave no trace,Easy
Date: 2006-11-15
From: 501 Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: haze

This morning I could not think of eating oatmeal with route 501 nearby. Instead, I hitched into Pine Grove, found a gas station and filled up on Krispy Kreme doughnuts and a bacon, egg & cheese bagel. Then I made it back to the trail in time to make it to my intended destination.I walked through fog for most of the morning. It finally let up, and I actually saw some blue skies for a change. But it wasn't long before the clouds moved back in, and it remained overcast for the remainder of the day.   The last mile or so was spent walking through an old village in a very beautiful pine forest. The trail through the area followed an old road which first passed by a cemetery, then came to an intersection with some old wells before crossing a creek on a stone bridge. The village was abandoned around 1901 when its mining industry went bad. Although the bridge was the only structure left standing, the ruins spoke for themselves. And as I walked along the old roads that many before me had walked, I felt both the smiles and the tears of the souls that once filled the village of Rausch Gap.I want to see some blue skies so I can celebrate crossing the 1,000-mile mark today!Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-11-16
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 29.1
Weather: moderate rain

Last night I just learned that my pocketmail has an alarm clock on it! It was perfect timing, because I needed to wake up real early to make it to Duncannon today. I set it for 4:30am, and by 5:30 I was hiking in the misty darkness. Shortly after the skies brightened, it started raining...and it didn't let up until about 5pm. I'm talking serious rain with gusty winds...Horizontal rain that was smacking me in the face and running down into my jacket which proved useless in this rain. And my shoes...Oh my shoes...Merrell should sponsor me. They have really come a long way...They've forded numerous streams and passed through swamps, bogs, Maine muck, Vermud, Muddechusetts, Connectimud, the White Mtns, the PA Rocks, and the flooded App. Trail as a whole on numerous occasions.The whole hike was spent walking the ridge, so I had few moments of relief. But I must admit, it was the rain that kept me moving right along. And I must give the Lord credit for keeping me in high spirits all day, because I could've easily gone mad...He kept putting songs in my heart, and reminding me that "this is the day, this is the day that the Lord has made..." Although a difficult day to say the least.But by 5:15pm, I had found the oasis in the middle of the rainforest. Duncannon, Pennsylvania...actually it's not Duncannon, rather, the Doyle Hotel. It's old and it's cheap, but it sure is nice to hikers. They already took my picture, then gave me room #16...The special room in the corner of the third floor. The building is 101 yrs old...1 year older than me...That's about how old my body feels right now!Peace,Easy
Date: 2006-11-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This should be a very exciting week on the trail. First, I just passed the 1000-mile mark a couple days ago. That's big news! I've hiked over 1,000 miles! This also means that the midpoint lies only 40 miles away. Along with the midpoint is the "Half-Gallon Challenge," where thru-hikers eat an entire half-gallon of ice cream and receive a wooden spoon as a souvenier. I doubt I'll have a problem with that!But I suppose the big news is that in a few days I'll be crossing the Mason-Dixon Line! Home sweet home! Immediately following that, I'll be hopping into my bud's Jeep bound for Morgantown, WV for a big turkey dinner! Yes, this week is going to be great! And the diviners at the weather station prophesy good weather!+ + + + +,Easy
Date: 2006-11-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I left Duncannon at noon with my belly full, gear and clothes dry, and heart content. This leg of my hike will bring me through the Cumberland Valley, across the Mason-Dixon line and on into Maryland. Wooooohooooo!or better yet: Yeeeeehaaaaw!!!Tonight I'm staying at a shelter that has recently been remodeled. Troop 183 is here with me tonight, and it is good to have some human interaction, as well as good conversation. I was trying to write this journal, but the conversation on Iraq grew so interesting I had to get out of the warm bag and join it! Finally going to sleep,EasyEasy
Date: 2006-11-19
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today's hike was through the flat Cumberland Valley (about 15 mi. of flatness). I passed by many dairy farms and received many lazy stares from cows...Crossed old logging roads, a Jeep road, Forest Service roads, roads with solid yellow lines, roads with dashed yellow lines, roads with both solid and dashed yellow lines, roads with solid white lines, gravel driveways, routes, highways, Interstates, byways (does this sound monotonous?). Well, days like this are exciting for me! Monotony, on the other hand, would sound more like: "Oh look, another tree... Welp, there's another tree... Alright, there's a rock! I can't believe it! A pine tree! Looky there, a leaf...(while whistling the theme song of M.A.S.H...or singing the song that has no end, it just keeps going 'round again).Step Step Step Step Step Step Step...--------I did pass by an old graveyard that was really awesome though. It was small (only about 15-20 tombstones) and every person buried there had died before 1900. Some of the barely-legible tombstones had dates from the early 1700s. I'm looking forward to passing the midpoint tomorrow.Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-11-20
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelters
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I passed the midpoint today (1,087.3)! I've hiked 1,090.1 miles! I did pass through Pine Grove Furnace State Park, home of the half-gallon challenge, but the park was deserted and the camp store was closed. Oh well, I guess I'll have to wait until I'm halfway through my northbound hike in a few years. Yes, at this point I would do it again! I would love to experience this all over again...next time I would go northbound though. Simply because it would be different. I would walk through spring instead of fall, things would be green, trail angels would be leaving trail magic, stores would be open and I would eat a half gallon of ice cream and receive a little wooden spoon as my trophy!But I'm still having a blast out here in God's Country, and wouldn't trade this experience for anything!Easy
Date: 2006-11-21
From: Tom's Run Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

I believe I have found what could possibly be the toughest part of my hike from here on out--removing my body from the warmth of the sleeping bag to the brisk early morning air. This morning was tough. I woke up well before the sun came out and ate. But I didn't actually start hiking until 9:45. This really isn't a big deal--it just means that tomorrow I've got 20+ miles to hike before meeting Jody after crossing the Mason-Dixon. Tonight I'm at one of the nicest shelters on the A.T. It's actually two shelters connected by a breezeway. I'll get some pics up so you can see it!Upcoming Journals:"What is it that a thru-hiker eats on the trail?--or--What doesn't a thru-hiker eat in town?"and"Gear Review: Is it Easy carrying this pack?" That turkey is smellin goood,Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-11-22
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Pen-Mar Park
Miles today: 20.7

Today was a gooood day. I finally got to see my brother Jody who I haven't seen in about three years. I'm here with him in Morgantown, WV, with his wife, twin brother, mother, in-laws and the newest member of the family, 4 month old Levi, who was born on my birthday. An awesome reunion!An amazing thing happened today. It's a long story though, and requires a little history...Back in Cheshire, MA, Storyteller and 46er had given me information about a Christian couple who takes in hikers in southern PA. As I was nearing their area, I had it in my mind to spend a night with them after Thanksgiving. However, I had not yet confirmed anything with them. Well, after having hiked 12 miles today, I stopped for a break at a shelter. A man and his dog walk up and chat with me for a while. His name was Terry, and as it turns out, he thru-hiked 5 years ago. Since he sympathized with the needs of hikers, he asked if I needed any supplies or a lift somewhere. I told him that I was hiking to Pen-Mar where my buddy was going to meet me, and that I really didn't need anything. However, a little bit further down the trail we met again. And once again he asked if I needed anything. He gave me his info and told me to call him when I got to the park.We had also talked about post-thanksgiving plans, and I had basically thrown out the idea of staying with the couple Storyteller and 46er told me about since I had met Terry, from whom I didn't really get good vibes. However, when Terry and I finally parted ways, and as I was walking away, I said to myself:--"Well, unless I find a note laying in the middle of the trail telling me to stay with the other couple, I suppose I'll just stay with Terry after Thanksgiving."So I continued walking...About 3 miles later I spotted trash in the middle of the trail. I thought: "Somebody needs to throw their trash away and stop littering the trail!"But as I came closer I saw that it wasn't really trash at all, but rather, a note. Upon that note were the words "Easy Feelin" written in big red letters. I thought: "I know a guy with that name"...and then it hit me! My first name is Easy and my last name Feelin! I'm Easy Feelin! Yes! The note is addressed to me! The note was left by the Christian couple inviting me to stay at their house for a day or so! How cool is that!!! Only on the Appalachian Trail!Easy Feelin'ME~~>GAAnd Beyond...
Date: 2006-11-29
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: haze

They say that this is the mental halfway point. It has taken me longer than expected to get this far--I'm about two weeks behind schedule. But for Kenny's sake, I'm going to avoid layovers like I experienced in Hanover...My winter hike has just begun. I'm here in Harpers Ferry, waiting for a storm to blow thru (i'm addicted to this spelling of the word). And along with this storm comes a cold front. I believe the cold will become the norm, and I think I'm prepared for it. I purchased a new sleeping bag (Western Mountaineering 0 degree down) which will definitely keep me toasty in the cold nights that lie just ahead. I also bought a new pack! This is the big news because I have to put up with it all day. I've lost some weight, and the Dana Design Bridger pack I've carried from Katahdin has been slipping from my hips, even though I've had it cinched as tight as it could go. Now I've got the Nimbus Ozone from Granite Gear. The pack itself is more than two pounds lighter than the Bridger. Also, the new sleeping bag is 3 ounces lighter than the previous. I carry my load for about 8 hours/day. So if I lose 3 lbs of pack weight, I'll have 24 lbs less to carry each day. This is good news,Easy
Date: 2006-12-03
From: David Lesser shelter

To: Bear's Den Rocks
Miles today: 11.0

God is good and his mercy endures forever! I'm in Virginia and have less than 1,000 miles to go! He's brought me this far, and I'm excited to see what He's got in store for me during the next few weeks before Christmas. In about two days I'll be entering Shenandoah National Park. I've been looking forward to hiking around this area. I did receive word that an ice storm blew thru the park and caused a bunch of blowdowns. The rangers have issued a warning to southbounders that the trail may be difficult, but not impassable. Just another obstacle!Peace!Easy
Date: 2006-12-07
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

This is a cold night. Probably the coldest yet. My water bottle is already freezing up. I normally have to wait until the morning to find it so. But I am pleased to say that I'm warm in my sleeping bag.My hands aren't warm...they still haven't quite made it into the bag.I arrived at the shelter just as the snow started to fall, and after bushwackin through the blowdowns caused by the ice storm. I was hoping to pitch the tent, but there's nowhere to pitch it at this shelter (which is not really a shelter, but a "hut"--yep, they changed the name once again). And there's snow flying around in here everytime the wind gusts. But hey! LIFE IS GOOD!With God on the A.T.Easy Feelin'
Date: 2006-12-09
From: Pass Mtn. Hut

To: Big Meadows
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: clear sky

Another cold day on the trail. The low for the past two nights has been about 10 degrees. Yesterday it never rose above 30. It's a little warmer tonight, 20. But I'm forced to cowboy camp tonight because I can't drive a stake in the frozen ground. It's like a tundra here! So I'm using my tent as a blanket...just to shield me from the frost.   I enjoyed some human interaction today! I came upon 3 trail maintainers that were clearing the trail. One of the fellas gave me some tropical trail mix. Then the other fella offered me a cliff bar.   Later in the day I came to Franklin Cliffs, where I encountered a couple of dayhikers. The man gave me a bottle of spring water (which is what I drink everyday). But this water came in a bottle with a blue label that said "Deer Valley!" He gave it to me so I wouldn't have to purify it. Nice.As my day was drawing to a close, I came upon the former superintendent of Shenandoah Natl Park, on a walk with his wife and daughter. After chatting for a while, the wife said: "Well, I sure do wish I had some food to give you!" After saying that, she actually invited me to their house for dinner! I refused because I needed to push more miles, but I am amazed at how people, once they find out I'm a thru hiker, go out of their way to give me food. I hope I'm not starting to look anorexic! I know I'm not homeless--I mean, I got a tent! Well one thing's for sure...This stuff only happens on the weekends. I rarely see anybody Monday thru Friday.   Peace,Easy