morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-13
From: Ashby Gap

To: Snickers Gap
Miles today: 20.4

June 13 - Slacking Over the Roller CoasterSouth of Harper's Ferry about 20 miles, there is a series of 10 small mountains each requiring a climb of about 500 feet. We will cross over 8 of the 10 today. Adam says this structure is a series of mountains stretching North and South and we will be "switching lanes" over to the West to get in line with Harpers Ferry.Today we will hike 20.4 miles to reach Snickers Gap. It is now 6:20 AM and I am sitting at a picnic table beside Sox and Paul's Travel trailer. In about 10 minutes, we will go into Front Royal again to eat breakfast. Paul will then give us a ride to the trail point we left yesterday (Ashby Gap). At the end of the day, we will be at 989.1 miles. Tomorrow we will exceed the 1000 mile point and hike into Harpers Ferry. Then the next day we will go into ATC headquarters and find out how many thru hikers are ahead of us. Guess is there are less than 300.Sox's Paul moved travel trailer to KOA in Harpers Ferry, W Va. Adam and I decided to rent a cabin here at the KOA to enable us to stay together and get hiking without delay in the morning.We did complete the planned 20.4 miles. Ate diner at Chinese Restaurant in Charles Town, W Va. Met very interesting man there; name is Perkins. He explained there is a huge cavern streaching from the Opera House to the Shenandoah River. It was used by John Mosby during the Civil War to hide his troops and horses. (Mosby was known as the Grey Ghost) The Chinese Restaurant is the same building that was the jail where John Brown was held before he was hanged. Was tried in the building across the street. Lots of history in Charles Town - a good place to return someday.Its a little strange getting to take a shower two days in a row!
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Snickers Gap

To: KOA Campground
Miles today: 19.3

June 14th - On to Harpers FerryAdam and I decided to stay in the KOA Cabin a second day. We left most of equipment there and started hiking about 7:10.After crossing the border from Virginia to West Virginia we polished off the last two mountains in the roller coaster and began a long ridge decent down towards the Shenandoah River crossing near Harpers Ferry. Got pictures when crossing the 1000 mile point. Felt very strong as eating in town plus sleeping in air conditioned cabin seems to agree with us.Crossed bolder field and several streams during the day prior to ridge walk. Coming down near end of the day we observed lots of Civil War embankments and redoubts. This is fairly well grown over by the forest now but you can easily see the supply road to cannon positions up high and a large ring around the mountain top at a lower elevation for infantry. Very cool, the AT parallels a lot of these works. Got lots of pictures. At the Shenandoah River, I saw two groups of Canadian Geese playing in the river. More pictures.A fine day. The Lord has blessed us with outstanding weather. Covered 19.3 miles with total now at 1008.6 miles. Returned to KOA for second night and had dinner at Paul and Sox's camper. Home made cheese burgers with the best of fixings, plus potato salad and baked beans. Finished off with Apple turnovers and ice cream. What a life! Got phone calls done and laid out itinerary for rest of June.My son, John, is coming back again just before my June 27th birthday. What a kick - turning 67 in Pennsylvania and with my son there too.We expect to eat the traditional 1/2 gallon of ice cream to celebrate the half way point on my 90th day on the trail - Monday, 6/20. Adam says we should go ahead and try to eat a 1/2 gallon ice cream now, just to see if we can do it. He doesn't want to be embarrassed.
Date: 2004-06-15
From: KOA Campground

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

June 15th Cross the PotomacGot a late start as ate breakfast at 9:30. Paul fixed breakfast burritos. This morning he told us he is now planning to go back home to Texas. This means we can lighten our packs to carry 3 days and he will then meet us with the rest of supplies and then leave. Sobs and tears!   No more slack packing for us. And John will have to make other shuttle arrangements from Harrisburg. I felt very weak after the trek along the C & O Tow Path.   Got some cool pictures of Canadian geese in the old canal.Climbing up only 600' on the other side was hard for me. Probably due to 90 degree temp and high humidity. We decided to stop at the Ed Garvey Shelter, 4.1 miles short of our original goal. At end of the day now we are at 1015.6 We only advanced 6.4 miles.We did get out of town and we did get back to carrying full packs. We did take care of business at the outfitter. I did make contact with Scott and he is OK and going home tomorrow.I am feeling a little vulnerable tonight as we experienced a violent thunderstorm shortly after arriving the shelter. Discovered that my umbrella is missing. Hope it is in Paul's truck. Will find out in two days. Mean time I will just get wet if it rains. (and it still is now at 8:15 PM).Secondly, I picked up my new Tarp-Tent that was shipped to the ATC and have not yet had a chance to seal the top seams. If used, and it rains, I will get wet.We plan to go early tomorrow (up at 5 & out at 6) and make up for the short day today.Got new tip on broken pole at outfitter shop. Signed register at ATC headquarters (number is 317).
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

June 16th - Feeling StrongComplete change from yesterday! We hit the trail at 6:05 AM. Doing great. At 2:30 Adam stopped by the Washington Monument State Park to view the Museum and look at the first Washington Monument. We saw lots of Civil War sites today. Not as hot as yesterday and less humid. Glad I did not attempt to complete Maryland in one day. That would have been a big mistake as this section is interesting to see as the elevation is low, making it hotter than the trail we are used to.I am sending in from the park phone but am absolutely confident we will complete 16.6 miles for total distance of 1032.2
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 12.7

June 17 - Beware of Wet Green RocksFell twice today. Nothing hurt. I was walking along the rocky ridge near Black Rock Cliffs Maryland just complimenting myself for getting a new tip on my right side hiking pole. Just then my right foot slipped and I fell into a bunch of weeds. No harm except that the weeds included poison ivy! All I can do is wait and see if anything develops out of that. So far I have not contracted poison ivy, even once in 1030 odd miles. Don't want to start now.Later in the morning I stopped at a Spring to get water and fell off of the stepping stone path border rocks when getting out of the way of another person on the trail. This time I caught myself with my hiking pole but ended up bending the bottom section of one pole. Its still usable and I got only a minor scratch.Yesterday was history day. We saw tons of interesting sites. Lots of Civil War stuff plus the first Washington Monument. Today we became even more aware that the woods are bordered with nearby civilization. You can even hear cars on the nearby highway. Still there is wildlife in this area. Got good picture of a bear track in the trail. Its fresh - after rain yesterday.The country is interesting. The trail in this region is characterized by lots of rocks or wet/muddy places. Had to ford a stream for the first time today. Waded across the Little Antietam Creek. Got picture. Lots of flowers in the vista grasses.Yesterday I was able to seal the seams of my new tarp-tent. Good thing because it started raining soon after finishing dinner. I slept in Pine Knob Shelter last night but left the tent up all night to allow the seam sealer to cure. Tonight I sat it up again to allow continued curing but decided to stay in it for the first time tonight.Don't like the looks of the Devil's Racecourse Shelter where we are staying tonight. Tent is much more roomy, clean, light, and displaced with fresh air. I am getting to not like dirty, dark, stuffy shelters. This one is that way and is even scheduled to be torn down and replaced next year. Been tooting a little with my penny whistle. Adam and Sox want me to play Dixie when we cross the Mason-Dixon Line.Well guess what; tomorrow we will pass from Maryland to Pennsylvania. Tonight we are only about 5 miles from the border. Today we covered an easy 12.6 miles, ending at 1044.9 total miles.Its 8:30 time to go to sleep.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Antietam Creek
Miles today: 12.0

June 18th - Crossed from Maryland in to PennsylvaniaCrossed the Mason-Dixon Line at about 10:05. Quite an adventure getting there. Left out of the Devil's Racecourse Shelter (0.3 miles off the trail) at 7:00 and promptly got lost. Spent next 15 minutes bushwhacking west over the ridge - knew the AT was on the west side. Just stayed on a 340 degree course. Sure glad to find the AT again.Each morning lately I'm feeling this great surge of energy in the morning. Still eating the same breakfast as always. It's just after getting warmed up and underway I really feel good. Fresh air may have something to do with it.My new tarp-tent held up fine last night during another rainstorm. Started raining at 7:30 and continued till about 3:00 in the morning. It's uncanny the way things seem to come together. Just got seams sealed the day before it was needed.Met Sox's husband at Pa 16 highway and picked up supplies for four more days. Went to Blue Ridge Summit Post Office and mailed home my old tarp. Ate lunch at diner there and had a Western omelet and grapefruit juice. Felt much better when hitting the trail than when I ate so much in Harpers Ferry. Last couple of days, my left eye has been a little sore. Its from nats getting in and me brushing them away. One may have actually got stuck under my eyelid or something. Hope it goes away soon. Don't see anything with mirror except very slight swelling of lower lid.Second night in tarp-tent. Slept like a log. Pitched it about 10 feet from edge of Antietam Creek and could hear nothing except the sound of the water. Covered 11.7 miles for total now of 1056.9. Not bad for taking time off to go to town for Post Office. We will do that again in about 4 days. Tomorrow will pass section of the trail in Caledonia State Park where I worked with trail crew last year.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: Antietam Creek

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

June 19 - 13.4 Miles to Quarry Gap Shelter This was a day I had looked forward to since deciding to do the trail. We walked past the section that I helped reconstruct last September. Showed Sox and Adam the stone retaining wall in Caledonia State park.Prior to descending into the park we saw stone fences high in the mountain. The site of these places just makes you think of the tremendous effort expended by someone in the past. But it helps you understand that time has a way of erasing much of the significance of our efforts. If those walls could speak I wonder what stories they could tell.In the park we seemed to collect a small crowd of people interested in talking to 'thru hikers'. Eventually someone asked if we would like some desert as they had lots of leftovers. Trying to control ourselves we then proceeded to join in, helping get rid of cakes, etc. Both Adam and Sox declare we have now lost all respectability and have become full fledged meal hounds. (The term is Yogi's as in Yogi bear) Very nice family on 'Father's Day outing'.After gorging. we finally left the park area and proceeded to the shelter. In a little while Jim Staunch. the PATC care taker came up for a visit. He is a very special guy and a significant part of my trail experience. We visited about the trail spot that we worked last year and noted that the US 30 service road ditch needs to be cleaned out to prevent erosion above the trail there.We ate very well but got cold during the night.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Hostel
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

June 20 - Passed Half WayUp and on the trail by 6:20. Extremely fine day. Again noticed more conifers during much of the day. The path was smooth and soft. Lots of sandy places, some soft spots covered with pine needles and only a few rocks. Traveled 17.4 miles and ended day at Hostel in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. This wonderful old house was built in 1829 and once belonged to the 'ironmaster' or manager of the complex here that once produced iron and steel. Parks here were full yesterday and today.On the way I noticed the stream just past Milesburn Cabin was unusual in that the entire bottom was covered with white sand. Water appeared to be very clear. Took only two short breaks in order to get to the Hostel and Camp Store for the traditional celebration of 1/2 gal of ice cream. Actually Sox, Adam, and I split one 1/2 gallon because we again accepted the kind invitation to share food with picnickers in the park. Enjoyed a very fine meal, complements of Russ and Shelly Sykes, a local family. They had a Filipino lady friend with them who also gave us special treats - yum, yum.This Yogi business is getting to be a habit - just as it does with real bears.Later we Enjoyed another meal here with a lady helping work the hostel here. Name is Kathleen O'Connor; she told about working at a place in Canada - a Catholic ministry called Madonna House.(Its hard to be away from home on days like this)Really looking forward to my son, John's, 2nd visit this week. Will meet him at the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon on Thursday, 6/24. He is bringing me a new pair of shoes because my present ones are wearing out. Will be glad to get them before hitting the major rocks of Pennsylvania. .......Must get to bed. Happy Father's Day to all.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Hostel

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

June 21 - On to Alec Kennedy ShelterSlept in a soc last night. Bunk beds at the hostel were equipped with sheet liner sacks in lieu of sheets. Good idea; I just never saw them before. The top is fitted to help keep it on the mattress. You cover with a blanket.Fire Marshall joined us and now we are a group of four. Expect that to last only about 3 days as he is planning to leave the trail soon. By the time we meet John I guess he wants to leave us.....too bad. Wish he would finish with us.Today was 'hike naked day' on the AT. I hiked with my shirt off but as my daddy taught me, I kept my pants on! So did everyone else I know.Took pictures at the "half-way" totem, showing half done with the trail. Enjoyed another fine day on the trail. Pack is light as most food is gone. Will go in and pick up food tomorrow at Boiling Springs.Very happy that my son, John, will get to experience some of the Penn rocks. We got a little preview today while climbing over a couple of ridge sections.Very nice gentle breeze most of the day and temperature was mostly in the high 70s and low 80s.My life is now complete. I have lost my back-up pencil and my fuel. Left fuel at hostel and who knows where the pencil went?We remain exactly on target with respect to mileage and timing. We covered 15.5 miles today, exceeded total of 1100 miles with total distance now at 1103.2 and 1070.9. When the distance to Katahdin is less than 1000 miles, I will report only mileage to the end. (The end is in sight)Did I ever tell you about my latest wonderful discovery? Its a leather-like material called birch bark. Having lost my favorite rhododendron leaf as my bookmark I discovered this new material and decided it would work for one of my most favorite wilderness inventions.... making a book mark. I even cleverly cut a piece with my Swiss Army knife scissors to fit my little New Testament. Having discovered this wonderful material, I am amazed at my ingenuity in applying it to the need at hand. Heck, this stuff is so good I bet you could even make a boat out of it. See, I should have hiked this trail years ago. If I had, the world would be a better place. No telling what other original discoveries I would have already made. Keep tuned to learn what other inventions and discoveries I will accomplish as we approach Katahdin.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Trailside Motel - Boiling Springs
Miles today: 11.9

June 22 - Boiling Springs & US 11Adam and I came down out of the woods about 7:35 to our first close-up view of the Cumberland Valley. A few minutes later we were sampling mulberries from a grove in the middle of a corn field. Just before Boiling Springs, we ate raspberries along the pathway. Speaking of wild berries, the day we came down into Pine Grove Furnace we gorged on blueberries. The forest here is covered with blueberry bushes. They are still just now beginning to ripen. Lots to look forward to in the second half of this trip. Found Boiling Springs to be a very nice stop for 2nd breakfast and a place I would come back to visit if given half an opportunity. In Boiling Springs, we ate at TJ's Country Cafe (2nd breakfast of eggs and sausage in Spinach wrap and a choc milk shake). Then went to the P.O. to pick up supplies.   Bounced some food forward to Port Clinton and got back on the trail to US 11 and the Trailside Motel.'Timing is everything.' Started raining at 3:00 - just after checking into the motel. Sharing a room with Adam.Felt like I was in time warp this afternoon. If you can imagine, it was like ancient times when travelers gleaned grain from the fields. Walking along a wheat field, I picked some dry heads and separated out the grain. You know, one could live on that stuff. On the other side of the path there was ample raspberries and blackberries to make a complete meal! Wow. When the wheat heads are not dried too hard its like eating breakfast cereal. Weird development - got several voice mails from Scott Gordon today. Seems they were held up somehow and then only recently sent. At least I learned that he and son Brian had a good time and got to do the things they planned.Distance today is only 11.9 miles and totals are 1115.1 / 1059.0. Tomorrow we will cover 18.6 miles and stay in the Doyle Hotel. We then plan to stay there till my son, John, joins us on Thursday. (a 2 night stay and one complete zero day)
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Trailside Motel - Boiling Springs

To: Duncannon - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

June 23 - To DuncannonWe did our 18.6 miles and arrived at the famous Doyle Hotel. Built in 1905 and home to thousands of hikers over the years, this old hotel is definitely a part of the thru-hiker experience. (When the bar closes they lock the outside doors and you have to exit and enter by the fire escape on the second floor). The food is excellent and I would not have missed this place for anything. We have learned how important it is to work in total rest days with lots of food to keep up ones physical strength.Hikers have zillions of stories about things lost and things returned. Some call these stories part of the trail magic tradition. I prefer to list some of mine as the providence of God. Having many Christian friends praying for our protection and "travel mercies", it would be a travesty to even call my good fortune coincidental. And how big does an event have to be to classify as a miracle? I'll tell you one.Two years ago my son, Mark, gave me a Swiss Army knife for Christmas, knowing that I wanted to carry it on this trip. Its special to me. I keep it in my left bottom pocket of my hiking shorts because the flap has a velcro closure.Yesterday evening when at the motel on Highway 11, I washed clothes. Then moved them to a dryer, finished and went to dinner with friends. After about an hour and a half, back in the motel room, I noticed the knife missing. Forgot and left it in the lower pocket. After double-checking I went down to the laundry room in a hurry to check the washing and drying machines I used. Both of them were busy so I sat down in hopes I might get a look in them when the cycles finished. Within one minute a Nigerian guy walked in to check on his drying. I asked him if he had seen a small red handled knife with the name 'John Braswell' on one side. YES. He was ready to leave. The timing was absolutely perfect. We came so close to missing each other that he exclaimed in broken English, "Its because you have faith". I was stunned. He went on to explain how the Lord protects but the language was so broken up I could not really understand it. All I know is, my knife was lost and now it is found and this Christian guy named Logan was my trail angel for the day! Wow! ..........Oh, and I got my knife washed up real good.Speaking of trail angels, Adam and I hit the jackpot on the way to Duncannon. Lots of cold water, cinnamon rolls, energy drink, cookies, tea, and marshmallows, dehydrated beef, dried brickley, and dried kidney beans. His name is John and don't know her name. They are parents of a young man who hiked the trail last year and just wanted to repay the many kindnesses he received on his journey. Very nice visit. These people are serious - told us they have 4 dehydrators at home.Anyone wanting to thank them for me can do it at kandymom_2000@yahoo.comEnjoyed catfish dinner in the hotel and slept like a log.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Duncannon

To: Doyle Hotel - Zero Day
Miles today: 0.0

June 24 - John DayToday was a Zero day at the Doyle Hotel. My son, John, is due in at about 3:00 PM. ....He made it and all is well.Checked over food supply and added very little. Only the essentials - Parkay, chocolate, one pencil, snack bars, fuel.My mouse hole in right front pocket of shorts was repaired today by Jo Anne (California Sampler). This is the one I've patched with Duck Tape several times. (It was mouse damage because I left GORP in one time in a shelter) Finally on this zero (rest) day, she fixed it while we are all just lounging around the hotel. Need I explain that I changed into long johns during the process?Planning a moderately early start tomorrow. John is staying with me in the hotel tonight. Still making arrangements for his return shuttle on the 28th.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Doyle Hotel - Zero Day

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

June 25 - Leaving DuncannonGot up and out of hotel by 6:45. It was a long walk thru town, about 2 miles. Then across both the Susquehanna and Juanita River bridges and US 22 to big climb up to crest of Peters Mountain.   Very good hiking day with no rain, and lots of ripe raspberries, interesting rocks and a couple of good views from up high.This was John's first night out and he and I set out tents. They had 10 people in the shelter. Went to bed about 7:30 and were awakened by Boy Scouts arriving late. Started raining about 8:00. That put a short end to all the scout noise - nothing but good ole rain all night. We slept like logs. Used my silk liner for thefirst time. Everything stayed dry.Nice visit with Hobbs at noon. He is a Physicians Assistant from Iowa. He has two boys and a spoiled Brittaney Spaniel just like Shooter, and his wife works for the school system.