morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Pa. 16 Blue Ridge Summit

To: Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Whew! What a week!! I'm now the proud grandfather of 3 grandsons!! Zachary Ryan Brown was born Friday morning with most all of his family present and accounted for. Erica, his mother, is doing well and we are all very blessed for this birth. I'm am SO proud!My week has flown by with visits to the high school and middle schools, seeing friends and former students and athletes. I even had a chance to go to track meet! Ofcourse spending time with Alex and Sam was special along with Tim, Erica, Ryan and my daughter Kris who flew in from New York yesterday. Patti and Eric had us all over for dinner on a couple of occasions... Paella was on menu one evening wtih Bart and Ruth! Yum! Thanks Patti and Eric! Kris brought some world famous cheeses from Murrays in New York City where she is the Executive Chef. Yum!Our local newspaper did a huge spread on my trip which was very cool since they printed the article on the day Zach was born! I did feel a little sheepish because I haven't finished my journey yet but it was very nice! Thanks Dave!Thursday was spent outside in the rain,getting recertified on our ropes course at the high school and it was good to see my teaching colleagues once againI had planned on taking a few runs with my buddy, Brian but we opted for breakfast instead! Hey, what the heck!! And once again I've received some great notes from friends and former students that have really warmed my heart.I also spent a good amount of time chatting with my neighbor and good friend Betsy.The only negative thing that took place was that I had to mow my lawn today...Not bad!So this evening my old friend and high school classmate, Don Wylie is going to come by and we'll head back to Pennsylvania early tomorrow morning. I'm looking forward to returning to the trail to start the second half. I hope to meet up with new hiker friends and hopefully see some others whom I've already met. I'm not sure if Ant, Slickshoes and Whateva have passed me up but I hope they are near. It will be what it will be...
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Sheboygan, Wisconsin

To: Rocy Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Don and I were on the road at 10:30 last evening. It was very hard, as usual, to say goodbye to everyone. The week went by WAY too fast... We hit a T-storm in Chicago but othwise the ride back was not bad. I only got about 3 hours of sleep. We arrived in Waynesboro, Pa. at 1:30 pm. and Don dropped me off on the trail at 2 pm. Thanks Don!   The day was sunny and warm (70's). The trail was easy and it felt really good to get back at it. There was only one climb today but the trail was moderately rocky in places, making my feet sore. Par for the course... I made pretty good time, getting to the shelter just after 6. The water source here is a spring .3 miles down right next to a road. Yuch! I'm alone and very tired.   A beautiful full moon is lighting up the evening sky..... Goodnight!
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Rocy Mtn. Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 22.9

Up and out early at 8 am. Warm and sunny day with temps in the high 70's. I love hiking in the mornings. Everything seems so fresh. The leaves are starting to come out more and spring is definitely in the air. The trail was extremely easy today with little elevation change. I walked through some beautiful pine forest areas that reminded me of Wisconsin Rapids. I also walked by two shelters that arguably are the best on the AT. The first was Quarry Gap Shelters which actually had hanging plants and the spring was just in front of the shelter. The second was Birch Run Shelter which had bunk style sleeping with varnished floors and bunks. Very nice. Wish it worked out to stay in one but that's life!I arrived at Pine Grove Furnace State Park at just after 4:30. The store there is only open on the weekends. As I approach there was a lady sitting there having a soda. Here name is Penny and trail name Blue Skies, the second Blue Skies out here this year. She is doing a thru hike by flopping from Harpers Ferry north and then back south. Great conversationalist. Right next store is the Pine Grove Mansion and hostel which we both checked in at. Also there were a Dale and Karen, a father /daughter pair out for a 4 day adventure. We got a shuttle to a restaurant by Mike and had a great meal. I finished with 3 deserts (apple pie, ice cream,and cranbule'). Got to bed fairly late at 10:30... Pretty good day I would say for the first day of May. Hey that rhymes!
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Up at 6:15 for coffee and conersation with Dale, Karen and Blue Skies. It was nice sitting on the porch of the Ironmasters Mansion in the morning sun. I finally got on the trail at 9 am. a half hour behind the others. I passed the official halfway point of the trail about a mile into todays hike. I cught up to Blue Skies shortly thereafter and bid her farewell. Nice lady. I caught Dale and Karen a half hour later. Today's hike was easy up until Pa. 94 and then I came to a ridge on which the trail wound back and forth between and over some huge boulders for quite some time. I could only imagine the people who designed this section chuckling to themselves as they painted the white blazes.... Not really all that bad. I ran into a father and son (sorry I can't recall their names) out for a day hike. I had planned on hiking 20 miles to Boilng Spings but cut it short at Alec Kennedy Shelter. Tecumseh and Moxie, a couple from Washington state were there to greet me. They did the first half of the trail last year and will complete the rest this year. Very nice couple! As we were having dinner, in walked Comer and Jean. They started their second thru hike on Feb. 21st! Awsome! They had just completed a 25 mile day! Yikes! Then along came Dale and Karen! So we have a full shelter tonight. I'm opting to tent it outside... They all mentioned seeing Blue Skies making her way though the rock ridge and looking exhausted. Hope she's ok.Snuggled in my tent at 9 pm.....
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: U.S. 11 Footbridge
Miles today: 11.9

Comer and Jean were up at 4:30 am. That's right, 4:30! They were hiking by 5:45. I got up then and the rest of the gang was up by 6. My intent was to hike the 4 miles to Boiling Springs and have a second breakfast. After all, I AM the hobbit! After our goodbyes I started out at 7:15 and about 5 minutes later came upon Blue Skies who had missed the shelter last evening and set up camp just up the trail! We talked for a bit and I was on my way. Beautiful morning. The trail came out of the woods and into the farm fields of the Cumberland Valley. This is an 18 mile stretch of land. Smooth sailing. I got to the ATC office in Boiling Spring by 8:45. Very quaint little community. I was very disappointed to learn the cafe didn't open until 11. Not to be denied, I hit up the mini mart for some bakery and coffee. I hung out for about an hour in which time Techumseh, Moxie, Dale and Karen showed up. After pictures and another goodbye, I was on my way. Moxie and Techumseh are taking a short day today and I will end up a day ahead of them. Too bad as I really would like to hike with them. Neat people. The trail a narrow corridor of woods and farm fields. Very cool. It looks much like Wisconsin with a lot of dairy farms.I decided to cut it a bit short as I was pretty tired from the long drive Sunday night and the past few days of hiking. My feet have also been bothering me. So I got off at US 11 and checked at the Super 8 at 1 pm. The rest of the day was spent doing laundry, watching TV and resting. Blue Skies showed up at around 7 pm. Tenacious lady! I already had dinner but went for dessrert while she had dinner.   Ducannon and the famed Doyle Hotel tomorrow!
Date: 2007-05-04
From: U.S. 11 Footbridge

To: Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: light rain

Up and out by 8:45 am. Beautiful cool, sunny morning! I walked with Blue Skies for the first 4 miles through the Cumberland Valley farm fields and forests. Good conversation all the way. What a beautiful area! At one point we had to cross a cow pasture and they had just released the cows into it for the day. I was taking some pictures when all of a sudden it appeared as if the cows were stampeeding towards us. But they stopped short. A bit of an anxious moment. It was nice to move at a slower pace but I shot ahead with the intent on waiting at Darlington Shelter to lunch with Blue Skies. She had stopped to tend to some blisters. I climbed the first ridge of the day and completely missed the shelter.... By the time I realized what had happened I was a good mile downhill.... I hate it when that happens! I hope Blue Skies doesn't think I blew her off... Moving on up the second ridge it was fairly steep but not terribly long. At the top it leveled out and I stopped for a snack and called Patti. After that point it became very rocky for about 3 miles. I stopped at Cove Mtn. shelter to get some water. Staight downhill for two tenths of a mile! Yikes! I had plenty of gatorade but it was warm and I craved a cool drink. It was well worth it as I downed a whole liter. This last 4 miles was fairly easy with some rocks and a great view of Duncannon and the Susqehanna River. I missed a white blaze and had to backtrack uphill a few hundred yards. I wasn't sure which way to go when I got to the turn because the trail went up both ways at that point..... I couldn't recall which way I had come down! But I did guess right and all was good with my world...Walking into Duncannon is a treat! Very old buildings. Very rustic. Walking into the Doyle Hotel was like taking a step back in time. An oldtime bar with friendly greetings from all within. I have to admit that I was a little unsure about staying the night in one of the rooms here but it turned out they are fine. Old but adequate for 20 bucks. Comer and Jean were there but a family emergency will take them off trail for a day. They plan on being back out on Sunday and offered to skip ahead and join me and then do the missed section on thier return trip home. How nice is THAT? So I had a Chili Cheese Burger at the for dinner. Huge! Cool Gary, a southbound section hiker, was there and we had a great conversation about being on the trail. Good guy. Lights out at 9:30!
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Duncannon, Pa.

To: Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I decided to stay in town for a day and wait for company on the trail. I feel guilty about not hiking on such a nice day but I really want to hike with others. This way, if Comer and Jean return tomorrow to hike with me they won't have to skip ahead.Well now I have a crowd! Showing up today were Blue Skies, Techumseh and Moxie, Orange Blaze, Bobba-William, and two section hikers, Cougar and Rumbler. I guess I should be careful what I wish for...But it's all good. I'm looking foward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Duncannon, Pa.

To: Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 0.0

I decided to stay in town for a day and wait for company on the trail. I feel guilty about not hiking on such a nice day but I really want to hike with others. This way, if Comer and Jean return tomorrow to hike with me they won't have to skip ahead.Well now I have a crowd! Showing up today were Blue Skies, Techumseh and Moxie, Orange Blaze, Bobba-William, and two section hikers, Cougar and Rumbler. I guess I should be careful what I wish for...But it's all good. I'm looking foward to getting back on the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Duncannon, Pa.

To: Peters Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

Breakfast at Goodies with the crew. Eggs, homefries, toast, blueberry pancakes and a gallon of coffee. Orange Blaze had two breakfasts also. A man after my own heart! Another outstanding day with clear blue skies. I walked out of town and acoss the Susquahanna River with Blue Skies. Then a jump up to the ridge, across some famed Pennsylvania rocks for about a half mile and then easy cruising the rest of the way. We had a nice break in the sunshine at Clarks Ferry Shelter and I took a solo break at Flatrock just before the shelter. The feared rocks have not yet shown themselves. Maybe tomorrow.... I arrived at the shelter around 2:30. Orange Blaze was already there and we proceded to go down the 300 rock stair steps to get water. There were 2 - gallon milk jugs available to gather it. You only want to do this one time.... Very steep.   The others (Blue Skies, Moxie and Techumseh, Cougar and Rumbler) arrived in time along with a newcomer, Natz, a Thru Hiker from Washington state. She started in Harpers Ferry. Just now, Jim from Southern York County came in so we have a pretty full house tonight. This shelter is really cool with a large area down and a second level which is very roomy. A very good day on the trail.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Peters Mtn. Shelter

To: Rauscch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5

Up and out by 7:45 am. Gorgeous, cool morning. Orange Blaze, Cougar, Rumbler and Blue Skies were out before me. Good trail today once again. I caught the crew in a couple of hours and took a short break with them. I came upon Orange Blaze just after noon. He was having difficulty dealing with his heel blister and had changed out to a sandal on that foot. That seemed to work well for him. With about an hour left to hike I threw down a power gel and put my Ipod on for the first time while hiking. The last hour flew by. I was singing, laughing, crying and dancing down the trail. I'll have to do that again. A good way to finish the day. Orange Blaze was at the shelter, along with Boomer when I arrived at just after 3. Boomer is a stitch! Reat guy with a great sense of humor. His trail name is derived for his love of high powered rocketry. Cougar and Rumbler showed up next. The longest hike either had done backpacking... Tecumseh and Moxie followed close behind. Then along came Blue Skies! This is an amazing lady....   I opted to tent outside the shelter as did Tecumseh, Moxie and Blue Skies Lights out at 9 pm..... Great day on the trail!
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Rauscch Gap Shelter

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

Today was a carbon copy of yesterday. Clear blue skies and cool temps early. Out at 7:45. I love the mornings. Everthing is so fresh, including me! The miles seem to fly by. Once again I caught up to Cougar, Rumbler and Blue Skies. I didn't think Blue Skies could do another 17 mile day so I said goodbye again.... Good trail again with a few areas of Pa. rocks. Not bad. I stopped for water at the William Penn and talked with Scooter, a section hiker, for a bit. His partner was napping. When I asked him what his partners trail name was he said; Katz! I said; You mean like? - He just shook his head. I put my Ipod on for the last three miles and cruised into 501. Orange Blaz was there and we decided to hitch into town for AYCE Wings at Scholls Family Restaurant. We got a ride from Timothy. Thanks! Orange Blaze Downed 26 wings! Great meal... Then Steve, the owner, gave us a ride back to the shelter. What a guy! Thanks Steve! When we arrived back, Boomer, Moxie & Tecumseh and Blue Skies were there! They all ordered Pizza. This is an enclosed shelter with an octoganal sky light in the middle. Orange Blaze and I might try for Port Clinton tomorrow. 24 miles. We'll see how I feel... Goodnight All! Oh, and a special ?Hi" to Aaron Nallin at Sheboygan Falls Middle School. Thanks for signing my journal. Also to Nic Bifano and Kayla Schroeder! Kayla, Big Bear won't get me but Big Rattlesnake might!
Date: 2007-05-09
From: 501 Shelter

To: Pa. 61
Miles today: 24.4
Weather: clear sky

I know, I know, another motel... But I deserve this one.. 24.4 miles today in 80 degree, humid sunshine over a lot of PA rocks. A very tough day even though there weren't any real climbs (thankfullly). But before I go any further, Happy Birthday Alex!!! 7 years old today! I'm a very lucky Grampy to have a wonderful grandson like you! OK, this morning I wasn't sure how the day would play out. Three options: 15 to Eagles Nest Shelter, 20 to a campsite just beyond, or all the way to Hamburg, Pa. The morning was sunny, warm and humid. Beautiful with the sun filtering down through the trees. After the usual goodbyes, I was off at 7:15 am. Rocky start but then things smoothed out. I called Alex to wish him a Happy Birthday, then Patti to say hi and then Chuck Baranek, a teaching colleage to chat. He informed me that I have made his office "Wall of Fame" which means absolutely nothing but it's fun... Thanks Chuck! I came upon a group of young people who were out for a few days. At one point just before Pa. 183 there were some bogus white blazes that through me off for a bit but I got back on track. Probably some pranksters. I caught up to Orange Blaze at the Eagles Nest Shelter and he said he was going all the way to town. It was only 1 pm and just under 10 miles to so I decided to do the same. It was a loooong 10 miles. Wheras the trail wasn't solid rocks, there were streches of them, enough to make my feet sore. Once again, I put my Ipod on with 4 miles to which helped a bunch. Today I also drank a lot of water. 5 liters throughout the day. The last half mile before Port Clinton wad the steepest downhill on the AT so far. I bounded down at a pretty good clip and my left quad began to cramp up just before the bottom. Stupid me... Fortunately it seems to be ok now. When I got to Pa. 61 Orange Blaze was there trying to hitch a ride. No luck so we walked the mile to the motel. Before that, however, we hit the Burger King for some cokes and burgers. Priorities! We checked in at the Microtel and it was SO nice to take a shower and relax! Ofcourse we had to leave the others (Tecumseh & Moxie, Blue Skies and Boomer) behind but the trail has a way of reuniting people for one reason or another. It was a ball hanging with them these past few days. Tomorrow we'll try for a 15 miler. I have a mail drop coming to Ye Old Bakpacker outfitter. Hope it gets here! I haven't been vert timely in getting the info to Ryan for him to send it out.The trail from here to the Delaware Water Gap is supposed to be much more rocky and difficult. The next 4 or 5 days will be quite a challenge. One step at a time.
Date: 2007-05-10
From: Pa. 61

To: Pa. 61
Miles today: 0.0

Today I decided to stay off trail to avoid the forcasted late afternoon T-storms. Got a late start getting my mail drop at 11 am and didn't want to be stuck on a ridge if the storm hit. Scott from Ye Old Backpacker picked Orange Blaze and I up at 10 am and dropped OB off at the trail so he could be on his way early. The T-storms never really got going until after 7 pm so I really wasted a day. But I did get a chance to get to know Scott and his partner, Tammy. Very nice people who just started their business. If they don't have what you need they will make every effort to get it for you. Scott shuttled me back to Port Clinton and I waited for Tecumseh and Moxie on the trail. They strolled in around 2:30. Blue Skies showed up an hour later. This evening Scott once again shuttled us to dinner. Later I gat a chance to talk with his adventure club members. A great group of young people. We shared some camping experiences. Scott's son had a great one which I won't go into...... I sleeping in the "Barn" right next to the store. No charge. Oh, I got a message from Concordia saying that the "Bogus" white blazes were really boundry markers set by the state gaming comission. Thanks Concordia.... So I'm a little bummed that I didn't hike today but it was good to meet Scott and Tammy and also see old trail friends.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Pa. 61

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 7am. Scott picked me up at 8 and we drove to Port Clinton, picked up Blue Skies and went for breakfast. My favorite meal of the day. Wait a munite- they're ALL my favorite meals of the day! Scott dropped me off at the trail and i was hiking by 9:20. Blue Skies is taking a couple days off to resst her blistered feet. Good decision!The trail was good today with a couple of climbs. The Pa. rocks were there but a lot of good trail too. I caught up to Moxie and Tecumseh having lunch at the Pulpit overlook. Then on to the Pinnacle, another nice overlook. A little later I came upon a group of 6 young men who were Menanites. I had met them briefly yesterday in Port Clinton. We sat and talked for quite some time today and I really enjoyed that. They were very interesting were wiiling to share a lot about themselves and their culture. Really nice guys!Tonight I'm tenting with Moxie and Tecumseh at the Eckville Shelter. A very nice tenting area maintained by the shelter caretaker who is somewhat of a character.   Today has been warm and humid but the air is cooler and dryer this evening. Good sleeping weather.......
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Great night's sleep. Up at 5:45 am. On the trail at 8. Sunny and warm. I drank a liter of water before I started.   That really helps on warm days. Today the rocks were more numerous with tough going over Knifes Edge, Bear Rocks and Bake Oven Knob. However their were some nice smooth stretches also.   At Allentown Shelter I took a break to get water. When I got back up from the spring two young ladies were there to greet me.... Tau and Kentucky Blue are Thru Hikers who both started in February. Also there were the young Menanite men.   It was good to spend more time with them. Great guys! I hiked the rest of the day with Tau and Blue. They kept a pretty good pace. At Pa. 309 we took a detour to the Blue Mountain Restuarant and had a burger and a coke. An unexpected pleasure! The bartender, Ken, was a hoot! We arrived at the shelter at 5 pm. A while later, Tecumseh and Moxie came in. So we have a full boat this evening. Good company! It's raining lightly as I type this. Lehigh Gap tomorrow.....
Date: 2007-05-13
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Pa. 873 Slatington
Miles today: 7.4

So just when I think I've seen it all in terms of places I've stayed, I'm suprised once again! Today the crew was up by 5:30 with Tau, Blue and myself on the trail by 7. Our goal was to hike the short 7.4 miles out to Slatington, Pa. and check in at the Fine Lodging Hostel. The day was cooler and dryer which felt wonderful compared to the heat and humidity of the last few. The hike took us over a few rock scrambles but was, overall, pretty easy. We reached the road at 9:30 and Tau put her thumb out and got us a hitch into town. There was a diner across from the hostel so, ofcourse, we had a second breakfast. A spinach and feta cheese omlet! Yum! I also had a side of french toast..... Then it was on to the hostel....... Well Ira, the hostel manager, informed that there was no room available but we could tent in the back yard..... We're all thinking big grassy area right? Wrong! The back yard ended up being a very narrow fenced in area filled in mostly with junk. I found a spot just big enough for my tent. Tau and Blue have no tent so Ira brought out an old mattress for them. Close quarters! Leader of the Pack was there and just leaving. Nice gentleman. Then, to my suprise, in walk Tecumseh and Moxie! They also decided to stay! So now it's a wall to wall slumber party in the junk yard! I must say, however, that Ira is a great host. He reminds me of Joe Mukovitz, our elementry school principal in Sheboygan Falls... And that's a genuine compliment.Tomorrow we are planning a 20 mile slackpack to Wind Gap. It will be a tough day with a steep, rocky climb out of Lehigh Gap.