morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Pine Grove Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: clear sky

Anticipating a hot, long day, we were up and out on the trail before 7 am. Toda we mark off another state as we leave Maryland and enter Pennsylvania. This makes 6 of 14 states through which every AT thru-hiker passes.We made it to Pen Mar State Park by 2 pm where we found a sizable crowd listening to a band and dancing. The breeze was cooling and the views and music were fantastic. The kindness people show toward hikers is astounding. We were given carrots, grapes, cherry tomatoes, deli cuts, veggies, deer sausage, sodas and even some birthday cake! Amazing. It was good to have a change from trail food. After the band packed up we decided to continue on our way. We crossed the Masom-Dixon Line (poorly marked) which also serves as the state line between MD and PA.Deer Lick Shelters are 2 small shelters each housing 4 hikers, thje first of this kind we've seen. After doing nightly chores, no dinner because of all the food at the park, I went to bed.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

We slept in (6:30) as this was to be a short day and promised to be hot. Our goal was Quarry Gap Shelters after stopping at the public pool at Caledonia State Park for a swim in the pool. We stopped at Antietam Shelter couple miles in for a break and met Pacer, Pork Chop & Jackson (his paw is much better), HighTech and Arius. They were being dropped off by a Trail Angel who had invited them into his home overnight. Bill came over ad invited the 3 of us over that evening for pizza, wings and sundaes. After some discussion it was decided that no bugs and the promise of doing laundry was irresstible so we agreed to call him later in the afternoon when we reached our destination.On we went north to Caledonia State park where we were able to shower and swim for no fee. There was a concession stand with burgers, fries and ice cream as well. What a great place to spend an afternoon with the temps in the high 90s! We called Bill about 4 pm and by the time he arrived at 5, we had snagged Storyteller, 46er and Pro from Dover to go as well. We place our 6 packs, 6 pair of poles amd 6 bodies in the back of this Nissan pu truck and head down the road with an agreed upon detour to WalMart. After driing for about 15 minutes, we pass the trail as a hiker emerges from the woods. Naturally, we turn around and pick up JamMan. As you might imagine, the bed of the pu is quite full so JamMan ends up laying down with his head in someone'slap and his feet dangling over the tailgate. We really must have looked a sight! We drive for a while and then lights and a siren come on.We got pulle over! The cop gets out and strides purposefuly over toward the truck asking "what ! do you think you are doing?' We hikers said that he was giving us a ride from the AT. He replied,"not in Penn. he 's not!" We are cringing for Bill who is being so nice to us. The cop asked if Bill knewwhat kind of meess he would have if the truck flipped an Bill said yes, he could imagine. Then the cop said, "slow it down some then turned and went back to his car. as he opened his door he looked at the hikers and said "watch out for those snakes" then got in his car, turned around and left. Amazing. What luck!Bill and Amy did indeed feed us well, provide showes and laundry for the 7 of us. They won't accept money and more amazing, they have a 2 year old named Gracelyn and a 6 week old named Jackson an still welcome AT hikers into their home as often as possible. We hikers try and do some laundry, mow the yard, fix whatever need fixing amd silde some money in a place it can be found after we leave. I know for a fact they spent in excess of $50 for our crew. Sweet people.
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

WooHoo!! I'm halfway! 1087.3 miles down, the same to come. Hard to believe.Bill dropped us off at Caledonia State Park at 8:45 sans packs. We carried one pack between the three of us with lunch, snacks and water and traded carrying every hour. It was so much fun to walk without 30+ pounds on my back. This is called slackpacking. Bill then took our packs up to Pine Grove Furnace for us to have a the end of our hike. What a sweet way to cross the halfway point. This was an added bonus as it was 95 degrees.One AT tradition is upon reaching the halfway point, you can elect to participate in the 1/2 gallon challenge. This consists of you choosing a flavor of ice crean the seeing how long it takes to consume the entire 1/2 gallon. The current record for eating an entire 1/2 gallon is just over 4 minutes! Well, I took the pint challenge and finished in 11 minutes. Fire chose neopolitian and finished in 22 mintes 11 seconds! Whisp finished in 1 hour 9 mnutes 42 seconds, Hightech finished in 45 min 18, 46er in 44 min 45 sec and Pro from Dover in 32 minutes. Storyteller elected not to finish as did Porkchop. During the middle of the contests it began to storm and the power went off due, as we later learned, to a tree falling over a major trunk line.After ice cream we trudged next door to Ironmasters Mansion Hostel. This 3 story structure was hhme to the master of the local ironworks beginning in 1832. Donna, our hostess was concerned for us as there was no power there as well. Being hikers, we opened our packs, took out our stoves and cooked dinner on the front veranda. Later,- around 10:30 it was interesting to walk thru rhe dining room to see a half-dozen hikers with their headlamps writing in their respective journals. Yes, the power came on, about 4 in the morning.the next morning we fixed pancakes for everyone and wereable to tour the secret rooms of the mansion that were used to hide escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

We started late from Ironmaster's Mansion knowing there were only 14 miles to travel. For the most part, Pennsylvania's terrain has been easy. There was one rocky section at the top of a steep uphill where the trail must have been devises and designed by someone who likes to test the patience and temperament of hikers. This rocky trail took us up and over rocks then practically reversed direction to go ove similar rocks and did this time and time again. it ouldn't have been so bad if one didn't see an easy parallel trail RIGHT there! One rock to cross was shoulder height with n way to step up. That was a challenge especially climbing with a packWe stopped at Green Mountain grocery & deli for lunch where subs were the food of choice. I also bought some bug repellent wipes to combat the swarms of mosquitos and no-see-ums.Te afternoon hike was hot and miserable. Iran out of water just as I reached the shelter, good timing, right? Wrong. The spring at the shelter was a long way away and was almost dry. A hot and miserable evening.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

Hot! Hot! Hot! There were a lot of meadow walks today and walks next to corn fields Hot & sticky and not much Awater. We walked to the ATC in Boiling Springs and filled up knowing the next water was 10 miles away. According to the ATC, as of July 15, 5 people have thru-hiked and summitted Kahadin. 622 (I'm 616) have hiked from Speinger Mtn. GA to Harper's Ferry. Pproximately 200 fewer started the journey thus year than ast.As we walked up to the ATC buildong, a couple pulled up in the parking lot ant approaced the building. Athey drew near, the lady called out Fire's name. It seems that Fire,ice and Whisp met the couple in the Smokies and the ouple decided that Fire should be walking into Boiling Springs that day. What are the chances that they would approach the building at the same instant? Boiling Springs was a quaint town with sme nice turn of the century houses and a quaint coffee house. Leaving town, we hiked by many cornfieklds and a narrow wooded corridoe. At a road crossing we found Pacer. He was having chills despite having drank Gatorade and 2 liters of water. We walked with hi to thenext water source, Scott Farm, N ATC facility where we found Porkchop and Jackson having lunch. Pacer drank more water then went and took a nap. The picnic tablr for hikers had some questionable benches. The one Porxchop and I shared was past wobbly, but held us. Later in the day the ridgerunner foor the area came by. I mentioned tht the bench I was sitting on could use some attentio witha hammer. He said he would do thqat the next day. As we talked, the bench I sat upon did indeed fall apart. The landing was smooth.The break at Scott Farm was designed tokeep us from walking during the hotest part of the day. We arrived at the shelterjust before dark.
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Peter's Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 22.7

Knowing I had a mail drop in Duncammon and it promised to be incredibly hot and we had a long way to walk today, we left the shelter at 5:45 am. It was an unexpected steep descent into tow where we arrived at 10:45. First stop, the library. Unfortunatwly it is only open 2 days a week and Friday was not one of those days. Onward then, to the Doyle, the famous (infamous) turn of the century hotel that caters to hkers. We ate lunch and met and talked with some other hikers. $6er and Storyteller came in as did Hightech and Pro from Dover. Mr Socks was there s was Mouse Hat. Next was the internet cafe then the PO where I was resupplied with food and received Jim's camera. Mine was shipped home as it quit working last Sunday.Leaving the PO we decided it was too hot to walk so we stopped at a truck stop for an hour or so. We finally finished the 10+ miles around 8:30. The spring was an incredible 1O4 mile walk DOWN stone steps in the near dark. Needless to say, the three of us wew tired, hot and grumpy. Dinner then bed,barely acknowledging Mouse Hat who was already in the shelter. Almost forgot. If I never see, hear, or feel a mosquito again it will be too soon! Even with repellent, we each have too many bites.
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

This was a quiet day, fewer mosquitoes, less road noise and cokes in the stream. Did I mention rain? All morning. We were able to dry out by the time we reached the shelter.This shelter is half buried with a stone foundation. One of the best things is the spring is just mere feet away.Toward bedtime, a hiker callrd Manifesto arrived which meant we did not have the shelter to ourswlves, She started April 10 bt has tqaken a lot of 0 days.Time for bed.
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

We found some good sized rocks today where it was necessary to balance from rock to rock. Pennsylvania is known for rhe rocks. Most hikers come to hate them. The 501 Shelter is a small pole barn with bunks built around the edges and a unique 8 sided skylight in the roof. Although we heard mice, we didn't see any and there were no bugs.Fire and Whisp were short a dinner so we decided to try and hitch into town to Sholl's Family resturant for the all you can eat buffet. When we went out to the road to hitch a ride, a mother end daughter and dog we had talked with up the trail came out of the woods and offered us a ride. Life should be so simple.It was so funny tosee Fire eat. She ust have had 6 plates of food plus a salad, 2 desserts plus ice cream. Whisp and I had our fair share but were not a match for Fire. While we were eating, the owner came by the table to see that all was well. After chatting for a while it was remarked that now we had eaten we were going to have to find a ride back to the trail. He said not to worry that he would take us. (We wereabout 5-7 miles from the trail) Naturally, we accepted and waited on a pleasant back patio for Steve to be available. Amazing.Arriving back at the shelter we were content to call it a night.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: few clouds

Today I saw several sides of PA. We left the shelter early and hiked thru woods with some gravelly trail. Before too long the area became damp and somewhat swampy. It has been quite a while since I've had to dodge mud in the trail. Off to the sides of the trail there were shallow pools of water covere with scum. Shall we say the mosquitos were hungry? Boy, howdy, they were. As we stopped to appky repellent, a hiker appeared coming from the north. Martha, from Lancaster, was getting in a day hike before her vacation ended. We talked a bit then this Angel asked if we wanted a Snickers. "Yes" was the resounding answer. In addition to the candy, this angel produced a Coke for Whisp and me and a pineapple juice for Fire. The greatest surprse was a block of cheddar cheese. That chees was great for our lunch. We hiked into Port Clinton too late for the po but as we cme to the first intersectio a truck pulled over and asked if he could help. We asked where e pavillion was (open to hikers for camping-free) and where we could go eat. It seems the only eating place in the close proximity to the pavillion was not open on Mondays. we had heard there was a Cracker Barrel in the area and he confirmed it was 3-4 miles away. He then agreed to take us, packs and all. After dinner some curious folks asked about our packs and the trail then took us to the pavillion. There are some really nice folks in PA.It turns out there was quite a crowd ohikers at the pavillion, some I'd met and some whose entries I had read in the hiker registers at the shelters. Here are some of the folks: Straw, Stoker, eggshell, mouse hat, anifesto, el diablo rouge, chewey, redcoat, jonah, and more. It ended up being a hiker mecca with more than 20 hikers in the area.The pavillion was nice with the exception of security lights shining inside and the state highway 200 yards away. No real complaints.
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

To help you envision the rocks we crossed today think of a bin of ice cubes. That is what we had to traverse. Some of the rocks were easy to step on a flat area but the majority were crossed by stepping on an edge. It was kinda fun. Just don't want to fall or encounter a snake.Tonight's shelter was nice and located in the yard of a caretaker. It feachered a flush toilet and a solar shower, both greatly appreciated. For the first tie since Georgia, there were 7 women thru hikers at a shelter at once with 13 total hikers. Some of the folks were Walker, Tomato Gravy, Commando, Rabbit, Little Spoon, Ti-83, Piranah, Trail Boss.
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Eckville Shelter

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

Today's walk took me thru a smooth trail then to a trail covered in 1 to 2 inch rocks then rocks 6 to 12 inches then rocks 12 to 24 inches then rocks the size oftwin sized bed to the size of a house. I much prefer the larger boulders where it is simple to hop from ock to rock. The 2 hiking poles coe in vry handy fr balancing an brdging chasms.We passed a very nice shelter earlier in the day and the plan was to go to the next shelter. Well, the ONLY thing this shelter has going or it is that it is 10 miles further. It is not very deep which means Fire's 6'1" frame will not fit. It has no privy. The paths look as if they haven't been trimmed in a year or so. In short a lousy place, but, home for the evening.Tomorrow promises more rock scrambles and a town visit for laundry and a shower. I certainly can use both.
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 7.7

Finally, a short day! Less than 8 miles down the rocky hill and into Palmerton. We are staying at the "jailhouse hostel" which is in the basement of the borough hall. Upon registration each of us is given a welcome bag with toothbrush, toothpast, tylenol, toilet paper, granola bar and a few other goodies. Then the clerk gives us each a 15 minute phone card. That is amazing. All of this and hot showers, too!After starting the first load of laundry, we find a cafe with quite possibly the best grilled tomato and cheese sandwich I've ever had. Fire had to be convinced to leave before re-ordering. Instead, we stopped and picked up some fresh nectarines and cantelope.A local trail enthusiast is coming by in the morning to take us back to the trail-6:45. There are 3.5 miles of boulders to manoeuver first thing so we should beat the heat. Gotta go get gear ready. Bye for now.
Date: 2006-07-28
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What a fantastic morning! Palmerton is located in Lehigh Gap which means that we go uphill when leaving (a gap is a low spot between hills). The hill leaving is actually a boulder climb of over 1000 feet in a mile or so. It was fun to pick my way up and over huge rocks, oh, did I mention it was raining? I found it great fun. It was sobering,however to know that the boulder climb and the next 2-3 miles of rocks where little or nothing grows is the result of zinc mining where literally square miles were and are poluted to the extent it is called the dead zone. Remnants of dead trees are the only sign that life actually once existed here. Without the trees and plants the soil eroded away so nothing is left but rocks and a landscape reminescent of a futuristic movie landscape after a nuclear event. Water was scarce r contaminated in this area and thanksgo out to Kevin and his wife for placing water at strategic points to help the hikers. Also thanks to Kevin for shuttling hikers to the trail in the mornings from the hostel.Fire, Whisp and I were joined by Rabbit and f-Bomb (jonah) at the shelter.
Date: 2006-07-29
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

The rocks continue to plague us although at the end of the day there seems to be fewer. Delaware Water Gap signals the end of PA. Almost finished another state. Wolf Rocks were another series of boulders that called for rock hopping. That coupled with the views of houses in the valley made for a nice section in between rocks standing on edge that madeit difficult to set the feet down without twisting at some angle or another.Thinking back on PA, I saw no large animals like deer, only the occasioal chipmonk and birds. The views were of heavly populated vistas, ublke most seen to date. The state looks nice and the folks met were some of the nicest on this journey.We stayed at the Presbyterian Church Hostel which has been serving hikers since 1985 or so. Pastor Karen checks daily to see if there are any hiker needs and arranges dr. visits, massages, PT, or just an ear to listen. This gaggle of hikers is moving forward. There were about 12 hikers staying overnight.
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Fire's parents came to see her at the hostel and brought LOTS of pastry goodies. A group of 7 or 8 hikers and The Parkers attended church service then the Parkers slack packed Fire, Whisp, and me so the 10 miles to Mohican Outdoor Center. Walking without packs goes quite quickly.One of the best views ofthe trail was found just before the MOC. There was a 360* view of NJ that was lacking in improvements. The winding of the Delaware River to the Nw and a huge lake to the SE made for a wonderful view.Back at MOC, Don & Heather Parker (who are my age) had rented a cabin and invited me to stay there. They fed us steak and corn on the cob and other delicious treats.Don had been a park ranger at Camp Mohican in the early 1970s and gave us a tour and lots of interesting facts and antidotes about the area.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Blairsville NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Lazy day. It is time for changes. Whisp is through hiking as his senior year of college begins soon and he needs/wants to spend time with his family before then. Those who know me know my dislike for the cold, therefore the decision has been made to go north to Maine now then hike south. this plan will enable me to complete the trail without having to be concerned with snow and cold in Maine late September. This will also make it easier to arrange transportation back to KY. In any event, our small group is dissoving with Fire continuing to walk home to Maine.we slept late (7 am) then lingered over breakfast, chatting and discussing plans for the day. We headed back into Delaware Water Gap for a PO pick-up for Fire and to stop by the hostel so Heather(Fire's mom, a nurse) could check on a hiker named Rabbit who has bronchitis. It was a really hot day which prompted the idea of floating or tubing on the Delaware River. The local outfitter wanted $24 each for the priviledge so we decided to go find some tubes and do our own thing as we had a vehicle. We ended up going to Wally World and buying twin sized air beds for $10 each with Don saying he would buy them unless we punctured them as he could use them in their weekend cottage. So, off we go. We inflate the rafts with the plan that Heather would follow us down river to whatever take out point we located after a couple of hours. We no more get into the water on this HOT day and begin to paddle when it begins to sprinkle. Well, this is our plan and we are sticking to it! Off we go ! between warm showers. Soon a power boat approaches, a river patrol stops and informs us that we need lifejackets as we are on vessels. He is nice enough not to push the issue but says next time we will be fined $50 each. What is that? A life jacket on a blow up raft? Oh well. We (Fire,Whisp, Don and I) drifted down the river in the rain having a blast! When it began flashing lightning, we decided to get out and bushwacked thru rose bushes and brambles to the road where Heather found us.We checked into a hotel, sorted our hiking gear then went looking for a laundry and food. A long and tiring day, but fun.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Blairsville NJ

To: Mochican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We just bummed around until time for the Parkers and Whisp to leave. We did go back to DWG and picked up Storyteller and 46er. Storyteller and 46er are going north with me and they were behind me, thus my 0 days.We tented at MOC and spent the evening with other hikers at the lodge.
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Mochican Outdoor Center

To: New London CT
Miles today: 0.0

46er's cousin picked us up at 9am and drove us to New Haven, Ct where we rented a car and then drove to New London, CT to 46er and Storyteller's home. We shopped and got our gear ready to go as we need to return the car in Maine by noon tomorrow. Storyteller and 46er were able to see their family, including grandchildren for dinner which was a welcome treat for them.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: New London CT

To: Bradford ME
Miles today: 0.0

We arrive at the Bangor ME airport, returned the car then Heather picked us up to spend a delightful afternoon and evening with their family. I havre been blessed with meeting and being helped by some ofthe nicest folks while on this journey.Tomorrow we tour Don's sawmill then back on the trail. The trail from Monson to Katahdin will take about 10 days thru the 100 Mile Wilderness so there will be a long wait before the next installment of this journal.