morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-04-22
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: moderate rain

The rain seemed to let up at sun rise, maybe we would have a nice day after all? Packed up and hit the rocky trail. Shortly after we started the rain came pouring down again. I stopped at the Little Washington Monument but there were no views due to the fog. Had to keep moving or I would get too cold. The rain came down hard now and even though I hiked at a fast pace I was still cold. THe rain had completely soaked me through my rain gear and all the other layers. As I got to Pine Knob Shelter I waited a few minutes and Dodger came. We were both of one mind - we are stopping here for today instead of risking hypothermia. Wow, a whopping 7.8 mile day! but we were both so cold to the point that everytime we stopped for just a minute we would start shaking. The temperature had dropped down to higher 40's and we were soaked = perfect conditions to get seriously hypothermic. The shelter was leaking so I set up my tent inside and Dodger found himself an almost dry corner. Off with the wet clothes and on with dry ones - it felt so much better. I ate 4 tuna sandwiches with mayo and fresh lemon. All that food together with the hot tea should turn up my internal thermostat. To help along the process of getting warm I crawled inside my sleeping bag. Brr, slowly I was getting warmer and I stopped shaking. Dodger had done the same too. My thoughts went to St. Peter Sue and Kangaroo - two women in their upper sixties and yet they are out here bracing the weather and the miles too. They were definately my heroes as they rolled in a couple of hours later. They had been determined to make it and they did. I sure was glad to see them both OK, as Dodger and I was about to go out looking for them. I almost felt guilty about sitting in the shelter all afternoon but the weather was not very inviting for a hike and as evening fell so did the temperature and it became very foggy.
Date: 2006-04-23
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Devils Racecoarse Shelter
Miles today: 13.0

At 10:00 Dodger and I finally left the shelter as the rain seemed to have stopped. It only seemed to because 20 minuttes later we got drenched. Just not fair I did not want another cold, rainy, miserable hiking day. The rain finally stopped again and the temperature started rising (thanks God). Twice that day we had to cross some streams contrary to Dodger I was all wet so I just went through the streams with my boots and socks on not even bothering to roll up my pants. Dodger's boots were trying to dry out so he took them off and waded through the ice cold water barefooted. Devils Racecoarse Shelter was small but was situated in a really nice setting. the spring was running good and the sun was out. The bear rope quickly got converted to a clothes line and within minuttes multi-colored socks, shirts, rain gear etc. were hanging from the line. Momma Lipton, Landerfeet, and Pilgrim stopped by, as they were camping out on top of the ridge.
Date: 2006-04-24
From: Devils Racecoarse Shelter

To: Rocky Mt Shelters
Miles today: 20.0

Wanted to do 20 miles today so finally at 7:30 I had to get up. On the trail I stopped at High Rock for a few minuttes. It is a hanggliding jump-off with an overlook over the valley below. The wind was chilly so it was only a stop long enough to eat a string cheese and take a sip of water. A few miles later I met up with Dodger at Pen Mar Park. I was now about to leave Maryland and enter the state of Pennsylvania. The old sign saying "Mason Dixie Line" had been stolen but the post was still there indicating the state line. Dodger and I split up again for the day and I went on to the Deer Lick Shelters - yes, I wrote shelter with plural. There are two shelters sitting side by side separated only by a few feet. The shelters are very small, only sleeps about 4 in each. The next shelter was only 2.4 miles further north. Antietam Shelter was also a small shelter but a big stream runs right in front of it and only 0.2 miles from there is a spigot with good drinking water and trashcans. Just a beautiful area. Then, for the "speedy" hikers like me, you can spend a day hiking to the next set of shelters - located 1.2 miles north! Tumbling Run Shelters were nice too. The area had some great campsites and a good flowing spring that came out of a hole in a big rock. Just 6.6 more miles to go for today. Took a break halfway, should never have done that as I nearly didn't get going again. South Mountain was really cool with lots of big rocks that begged to be climbed but by now I was walking like a duck and with about the same pace as one! Phew, been a while since I have done a twenty miler. At Rocky Mt. Shelter I met Scott, Terry, and Dodger. Did I ever look pitiful walking in to the shelter with sore tender feet. Ate two nights worth of dinner and fell asleep.
Date: 2006-04-25
From: Rocky Mt Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Almost embarassed to write down such a "big" mileage I did today. 7.4 miles and that includes the trip to "town" and back. The day actually started nice and reasonable early - was gone by 8:30. An hour and fifteen minuttes later Dodger and I hit the road going to "town". The town is no more than a pizza place and a little further a small grocery store.I went to the grocery store to restock and of course I find a big Dr Pepper and a delicious Carrot Cake Sitting there in the parking lot Dodger and I go about celebrating our birthday, which was 4 months ago (you can never celebrate it enough!) and we just happen to have the same birthday. Wow, it was all that I had fantasized about out ther on the trail - being able to stuff yourself with a really delicious treat. Half a mile down the road on our way out of town was a pizza place - with lunch specials! Dodger and I just had to look at one another, and inside we went. By now we are so stuffed that we can barely buckle our hip belts - and Dodger does not even have one, so you know we were in a bad way! Of course the first thing the trail does - Goes uphill in a rather steep fashion! Better wlak slowly so not to get sick. Huffing and puffing we suddenly arrive upon this litle "heaven" of Quarry Gap Shelter. The shelter is beautifully maintained with baskets of flowers hanging from the roof, a little stream with rock edges is running 15 ft in front of the shelter. There are tent platforms and a picnic table sits underneath the roof between the two sections of the shelter. All along the building there is a nice front porch. I just couldn't pass up this opportunity. Sleep here at this 5 star shelter or go 8 more miles on a full stomach to a 2 star shelter? Hmm, took me about half a second to make up my mind. And all this I am describing while sitting on a bench next to the stream watching the sky getting darker and darker - at least I know I am only 15ft away froma nice dry shelter.By the way there will be no problems with mice here as I just saw a black snake crawling up underneath the roof.
Date: 2006-04-26
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to a cold morning - it hasn't been this cold for a while now. Didn't see a single mouse during the night - the snake did a good job. I t had rained last night and it had been so nice to fall asleep listening to the rain drumming on the tin roof. Close call but we did make it out of the shelter before ten o'clock! Onward and forward up and over the highest point in PA on the AT (Big Pine Flat Ridge 2040'- requires a lot of attitude to tough out such a "climb in elevation"!). We did it in 1 hour and 40 minuttes - good time for me. Then on to Birch Run Shelter, which is a really nice big shelter and relatively new too. Reading the register there we found a message from Bear saying to look in the stream - I did, and I found a cold beer Thanks a lot Bear - Dodger and I shared it with great enjoyment. Less than a mile further on the trail I spotted a 2-L coke laying int eh woods. The seal was not broken so we took it with us. Clouds were moving in so insteadof going all the way to Pine grove Furnace we stopped at Toms Run. Dodger does not have a leakproof tarp, however, he should be receiving a new tent in Duncannon. Instead of walking I now spent the time cooking a couple of hot dogs as appetizer and then made trail pizzas, and all that was served with cold soda I used my last fuel and Dodger's alcohol stove does not work so either I get some fuel at Iron Master's hostel or it will be a cold dinner tomorrow.
Date: 2006-04-28
From: James fry Shelter

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: clear sky

Breakfast for super champions! Dodger and I cooked scrambled eggs and bagels for all 4 of us (Scott, Terry, Dodger, and I). On the trail again there were some great rocks to be climbed - so I did and I stopped for almost an hour at the Alec Kennedy Shelter (started reading a book and suddenly time slipped away). Dodger waited for me right outside Boiling Springs. At the post office there were no mail drop but instead two letters. One was from Van Sherrod from my church and the other was fro Ed Burke. Ed had copied some of my pictures from this journaland had made post cards out of them and had sent them to me. He had even put stamps on them. Some of the cards had the McAfee Knob shot on them others had the pony photo from Grayson Highlands. While reading the letters, enjoying the cards, and looking at pictures I enjoyed some "museum pieces" they tasted so good - thanks for all you sent. Next door was an Orvis store so Dodger and I went over there to poruse and dream about the big selection of fly fishing rods there. Back at the ATC office Scott and Terry had arrived. They have had a great day of hiking too going along the narrow corridor among the fields. As they heard about the missing mail drop they gave Dodger and I all their left over hiking food. They were going home tomorrow. With all the Ramen and Lipton side dishes Dodger and I was OK again Scott bought us a beer and hot wings at the Tavern, then it was time to say good bye. It had been a lot of fun sharing shelters and listening to all of Scott and Terry's flying stories. Dodger and I cooked dinner in front of the ATC office and while sitting there a lady (Linda) came by with her two Golden Retrievers (Bedford and Emmy). We talked some and she invited us for breakfast at the JC's Countrytime Cafe next day. In the dark Dodger and I walked back to the outside of town where we camped out underneath the stars.
Date: 2006-04-29
From: Boiling Springs

To: Mechanicsburg
Miles today: 12.3

Every hour during the night I woke up as the trains came thundering by only 150ft from us. Oh, sorry a little correction here - there were actually once a two-hour period without any trains! It was not that we hadn't seen the tracks upon deciding where to sleep but it is the only place in Boiling Springs where you are allowed to camp. In the morning it was two popsicles that awoke. We were covered in ice. Is this really almost May? Did someone confuse this month with February? The sun finally came out and now we were getting soaked as the ice started melting. We decided to leave out sleeping bags right there in the field to dry out as we walked into town to meet Linda for breakfast. JC's Country Time Cafe was really nice and had a great view over the little town lake. The owner, Jim, had just pulle dout a tray with freshly baked cinnamon rolls I had a cup of homemade hot chocolate with whipped cream, a breakfast bagel, and of course - a warm cinnamon roll. If you ever go to Boiling Springs you sshould stop by the little cafe and have one - it is the best cinnamon roll I have had. While sitting and talking with Linda we got introduced to a lot of other people, everyone knows each other and their are great people. The cafe also sold socks made form the wool of Alpacas (An animal in the camel family). Linda bought Dodger and I each a pair of the socks. Five minutes later the owner of the Alpaca farm steps in with his wife (Darwin and Doris) to get their morning coffee so we had the honor of meeting them too. It was just an incredible morning talking to so many great people. At the post office my mail drop had still not arrived but instead someone had dropped off a bag for Dodger and I. The contents of the bag were two muffins - they were from Scott and Terry, who had stopped by to check on us. Linda took us to her house where we once again met Bedford and Emmy. Linda is an awsome photographer and we saw a lot of her photographs - they were really good. As always the time comes when we must leave. we exchanged emails and off we went.After two hours we had covered 6 miles! The hiking was really easy over the rolling farmland. A quarter to six and we were at Rt 944 where Greg was coming to pick us up. Dodger had found a note at the ATC board where a family invites hikers to come stay with them for one night. Greg picked us up and took us to a grocery store where we bought stuff for burgers. Greg was home alone with his two sons (Scott and Christopher) while his wife was in Europe. I cooked dinner, Dodger played with Scott, while Greg got Christopher cleaned up and put to bed. We then enjoyed a good dinner before bedtime. We were all tired after a long exciting day.
Date: 2006-04-30
From: Mechanicsburg

To: Cove Mt Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: overcast clouds

At 6:00 in the morning Conny (the dog) came downstairs and woke up Dodger with a big wet "kiss"! No way we could fall asleep after that That morning I made pancakes, Greg scrambled eggs, and Dodger cut up some fruit. It looked as if we had made breakfast for ten people. After cleaning off most of the plates (I think there was enough leftovers for an egg sandwich for Scott) we packed our bags and Greg and Scott returned us to the trail. Dodger was excited about seeing the new Darlington Shelter but as we got there it was a bit of a disappointment. The new shelter was not well built and actually not even finished after two years in the process. We decided to go on. We were tired and had a lack of motivation but we finally managed to get to Cove Mtn Shelter. This shelter is older but it is a fantastic piece of wood work. There are no nails it is all done with wood plugs - much nicer than the new Darlington Shelter. We hung up everything even our boots and slept in the bunkbeds as there were signs of porcupines. The porcupines will chew on everything that has sweat on it - from boots to packs to the edge of the floor where hikers often sit. Right enough, in the middle of the night I woke up hearing a gnawing that closely simulated the sound of termites on super steroids - it was a porcupine going at it, destroying another part of the floor!
Date: 2006-05-01
From: Cove Mt Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

A whole bite was missing from the floor and I am not talking about a mouse-sized bite! Those porcupines have my respect and I am glad my boots were hanging right next to my food bag - out of reach for the porcupines. The four miles into Duncannon from the shelter were easy. Our motivation was high as the goal was to reach the famous Doyle Hotel right in the middle of the town. The hotel sure needs a little TLC and that is what the two new owners (Pat and Vicky) slowly are doing. But the Doyle sure is an "Institution" in itself no matter what it looks like - it is a "Don't Miss" on the AT hike. Dodger and I stopped by there for lunch. I had the Buffalo Burger, which is dipped in Buffalo sauce and with Bleu Cheese melted on top - I had "burger" all over my face and hands - Uhhmm, it was the best burger I have had so far on this trail. Pat and Vicky are great people. Stop by there if only just to see the place. Then we heard the news - Bear was there! He had met a new hiking compadre so we got caught up on all the new gossip. I went to rent a little time on a computer next door to the Doyle and Dodger did his town shopping. Then it was time to go again - at least we TRIED to hike but I must admit it was with great difficulty that we reached the top of the ridge as our stomachs were still full. For dinner at the shelter we just had a few tuna sandwiches, that was all we could eat. Then we settled down with a cup of hot tea made on our new 1 oz titanium alcohol stove (made by Virago) that had been mailed to us in Duncannon from Harpers Ferry. The stove worked really well.
Date: 2006-05-02
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: PA 325, Clarks Valley
Miles today: 13.3

Today I passed Peter's Mountain Shelter - a huge elaborate shelter with enough room for 20 hikers. It is kept in tip-top shape. The water source is a long way down but bring a book it is worth the view and then you can take a reading break when you get there. Trail Magic was hanging in a bag from a mouse hanger - a lot of small bags of chips, Uhmm! salt, just what I was craving in this 74F heat Right next to this new enormous shelter one of the oldest ones are located. The old shelter was built by Earl Shaeffer - the first person to complete a thru-hike of the entire Appalachian Trail. After an hour of break time I went on. I got all the way to Rd 325 where a great stream comes close to the road. I sat down there and waited for Dodger. Should never have done that. My left foot started to hurt really bad I could barely hobble along when Dodger came. Result: We camped out in that area for the night. For dinner I cooked some chicken in taco spice and added cheese and wrapped it all in tortillas. It was really good.
Date: 2006-05-03
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

It was cereal with powdered milk for breakfast. The hike then started with a 3 mile long uphill up to Horsehoe Trail. Next four miles were a lot nicer - some sections with rocks but not too harsh. The last four miles were also nicely graded. We stopped at this shelter as it was too far to go to the next and we knew of no good campsites with water inbetween, besides this shelter was really nice with the spring running right in front of it. The whole front of the shelter had a rock wall built around it making it look like a small court yard. There was a table built around a tree in the "yard" and a new privy had been set up a little ways from the shelter. Short day and later in the afternoon I regretted - as often before when I stop early - that I did not just take some water with me from the shelter and kept on walking instead of sitting in a shelter getting all restless. It is nice to dream about short days but I find that they become boring if there is nothing to occupy the time, such as a town stop, doing laundry, cooking with other hikers, seeing other trails or special views, etc.
Date: 2006-05-04
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

This time I got up at 7:00 and by 7:20 dodger and I were out of the shelter. I believe that is our record both in getting up so early and getting done so fast! After a mile of hiking we crossed an old rail road bridge and next to it was a natural sift system where water from a nearby dam runs through a pipe to a large human made deposit of limestone. The pressure of the water crushes the limestone and brings down the pH of the water from 4.0 to 6.0. creating much better living conditions for the trouts living in the stream. Walked 6 miles before I took my first break, then 7 miles to William Penn Shelter, and finally 4 more miles to the 501 Shelter. The day was really hot with 80F - Yeah, yeah, you at home in front of the computer should just put on your pack and walk uphill on a really rocky trail and you will get hot too at 80F However, the heat felt good after I took a cold solar shower at the shelter. The solar showers consist of a black barrel containing water from either a spring or piped city water. The sun heats up the barrel and the water (though it never gets really hot - just knocks off the chill!) The 501 shelter is a fully enclosed shelter with four walls and it has a huge octagonal skylight right in the middle of the roof. There are 10 bunk beds, a long table with chairs, and plenty of good reading materials in the shelter. Moses and Bloomer both came to the shelter later in the evening they are also thu-hikers but are doing it as a Flip-Flop - Starting somewhere and heading north or south and then later return to the starting point and head in the opposite direction. They are the first thru-hikers besides Bear that I have met.
Date: 2006-05-07
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Knee didn't feel so great so Dodger called a friend of his, Bob, who would come and pick us up tomorrow. Meanwhile Dodger and I went with Mike, the caretaker, to a local flea market. I bought a piece of Bearclaw pastry, which tasted really good - had never had one of those before. Dodger bought a pound of ground beef for dinner. Back at the shelter I scrubbed the shower/privy facilities down and we did a little laundry. Dinner was absolutely fantastic - Hamburger steaks with mashed potatoes cooked on the whisper light stove.
Date: 2006-05-10
From: Hackettstown

To: Hackettstown
Miles today: 0.0

Knee is getting a lot better so this morning Dodger and I hiked on different trails again for about 7 miles. We went to see the Buttermilk Falls and we saw an Eagle's nest with young ones. It was a Bald eagle. Bob is also a glider pilot so we went by the airport to see his glider. Got to see a groundhog out in the back yard.
Date: 2006-05-11
From: Hackettstown

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 7.4

Bob made pancakes for everybody before he took us back to Eckville Shelter. On our way there we stopped by Capela in Port Clinton. What a huge outdoor store. Could have spent hours there just looking around. It was almost three in the afternoon before Dodger and I got on the trail. Should have gone a little earlier. The clouds were looming above us with promises of heavy rain. A mile before reaching the shelter the rain started. First slowly with a few sprinkles, then a steady slow rain and just as we got to the shleter the sky really opened up and the rain came pouring down. No, we were not going any further that evening. With warm dry clothes on we enjoyed a dinner of mashed potatoes and German Land Jaegers (sausages). Knee was tired but no pain or real soreness felt good to be back on the trail.
Date: 2006-05-12
From: Allentown Shelter

To: George Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early, turned around and took another "half an hour" - meaning I got up late. As I woke up the second time it was to a bright shining day with a blue skye - not a grey cold rainy day as forecasted. That always helps tremendously with my sprits, nothing worse than leaving a dry shelter walking out into a cold rain! The first 6 miles of the day went by fast. Nice easy trail but then the rocks had to interfere making this day the wordt day I have had on the trail in Pennsylrockia! It was really tough going at times as some of the steps are rather large and my knees started getting sore again If it hadn't been for Dodger I would have quit after ten miles. My sidesting from last night was making it difficult to get a good breath. Every deep breath, hic up, laugh, or cough hurt. Must be something besides sidesting because they do not last that long, maybe I pulled one of those intercostal muscles sitting between the ribs? I put on my MP3 player to see if it could distract me - I soon took it off again as it was too difficult to concentrate on the rocky path we had to follow. Just as I was about to run out of "juice" we caught sight of the shelter. What a tough day this had been both physically and mentally. I was very grateful that Dodger was there to push on when I got tired. There is not going to be any difficulty in finding sleep tonight.