morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: heavy intensity rain

We all woke up early, packed up and headed out, back through the neighborhood streets until we picked up the trail. I stopped at the gas station to have breakfast.By 7:30 my pack was back on and I was northbound again. Boiling Springs is in a valley, the mountains are in the distance, eventually I will have to climb out. I have to say, that so far, Pennsylvania is my favorite state in terms of hiking. The terrain is easier, atleast my knees thinks so.It is hot walking through more open fields. However the rain is coming back and will give some cool relief. After nearly 15 miles, I stopped at the Darlington Shelter to have some lunch. Sprite & Fereckles were there and soon left. They did not want to stay and encounter the resident snake that was mentioned in the register.A short while later The skies opened up again with a raging downpour. "Gonzo" had arrived and we waited another 20 minutes together until it eased up a bit.It was the perfect time to enjoy the soda I received as trail magic, left by "Thought Foots" mom. It is always a rush to find a cooler on the trail, followed by the anticipation as to whether it is empty or still has magic left inside? The heavy rain was over for awhile, just a steady drizzle continued, so I headed back out for a few more miles until I reached the Cove Mountain Shelter.It was a good choice after 21.6 miles today. My knees were sore, so wanting to get horizontal right away, influenced my decision to bunk in the shelter.In here as well were "Mas" & "Blazing Star" along with "Worthy" and a section hiker named "Cloud Party". The night was hot & humid. It only cooled down slightly in the morning just before sunrise.
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Funcannon -Duncannon.
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 100 on the AT! Yehaw!Lazily woke up, feeling good and ready to go by 7:00.The day held curiosity, soon I would be arriving into Duncannon and finally get to stay at the infamous Doyle Hotel. It took just over an hour to do the 4.1 miles.Upon arrival the Doyle was closed until 11:00 a.m. No problem, I'll just go across the street and have breakfast at "Goodies". Here I ran into Frodo & Caboose again. I haven't seen them since just after Pen Mar Park.Still having plenty of time to kill, Sprite, Freckles and myself hiked about 2 miles to the store and pharmacy for resupply. The road walk along the hiway was dangerous as it had no shoulders. We had to be extra cautious, after spending so much time on the trail, you become almost oblivious to traffic and just walk freely as normal.Upon our return "VooDoo" was waiting outside, We soon were checked into room #20. The 100 yr. old hotel that was once owned by Anheuser-Busch, has long since seen it's hay day. However, despite what you have ever heard about the Doyle, this place has character and I look forward to the day I can return.I joked with others, that our room had a chalk outline on the floor of the last person who had this room. Downstairs in the bar I had one of the best meals to date. The owners are super people, and they cater big time to hikers. Not only is the food delicious, it is served up in true Thru-hiker portions. This would be my measure for all other meals.Still having chores to do, I did laundry and got a haircut. Afterward,I tried taking a nap however, several friends showed up, so we all wound up on the second floor balcony. Writing in our journals, enjoying laughter & conversation, the rest of the day was spent just Chill-axin, Funcannon style!I had dinner in the bar again along with everyone else. Baltimore Jack and I had a good conversation. I first met him at the Captain's Hiker Fest, Jack is a true trail icon, not to mention a heck of a good guy. Having met him has only added to this wonderful adventure. Cheers to you Baltimore Jack!The rest of the evening was spent enjoying cold beer, doing shots from Wavepool & BullDog and shooting pool. Afterall, it is day 100 on the AT and worthy of a celebration.
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Funcannon -Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain Shelter.
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

It was a late night or early morning? What a great time.It is bitter-sweet having to leave this morning, Funcannon has sure lived up to it's reputation. However, this is a Hiking adventure, so that is what I must do. But not before one more big breakfast at Goodies.Today is hot, I sure am glad I got my hair cut, it is much cooler on my head.The road walk out of town was pleasant however, once hitting the hiway, the fast pace traffic was instantly annoying. No worries, soon I will be back on the trail, climbing up and away from this madness. There were a few rocks to hop today but otherwise an enjoyable trail. For some reason I didn't feel like big miles today. Maybe it was the heat or the good time yesterday?. In any case, I stopped at the Peters Mtn. Shelter after only doing 11.3 miles. I was not alone, as several others had the same idea.Among the several here, was "Foot" celebrating his 49th birthday and a new face "Bilge Rat". This guy is a primo trail comedian. He acquires various hardware items and creates his brand of trail art. His humor includes but is not limited to, A door bell mounted in the shelter, a water spigot mounted to a sign post on the trail, which gets tested by every passer-by, A toilet brush w/stand with a sign "to be used for cleaning your Nalgene" A "for rent" sign in the shelter and on & on...This may not seem so funny, but after so much time in the woods, I can assure you, it is ball-busting hilarious out here. Keep up the good work Bilge Rat!I had learned yesterday from Baltimore Jack, that a short distance from here was a very small shelter that was built by Earl Schaeffer. Earl was the first AT thru-hiker back in 1948. I soon found it and sat inside admiring Earl's handy work. Next month this was going to be dismantled and moved to the ATC museum in Harpers Ferry. I'm glad I got to see it out here. I thought about sleeping it tonight, but tented instead.Having a leisure afternoon with this down time felt pretty good. The evening was stifling hot. I was sweating heavily just laying still in my tent. I was finally able to fall asleep.
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Peters Mountain Shelter.

To: Pa. 443 -near Green Point
Miles today: 22.1

I woke up still sweating, I can't believe how hot it is at 6:00 a.m? No point in hanging around, I got moving by 7:00. After about 6 miles I came to a stream and took a 1/2 hr. break. For a time today, I heard and occasionally saw A-10 WartHogs flying overhead repeatedly. Periodically they would fire their guns, I haven't heard that sweet sound in a while. There must be a training base nearby? After another 12 miles I reached the Rausch Gap Shelter at 3:30."Bilge Rat" & "Chainsaw" who were slak-packing was there. They had heard there was a store 4 miles ahead, and were optimistic in checking out that rumor, even though there was nothing mentioned in the companion booklet. I was tempted to leave with them, but decided to wait for Sprite & Freckles.After waiting 45 minutes, the lure of a cold pop and treats got the best of me. I left them a note in the shelter register and was looking forward to having a date with Little Debbie.Having reached 4 miles I crossed 2 major roads. I wasn't exactly sure which one or which way to hitch to find the store? I had my hopes up, but now they were quickly diminishing. Walking a little further, Surprise, there was a cooler. No Way? But sure enough, there it was. Smiling and shaking my head again, the magic of the AT never ceases to amaze me. I had the last pop, and a melted freezie. There were still juice boxes & other feezies left.There was a clearing several yards away. I decided to hold up here until Sprite & Freckles passed. It was now 7:30 p.m. and I'm still waiting. I started making dinner when I saw "Chainsaw" and his sister-in-law coming done the trail from the other direction. "Chainsaw" was staying with family in the area. He passed this cooler earlier and was returning to re-supply it with Coke, what a guy. As luck would have it, I was to be treated with a cold coke! This is as refreshing now as it would be like cold spring water in the desert. Thanks Chainsaw!It is getting dark, I have pitched my tent and will wait until morning for Freckles & Sprite. This is the first time since we met on April 2nd, that we haven't camped together, I hope they are alright?
Date: 2008-07-14
From: 501 Shelter

To: A spot in the woods
Miles today: 18.1

During the night a violent storm was occurring outside. The noise kept awakening me, however I was able to fall right back asleep each time.Just before leaving in the morning, Bulldog arrived. He decided to lay low here and order some food, the restaurant didn't open for 3 more hours.Today was generally a walk in the woods. Only on occassion would I encounter a small section of the Pennsylvania rocks. They are difficult at times as they seem to be more upright and jagged rather than flat. You do have to pay attention to your steps, as twisting or breaking an ankle would take little effort.Our original plan was to stop at Eagle's Nest Shelter, however we pushed on another 3 miles and found a spot near the trail to make camp.This would put us within 6 miles of Port Clinton tomorrow. An easy walk that would mean an early Nero day to enjoy.
Date: 2008-07-15
From: A spot in the woods

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: clear sky

As usual if I'm not already awake, the birds are singing promptly at 5:00 a.m.Although, I am a visitor and do enjoy the sounds of nature, there are times I can visualize opening my rainfly, pointing my shotgun upward and squeezing off a few blasts.It is a beautiful morning and no time is being wasted in getting moving. In no time I was coming out of the woods and crossing railroad tracks into the quiet little hamlet of Port Clinton.Rounding the corner, I ran into John & Kelly, I haven't seen them for quite some time. They live within a couple of hours from here and are Slak-packing for a few days and returning home each night. That must be a little mind bending after living outside for the past 3 months?There isn't much except houses in this immediate area. It was 8:30, I passed the Outfitter, "Ye Olde Backpacker" it was open, so I went inside. Saying hello to the owner, I had a pepsi, looked around, then left to find real food.Half a block away was the Pt.Clinton Hotel. An old non descript building that sat literally right on the 2 lane roadway in front. They weren't open for business yet, however Pam checked us in anyway. Room #7 was small. I slept on the floor.We showered, did laundry and arranged a shuttle from the outfitter to go down the hiway a few miles to resupply then go to Cabelas. What a huge candy store this was. Every imaginable camping, fishing and hunting thing-a-ma-jig could be found here. Upon returning back to the outfitter, I ran into "Mountain Squid" again. He was the retired Navy, former Thru-hiker, who gave me my first trail magic at the foot of Springer Mtn. back on April 2nd, when I first started. He kept a record of names and dates of every hiker he meets. Sure enough, there I was in his note pad, Papa Sarge...April 2nd. He was up from his home in Tennessee offering shuttles and help to anyone who needed it. Wow, what a trail angel, thanks brother it was good seeing you again.I enjoyed a couple of meals here at the hotel, the beer was cold too, although I really liked it here, I still thought the Doyle had it beat. But definitely, no complaints. Another late night, to a very full day. Despite being busy, I was still able to get rested. My knees seem to be doing some recovering while in Pennsylvania, so odd, as I have heard so much negative. Let me be the first to say, Pennsylvania is by far my most favorite state for hiking. Not the best views, but the best hiking.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Palmerton 

To: Zero in Slatington
Miles today: 0.0

John, Kelly & Party Animal left early to continue on with their Slack-Packing.Wave pool joined us for breakfast then headed out. My son Tony arrived at 9:30 and was amazed at my youthful transformation.He commented several times, at how I looked younger than him. Yeah baby, and I'm feelin' goooooood too! I introduced him to Sprite & Freckles and we shared some stories for a while. Unfortunately, the rules here are a one nights stay only. In this case due to the small numbers, it probably would have been ok, however, not wanting to show any disrespect to our generous and fantastic hosts, we packed up and left.We drove to the next town of Slatington and checked into a "room for rent" kind of place. Not really a motel, not really a hostel but something in between.Naturally, first order of business was lunch. From there we completed our resupply and chilled out. Tony & I spent some quality time together, driving around, talking and catching up. It was a great day. We found a payphone and I briefly spoke with Kim. She and her family had just returned from burying the ashes of her Aunt Eva whom passed away months earlier. I was able to speak with everyone, that was a nice surprise as well.This all reminded me, of just how short and fragile life can be? It forced me once again to really look at what is important and what is not. I am blessed to be here doing what I love. By doing so, it helps validate what I'm doing with my life. Rather than just wasting it, in front of a tv, working a mindless job that brings no joy or living differently than I would really like.Hopefully, the compass will continue to point me in the right direction?I'm not sure where I am going, but I know where I have been, and by that I will chart my course. Life feels good for a change!
Date: 2008-07-22
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: few clouds

I slept in kind of late this morning and didn't get moving until 8:00.It was just a short 6.2 mile hike into Deleware Water Gap. As we left the trail and entered onto a neighborhood street, we were headed for the Church of the Mountain. The church provides a hiker hostel with showers, bunks and a common area with TV, games and other items of leisure.Just as we arrived at the church, my son Tony pulled up with perfect timing.I intorduced him to some hikers and he sat and spoke with the New Hampshire Boys whom were already there. I showered, set up my tent and headed straight for the outfitter down the street. I called Vasque, which by the way is owned by Red Wing Shoes. They offered to send me a new pair of my Gortex Summit boots or give me $100.00 toward a new pair. Either way I had to mail them my old ones. Not wanting to break in a new pair of leather boots, I tried several others on and ironically chose a pair of the Vasque Breeze. They would be easier to break in, and were the ones that fit me the best. Next order of business, that's right-lunch! Afterward Tony drove us all to his little house a few miles away. It was more like a cabin over a garage. Next we did laundry, resupplied at a grocery store, had dinner and once again said good bye. Just having this time together this past week was no less trail magic than anything else. It did us both a lot of good being able to see each other. I am proud of my son, what a gift today has been.Later I met Pastor Karen Nichols. She pulled up a chair outside and several of us talked for about an hour. She has been with the church for 21 years, The church was the first hostel on the trail and started in the mid 70's. What is really amazing, is that the congregation of hard working people tithe their money to support this. It costs them many thousands of dollars to do this. They will accept a donation , but otherwise no fee is asked in order to stay.I can only wonder why they do this? However, I am so grateful that they do. It only adds to the many other amazing acts of kindness that have been offered to me while on the AT. I know this is more than a trail to hike, It is a journey of life, a 2,176.2 mile classroom in which you will learn much and leave far better than when you arrived. From my tent behind the church, I look out through my rain fly and smile thinking to my self, Life Is Good!
Date: 2008-07-24
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Culver Fire Tower
Miles today: 19.9

Heavy rain and thunder storm all night. Still hammering down this morning.I packed up in the rain and went to the lodge to make breakfast. I had made a pool of water on the floor where I was sitting. This was going to be one nasty day.My feet were soaking wet in my new Gortex boots. Vasque has been extremely disappointing to me. I have been a loyal fan and customer for many years and now I am wearing my last pair. After the initial climb, the ridge walk was rather enjoyable. Had the weather been better it would have offered a much nicer view. Views are important, they make the climbs worth while and take your mind off what ever may be bothering you at the time?Shortly after passing the Catfish Firetower, I caught up to Sprite & Freckles. Sprite had taken a bad fall and bled quite a bit from her nose, however, she toughed it out and kept going.The trail has been lined with mileage assasin bushes. I'm talking Bluberry bushes low and High for miles. No wonder Black bear activity is high in New Jersey? I grew tired of constantly bending over picking berries as I walked. I came to a 6 ft. high Blueberry bush, stood in front of it, and picked it nearly clean getting my fill once and for all. At some point the sun suddenly appearred. I came to a clearing, stopped and spread out all my gear to dry. It took about an hour and I had lunch, but afterward everything was dry and my mood was lifted. It's funny how dry gear, regardless of the weather can give you a positive outlook?We had a late start this morning, attempting to wait out the rain. Eventually, we just had to go. It was now late afternoon, the sun was starting to drop low.We came down the mountain at Carvers Gap. The trail crossed the road, however1 mile to the West was Gyp's Tavern. It was dinner time by any measure, the rain had stopped earlier and hot food was a high priority.We ordered, then sat outside in the back next to the lake. It started getting a little cool, this was a welcome change as it has been so hot lately.We received good service and were treated well. However, other hikers had different experiences here. "Y" and "Vigil Auntie", 2 of the nicest ladies I have met on the trail, were treated less than kind. I can understand how cocky, smelly, dirty, patrons could be frowned upon, but none of this applies to these two. The sun was now settng and there was little light remaining. Clmbing the next mountain, it was 3 miles to the next shelter. I started looking for a stealth site. On the ridge top, I passed Y & Vigil Auntie, then met a local watching the sunset. He told me of a firetower about another mile on ahead. So thats what I shot for. I arrived at the tower and found a flat spot behind it. There were 2 fathers and their sons there already. They were doing a 3 day backpacking trip to their sons Boy Scout Camp. I couldn't help but be a little envioius, as I would have loved to have done that with my son or daughters.We hung our bear bags on the frame work of the tower as it was now dark and it didn't take long after that to fall asleep.
Date: 2008-07-26
From: Unionville NY- The Mayors House

To: Unionville- The Mayors House
Miles today: 0.0

Today is going to be a Zero day. To finish up from last night, Sprite had 2 friends drive down from Ithaca N.Y. More angels, I must be in heaven?Aside from being warm & friendly, they had brought all kinds of healthy food.A variety of fruit and vegatables probably all organic, to include Coke, Blue Moon & Little Debbies. Not just ordinary Little Debbies, these had the decorative fudge swirl. From that moment on, I now referred to them as "Little Debbie in a Prom Dress". It did catch on.Sue & Carrin camped in the yard using a a mesh golf net, (looks like a goalies net), as a tent for bugs. They had blankets as well. Was it funny? ......yes.Did we have a good time?......Most definitely.Unfortunately they had to return to Ithaca this morning. I felt like I had always known them. They were angels in their own right. They will be missed.After breakfast, Sprite's friend Joan arrived. We last met her in Atkins VA. at the Anthrax Inn. She had brought Sprite's dog Pepper & they shared a happy reunion.Joan's sister Jean, lived nearby in Middleton. So we met her at a diner and had a second breakfast. Afterward, We all went to Jeans house. She was a gracious hostess, made cookies and had us laughing all afternoon. Eventually we had to leave and were able to resupply. Joan dropped us back off at the Mayors house, once again we had to say goodbye. Sometimes goodbyes are harder than it is to climb up wet rock.Tonight would be a record night for the Mayor with 27 guests. If it weren't for his political pull, I'm sure he would be zoned right out of the neighborhood.He only really got serious and started this hostel thing last year. Remember he foots all the bills. This he does out of love not for money. One thing for all to remember though, "nothing is for free". Although retired, Dick still works a part-time job each day, but as long as he is able, you will never go unfed, unbathed, or unattended with your needs. Your generous donations will have no better use than it does here. As it became dark there was an incredible thunder & lightning storm with very little rain. I was glad to be sleeping outside to enjoy this. Butch spent a lot of time hanging out with the 3 of us, as we sat around our tents. He made the quiet offer to Slack pack us tomorrow, which we readily accepted. What a great day, what a great place. I can't believe how fortunate I am and have been? My whole AT experience has been worth the wait. I think I needed to wait, in order to fully appreciate all that has been laid before me?There is so much, I do not possess the range of vocabulary required to convey it with any accuracy. However, if you could feel what I feel, then you would know and understand.So from the inside of my tent with the door of my rainfly tied back, I am slowly drifting off, listening to thunder and enjoying the flashes of lightning.
Date: 2008-07-27
From: Unionville- The Mayors House

To: Unionville- The Mayors House
Miles today: 19.3

We had a quick breakfast, then discreetly loaded into Butch's truck and left.Today would be a 19.3 mile hike back. After hiking about 9 miles or so we crossed a road, just down a bit was the Heaven Hill Market. The girls wanted ice cream, I settled for a coke and yogurt.While we were sitting at a little table, Rawhide called and we all got to talk with him. Now that's what I call a treat. He and Maverick were doing well, they were already up in Maine, selling Blueberries at a road side stand from Mavericks family owned Blueberry Farm. They would be waiting for us until we arrived to Maine.Continuing on, we encountered 4 different thunder storms the rest of the day. Although there was little rain, I was glad to get down off the ridgeline of Pochuck Mountain.I arrived back into Unionville at about 4:20 p.m. I walked up to the country store and ordered a sandwhich from the deli in the back. I sat out on the front steps of the store, resting my doggies and enjoying a sandwhich with a 4 course, junk food meal.Soon Sprite & Freckles arrived with the same idea. We were no longer looking at scenery, we were the scenery, or atleast in part. Sitting here, in this small slice of Americana, I could easily see us in a Norman Rockwell painting.Returning back to our final night at the Mayor's house was much quieter. Several people had left today, it was nice sitting around with Bill & Butch, listening to Dick's stories. Now it's late, rain is in the forecast, however so far so good. 60 miles done in the past 3 hiking days, and an unbelieveable stay here at Dick's....... Only on the AT?