morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-12
From: Darlington Shelter, mile1131.2

To: Duncannon, PA mile 1142.5
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Oh yea, Darlington Shelter was just over the ridge after climb at the end of the day. Tons of thru hikers as well as locals and section hikers.   Taj Mahal privy with giant spider which scared Finder and Calamity Jane.Picked up a lot of trash and burned it including a pile of instant eggs left in fire pit.   Then made mistake of trying a whole pack of instant eggs added to lipton sides Yuck! Added a whole box of pringles plus a lot of borrowed hot sauce to get it down. But wasn't going to look for scarce firewood in the dark to burn more eggs...smelled even worse burning than they tasted eating them. Pretty fast hiking down to Duncannon, but it got really hot stopped at gas stations for cold drinks and air conditioning boost.   Then walked right in front of a liquor store first we've seen since Harper's Ferry which had the liquor store sharing a building with the local police! With past scarcity of stores and having heard rumors of what the Doyle is like we decided to stock up. Now that Firefly is eating salmon regularly on the trail, I felt she should be civilized and have wine with dinner on the trail too. She has been carrying more so my pack feels pretty good now with lots of close chances to resupply food, I got two small boxes of wine and two bottles of whiskey.   Dragged into the Doyle haggard and hot. After seeing how rough the rooms are we were scared to eat at the bar. But after a shower and a few shots of whiskey it was a different story.   We had plenty of food but piled into the Van with 8 other hikers to grocery store.   Got more cold drinks and found our favorite Salmon in foil packs on sale so I got 8 large packs. Food was really good at the Bar Salmon for Firefly and giant cod sandwich.   Met section hiker, Beaker. and Locals Mathewski and Woodstock.   later hung out on porch but missed the night cap when a local was buying repeated whisky shots for all the hikers. Started raining with big lightning during the night.
Date: 2013-06-13
From: Duncannon, PA Doyle mile 1142.5

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter, mile1153.8
Miles today: 11.3

I got up and had breakfast across the street and let Firefly sleep. A flash flood/storm warning came on as it continued to pour.   We planned a late start since I made hair cut appointment at 10:30 and wanted to mail books and extra stuff home. All the locals warned us of weather and recommended a zero. It stopped raining by late morning but big thunderstorms predicted for late afternoon. I got a great haircut and beard trim at the Salon. Gals were very nice. Charged me $5 I gave her $15 and felt guilty compared to barbershops at home.   Firefly had breakfast and met me at the Haircut place to repack since the PO was now closed for lunch and I had to carry the extra books and stuff. But we found a little Deer Tick which had dug into her knee. Used tweezers to pick off and decided to give here antibiotics to make sure no LYME Disease. Taking two upset her stomach. Not being able to mail stuff I had too much for my pack so when Mathewski stopped by, I gave him our extra food and half a bottle of good whiskey. It was a long way thru town and across the big river before starting climb to the ridge. Firefly was struggling going up. I think she was a little discouraged to be the last ones leaving, thinking we would never see any of the hikers we have been hanging with ever again as they all planned to go faster than us.We figured it would be a short 5 mile day to the first shelter then more downpour. A pretty steep climb from the river to the shelter on the ridge.   When we got there we found Calamity and Spider Mack trying to decide whether to push on. Jane wanted her boyfriend to catch up and Spider looked pale still sick w nora and/or hangover.   It looked like like storms coming thunder in the distance and wind. After a half hr of indecision we all pushed on. Easy terrain so what if we get wet for 6 miles. Rain held off and turned out to be easy 6 miles to catch up with bunches of hikers at Peter's with it's dreaded 300+ stone steps down to the spring. Lots of BROOD II cicadas in camp area. Spider Mack played awesome on BB while we cooked. Free water someone had carried up in gallon jugs. But Jimdog got wet after all when old jug split on him.
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter, mile1153.8

To: Rausch Gap Shelter, mile 1171.8
Miles today: 18.0

A long day but Firefly was full of energy. I think she slept well in the tent even with Cicadas buzzing on it compared to the crowded double decker shelter. We both felt better being back in the fellowship of hikers instead of left behind. Her leg is really starting to seem OK finally!   I'm doing great feel young again. No hangovers...if I can get 6 hrs of good sleep, a few shots of whiskey and an hour to play guitar, then I feel fine.   If my pack is less than 40 lbs life is a breeze.   But every time I feel cocky something wacks me down...back to old geezer. Hopefully not this time. Suprised to find few people at the shelter all the young want to push on to the delights of town at Port Clinton. Boone and Doc are resting at the shelter turn off but push on. Spider drops in at the shelter but goes on when he finds his buddies are just a mile or so ahead.   Pilgrim, Blazer and Beaker plus jimdog make up a male geezer brigade. Along with two beautiful young women, Firefly and Calamity.   Jane puts her little tent up right in the shelter presumably to keep the bugs out. There are lots of no alcohol signs but there is a spring with a tin water trough rite at the shelter, so I have a couple of shots of bourbon while the white wine chills in the spring for Firefly. I go off a good distance to camp past the privy. Besides no alcohol there are lots of signs no tenting at the shelter? So I can practice guitar late without bothering anyone. The hikers in the shelter are surprised by police and search and rescue men in the middle of the night.   Maybe looking for the lost hiker. They didn't wake me in the tent tho.
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Rausch Gap Shelter, mile 1171.8

To: 501 Shelter, mile 1189.3
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

Another big day for us. The last little climb to the shelter seemed longer than it looked on the map. Fifer and Lentil got there right before us but pushed on. Firefly picked a shelter bunk as usual while I pitched my tent in the leaves just 15 feet away. There were tons of big tent areas but I wanted to be close to Firefly with the shelter being right on the highway, who know who will turn up. We ordered a pizza and Pilgrim ordered a whole extra large Pizza to give away to hunger struck companions.   As more and more people showed up I followed his example and ordered another veggie pizza with everything on it. We had got the idea of ordering cake or pie as a restaurant had fliers advertising their homemade berry pies and delivery. But they were too busy to deliver, so Fables offered tip money to the Pizza delivery guy to stop for the pie on his way with pizza. Fables used her dramatic talents to get us that pie.   I was too full to really enjoy more than the idea by the time it got there.Firefly and I tried the "sun??!!" shower. A black plastic drum in the shade doesn't warm up much. but it was refreshing and a nice place to wash clothes by hand. More hikers showed up and we had a big campfire. A evangelical handed out comics with a message which seemed kind of creepy along with pears which were too hard to eat. I went to bed at 11 with campfire going strong 15 feet away but thank heaven for ear plugs slept well.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: 501 Shelter, mile 1189.3

To: Eagles Nest Shelter mile 1204.4
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Will have to review pictures to remember this leg and shelter. Had to go back after remembered I didn't remember packing our trail guide and my short history of the civil war. Boone had accidentally covered it with his Jack Kerouac's "Dharma Bums" not sure if I have this shelter and Rausch Gap mixed up."A mind is a terrible thing to waste" Jerry Garcia
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Eagles Nest Shelter mile 1204.4

To: Port Clinton, PA mile 1213.4
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Should be pretty easy day after all we been doing and it is. But very hot by lunch time when we drop down to the river it is a steep knee strainer. Firefly's leg starts to hurt again after cruising for a week+Beaker's knee pretty much gives out on this last pitch.
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Port Clinton, hotel Cabellas mile 1213.4

To: Bear Mountain State Park, mile 1398.5
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We gave up trying to arrange bus/train transportation and hired a trail driver so we could make it to meet EE according to plan. Said good bye to Beaker. Rained whole ride ..hard.   Met EE at lobby but her sleeping bag had not arrived.
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Bear Mountain State Park, mile 1398.5

To: Bear Mt State Park, mile 1398.5
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had nice day hike with EE round trip of 5 miles to Perkins Memorial Tower just South of Bear Mountain.Clear day with nice view of NY City skyline. Returned to find auto show with vintage cars all over the place in field. Mostly 60s and 70s with classic rock n roll.
Date: 2013-06-20
From: Bear Mountain State Park, mile 1398.5

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center mile 1405.8
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

EE's sleeping bag and hiking poles finally arrived around noon. Meantimes Jimdog walked onto town Fort Montgomery PO to mail home extra gear. Got fixings for wraps at Deli and whiskey. Met Little Rock.
Date: 2013-06-21
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center mile 1405.8

To: Fahnestock State Park mile 1417.6
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: scattered clouds

This was a long day especially for EE just getting started wout trail legs. Did not start early enough to beat heat. EE got tired and dehydrated. Last mile to NY 301 and Canopus Lake was very easy. Tried to follow signs and blue blazes to avoid walking on the HWY, but trail petered out in swamp so we gave up and walked road to free thru hiker campsite w shower. Rude NY drivers rushing to get out of town Friday night. No shoulder, everyone at least 15 mph over. Lots of No level ground right at interstate interchange. Raccoon got into jimdog tent but chased away food hung. Showers felt good.
Date: 2013-06-22
From: Fahnestock State Park mile 1417.6

To: RPH Shelter mile 1424.6
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: broken clouds

Short day on trail. Jdog convinced EE to backtrack and go 3 miles around West side of lake then 1/2 mile blue blaze to beach instead of of shortcut of 1/8 mile from campground to beach on road. Got up n out early. Morn traffic mellow on 301. Did about 4 1/2 Mile on rd around lake and blue blaze to beach by 9:30. Beach and store opened for season at 10am. Nice shade and breeze had long lunch break w Little Rock. Got H2O and more bug spray. Easy day got to RPH early afternoon already several hikers camping. Pizza Jdog spent couple of hrs sewing up repairs and reinforcement on pack. Young lady played lots of songs on guitar. EE bought an extra large pizza for Little Rock
Date: 2013-06-23
From: RPH Shelter mile 1424.6

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter mile 1433.6
Miles today: 9.0

Straight forward hike along ridge. EE enjoyed having more gaps in the trees and open sky like she loves in the West. But sun and steep rocky sections conspired to make her dehydrated and bonked a mile before the shelter. It takes a long time for Westerner used to 7% humidity to acclimatize to East humidity and heat. EE has been good sport ...never complains and wants to carry more gear. But Firefly sneaks stuff out of her pack every morning. Also makes her drink water and Gatorade while jimdog pours water on her head. Easy going in shade after last rock outcrop.Shelter is at top of ridge with breeze and shade Cooler and not buggy .   Young man SB, Lazy Daze
Date: 2013-06-24
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter, mile1433.6

To: Edward Murrow Park Pavillion mile 1442.1
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Got taxi from Dover Oak. Set tents and walked into town laundry in high humidity and heat.Back to camp just as huge storm started. Firefly slept under picnic pavilion EE and Jimdog in tents.
Date: 2013-06-26
From: Dover Oak, Pawling, NY mile 1442.1

To: Ten Mile River Shelter mile 1454.2
Miles today: 12.1

Left EE at train station and got taxi back to Dover Oak.   Resumed NB. Started slow with stop at AT train station and nursery for lunch. Firefly set pace. At first had hard time going slow enough to stay behind, then like a freight train, she got up to speed. We passed a line of thru hikers like they were standing still. But muddy trail and fast pace made my ankle and foot get sore tho I did not twist or roll it.
Date: 2013-06-27
From: Ten Mile River Shelter mile 1454.2

To: Kent, CT Copper's Creek B&B mile 1462.9
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: light intensity drizzle

Got up after staying up late watching fireflies in the big field and playing guitar. Visited with cool artist from NY City.   Picked up a large garbage back of trash piled up beside the shelter where I hung my bear line.   Even though foot and ankle were still sore had to walk a mile and half off trail towards Bull Bridge to find a trash pail and dump load. Pretty good climb up from the river, I felt low without enough sleep sore foot and hangover. Hardly ever drink enough to get hangover but bad today. Felt a little better as we passed many NY weekenders who were suffering much more due to being out of shape plus HUGE packs. Mosquitos were terrible and we ran out of repellent. Kept picking up large empty spray cans and gatorade bottles.. New Yorkers were bad about littering. Firefly almost stepped on a big aggressive rattlesnake. It was mad and would not get out of the trail.Firefly made executive decision to do short day and go to B&B till I felt better and foot healed enough to walk. Met Kaitlin sending Free Child off to start section hike NB from Schaghtichoke Rd. (even locals cannot pronounce) She gave us a ride into Kent where we looked everywhere for high strength Deet, but everywhere sold out so got several spray cans from the grocery store. Large group of hikers at the park. Felt guilty getting ride to B&B while they had to find place out of town to tent.
Date: 2013-06-29
From: Caesar Brook Campsite

To: Limestone Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: broken clouds

This started well but we ran out of gas! We got up and left early before anyone else. The boy scouts right next to us were just getting. up. We had arranged to meet Cooper from Cooper Creek B&B at 9am, for a round trip ride into Salisbury PO.   Wanted to get prescriptions and new foot bed before PO closes at noon, then back on trail before anyone notices we were gone. We got to Cornwall Rd early and enjoyed the car trip. Grabbed coffee and scones at the bakery and got back to the trail around 11:15.   Caught up to Mud M and Yardsale chilling at Pine Swamp Brooke Shelter. They hike fast but like to take long frequent breaks. Firefly and I sort of keep up if we skip the breaks! They passed us as we went over typical Connecticut choppy ridges. Once again we dropped into a long flat section along our old friend, the Housatonic River. Going into Falls Village, we found Mud M Yardsale and Maniac taking a break on the porch of the Regional High School. Living up to his trailname, Yardsale had all the gear spread out drying in the hot sun. We got water and rested and visited, thinking the climb ahead would be gradual and easy. Of course they passed us again on the way to Great Falls. They tried to go into town for food at Toymakers then caught up again at the Falls which were spectacular. Also much less buggy in the open than on trail.
Date: 2013-06-30
From: Limestone Spring shelter, mile 1492.2

To: Salisbury, CN Maria McCabe's, mile 1496.1
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Got off trail at the cemetery on Cobble Rd ~ mile point 1496.1I got up early. Worried about Firefly. She definitely had some heat exhaustion/dehydration last night. I was encouraging that she was able to hold down a whole packet of mashed potatoes with salmon after throwing up all the Gatoraid.   When she finally got going she seemed better, but was worried about going the steep 1/2 mile back to the trail. She admitted she was scared going down her coordination was off.Looking forward to very short day almost all downhill but not too steep with hiker feed in Salisbury. We hardly noticed the steep climb up the waterfall back to the trail! But Firefly still felt very tired. Both worn out from all the mosquitoes! Getting sores from using so much Deet spray. Both have large scabs under pack straps, so looking forward to catching up to Mud Mouth, Yard Sale and Maniac at the feed then rest with nero at the Hostel. Very easy hiking and early enough to be less hot w a few breezes.   Wandered around going into town and ran into bunches of hikers looking for the feed. Eventually we all figured out that the feed was farther out of town where the trail crosses hwy 41. Had nice time shady parking lot. I think it was wedding anniversary for Mud Mouth and Yardsale one of the volunteers went to town for a cake. Sugar Bomb played m little guitar but surroundings too loud to hear it.   Free Child told us that Maria McCabe is an interesting woman so we decided to head for her place so Firefly could recover from her heat exhaustion. Hopefully rest would heal my sore foot too.
Date: 2013-07-01
From: Salisbury, CN Maria McCabe's mile 1496.2

To: salisbury, CN Maria McCabe's mile 1496.2
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Firefly spent most of the day sleeping.   We went into town in the rain for lunch and resupply.   They pretty much roll up the sidewalks at 5 or so.   Played guitar for hours till my elbow got sore. English Tony arrived too late for laundry but ordered delivery from the Italian place. Treated everyone to real English Tea.
Date: 2013-07-02
From: salisbury, CN Maria McCabe's mile 1496.2

To: Henry's House Northampton MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Got a ride with Free Child's friend, Kaitlin, who is Miss Janet's daughter to brother Henry's house. Henry and his wife Debbie are moving from their house of 30 years on Mill River, Leeds MA into bigger town of Northampton.
Date: 2013-07-04
From: Henry's New House, Northampton, MA

To: MASS GENERAL EMERGENCY ROOM
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Went to 4th of July Parade in Chester, MA. Then to Wake/party at lake house. In the afternoon back to Henry's new house. Everyone was napping after hard day moving yesterday. I was doing laundry for myself and firefly so we could return to trial. Started feeling dizzy as I reached down for detergent.   Then was off balance falling off to the right. Used handrail to get up stairs and lay down on mattress in living room floor. Broke out in heavy sweat despite air conditioning. Also an intense sudden headache on right front part of head. Realized this is not just from strong Margaritia, but probably a stroke, so woke Henry up. He held on to keep me upright going to car. Regional hospital, Cooley Dickenson just a few blocks away. Arrived at 4:30. They did tests and CT but did not see anything.   Dr. Dominick was going to release me, but I could still not walk. He consulted with Neurologists at Mass General in Boston. They wanted to see me right away..so onto an ambulance with lights flashing. Firefly rode shotgun. They drove like bar out of hell and did 2 hour drive in 1 1/2 hrs. But roads were closed due to 4th of July security because of Marathon Bomber. Diver had no idea how to get through to the hospital, until an unmarked Boston Police office offered us an escort..turned on his blue lights and wah wah pooh siren and off we went. Arrived at the ER at midnight. I was feeling better, actually more comfortable than Firefly...she was freezing in front and two hours of flashing lights +fast driving made her a little carsick. I had nice mattress and blanket. Firefly spent the night with me watching out for her Dad. She tried to sleep in two metal folding type chairs pushed together.
Date: 2013-07-05
From: MASS GENERAL EMERGENCY ROOM

To: MASS GENERAL 8TH FLOOR STROKE UNIT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After being up all night and more Ct scans, they decide I am stable enough to move to a nice room in the Stroke Unit on the 8th floor. Feeling very very lucky to have ended up in top Stroke Hospital instead of laying on the trail. Doc says it is mild brain stem stroke, and I have "Doged the Bullet" having such a mild stroke. Still can't walk due to balance and mild head ache. But feeling much better. Firefly is with me every minute. This room has nice sofa bed and they give her blankets and pillows. Everyone is nice and end of visiting hours is ignored. The nurses are happy to have Firefly to keep me company and help watch out. Mostly rest all day after being up all night but hooked like Gulliver with EKG, multiple IVs.
Date: 2013-07-06
From: MASS GENERAL 8TH FLOOR STROKE UNIT

To: MASS GENERAL, STROKE INTENSIVE CARE
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Feeling even better this morning. Able to concentrate enough to read a couple chapters and catch up on my iphone emails...even without my reading glasses. Eileen arrives from Utah and Henry and Deb get here from Northampton MA, just as I finish a big breakfast.   Thinking I might even be back to finish last 700 miles on AT this fall. I am allowed to get up and sit in a chair by myself.Then the shit hits the fan. A real sudden headache similar to first stroke but worse. As Firefly helps me back to bed, vertigo starts. The team of neurologists doing their rounds step in to visit. Pretty soon the floor has turned into the ceiling and I am clenching the bed frame to keep from flying around the room as I puke violently. All of a sudden I cannot swallow at all and start to choke. Then my eyes go out and everything is jumping around with blurry double vision. My mouth is drooping and speech slurred when things settle down. Eileen is scared silly to see this happen just arriving after flying all night on redeye.Doc Schwam, the top gun Neurologist gives her a big hug and calms her a little. Henry and Firefly are steady on helping me clear throat to breath and holding on so I don't fall out of bed.When dust clears they send me to intensive care. After all the times leaving the trail in a hand basket, this is the worst. Instead of planning to continue hiking in a few weeks now hoping to survive and be able to walk and hike maybe next year.
Date: 2013-02-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm a former military combat medic with chronic PTSD. I've been haunted over the years by my combat experience's and have lived in a deep state of depression, not quite able to shake off the sadness of seeing death so close, and having soldier's die in my care. I began hiking around mid ninety's after open heart surgery at 48.My VA doctor thought it might be theraputic to hike.I have hiked over 8,000 miles since then all day hikes, so began my journey. Now at 61, I'm going to Springer around March 1, to begin my journey north. I want to give myself every chance at success, so I will carry a thirty pound pack, and focus on nutrition. I guess as Earl Shaffer said, I want to walk the war out of my system. The trail has been very good therapy, and I could never pay the trail back for what it has given to me over the year's. I know my journey is to honor those I was unable to keep alive while in my care as a medic, and for healing from the guilt and grief I still carry.    I'm grateful for the chance to make this journey, and look forward to guidance and fellowship from those I'll meet along the trail. I will post as departure time get's closer.