morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Well folks, it is not always mountains! Today we traversed the Cumberland Valley. There is no camping across the valley because it is private lands, mostly farms, dairy, wheat, corn and lots of stuff. It was very muddy and slick walking. In some of the pastures your whole foot would sink in the guck. The guck was manure, petrol products and probably a lot of other things that I choose not to think about. On the up side, the overnight rain had quit and it was overcast with temps in the mid sixties. If it had been blazing hot that hike would have been a real doozey!! I have about 11 miles into Duncannon and 2 zero days(non hiking days. : )My friend Ellen will be there Friday evening so we will hook up and get set. I will stay at the Doyle Hotel. It is cheap at $15 a night and hopefully they allow dogs. Then I will stay with Ellen at the Red Carpet Inn.   Yeah!Glad this day is over and can't wait to hang in the hammock.Almost forgot - I saw a fox today, he was crossing a backcountry road the same time we were. I also saw loads of rabbits and their babies.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-19
From: Darlington Gap Shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: light rain

Hey folks! It is me here. I am entering this journal from the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA. I walked about 12 miles or so today to town. It poured rain last night, but we stayed dry. I got started nicely this morning, walking in a fog through the forest. It was really cool. It burned off in time for me to get a great view of Duncannon from Hawk Walk. The trail is starting to get rocky--the PA rocks everyone talks about. I guess the glaciers of the ice age just came down here and busted the rocks up and left them in all different directions. A lot of ankle busters on the trail right now----whooo be careful, I think. Brown Dog seems to have no problems with the rocks, makes me wish I had four legs. I have two zero days here---yahhhhooooowwwweeee! My feet are aching, my knees are ...okay, just need a good rest. So I might check in again before I leave. I just want to say thank you to everyone for their support and encouragement. It has been awesome!!! And isn't my Mom doing a fabulous job of getting the entries up and readable for you guys. She is working on getting DSL for her computer so she can download the pictures--should happen in about a week or so. Thanks Mom! And my maildrops are perfect portions and sizes--great job Jan! Oh, yes, I got several emails about Ibuprofen and the Brown Dog, thanks! I thought it was interchangeable with aspirin. I am getting her some aspirin here in town. Thanks for keeping an eye out for my faithful companion.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

I woke up this morning after sleeping the whole night through!!! Probably the first time since I left home. It was raining and I was happy to be inside my $15.90 hotel room at the Doyle--nothing fancy, just dry. I met up with Mr. Ed and his mom. I'm not sure if I mentioned them previously, but I met Mr. Ed on my first night on the trail. He had to take some time off the trail for a wedding and some stuff and then he showed up at Tagg Run Shelter with his mom a couple of nights ago. I was surprised because Mr. Ed is an over 20 mile a day hiker. So I got to camp with them two nights on my way into Duncannon. We had lunch together and then we all hung out on the 2nd floor porch of the Doyle. I was waiting for Ellen to come in and she arrived right on time. It was nice to see a bit of home and a good friend. We had a beer on the porch and because Ellen had wheels (that is a novelty out here), we went to the grocery store. It was my first trip to the grocery in a while and there was a lot of stuff in the store---yummy! I went straight to the chips and salsa. I do miss my Mexican food. I bought Gelert a replacement bowl, an apple and other odds and ends. We dropped Mr. Ed and his mom off at the Doyle and we were off to the Red Carpet Inn. It is cushy, warm, dry and there is even a TV. We ate tons of chips and salsa. I had another shower and we went into town for a meal. Ellen is totally treating me to food and lodging, WOW---thanks Ellen! Sooooo life is good, my feet feel better. Town is good for a hiker every now and then. The weather is about 60 degrees and raining; it is chilly and feels like winter in Houston. They are promising better weather. I hope it is true. I would like to have great weather while Ellen is out here. Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Duncannon PA

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

I woke today to lighter rain. We have been busy this morning preparing our packs and food and also getting a shuttle arranged. It is basically doing the stuff you do while in town. We are planning on stopping by an outfitter today to check on some new shorts. The ones I have are great, but not quick drying. Ellen is raring to go and we have some good hiking ahead of us the next couple of days. Have I mentioned the ticks lately? I pulled a big fat one off Brown Dog this morning. I have been checking her regularly, but missed this one, I guess. I have also pulled a tick off the middle of my face---yuck! It is good that Brown Dog has had a lyme disease vaccination and that good Advantix stuff to help with the little critters. Next entry will be from the trail with fresh legs and NO RAIN. Yiippppeeee!Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Duncannon PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a great night's sleep at the Red Carpet Inn and was up early and ready to go. We had waited for the ride back into town until early this morning and the weirdo guy that ran the motel had said that there was no problem for him to take us. It was about 6 miles back to Duncannon. Well, the weirdo guy bailed on us ...."Oh you have dog, I forgot I cannot take a dog." Crud!So we asked this nice group of ladies, who happened to be teachers, that were section hiking, to take us. That didn't work out either. Double crud!! Now what ...hummm. Ellen, whose trail name is Keystone and will be referred to as such from here forward, said, "Let's walk down the highway a little stretch to the Buffalo Grill to get some breakfast and ask there." Sure enough a car whizzed by and parked and looked at us strangely, like you guys aren't normal hitchhikers. So we chatted with them and hit them up. Crud, no luck! Then we walked down the highway to get breakfast, as Keystone suggested to see if we could get a ride there and sure enough a car whizzed by and pulled into the diner where we were going. We chatted with them and I asked for a ride. Well, to make a long story short, they gave use a ride. They were very nice and humorous. So we finally got to town to use our last flushy toilets, make last phone calls and were off. We walked through Duncannon and over the Juniata and the Susquehanna Rivers on the side of the highway, then up, up, up and away to the ridgeline. We encountered some chunky PA rocks on the ridges but the views were great. We just chugged along all day on the ridges and made it to the shelter about 6:00 pm. The water source for the shelter, a spring, was a half a mile down hill, a doozy of a hike. It took me about 45 minutes to get water and I spilled quite a bit on myself. We had a nice dinner and now we are in the tent lying down resting and reading. Keystone did a great job and was a super trooper today. It is really nice to have a hiking buddy for several days. Sweet dreams everyone!
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Stony Mountain
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: few clouds

We slept in a bit this morning; my engine was slow starting. We left camp about 9:30 am. I tried my oatmeal with protein powder, yuuuucck! I like my oatmeal the way it was. We hooked up with Captain Bill today, an older gentleman who started hiking in Harper's Ferry the same day I did. He is hiking because his son started in GA and is catching up with him to finish the trail. He is super nice. Keystone did awesome today. I, on the other hand, was a little grumpy. Keystone had a natural cold whirlpool treatment for her feet at a river crossing. We had quite a lot to think about. Should we continue up the mountain or camp low and wait for the arrival of our ride tomorrow? Finally I got going and so did she. We hiked another three miles up the mountain. We will hike back down tomorrow to PA 325 for our ride with Ann. I will end up missing about 12 miles of the trail from where I will get dropped off the morning that Ellen leaves. I thought about it a lot and came to this conclusion - my goal is not to pass every blaze, it is to have the experience called the Appalachian Trail. Don't get me wrong, I am doing the trip and not yellow blazing(hitchhiking) but I will not be bound by some schedule or set of rules. This is my hike and my experience and I will choose it exactly the way I want it.It will be weird to see Keystone take off. It has been nice having a companion. Well done, Keystone!Sweet dreams!
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Stony Mountain

To: Stony Mountain
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We camped on the edge of Stoney Mountain. . . a name it rightfully deserves. We woke up and had coffee in the tent. Captain Bill took off and we laid around and read for about a hour. We got moving and hid out our packs to go further up the mountain for a look-see.   Hiking without a pack is like walking without gravity--wow!! We saw the ruins of old mines and an old fire tower. We also came across the old Horseshoe Trail. It goes from Stoney Mountain all the way to Valley Forge. I love history and it is so neat to think what people have passed in my footsteps, hundreds of years ago. What were their concerns, priorities, difficulties? Huuuummm.We hiked back down the mountain to a river at PA 325 to wait for our ride so Keystone can get back to civilization. Ann Tobias picked us up - you might recall we left Keystone's luggage with her. Well, get this, she cooked us filet mignon, potatoes and a salad, with great wine. Holy cow! Can you believe it? It was completely fantastic! Then get this - she had the Lewis and Clark Imax video and Klondike bars! Double wow!Ann was just what we needed at this juncture. She has a great place in the woods and now we are both sleeping in hammocks under the stars - Keystone in mine and me on one of Ann's rope hammocks. Signing off now. . .PS: If anyone wants to suggest an entry, feel free.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Swartara Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night was a wonderful night to sleep under the stars.   It got a bit chilly, just had to burrow further down into the sleeping bag. Keystone woke me at 5:15 am and I rolled over for another 30 minutes. Some things never change; I have never been quick to get out of bed. We were packed and ready by 6:20 am and I was hiking by 6:45 am after a teary goodbye. It was nice to be on the move so early and I was even more thankful once the day wore on and the temps went soaring. I was sweating buckets. I drank 6 liters of water and I was still going to drink more. We took several breaks today to cool off. I think Brown Dog is feeling it too.Let me tell you about PA and the Appalachian Trail. You will be hiking along at a nice steady pace, then all of the sudden these rock fields become the trail. Maybe you are thinking like the size of rocks found on the road or perhaps the size one might pick up to throw. That is not what I am talking about. Think kitchen appliances, blenders, toasters, dishwashers, refrigerators, coffee makers and some times, small car size boulders. That is the size of these rocks and they are all different just waiting for you to trip up or step on the loose side. My feet hurt because of those stupid rocks. I have even hit a couple of stubborn ones with my hiking poles--that definitely taught them a lesson! Ha, ha!I am waiting for others to roll in for the night. This is a huge roomy shelter and I will sleep inside it tonight so I can get a quick start in the morning. I am hoping for 15 miles tomorrow. That will guarantee that I will make it to Port Clinton in time to get my maildrop.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Today was a big day. I got going at 7:30 am and promptly got on the wrong trail. That detour added about an extra mile. We found the trail and were off. It is fairly flat around here, but don't let that deceive you. It is very rocky. I would love to invent a rock remover for the front of my body. My feet are telling me about every rock right now. I have a new blister, but it seems to be under control. The old pinky toe blister is now just one big callous.I was hiking with some good people today. They showed up late last night at the shelter and we had sodas and marshmallows. Yummy! We all found a swimming hole today at a beautiful campsite and I let Brown Dog paddle around, but I did not swim because I knew it was going to be a long day. Summer is definitely in swing.   I drank about 8 liters of water today and sweated most of it out. I'm alone tonight at the shelter so far, but have hung the hammock because of the bugs. Let me tell you, I pick my trees very carefully after watching Beekeeper's tree come tumbling down on him. He wasn't hurt, but wow, what a scare. The tree was rotten inside.With that I am off to eat rice and beef for dinner. Tomorrow I will be in Port Clinton and real foooood! My appetite is growing.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-27
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

I had a fantastic night's sleep and was pretty sore this morning. We got up and had some oatmeal and Milkbones and started walking. I saw a doe really closeup as she jumped across the trail in front of us. Better yet, as we were on our way down a really steep decent to Port Clinton, Brown Dog stopped dead in her tracks. Sure enough there about 10-20 yards ahead of us, just to the side of the trail, was a BEAR! We all looked at each other for a second then he scampered off. Wow, couldn't believe it, he was beautiful! We strolled into town to the Port Clinton Hotel and had a hamburger, a room and a shower. Aahhh! I picked up my maildrop. Thanks, Jan, it was perfect! Home made cookies from Mom! Yummy! Even more goodies for Gelert and me from Liz! Thanks everyone! Now just watching some TV and relaxing.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Port Clinton

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: few clouds

I watched T.V. until late last night which is about 10:00 pm for me now. I am adjusted to nature's clock. I wake up about 6:00 am every day. I guess that is how the settlers were; once the sun goes down there is just not much to do. Just messed around town this morning, made phone calls, ate a grilled ham and cheese(yummy), mailed stuff home and got my pack together. I finally hit the trail about 12:30 pm and just took it slow. The good thing about town is showers, food and the phone; the bad thing is your pack weighs a ton when you leave because of the new supply of food. I really enjoyed my walk today. It seems that the heat is gone for now and I think I might be getting some trail legs, imagine that!! The rocks continue and we just make games to get over them, like pretending the ground between the rocks is hot lava if there are more rocks than dirt. If there is more dirt than rocks we pretend that the rocks are mines. Seems to work for me, but I don't know about Brown Dog. We were so intent on getting over this one particular patch of rocks, I almost stepped on a black snake that was about 5 feet long. He rared his head back as if to say, "Lady, one step closer and you are gonna get it!" We backed up and just watched him, until he slithered away 5 minutes later. He wiggled his tail as a warning. In the dry leaves it sounded kind of like a rattlesnake. It was cool, but I will have to keep my eyes peeled for those critters. And I still can't believe I saw a bear just a day ago--wow!Well, the hammock is hung and I am looking forward to crawling in it. I really like sleeping in it. Tomorrow promises the best views from the trail in PA. I'll let you know.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-29
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

I laid in the hammock for a long time this morning contemplating the views, then I hopped out and got to it. There were Pop Tarts for breakfast and we were off. I hiked a nice warm up of about 500 yards until I realized I wasn't even on the trail. Oh well, isn't this the second time this has happened in the morning coming out of a shelter?There were loads of weekenders and dayhikers out. That is how I know it is Saturday or Sunday. Otherwise I don't realize what day it is.The views from Pulpit Rock and the Pinnacle were really good. The farmland below was beautiful and the hawks were catching the thermals. I think it would be cool to be a hawk and just soar around and around.Now I am at the Eckville Shelter, which is in this man's backyard. It has a solar shower (still cold water), a flush toilet and a refrigerator full of sodas, ice cream sandwiches and other snacks on the honor's system. Love it!! So I'm clean, fed and have had some caffeine and am ready to rumble down the trail tomorrow. The days this week are getting progressively longer and I have added an extra day this section, due to the rocks and my feet not getting along with them. I am still totally amazed at everyone's generosity and goodwill towards my journey, some people I know and ones I don't. I have always prided myself on being able to do things myself, being independent and not relying on others. Well, I have learned that it is sooo much easier if I trust others and let them help. I realize how much they get out of helping. I would not be able to accomplish this adventure or even be out here if it were not for others pitching in.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Eckville Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: overcast clouds

What a beautiful morning this a.m. and a nice climb out of the shelter to get the blood pumping and sweat flowing! The rocks were pretty rough this morning, although I know each one I pass is one more down. There are just so many rocks on the trail. I also decided I would never live anywhere with this many rocks. After lunch the trail was much more tame. I love the lightweight shoes I have and how they have only given me two blisters. But man, am I paying for it. The soles just aren't as rugged and stiff as boots, so I'm not sure what to do. My feet have always been tender. Jan has included my other shoes in my maildrop. They are a little more cushiony, so we will give them a whirl.I have been seeing a lot of youth groups out, Girl Scouts and the like. It takes me back to the days when I used to lead groups. Glad I am where I am right now.I also wanted to say, "What is it up here, with Pepsi?" There are hardly any Coke products around here. I mean when I am desperate for a soda, anything will do. But man, I have never really been a Pepsi fan. The regional differences in America are amazing; the voices and accents are starting to change as well.Must sleep now, hopefully I will not dream of rocks.Happy trails!
Date: 2003-07-01
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 11.6

I made an unscheduled town stop today. Everyone was raving about this town and it is right near where I was headed for the night. So I thought - cold sodas, shower, I'm there! I am staying (for free) in the basement of the police station on a bunk bed with a mattress. I got a care package with shampoo, a 5 minute calling card, a postcard toothbrush with toothpaste and a cover for the toothbrush that says I have a friend in Palmerton, PA. Coooool! I also got a free apple at the grocery store! I'll carry it out to the trail for a treat tomorrow. I had three sodas, two orders of fries and a burger at Tommies Soda Shop. Tasty! I think I am getting that hiker appetite. I could still eat more. I talked to my dad on the phone tonight and all is well on the home front. Can I just say my mom is doing a bang up job on this web site!! I got to look at it today. Wowwweee!As for hiking today, it was full of challenges. I started with Knives Edge and you can only guess that it was a tight ropewalk with that pack on. It was quite a trick. Brown Dog wasn't too thrilled about it. I had to take her pack off and help her. She wasn't always very trusting, but we made it and she is getting a gold star. The views from the edge were awesome as there was no haze this morning!!We went through several episodes over some other rocks. It was slow going. I had lunch at Bake Oven Knob Shelter, a super old shelter. There was a resident rat snake tucked in above the entrance. I saw him there as I was enjoying my peanut butter and honey bagel. He wasn't bothering me, so I just kept on eating, took a picture of him and moved on. Rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, then more rocks! Whew!! Only about 60 or so more miles of them. I am keeping a very close eye on Gelert's paws. They seem to be a bit sore. We have a zero day at Delaware Water Gap and we will make sure she is feeling 100% before we move on.The area surrounding Palmerton is a project with the EPA superfunds. Apparently they used to have a huge zinc mine here and it contaminated everything. Now they are trying to reverse the damage, but wow, there are some major scars to heal! I guess there are so many prices paid for the stuff we have. I know I have products that have zinc in them - you just don't see it when it is all packaged up neat and pretty in the store. The electricity we all enjoy takes all those lines that run everywhere and you think of all the trees that have been cut down for that. I pass under power lines every day. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy modern conveniences, but do we really think of the best ways to do things or just about the end results? It is kind of like a long time ago when they thought smoking wasn't a big deal and now we know it is a killer. Just food for thought.
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Smith Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

I had a great sleep in Palmerton last night. After a big stack of pancakes and ham for breakfast I caught a quick ride out of town. I yellow blazed up to Little Gap to miss the big boulders coming out of Lehigh Gap.We had a nice walk today, but I think we are both ready for a zero day. . . soon enough. The rocks are really making both of our feet sore. Gelert is tending to hers every time we stop and I know they are tender. We will see how she feels after zero day.I saw one other person on the trail today, kinda strange, because I had been seeing and tenting out with these two guys for the last 3 nights. So I was sitting there tonight enjoying my dinner, spaghetti with meat sauce, my favorite, when this guy on a dirt bike rides through the woods near us. He just waved so I waved back. Huummm, just when you think you've got the place all to yourself. The shelter tent site is very near a power line right of way and I guess a good place for a rider to ride. Nothing too eventful today, just more rocks. I should make up a song. I'll have to get on that.Happy trails!