morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

05/25/08 Bears Den to Harpers Ferry (1010.9) to Crampton Gap (1022)A funny thing happened on the way to Harpers Ferry. We had had a very long day dealing with climbs and quite a few rock scrambles and were about 1.5 miles out of Harpers Ferry just about to start the long descent into town. I must say we were feeling sorry for ourselves because of the difficulty of the days hike. I was behind 6 Iron about 50 yards when I saw her pass a skinny old man with a KMart hat, a kids day pack, cotton knee socks and a tree branch walking stick. He had his back to the trail and was reading a map. 6 Iron said hello to him and he didn't reply at all. I'm quite sure she muttered something about some kind body opening. Just then he called out to her and asked if she knew the way to Peachtree City, thats where we live! It was our good bud Roy, he had planned to supprise us and he did. Best of all he had 2 cold beers and some cheese for us. Nectar from the gods would not have tasted better. We sat for a while and then headed for the Comfort Inn for showers,f! ood and some quality time with Roy. He was so proud of himself. This is the kind of thing he pulls all the time. You never know what lurks in this guys mind. We love this man.The next day we did the Harper's Ferry sight seeing thing and visited the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters to pick up our mail drop and some new poles to replace the ones I broke. All in all, it was a great day.Roy planned to leave early the next morning and we planned to hit the trail after as big a breakfast as we could eat, then on to the Crampton Gap Shelter at 1022 miles. It's hard to believe we have walked that far!The plan came together and we had the Crampton Gap Shelter all to ourselves for a good nights sleep and an early start the next morning the 28th.Thats all for now.Cheers,Castron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Crampton Gap

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: clear sky

Crampton Gap to Pogo Memorial Campsite (1037.8)Early start for the 15.8 mile run to Pogo site. There was a lot of Civil War history in this area and many sites with plaques describing the actions that took place. We also stopped at the first Washington Monument built in 1827 by the local town folks in 2 days using stone from the area.Made it to Pogo with out any problems. Had a great burger at one of the campground grills. Great Day!Cheers,Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: clear sky

05/29/08 Antietam Shelter(1059.6) to Birch Run Shelter (1080.4)Long hard day!05/30/08 Birch RUN Shelter to Pine Grove Furnace (1090.3)Today we had a nice long walk in a thunderstorm. Something different!By the time we got to Pine Grove it had stopped. Pine Grove is the half way point on the trail where you take the half gallon challenge. A half gallon of ice cream of your choice, mine was chocolate and Martha's was vanilla. We were both up to the task. I must say 6 Iron just about inhaled hers. She was finished in 26 minutes. It took me about 30. We both have our wooden spoons that say half gallon challenge and have not thought about ice cream since.Our stay in Pine Furnace was at a hostel that was a home built for the underground railroad with secret rooms to hide the runaway slaves. It was quite a home in its day. The Ege family was deep into iron mining and the Underground Railroad. Google him it is a great story.Since we had use of the kitchen I made pancakes for breakfast and fresh coffee. Life is good!Tomorrow Alec Kennedy Shelter.06/01/08 Pine Grove Furnace to Alec Kennedy Shelter(1105.8), 06/02/08 Alec Kennedy to Darlington Shelter(1124), Darlington to Duncannon Pa.(1135.3)We passed through many grass and wheat fields this morning. By the time we reached Boiling Springs we were soaked from the dew on the four foot tall fields. In Boilings Springs had "second breakfast" and some fresh baked buns with the best coffee.We left Boiling Springs around 1030 headed for Darlington Shelter and then the Doyle Hotel, a thru hiker hostel in Duncannon Pa. The Doyle is a 10 year old Anheuser-Busch Hotel that is well past it's prime. It' only saving grace is very cold beer on tap and large helpings of good food but, you get what you pay for, $23 per night. We left Duncannon on the 4th headed for Peters Mtn. Shelter(1146.7) and arrived there just before the rain.Cheers,Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Peters Mtn. Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

06/05/08 Peters Mtn. Shelter(1146.7) to Rausch Gap Shelter (1164.2)Thunderstorms and heavy rain until about 0400. We were on the road by 0705 for what would turn out to be a wet, the plants were covered with water, a muddy, the trail was covered with water, and rocky day. We walked the ridge line in fog for most of the morning. The sun broke through about noon, however the tree cover kept us out of the sun, so we were never uncomfortable. After 17.8 miles we arrived at the shelter about 1600. We had a 9 hour day which included 3 snack ad 1 lunch break. I figured we hiked at around 2.5 mph. Tomorrow the 6th it is supposed to be in or near the 80's. We have a 23 miler on the schedule to cut down onthe milage into Port Clinton on the 7th. There is a mail drop there also, we want to watch Big Brown win the Triple Crown.Well gang the sun is down and so are we.Cheers,Catiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Blisters aside, the Boone's are doing well. By Lou's estimate they are at mile 1237.9, which means they are into the 3 digit numbers to the finish. Morale is good. PA has been tough. Bugs, poison ivy, and rocks. Lots of rocks. They both have changed into Keen hiking shoes; as the boots were becoming too "flexible", they like the change. Lou has lots of blisters on his "little piggies" but he has taped them and is moving well now. They pass through a super fund site tomorrow and will take a zero day on Friday, and should be in Delaware on Saturday. They have good cell service so if you want to call and leave a message they can probably call back (they do not leave their phones on during the day to conserve battery life. They say hello to all.
Date: 2008-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 135.2

I not sure exactly where cast iron and 6 iron are but they have left PA and entered NJ. 18 miles today bringing their total to 1299.4. Their adventure included a rattlesnake blocking the trail. No way around so they irritated the poor thing until it went back in it's hole and they could pass. The Iron's took a couple of days off and the feet are in much better shape. The rocks of PA have taken their toll. I'm sure we will hear more from cast iron in a few days along with pictures.
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Peters Mtn. Shelter

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

06/05/08 Peters Mtn. Shelter to Rausch Gap Shelter (1164.2)06/06/08 Rausch Gap to 501 Shelter (1181.6)06/07/08 501 Shelter to Eagle's Nest (1196.7)06/08/08 Eagles Nest to Port Clinton(1205.306/09/08 Port Clinton,Pa. to Eckville Shelter(1220.5)06/11/08 Eckville to Bake Oven Knob Shelter (1237.9) to Danielsville,Pa (1250.6)06/12/08 Danielsville,Pa. to Wind Gap(1266)06/16/08 Wind Gap to Delaware Water Gap(1281.6)06/17/08 Delaware Water Gap to Blue Mtn Lakes Camp site(1299.4)06/18/08 Blue Mtn. Camp to Gren Anderson Shelter(1313).We are in the Anderson Shelter, that's in New Jersey, this evening waiting out thunderstorms. It looks like we will be here the night.We are having a hard time believing we have walked from Ga to NJ, although sometimes my feet tell me I have.I have to tell you about some true trail angels. Remember the third grade class I spoke to before we left for the AT. One of the teachers, Anne, lives Pa. during the summer months and had said she would pick us up somewhere on the trail. We called her and arranged to meet her at Wind Gap(1266)on the 13th of June. When we came out of the woods there she and her husband Norm were. We were so glad to see them. Our feet were beaten up pretty badly and needed some time off. Anne and Norm were just what the Dr. would have ordered. They wined and dined us to the max and have become good friends. After two days of being spoiled it was time to get back on the trail with our well rested feet. They dropped us of at Wind Gap and we headed for Delaware Water Gap and a mail drop. Anne, you and Norm really made us feel at home. It was hard to turn down your offer to stay one more day. Thank you both so much.Pa was a low spot for me. Foot problems compounded by the infamous Pa. rocks made hiking with a good attitude very rough. I do believe our Ironman training and the ability to push past the "low spots" has helped me get through the last 3 weeks. My feet are on the mend and get better every day. My new Keen trail runners are working out very well. Anyone who needs a wide toe box should try on a pair.Crossing the Delaware River we entered New Jersey and started to climb headed for a camp site somewhere, we were not sure where. Passing Sunfish Pond, a glacial lake, Martha met her first Rattlesnake. He/she was between two rocks that she had to walk across. We took a picture and then poked at him to make him move so we could pass. This did not set very well with him but, he moved under a rock and were able to get by. Let me tell you, the sound of that rattle will get your motor running.Thats all for now.Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 65.0
Weather: scattered clouds

06/18/08 Gren Anderson Shelter to Jim Murray property(1331.3)06/19/08 Jim Murray property to Vernon, NJ (1344.9)06/20/08 Vernon, NJ to Wildcat Shelter, NY(1362)06/21/08 Wildcat Shelter to Fingerboard Shelter(1376.3)The hike to the Murray property was very pleasant and uneventful after the past couple of days. We think New Jersey is a beautiful state to hike in. It has just about everything, from steep climbs to hand over hand climbs and swamps. There are great views from the ridges and a boardwalk through the swampy area that is one mile long.For 11 years Jim Murray(AT'89) has allowed long distance hikers (only) year round use of a heated hiker cabin, with a hot water shower and privy, on his private property adjacent to the trail. Martha and I were the only ones there for the night. It's a nice little cabin with a loft for sleeping and lights. The hot water shower was a slice of heaven.We planned on a long day on the 20th but, in the afternoon when we stopped in Vernon, NJ to get some ice cream it started to rain. It was late in the day and there would be a lot of wet rocks to climb so, we opted for a motel for the night. While we were checking in a couple asked if we were thru hiking. When we told them we were they asked us if we would like to join them for dinner, well you know the answer to that. They had just closed on their house and were headed for Orlando, Fl. We had a great meal and when I tried to split the check with them they wouldn't let us. They were a great couple it's to bad we didn't get to spend more time with them.The motel owner drove us to the trail head at 0715 the next morning and we headed for the NY State line. After a long climb we were back on the ridge line in large boulder fields. The walking, once we were on top, wasn't bad. The rocks were huge and we just walked on top of them. There were some very slick spots that hadn't dried out so there were a few slips and falls. There is an area called the lemon squeezer that required us to take our packs off to get through. They have an easy blue route around the climb but, however we haven't Blue blazed yet and took the White Blaze route in true PTC running club spirit. It was tricky and a little nerve racking but, we did it with out any problem.We arrived, very tired, at the Wildcat Shelter in NY around 1700 and once again, we were the only hikers at the shelter.The next morning we were up at 0530 headed for the Fingerboard Shelter. New York is a beautiful but, a very hard state to do a lot of distance in. There are so many short and very steep climbs that you are worn out at the end of the day.Today was no different, I'm tired.Good night.Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-22
To: William Brien Memorial Shelter ???
Miles today: 76.9
Weather: moderate rain

They are in NY but I'm not sure exactly where. Lou called tonight and is having technical problems with the phone and email transmissions. I've updated the 6/2 entry with an email so go back and take a look. They made 19 miles yesterday and 14 today. Wanted to go 19 but ankles are tired so even though the shelter didn't have water decided to stop. People have been putting out coolers with cold water so the Iron's took a second breakfast break. They noticed a rustling in the bushes about 15' away, it was a bear. They both stood up at the same time then watched. The bear was on all 4's and sniffing at the peanut butter bars the Iron's were enjoying. Cast Iron banged his walking sticks together and the bear paused and 6 Iron started clapping and raised her voice and the bear moved away and began looking in the trees for something else to eat. The Iron's have experienced a lot of trail magic but one of the best has been Patio. They came across this man on the trail with a small back pack that started up a conversation. He said he was about to do some trail magic and wondered if they would be interested. The Iron's were right behind him. He had a cook stove and great food and DRINK! For Lou that was cold chocolate milk and later a little sippin whiskey. I think Little Debbies were mentioned as well. Bottom line...Tonight our dynamic duo is well fed and life is GOOD! Cast Iron says he has not been in this good of shape in years! Crash
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Dennytown Road camp site
Miles today: 28.7

06/22/08 Fingerboard to Ft. Montgomery(1390.5)06/23/08 Ft. Montgomer, NY to Dennytown Road camp site (1405)After a good night in the Holiday Inn Express and all clean clothes we headed for the trail about a mile away. On the way we stopped in a deli, had some lunch sandwiches made, picked up bagels for breakfast tomorrow and a couple of bottles of Gatorade. We did have a bag of Gatorade mix but ran out a few days ago. When we get to our next mail drop in Kent, CT. we'll get more. It really helps when it's hot.Tomorrow we are headed for the Morgan Stewart Shelter{1424.7) passing Stormville, NY. where we will stop for a big meal around 1500 and then walk the last four miles to the shelter for a 19 mile day.We had to hunker down in a thunderstorm this afternoon. There was one lighting strike about 100 yards away. The rain stopped after about 10 minutes and we were on our way to this camp site. There should be a lot of stars tonight.Good night folks.Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Dennytown Road camp site

To: Morgan Stewart Shelter
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: few clouds

06/25/08 Dennytown Campsite to Morgan Stewart Shelter(1424.7)The Dennytown Campsite was a great place to camp. The state provided Porta-johns,trash cans and a picnic table. Potable water as only 100 yards away. We spent a very cool and pleasant night under a very clear sky. The stars were very bright as there was very little light pollution.We got an early start to get in a long day. With the occasional climb over rocks, most of the trail was quite fast. Around 1400 we stopped at the RPH Shelter(1415.7) and cooked some Remen, added peanut butter and hot sauce. That plus vanilla wafers was our lunch.During these long breaks we always remove our boots and socks and put on our crocs. This allows our feet and socks to dry out. We also rinse out our shirts and hang them to dry a little. They are always wet when we put them back on however the salt has been rinsed out. If they had been dry they would be soaked a few minutes after resumed hiking.Our next stop was Stormville, NY and a deli about a half a mile from the AT. It was well worth the walk, great sandwiches, cold beer and ice cream, what more could you ask for. We ate our fill and took doughnuts with for breakfast the next morning. When we arrived at the MorganStewart Shelter we found Chiefdaddy, The General, Jukebox, and Forest Gimp already there. It was a good night with lots of lies told by everyone. By sundown everybody was down and some were snoring (The General). It's a wild time in the shelters!We only have 751.5 miles to go! It's hard to believe we are in New York and we walked here!Until next time, cheers.Castiron 6 IRON
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Morgan Stewart Shelter

To: Appalachian Trail Railroad Station
Miles today: 7.7

06/26)/08 Morgan Stewart Shelter to Appalachian Trail Railraod Station(1435.4)Martha was not feeling well this morning so she slept later. I was glad to hear that it was just bad headache and not something else. When she felt better around 0930 we packed up and got on the road about 1000 with a light mist falling.The forecast was showers off and on all day. Around 1230 we stopped and cooked a Remen lunch. Martha hadn't had anything except coffee and some Gatorade so she needed to eat something besides a bar. After lunch were back on the AT headed for the Appalachian Trail Railroad Station. It is just a platform and a bench beside the tracks however, if you stand on the platform the NY City bound train will stop to pick you up. How cool is that?Located near the "Train Station" is a landscape and garden center that will let you camp on the grounds which are right by the RR tracks. It should be an interesting night.   There is also a deli about a half a mile away, which we visited for the usual pig out. Tomorrow we are going to cross into Connecticut and hopefully get to Kent for our mail drop. We will take a nero there,not quite a zero day and leave around the noon hour after we get our shopping completed.I hear that lonesome whistle blowing and it is time for lights out.Good night folks.Castiron& 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Appalachian Trail RR Station

To: Kent, CT 
Miles today: 0.0

06/27/08 Appalachian Trail RR Station to Kent, CT (1453.7)Last night was not a good night. We tented at Landscape Center between the highway and the RR tracks. Trains run to about midnight and trucks run all night long, we know this because we heard every one that went by.The morning was clear and it was going to be a hot day. We got under way about 0630 and started across a large open field and into a boardwalked low area. By the time we cleared both of those areas our feet were soaked. So much for clean dry socks. We crossed the Connecticut State line(1442.2) around 0930, and another one bites the dust.The first 14 miles of todays hike were hot but, fairly ease until about 4 miles to Kent, Ct. Thats were we hit the rocks and started climbing and descending. Just what we needed after a long, hot day. When we finally got to the road leading to Kent for our nero and mail drop, we were drenched with sweat.After a .8 mile walk into town it was time for a shower, a beer, a meal and a place to lay our heads, in that order. All was accomplished in short order. We were lucky to find a B&B in Kent. The town is a happening place on the weekend and everything was booked. We found place to do our laundry while we ate and not soon after that we were in a real bed for a good nights sleep.Tomorrow we head north again.Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Kent, CT 

To: Laural Ridge Campsite Mass
Miles today: 57.9

06/28/08 Kent,Ct to Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to(1460.7)06/29/08 Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to to Falls Village, CT (1478.9)06/30/08 Falls Village to Laural Ridge Campsite Mass.(1495.8)Leaving Kent late in the morning did make for a long or productive day. It was already hot and the AT left Kent into an open grass field which still was covered in dew. So much for dry socks and boots. From there we progress into swamps and mosquitoes. Out comes the Deet. Thee was a long but very narrow boardwalk. After about 2 miles we started to climb back up to the ridge line and things got cooler and less buggie.We went to the Stewart Hallow lean-to for a late lunch and ran into Forest Gimp,a neat young teacher, we had met earlier. She had some friends that were doing a vary short hike with her. While we were cooking a hot meal for lunch it started to rain. The next shelter was 10 miles away and it's 1500 in the afternoon. A tent campsite means setting up in the rain. Remember we were in a B&B last night and we and our clothes were dry and clean. Even tho it was a 7 mile day we opted for the shelter for the night and planned a big day on the 29th.The 29th came bright and clear with an early start to see how far we could go. We were shooting for the town of Falls Village and the Toymakers Cafe where we could eat and camp behind the store. We could taste the hamburgers and fries as we walked into town 18.9 miles later. It's Sunday folks, the towns locked tighter than a drum. WE did camp behind the cafe that does not open on Mondays. Plus we went through a thunderstorm about 0100. You cant win them all.We did get an early start and we would let the days terrain decide where we would stop. After 16.9 miles we and crossing into Massachusetts we decided to stop at the Lural Ridge Campsite(1495.8). It was a great site with raised tent platforms, a bear box for your food and a very clean privy that even had toilet paper. Now that first class!Northbound tomorrow.Cheers,Castiron & 6 Iron
Date: 2008-07-01
To: Great Barrington, Mass
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Just spoke with Lou! Mileage is 1514.9 and they are doing great! It is hot and still in the woods but the country is beautiful. They are hoping to make Dalton on the 3rd where Martha's sister will be picking them up. Planning to take about four days of rest and relaxation before heading back to the trail. They've been putting in some good long days but really don't know what to expect up the trail. The mosquitoes have gotten bad so out comes the Deet. Things are good, they are well fed and just have a couple of little blisters.Crash
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Dalton, Mass

To: Dalton, Mass
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

07/07/08 Dalton,Mass 619 to go.Four days off at Martha's sister's house where she and her husband Abe took great care of us. Good food, good wine, good conversation and a very good rest. Thanks Mary Jo and Abe.We are ready for the final push of 619 miles. From this point on we are not rushed and can take our time and see some sights. We just need to finish on the 8th of Sept. for some reason, I forgot what it was, I guess it wasn't important.We checked in at the Shamrock Inn in Dalton, after Abe and Mary Jo dropped us off, and settled in for a good nights sleep. Tomorrow we are back on the trail. Good night Folks.Cheers,Castiron & 6 Iron