morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: clear sky

I was trying to beat the heat but I got a little later start than I wanted. As I was eating lunch at the Rod Hollow Shelter, Chunk, 48 Leaves and Low Gear caught up and we began hiking the "roller coaster" section of the trail. A 13 mile stretch of trail with 10 ascents and descents. Low Gear and I planned to stay at Bears Den Hostel which is about 2/3 of the way through the coaster. The heat slowed me down a bit but we pulled in to Bears Den around 5 or 6. I bought a Tombstone pizza, a soda, and a pint of Ben and Jerry's. Later than evening, Kids Meal and three of his friends showed up. He had slackpacked into Harpers Ferry to meet them and they drove back to Bears Den to spend the night. Bears Den is a very clean and friendly hostel run by the PATC. Thanks Queen Diva!
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: London Heights
Miles today: 18.0

After a great bfast at Bears Den, I wasn't in a hurry to leave and hung around chatting with Kids Meal and his friends. I also called Ma and Pa Hollywood to finalize plans for the parental meeting on the 5th, just a few miles into Pa. After hiking into early afternoon in the heat and humidity, I stopped at Blackburn Trail Center for a break. Low Gear was already there. After I had been back on the trail for a few minutes, I noticed a couple hiking ahead of me. As I got closer, they stopped and turned around and I reazlied it was Chip (Gritz '00) and his girlfriend. A very random encounter! I met Chip when I first moved to Old Town, Alexandria. They were out for an overnight and just happened to be on the same section of trail as me. It really shouldn't surprise me since Lisa and I also ran into him in the midst of 15,000 other bikers in the middle of Iowa (check out my pics). Had a great meal at a little bar/restaurant at Keys Gap in West Virginia and ended up camping just before Harper's Ferry at the Loundon Heights area.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: London Heights

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Low Gear and I got into Harper's Ferry around 8 a.m. and we waited for things to open. Baltimore Jack was working at the outfitter shop and he told me the Billville origination story. Also went to the ATC HQ to get my picture taken for the thru-hiker notebook. I was number 544 for the year. Seems like many hikers are getting off the trail around HF so I'm not sure how many are actually ahead of me. Had a good time relaxing in town, even though the food is overpriced, and didn't end up leaving until close to 3 p.m. Still managed to do about 17 miles to Dahglen campground where a free shower awaited me. Met Marco Solo along the way and some section hikers from South Dakota. Chunk and 48 Leaves were also camping at Dahlgren.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

Had lunch at Annapolis Rocks and watched some climbers navigate up the cliff. It was cloudy for most of the afternoon which kept the temperature down a bit. Someone left a paper at the Ensign Cowall and I did the crossword puzzle to try to maintain some "book learnin."
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Pa. 16
Miles today: 7.5

Crossed over into Pennsylvania and Ma and Pa Hollywood picked me up on Rt 16. They took me to a very good restaurant with an AYCE buffet. We stayed in Waynesboro, Pa. and I got to do laundry, wash my pack and therma-rest and ate a tasty dinner. It rained throughout most of the night and I was glad to be in a dry hotel room watching the Tour de France.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Pa. 16

To: U.S. 30
Miles today: 15.3

Slackpacked (backpacking with light packs) with Pa HOllywood while Ma Hollywood drove the support van. She met us a couple of times during the day at road crossings. It was a great change to have only a small daypack with food, water and raingear. Marco Solo was the only hiker we saw during the day so Moms didn't get to do much trail magic but I appreciated her efforts! Just not a lot of hikers on this section of the trail at this time. Caldonia STate Park was heavily affected by the rains and flooding and the pool was still closed.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: U.S. 30

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

The second day of slackpacking with Pa Hollywood. We did nearly 20 miles through some beautiful scenery and easy terrain. Quite a few road crossings towards the end of the hike. We met Ma Hollywood at Pine Grove Furance State Park and I attempted the Half Gallon Challenge, but didn't quite succeed. It was great to hike with my dad with mom as supporter. Thanks for coming out to meet me, Ma and Pa Hollywood!
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, Pa.
Miles today: 19.4

Hiked with Kids Meal into Boiling Springs. We were attacked by mosquitos on the last couple miles into town as we followed the trail through cornfields. Boiling Springs is a cool place: the springs bubble up, which is how the town got its name, but the water that flows out is only 53 degrees and makes for world-class fly fishing in the stream that flows from the lake in the middle of town. We tented for $1 in the backyard of Garmenhaus Bed and Breakfast. The owners are very nice and John (I think) had us sign a map of the AT that hikers have been signing since '92. Ate at Amile's, a very good Italian restaurant. Low Gear showed up at the restaurant while we were eating. He had pushed a big day to catch up with us.
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Boiling Springs, Pa.

To: Boiling Springs, Pa.
Miles today: 0.0

A fun day at the pool in Boiling Springs. has my vote for best pool on the trail. Two water slides and a friendly staff. We met section hikders Private and Kate and talked them into joining us at the pool. We had planned on hanging out at the pool and then hiking the late afternoon, but we talked each other in zeroing and doing a big day into Duncannon tomorrow. We got a lucky ride 5 miles down the road and watched Pirates of the Caribbean 2. We all concluded that it was not as good as the first one but make sure you stick around after the credits for the teaser for Pirates 3.
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Boiling Springs, Pa.

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Still haven't run tino the Pa. rocks that are so feared and had a relatively easy day into Duncannon. Low Gear and I were swarmed by mosquitos about the same time that the rocks got a little bad - about 5 miles south of Duncannon. With the oppressive heat and humidity, they were possibly my least favorite 5 miles of the trail so far. We checked into the Doyle and I ordered dinner #1 while we waited for Kids Meal to arrive. The BBQ sandwich at the Doyle was great, as was the $2 draft of Yeungling. We went to Sorrento's for dinner #2. The Doyle is more of a hostel than a hotel but it is a bargain and a trail tradition. Definitely would choose to do a zero day in other trail towns over Duncannon.
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

The trail follows High St. for about a mile through town before crossing the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers. The ascent to the ridgeline wasn't terribly steep, but it was hot as we didn't leave Duncannon until early afternoon. Bumblebee was already at the shelter when I arrived and he had been kind enough to fill up the gallon water jugs that are provided at the shelter as the spring is strait down the side of the mountain. Two employees of a Christian camp nearby stopped in at the shelter and gave us $20 that they had found at the older Earl Shaffer-built little shelter nearby. As we were settling down to sleep, we heard what we think was rocks being thrown at the shelter. Maybe from kids at the camp?
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Ransch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Saw my third black rat snake over 5 feet long in Pa. during the afternoon. Still haven't seen any copperheads or rattlesnakes during my hike. Decided to tent near the shelter to get some protection from the mosquitos. Ended up getting about 10 hours of sleep which I think my body really needed. Interesting shelter with the spring feeding a trough and a "guidance system" in the privy.
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Ransch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: moderate rain

Caught up with Low Gear at the William Penn Shelter just as it started to rain. Kid's Meal decided to call his parents and found out they were waaiting to surprise him at the 501 Shelter. We hustled to 501 with Low Gear leading the way. This was the first time we discovered Low Gear's levitation power. He seemed to levitate over the numerous rocks on the trail and no matter how fast I hiked I couldn't catch him. We quickly made it to 501 where they have a solar shower consisting of some black barrels and a hose that make the water just slightly warmer than it would usually be. Kid's Meals parents took us out for dinner at the Sholl Family Restaurant where they are very hiker-friendly and have a great AYCE. Thanks to Kid's Meal parents for feeding hungry hikers! The 501 Shelter is fully enclosed with a large skylight inthe middle of the roof. We also ordered a couple of pizzas a few hours later. The pizza place delivers to the parking lot on 501. At the shelter were After, a section hiker, and Bumblebee.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: overcast clouds

A very rocky and hot day but overall the hiking wasn't too difficult. Kid's Meal and I arrived in Port Clinton a couple of hours after Low Gear and just before Kid's Meals friends, Jess and Toni arrived. Wouldn't recommend staying at the Port Clinton Hotel as I found teh staff to be unfreindly and unhelpful. Jess and Toni treated us to dinner and I resupplied nearby even though I haven't had to eat a dinner out of my foodbag in awhile. Thanks to Jess and Toni for a great dinner. Ended up splitting a room at the hotel with Kid's Meal to get out of the bugs and heat.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: Port Clinton

To: Hawk Mountain Road
Miles today: 15.2

Jess offered to pick us up and tatke us to her place near Philly for the night even though it would mean hours of driving for her. Great views formteh Pinnacle today and we had a breeze for part of the afternoon on the ridgeline. Another rocky, hot PA day though. Jess picked us up from Hawk Mtn Rd and did some trail magic for the crew of hikers at the Eckville Shelter. Many people were there including Dirt Diva, Compass Rose, Slingshot, Grits and her boyfriend Dave. We stopped by the Conshahocken REI and Rita's Water Ice before heading to Jess' place for a big dinner that she and Toni prepared. Slept in a real bed again. Many thanks to Jess and Toni for all of their hospitality!
Date: 2006-07-18
From: Hawk Mountain Road

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start as none of us were in any hurry to leave Jess' place and head back to the muggy, buggy trail. Once we began, Kid's Meal and I never caught Low Gear and we set ourselves up for two very long days to make it to Delaware Water Gap. Probably the worst mosquitos so far at New Tripoli Campsite.
Date: 2006-07-19
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Smith Gap Rd
Miles today: 24.1

The highlight of today was the climb out of Lehigh Gap. A section of bouldering a great views. Very hot day for an exposed climb though and we got baked by the sun as we made it to the top. By the end of the day, we were running out of options for a place to stop for the night and I called a number of a trail maintainer listed in the Companion as a water source to see if we could stop by his house and fill up on water even though we were running late. He was nice enough to let us stay in his garage.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Smith Gap Rd

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Kid's Meal and I decided to head into Wind Gap for lunch. Had an excellent meal at Tony's Pizza and then a Rita's Water Ice. Hitching in and out of twon took some time and it was late by the time we made it to the gap. A big group of hikers were milling about smartly at eh great church hostel including Ghost of Natty Boh, Compass Rose, Dirt Diva, Junco and Low Gear. Kid's Meals mom picked us up and took us to their lakehouse, a beautiful place in the Pocono's.
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Blue Mtn Lakes Rd
Miles today: 16.8

A great three days off the trail! Many thanks to Kid's Meals parents for all of their hospitality. I feel very refreshed as I get back on the trail. At the church hostel last night and this morning were Minnesota Smith, Superdave, Waterfall, Pepperoni, Jambalya and Jojo, an Australian section hiker. Took a break with Superdave and Kid's Meal at Sunfish Pond, the southernmost glacial lake on the trail. Stayed at a shelter on the grounds of a YMCA camp.
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Very hot day. Tough first full day in NY. Seemed like I was either hiking up or down all day. Not much flat terrain so far. Cooled off at lake around 5pm. It took me all day to get there. Pushed on a little further once it cooled off.
Date: 2006-08-01
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Bear Mountain Musuem/Zoo
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: haze

Another brutally hot day and again the many rocks and short but steep ups and downs never let me get a good pace going. Arrived at Bear Mounatin and met up with Forrest at the consession stand. They had beer! Not the best thing for a dehydrated hiker but it tasted good. Found out from Forrest that there is a pool right next to the museum! Great news on a day when it was easily over 100 degrees. The lifeguards let us stash our gear near their pavilion and we hung out with them and cooled off in the pool all afternoon. They win the award for "Friendliest Lifeguards on the Trail." The pool was huge and a is a strong contender for "Best Pool on the Trail."
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Bear Mountain Musuem/Zoo

To: Graymoor
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: few clouds

Supposedly it hit 107 degrees today. Made another short day necessary. Great set up at the ballfield shelter. They even have run a power cord over to the pavilion so I was able to charge up my cellphone. A group of 29 counselors and CIT's arrived in the late afternoon. Forrest, Natty Boh, Chainsaw, Friction and Gringo were also there. At this point New York is more about survival and muddling through than enjoying hiking. I consummed two liters of water during the very short hike today.
Date: 2006-08-03
From: Graymoor

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: few clouds

Tried to get an early start but when there are other hikers to talk with, I get slowed down in the morning. Finally left around 7:30am and had a few more ups and downs before it leveled off. Got off the trail twice due to poor marking. It was great to get to Canopus Lake and take a swim even though I nearly had to rappel down a cliff to get to the beach area. Forrest was already there and we hung out all afternoon waiting for the others to arrive. Only Natty Boh eventually showed up and soon after, a long-awaited thunderstorm finally moved in to cool things down. The lifeguards at the lake allowed us to wait out he storm in their building, making their case for Friendliest Lifeguards. The storm dropped the temp down to around 70 and I was actually enjoying hiking again on the way to the RPH Shelter. Forrest nearly stepped on a copperhead near Shenandoah Mtn. Southbounding section hiker Slow and Steady was already at the shelter when we arrived. Second night in a row for pizza. It has been an interesting nearly-urban hiking experience in New York so far.
Date: 2006-08-04
From: RPH Shelter

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: light rain

HIked with Forrest again today. We stopped by Mountaintop Market Deli, a very hiker-friendly place .4 mi off the trail. Not a very good water source at Telephone Pioneers Shelter. Excited to get into Connecticut tomorrow. NY has been rough.
Date: 2006-08-05
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Mt. Algo Lean-to
Miles today: 21.4

Two great spots of trail magic today! Very nice treats on a long day of hiking. Caught up with Fish and Minnow at Mt. Algo. They zeroed in Kent today. Horseflies are my new insect friends. The skeeters got bad around dusk - about the time I rolled into the shelter. Met Sanibel Sheller, a Southbounder, on the trail today. Officially two-thirds of the way to Katahdin today!
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Mt. Algo Lean-to

To: Sharon Mtn. Campsite
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: broken clouds

Tough hiking in southern Connecticut today. Steeper terrain than I expected (especially after being told by section hikers the day before that I would enjoy Conn's "rolling hills"). A five mile river walk made the early miles pass quickly. stopped into Cornwall Bridge to try to find a payphone sice my cellphone is out of juice, No luck but I did have a big lunch at Baird's General Store. Cruised into Sharon Mtn at dusk just in time for mosquito madness. A very strong brook at the campsite is the water source. No walls or roof on the privy. A "fair weather privy." Heading into Salisbury tomorrow for a mail drop.
Date: 2006-08-07
From: Sharon Mtn. Campsite

To: Riga Lean-to
Miles today: 17.4

I'm heading into Great Barrington tomorrow on the suggestion of Marilisa, an AMC Ridgerunner. I really need a shower and clean clothes. Salisbury is a small, historic New England town but most restaurants close mid-afternoon, so get there early. While in town I also met Chunker, a sounthbounder. Found out that Chunk and 48 Leaves had their packs stolen from the Kent, Ct. road crossing. Earlier this year another hiker had his pack stolen formt he same place. Really feel bad for those guys. They headed back to Pa. to borrow gear and are now back on the trail a couple of days ahead of me. I'd like to catch them and buy them a beer or two.Had luch today near the hydroelectic dam on the Housatonic River. Good place for a break with water, picnic tables and a nature trail. A few horseflies today but I think I win this round - I had one knockdown and two confirmed kills. Maybe they like me so much because I smell like a horse. Hope to change that tomorrow. Thanks Aunt Mary for a great maildrop! 685 miles to go.
Date: 2006-08-08
From: Riga Lean-to

To: U.S. 7 (Great Barrington)
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Three mountains before lunch today. Decided to get a room in Great Barrington and caught a ride into twon from '83 and '85 thru-hiker Rockhopper. Very cool to talk with him and he ran me by the outfitter before dropping me at the Monument Mountain Motel, a decent place although it is not close to downtown and pricier than the quote in the Companion (although most place have been). It is great to be clean and remove all the layers of Deet.
Date: 2006-08-09
From: U.S. 7 (Great Barrington)

To: Jerusalem Rd
Miles today: 19.4

The motel usaully runs shuttles back to the trail, but the shuttle driver doesn't work Wednesdays so I tried to hitch for almost 30 minutes before a woman with an ATC sticker on her truck offered me a lift. She wasn't even heading int eh direction of the trail, she just saw me standing there for awhile and decided to help me out. I learned that she had attempted a thru-hike in 2002 (trail name Strongtooth). Her hiking companion dropped out due to very cold conditions (they started in March) and she also got off the trail shortly thereafter. Stayed in the town of Tyringham where they allow hikers to camp at the pavilion near the firehall.
Date: 2006-08-10
From: Jerusalem Rd

To: Washington Mtn Rd
Miles today: 19.1

Easy terrain today but I seem to have developed a chafing problem that is really slowing me down. It took me all day to do the 19 miles to the Cookie Lady's house, a working blueberry farm. I did my first work-for-stay as Roy, "Cookie Man", had me mow around some of thier blueberry bushes in exchange for camping on their lawn. Marilyn, the Cookie Lady, brought me cookies and milk when I was done. The temperature ahs really been dropping at night. Probably an overnightlow in the mid-forties. The waether has beem great for hiking: cool and clear. Met NOBO's Baloo and Old Reb toady. Baloo started two days before me but I had never met him.
Date: 2006-08-11
From: Washington Mtn Rd

To: Dalton, Mass.
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Should have been an easy day into Dalton but I am beginning to be in constant pain when hiking. The trail passes right through Dalton and I stopped for lunch at Duff and Dell's, a great little restaurant. I got online briefly at the library but couldn't upload any photos (which I really need to do) as they don't allow any personal equipment to be hooked up tto their computers. Next stop was the pharmacy to try to fidn a cure for my problem. I have had some minor chafing at times during my hike but it always went away overnight. Decided not to hike out to hopefully give myself a chance to heal. I headed to Tom Levardi's house where I was expecting just to set up my tent in his backyard. Instead he invited me in for dinner and let me take a shower. Just Tom and I for dinner, unlike the day before when 15 hikers were at his place. Lefty showed up as we were finishing dinner. I had met her husband, Buoy, back in Virginia but had never met her. Buoy and LEfty were plainngin to tent in Tom's backyard for the night and I got caught up with Buoy. He had injured his ankle on their first day in Shenandoah and had spent some time with his family in Germany while he was healing. Pepperoni and Jambalya also pulled in. We all wnet for food and drinks at the tavern right down the street. It was good to hang out with hikers again. Slept on Tom's couch - much better than my tent. Tom has been helping hikers for 25 years and is a great friend to the trail community.
Date: 2006-08-12
From: Dalton, Mass.

To: Notch Rd.
Miles today: 20.2

Had breakfast at Duff and Dell's with Tom. Buoy, Lefty and their friend Molly were already there. I wanted to buy Tom breakfast but he paid the bill before I got the chance. He wouldn't take a donation either.Took a two hour lunch break at Diane's Twist in Cheshire, Mass. Sent out a bunch of postcards and had lunch and the nice cream. A fairly easy trek to the summit of Mt. Greylock, my chafing sloution seemed to be working fairly well. Lots of tourists on the top of Greylock as there is a road leading all the way up. Great views and the war memorial lighthouse is impressive. Probably hung out at the top a little too long since it was dark by the time I reached Notch Rd which is supposedly a tenth of a mile south of the trail to a shelter. Went at least .3 down the trail before giving up and stealth camping under some pine trees.
Date: 2006-08-13
From: Notch Rd.

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: clear sky

Hurting a bit from the long day yesterday and I was really moving slowly once I resupplied in North Adams. Hiking has become more a chore that anything at this point and I'm regretting not hanging out in Dalton for another day. Junco and some section hikers were at the shelter.