morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-04-19
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

It's Saturday morning. I get a phone message on my cell. Turns out to be StormenNorm and Water Bear. They are at the ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry. I convince them to come spend a couple of days with Trail Boss and myself. We can tour Washington, DC, get some decent food, check out the local REI, etc.So I pick them up in Harpers Ferry (about 45 minutes away) and we basically bum out over the weekend. Took a trip to the REI and looked at some of the neat gear and also at some of the silly stuff they sell there. I bought a couple of 1-liter platypus water bottles. I think they got out of the store without blowing any bucks.Plans are to relax on Sunday (tomorrow) and do a self-guided Washington DC tour on Monday/Tuesday. Only problem is that there is supposed to be heavy rain on both days. But we are thru-hikers - the rain shouldn't bother us - should it?
Date: 2008-04-20
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

It's Sunday. All four of us are pigging out on guacamole dip, chips, Coronas, etc. Figuring out strategy for next part of the trail. Where to resupply. StormenNorm has a new, lighter pack he is excited to try out. I think Water Bear is going to borrow my Hennessey Hammock and see how it works. My Granite Gear Nimbus Ozone has pretty much proven itself in the Shenandoahs. Bottom line - we are all getting the itch to get back on the trail. Sunday evening we head over to a South American restaurant that Trail Boss and I like. Great meal - pretty sure StormenNorm and Water Bear liked the food because I saw them both licking their plates clean (LOL). The menu even had items like beef tongue (for real), but no one opted to try that.Tomorrow we take the Metro into DC for our tour of the city. Regardless of how much rain there may be - we are tough and hardened thru-hikers by now (I think).
Date: 2008-04-21
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Monday morning. StormenNorm, Water Bear and myself head into DC. First, though, they have to learn the mysterious ways of getting your ticket for the Metro (subway) and figuring out which train to take.Only Water Bear has enough sense to bring an umbrella. StormenNorm and myself stick with rain jackets. I'm wearing jeans ("cotton kills"). We briefly walk around the Mall and then head over to the Air and Space Museum. Although it is only the middle of April, there must be a million tourists inside the place. We go our separate ways and look at the exhibits. I check out the LARGE McDonalds inside the museum - the current time to wait in the line is one and a half hours. Forget that.Some more walking on the Mall gets us to the Holocaust Museum. Highly recommended if you get to DC. You need a strong stomach to look at all the exhibits. We spent about two hours there.Then some viewing of the outside monuments - Washington, Lincoln, Koream War and Vietnam War memorials. The Vietnam War memorial is pretty emotional - quite a few vets openly shedding tears as they found their friends names engraved on the wall.That was it for the day's touring. Back on the Metro and a short trip back to Silver Spring (where Trail Boss & I live). Trail Boss cooked a gigantic (and delicious) lasagna for us. We kicked back with the food and some "tasty" drinks and watched Dancing With the Stars and Two and 1/2 Men on TV.Tomorrow (Tuesday) weather is supposed to be a bit better. Will head back to DC and want to see Arlington Cemetery (where JFK and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is) and the Iwo Jima Marine Corps Memorial. Trail Boss will shuttle us back onto the trail on Wednesday. Yes - we are getting lazy and fat (just StormenNorm and myself - not Water Bear) with these zero days.
Date: 2008-04-22
From: Silver Spring, Maryland

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Well, plans are now in place. Tomorrow (Wednesday) afternoon Trail Boss will shuttle us over to Harpers Ferry. We will continue hiking and probably crash for the night at Ed Garvey Shelter.I've had to figure out the best way to cover the portion of the trail between Front Royal and Harpers Ferry (about 3 days) I haven't completed yet. In order to keep hiking with StormenNorm and Water Bear, I'll delay doing that section until later - probably sometime when they take a break further along the trail. Otherwise, if I do the Front Royal section now, they will be several days ahead of me again. Thus, I will make up the section later on.We drove out today to the ATC at Harpers Ferry. Wanted to see which other northbound thru-hikers have passed through since StormenNorm and Water Bear came through. There were two hikers. Didn't recognize one but the other is Tabasco. Good for him! He carries a ton of gear but never quits - just keeps going, and going, and going. Semper Fi, Tabasco.A final trip to REI for StormenNorm - he wanted to buy some type of gizmo that recharges devices with a solar panel. I'll let him explain it to you in one of his Trail Journal entries.I've got a Hennessey Hammock that I tried using on my 2006 southbound hike. Didn't like it. I felt too claustrophobic in it. But Water Bear wants to try it out and will carry it when we leave. I'm sticking with my "tried and true" MSR Hubba tent. So far the shelters have not been very full - but that should change pretty soon.So tomorrow I'll start with my new pair of Lowa Renegade boots. StormenNorm will start with his new Go-lite pack. By tomorrow night I'll probably have sore feet and he will have a sore back. Only Water Bear will feel okay. One last tourist trip into Washington DC for the three of us in the morning. Weather will be great and we want to get some pics and see the White House; Marine Corps (Iwo Jima) Memorial; and Arlington Cemetery. Then, in the afternoon we head back to the trail. Poor Trail Boss - she is going to have a quiet home after we all get out of here. I'll really miss her. On day her day will come to do her own thru-hike - just a matter of time.
Date: 2008-04-24
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Headed out around 7:30 am. Nice day pretty much. StormenNorm led most of the day. He is good about keeping a faster pace and Water Bear and I can usually keep up.Spent the prior night with five other thru hikers at the shelter. Bumped into them several times during the day. The Washington Monument near Boonsboro was nice.Pogo Campsite was pretty nice - good stream, privy and plenty of tent spots. Made our 20 miles - yeah!
Date: 2008-04-25
From: Pogo Campsite

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

On the trail around 7:30 am.Nice weather and saw numerous sites -Raven Rock Cliffs, etc. Most of the elevation was constant around 1300 ft. Got to Penmar Park around 3pm and ordered a delivery of two 16-inch pizzas. Then crossed into Pennsylvania. Spent about 2 hours at the park but still completed our 20 miles for the day. Will add pictures when I can download them.
Date: 2008-04-26
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

More of an elevation climb on this Saturday. Called Cathy and she will meet us at halfway point tomorrow.Met a number of weekend hikers. We were told there was a large group of scouts at Quarry Shelter. Hopefully they aren't spending the night.Arrived at Quarry Gap shelter around 5pm. A beautiful shelter -even potted flowers. Great water source out front. Even checkers and chess games. Many thanks to the caretaker Jim who has maintained the shelter for 30 years.
Date: 2008-04-27
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Midpoint marker (permanent)
Miles today: 18.0

[trail boss] I drove up to Pennsylvania near Pine Grove Furnace State Park. That's the place where folks will actually eat a half gallon of ice cream to commemorate hiking half way up the AT. But it¢s not open yet, it opens Memorial Day weekend. So instead, I brought up a bottle of champagne! I met Unk, StormenNorm and Water Bear by Michaux Rd and hiked to the real half way point on the trail. There was no marker, so we took pictures (actually THEY took pictures, I forgot my camera) drank some bubbly and commemorated the event. Woo-Hoo!! Unknown Hiker: We hiked to mile marker 1088.1 which is supposed to be this years half-way spot (each year the actual location changes.) There was no marker to be seen. So we estimated the location (in the woods near a stream). Trail Boss broke out the champagne and pictures were taken. We the headed to a nearby Wal-Mart for resupply and a Burger King for early dinner. Trail Boss dropped us off on the trail and headed home.We planned on hiking just a way further and tent. But soon got to Pine Grove State Park. Mostly closed so we hiked on. Getting dark and rain coming in. We made it to the permanent half-way marker and took pictures. Then found a camping spot about a mile further.Pictures will be uploaded later.
Date: 2008-04-28
From: Midpoint marker (permanent)

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: moderate rain

Pretty uneventful day. Started off with some leftover rain and most of the tents were pretty wet when packed. Planned to call it a day at Alec Kennedy Shelter -the last shelter prior to Boiling Springs.Elevation started around 1300 feet and dropped down to nearly 650 feet.
Date: 2008-04-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Headed into Boiling Springs and stopped by the ATC headquarters. They have a place to rest and plenty of information to pass on. Also, a hanging scale if you want to weigh your gear.There is a small restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Also a convenience store. Not much else, though.Crossed over several highways including I-81 (again). Some grassy hilltops and sun made for a nice day. Considered staying at Cove Mountain Shelter tomorrow night but Duncannon is only 4 miles further.
Date: 2008-04-30
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well today is the day all hikers wait for - a nights stay at the Doyle Hotel. Yes, a dead body was found there in the past but they won't say which room. StormenNorman and Water Bear shared a room with me. We didn't care to look under the beds - if you get my drift. There was a ceiling fan that threatened to shake loose from the ceiling and decapitate us in our sleep. But overall the Doyle was an experience not to be missed. The pub downstairs had some great food (check out the cheese fries). We got a free shuttle to a nearby grocery store.I decided to put my tent in a bounce box and try my Hennesy Hammock for a while. I'm also toying with the idea of going stoveless for a while. We shall see.
Date: 2008-05-01
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

This was a pretty easy hiking day. Crossed over the Susquehanna river but could not see much due to the mist and fog. Quite a few section and local hikers crossed our paths. Everyone said their hello's and moved on their way.We arrived at Peters Mountain shelter in the afternoon. This shelter is pretty nice with a second floor and covered picnic table. We were soon joined by one southbound section hiker and two northbound section hikers we had met earlier at the Doyle. Everyone got busy gathering wood for a fire later.We noticed a old and small shelter about 50 feet away. We were told that this is a shelter Earl Shaffer built back in the forties. Supposedly this shelter is scheduled to be moved to the Appalachian Trail museum when it opens.
Date: 2008-05-02
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: haze

There isn't a lot I remember about today's hike. There was a climb of 500 feet, but the rest of the day was pretty flat. There is a pretty neat bridge over the Swatera Creek.On a different note, I've continued my experiments with going "stoveless." I'm just using freezer-strength, double zip, quart bags. I just put my morning oatmeal and poptarts in a bag and add some water. Also, drink the coffee cold.For dinner I thought I would have to put my rice/pasta/beans/whatever in a zip lock with water and carry it the last few hours of hiking. But as it turns out, everything only takes about an hour to re-hydrate.The neat thing about the zip locks - you just throw them away when you have eaten all the food - nothing to clean up. Just have to carry two zip locks for each day.Some wonder if I'm insane to do without a stove. Maybe so - but I just like the challenge of being able to do so.
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, today we hiked towards 501 Shelter. Along the way we met a trail maintainer who offered to shuttle us into a nearby town from the 501 shelter. We needed some food. After getting to the shelter (a enclosed, very nice shelter with a caretaker, solar shower, electrical outlets, etc.) the maintainer took us into the nearby town and we hit the grocery store. Water Bear and I decided that we wanted to try to do the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge (the Pine Furnace Park location is closed until May 31st). So she bought vanilla butterscotch and I got french vanilla. Then it was back to the shelter to begin eating.StorminNorm was more interested in ordering pizza so he didn't take part in the challenge. He served as the timekeeper. We began the daunting task and Water Bear said she thought she could finish in 14 minutes. Neither of us was that fast. But we both finished - myself in 31 minutes and her in a bit less than one hour. No we didn't get sick or throw anything up. Just goes to show you that anything is possible if you try hard enough. (There are some more pictures of this momentous event in my picture section).
Date: 2008-05-04
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

Off from the 501 shelter this morning. Still no one has gotten sick from the ice cream. I'm worried it is just a matter of time.We have started to hit some of the Pennsylvannia rocks. Mostly the trail is still clear of the small, pointed rocks. But there are quite a few large bouldars that require climbing - sometimes scrambling with hands and feet.The "Shower Steps" are a pretty scenic location - only about 500 feet off the trail, to the right. Just be prepared to climb a bit to get to them.There has been plenty of water sources thus far. But after Port Clinton the rocks become more prevalent and that means less flowing water around them. After you pass Palmerton and Lehigh Gap, water can be as far as ten miles in some places.
Date: 2008-05-05
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Minnehaha Spring
Miles today: 12.0

Got into Port Clinton and ran a number of errands. Picked up my bounce box and food resupply box. Had just enough time to repack my bounce box and ship it to Delaware Water Gap before post office closed for lunch at 12:30pm. Then walked over to the Hiker Pavillion and checked it out. There must be enough room to sleep 40 hikers at one time. Also, there is tenting space across the road. They have a large selection of donated books if you want something to read.If you walk about 1/2 mile further down the road you will come to the Three C's restaurant. This place is supposed to have a great breakfast. I was only there for lunch - but it tasted fine to me.Then it was time to head out of town. I had planned on staying at Windsor Furnace Shelter. But it was pretty warm and sunny and there is a 1,000 foot climb out of Port Clinton. So I settled for a much slower climb up and settled for the night at Minnehaha Spring. Nothing special about this location other than the available water and a great place to set up my Hennesey Hammock. A great night's sleep.
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Minnehaha Spring

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: few clouds

More rocks today. Also, a few spectacular vistas - including the Pinnacle. Met two ladies who were southbound on a section hike. Chatted for about 15 minutes and then headed on.Since it was only 3pm when I arrived at Eckville Shelter, I probably should have hiked on to Allentown Hiking Club Shelter. But the Eckville shelter is a wonderful place to stay. It is located inside a converted garage behind a house where the caretaker lives. Water from the faucet, a real toilet to sit on, a solar shower and electricity/lights in the shelter. Similar to the 501 Shelter - but with more features. The one thing you cannot do is order any type of food for delivery.Shortly after I arrived in popped three section hikers going north to Delaware Water Gap. They are doing the trail over a number of years. All work for the post office in Ohio. As a former mailman in Houston, we had a lot to talk about.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

A couple of serious rock formations to go over today - be careful. They are the "Cliffs" and "Bear Rocks". Take them slow and you will be fine.After climbing over the Cliffs I noticed a couple of teenage girls coming towards me. One was only wearing shower sandels. Obviously they were heading for the cliffs, but I wasn't sure why at first. Then a number of other teens came up and it seemed like they were getting ready to party. Shortly thereafter I noticed a parking lot with a number of cars. My shelter for the night (Bake Oven) was only a mile or so down the trail. I thought there might be a problem with the teens showing up. So I was ready to move on and stealth hammock for the night. But as luck would have it, the three Ohio section hikers soon showed up for the night. This shelter only holds four hikers and is both pretty old and pretty beat up. Someone had told us earlier it was the junkiest shelter they had ever seen. I didn't think it was that bad.
Date: 2008-05-08
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 8.0

A easy descent today into Palmerton.FOR THOSE OF YOU HEADING INTO PALMERTON FROM THE TRAIL, LET ME MAKE A SUGGESTION. IF YOU ARE NORTHBOUND, CROSS HIGHWAY 248 AND TURN RIGHT (YOU ARE STILL ON THE TRAIL). THERE WILL BE A SMALL SIGN THAT SAYS "AT". GO UP THIS TRAIL TO A CLEARING. FOLLOW THE WHITE BLAZES BETWEEN THE TWO ROCKS. THE TRAIL WILL SOON VEER TO THE RIGHT. A BLUE-BLAZE TRAIL GOES TO THE LEFT. THAT BLUE-BLAZE TRAIL GOES ALL THE WAY INTO PALMERTON, ENDING A BLOCK AWAY FROM THE POST OFFICE.Using that blue-blaze trail keeps you out of the traffic on Highway 248. The shouldar is VERY narrow and is dangerous for hiking on. The blue-blaze trail is much safer and you get a great view of Lehigh Gap. If you are southbound, just watch for the blue-blaze trail before you get to the clearing.Okay, I'm in Palmerton and have registered for the night in the "Jail". You go to the county clerk's office at 443 Delaware. The "Jail" is in the basement. New this year - they will give you a "welcome packet" - a zip lock with a roll of travel toilet paper; toothbrush; toothpaste; headache tablets; etc. The town got together and the local Girl Scout troop assembled the packages. So it would be nice if everyone said "thanks" for their effort.The showers in the gym (first floor) have plenty of hot water. They supply the towels. The "jail" in the basement doesn't look much like a jail - but does have plenty of bunks. Several hiker boxes and things to read.Chinese restaurant across the street (not AYCE, but still good). Also, a laundrymat is across the street. About a block down is a IGA food mart. There is also restaurant called "Bert's" that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.The weather is supposed to be really bad tonight and tomorrow - including severe thunderstorms. Since I'll be climbing those rocks out of town, the thunderstorms and wet bouldars concern me. Saturday may be a lot better. We shall see what happens in the morning.My next town stop will be in Delaware Water Gap. Should be there Sunday and will crash for the night at the free church hostel.
Date: 2008-05-10
From: Palmerton

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Climbed the rocks out of Palmerton this morning. Not as bad as I remembered. Just took it slow. It helped that the heavy rains from the prior day had stopped. You get to climb over large rocks along the ridgeline. If you are afraid of heights, don't look down. And your poles (for the most part) won't help you here. I've heard some say that this climb is the most difficult until you get to the Whites.As you head north towards Wind Gap you will see the massive destruction of trees and other scenery. This is the portion that was destroyed by the zinc mine fires from a number of years ago. It is shocking to see how widespread the destruction is. There are re-forestation activities taking place and more greenery is in place than when I passed through a couple of years ago. Billy Bryson talked about this area in his book "A Walk in the Woods". (I've included a picture of the area in my photo section).I was about five miles from Wind Gap when I thought back about the 40 mile section I had skipped between Front Royal and Harpers Ferry. My plan had been to climb Katahdin in July and end the thru-hike by then finishing the 40-mile section.But I got to thinking about that - I really want climbing Katahdin to be the final part of my thru-hike It's something special. So I called up Trail Boss to see what we could work out. Bless her heart - she drove right up to Wind Gap (over a three hour drive) and picked me up last night. I'll rest up at home tomorrow (Sunday) and then she will drop me off near Front Royal on Monday. I'll do that section in about three days. She will then pick me up and drive me back to Wind Gap next weekend. Is that a true support person, or what? Now I'm really motivated to charge towards Katahdin knowing that climbing that mountain will be the true end of the hike. I have been on top of Katahdin twice before (at the start of SOBO hikes) and there is nothing like watching the emotions of NOBO hikers as they finish. It's not unusual to see grown men begin to cry once they are on top (I'm assuming the crying is a good thing?)By the way, Trail Boss is considering coming up to Monson when I go through there in July. We could do the 100-mile wilderness together and then finish with both of us climbing Katahdin. I think she can handle that. We just need to get started for Katahdin at the crack of dawn. Then a shuttle back to our car at Monson. Just a thought at this time.So next weekend I'll update on Trail Journals my brief hike from Front Royal to Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Wind Gap

To: Silver Spring, Maryland
Miles today: 0.0

Today is Sunday and I'm home for a very brief stay prior to heading back to Front Royal to finish a 40-mile section (to Harpers Ferry) I missed last month. Trail Boss had her Mom and family over for dinner (Mother's Day) and I got to do all the barbecue (chicken, sausage, roasted corn on the cob). Everyone else brought tons of appetizers, side dishes, desserts, etc. Good eating was had by all.I weighed myself when I got home. When I started the hike way back on January 23rd I weighed 172 pounds. Now I'm down to 149 pounds. Trail Boss is afraid I'm wasting away - a bit worried. I think it's neat I can fit into my old 32-inch waist jeans (and still have some room around the gut). I don't expect I will lose much more weight. (As the summer months approach it's important to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration - and additional weight loss).My understanding is that female hikers lose very little weight. Water Bear said she had lost less than five pounds. I believe their fat is converted to muscle instead(?).