morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter, VA

To: Bear's Den Hostel, VA
Miles today: 28.8

It was raining pretty hard when we woke up, so we took our time getting underway. Hard to get motivated when you know you're going to get cold & wet as soon as you start. We said our farewells to Steve & Derek, then off we went into the gloom. The trails were a mess from the nights rain, slippery and flooded. We were trying to avoid the puddles at first, but that proved futile so we finally just waded through them. Handlebar was on fire though, and quickly pulled away from me. I was right there with him yesterday, so I think my muscles were just feeling the effects of a big day yesterday. At one point I was chugging along with my rain gear on (hood over my hat), when all of a sudden I'm lying on my back looking up at the sky, with stars circling my head like in the cartoons. My vision was blocked by the hat brim and hood and I had run headfirst into a dead tree (about 10" thick) across the trail at head hight, I had been looking down at the trail and didn't see it, and about knocked myself out. I had a good laugh at myself, and was glad Handlebar wasn't behind me to see it. Don't tell anyone, OK? Our secret. I was really cold and my hands were getting numb, so mid-day I hitched to a Bar-B-Q joint at a road crossing, warmed up, pigged out on town food, then got a ride back to the trail. It made all the difference in my mental attirude and physical comfort and I was renewed. The rain let up and I pushed on into the feared Roller Coaster with determination. The ups were tough, but nothing that I hadn't encountered before, but knowing they were there gave me the toughness and determination to beat them, and I made the intended shelter by 7:15. Everyone was in their sleeping bags (duds) so I decided to push on to the Hostel, an additional three miles. It was getting dark and I had visions of night hiking in the still-drizzle rain, but I made it just at darkness. They were having dinner and had leftovers, so I quick showered/cleaned up and had a HUGE plate of Lasagna/Spaghetti/Salad. It was warm, cozy, dry and well worth the extra effort of getting there. Laura (Queen Diva) runs the place for the ATC, and makes it a must-stop place. Tomorrow, fresh and dry, I'm hoping for Harpers Ferry, the spiritual halfway point (although not the actual mileage one...).
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Bear's Den Hostel, VA

To: Harper's Ferry Hostel, MD
Miles today: 22.1

Got up early to do laundry before anyone else was up, then update my journal online, then a quick breakfast and on trail just after 9:00. I had to push pretty hard to get to Harper's Ferry before the ATC office closed, even jogging a large part of the last few miles. Made it shortly before they closed, signed the register as Thruhiker #87 for 2005 and had my picture taken to commemorate the occasion. Harper's Ferry is the "spiritual" halfway point, even though the actual halfway point is about 80 miles further in southern PA, so I felt a BIG sense of achievement making it there. Went to the outfitters for a few things, had a BBQ dinner and some Berry Pie alamode (Greg), then headed across the river into Maryland, ending my brief stay in West Virginia. It felt funny being in Harper's Ferry without Patty, Susie, Brucie, Terry, Ricky & Sue, who were part of our family bike trip there two years ago. No rooms were available at the Hilltop House where we had stayed, due to a Romantic Novel's Writers COnvention there. Lonelyhearts Ltd. The hostel is about three miles from Harper's Ferry, right near the C&O Towpath we biked on when we visited. There was a scout troop camped in the yard, so things were a bit chaotic. On top of that, their internet connection was broken, so I couldn't give everyone the news of the Harper's Ferry passing. They have an AYCE pancake breakfast, so at least I'll be out of here with a full stomach as I head north. I'm pleased to be pretty much on schedule so far and hope that all holds together.
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Harper's Ferry Hostel, MD

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter, MD
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: broken clouds

Nothing like starting the day with a full belly of raspberry pancakes, my favorite! I was able to comfortably eat about 15, deciding to forego an assault on the record of 22. Was on trail about 8:00 and just didn't have it today. I felt lethargic, unmotivated, lazy. Either I was too full or the passing of HF left me without an immediate goal. Not sure. I called RIcky & Sue from Weverton Cliffs, a beautiful vantage point overlooking the Potomac, thinking fondly of our prior bike trip. Luckily the terrain was pretty easy, so even though I wasn't pushing very hard, I was still able to make good headway. Got Patty on the phone at one point and was pleased to hear her voice. Can't wait to see her in less than a week in PA! Saw Mossie, Tea Break and Goldilocks at Washington Monument Park. They seemed intent on something else, so I moved on. The first possible shelter seemed small and dark, so I pushed for the next one. Met Buzz and two section hikers there. Buzz seems like a good guy, but is moving at a more leisurely pace than I am, so I may not see much of him after tomorrow. My contact lens solution leaked into my shaving kit, making a nice mess to clean up. Feet feel OK, so today was a good one, all in all...
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter, MD

To: Quarry Gap Shelter, PA
Miles today: 30.5
Weather: light rain

I had hoped for an early start, but it was about 7:30 by the time I got going. Had to clean up another mess in my shave kit from mouthwash that leaked this time. Not happy with myself for being so careless. Started at a pretty good pace and felt good. Got some rain sprinkles early on (also rained during the night...), so I put on rain gear, just in case. Caught up with Moosie and gangaround 10:00 and chugged along at a good pace with them for about an hour, then dropped back. I think I prefer hiking alone to being with others and feeling pressure of moving at their pace. Crossed the Mason-Dixon Line into PA just before noontime and didn't see them again. I stopped a couple of times to rest, call home, Timberlake's. Was EXTRA hungry today, perhaps because of the high miles yesterday. I'm psyched that I'll be hitting the halfway mileage mark TOMORROW! Even if it's raining, it will still be a banner event. I discovered a problem with my Montrail shoes...the sole is split near the ball of the foot. No wonder my left foot gets wet in puddles. Will have to address that soon. Hope it hold up until Patty can come and bring me alternate shoes. This is a beautifully maintained shelter and I met Dale & Dan, section hikers also heading north. Nice guys. I can't decided whether to push a LONG day into Boiling Springs tomorrow, or stay at the Pine Grove Furnace Hostel. It will be HUGE miles if I go to Boiling Springs, and it will make me early for Patty in Duncannon. Will see how I feel in the AM, but I'll probably take the easier day into PGF Hostel.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Quarry Gap Shelter, PA

To: Ironmasters Hostel, PGF Park, PA
Miles today: 17.3

Woke up at 6:00 and heard raindrops on the shelter roof, so I rolled over and took it easy. Slept until about 8:00 and got going about 9:00, just as Dale & Dan rolled out of their bags. I decided to make it an "easy" 17 mile day. It started to rain lightly early on, then got heavier as the day progressed. I hit the official halfway mile mark about 2:30, but didn't even slow down to celebrate, as it was lousy weather. It was raw and cold and I made it to the park about 3:00, only to find the store closed, which is where you do the "Half Gallon Challenge" of eating a half gallon of Ice Cream to commemorate your hike. A big disappointment, as I had foregone lunch to have room for the 'scream. The hostel didn't open until 5:00 and the park office didn't want hikers loitering in their office, so I had to stay out in the cold rain until the hostel opened. Donna, who runs the hostel, gave me the tour and it looked as if I would be alone there, but then Mossie & Co. came in, along with Chris, a young guy driving from Iowa to DC for an internship. Chris drove us to Mt. Holly Springs to get pizza for dinner and we had a couple of beers to wash it down and celebrate the halfway achievement. I skipped the Ice Cream, but Goldilocks & Tea Break each attempted the challenge, with only Goldilocks finishing. We had some good laughs at their attempts.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Ironmasters Hostel, PGF Park, PA

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

Got up before everyone else and made myself scrambled eggs, then finished the last piece of pizza for breakfast. That should give me energy for today's hiking! I'm the lowest on food provisions I've been since I started, so I need to resupply there, definitely. Started out at a good clip (despite the drizzly rain...) and made good time into Boiling Springs. I was tempted to stop a couple of times, but kept pushing and made it around 2:30. I struck out on finding alternate accommodations for the evening, then had a burger at the local Pub (nice restaurant), which was a bit of a disappointment. Too much flavor variety going on and not as tasty as I would have hoped, and pricey. I finally caved and got a room at the B&B near the lake and trail. It was warm and close, but the owner treated me like a second-class citizen, insisting I leave my pack outside and immediately shower and do laundry. I was clean shaven and had showered the day before, but he treated me like just another smelly hiker. But he still took my money. If it rains, it will justify my choice, but if not, I'll probably have been better off camping with Moosie & Goldilocks for free. Had a decent italian dinner and resupplied at a grocery that was a LONG walk at day's end.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

The Garmanhaus B&B was fair, and the breakfast was rather lame, and I was still a little put off by the treatment the owner gave me (including insisting breakfast MUST be early, then keeping me waiting a half hour), but I was warm and dry at least. I left at 7:30, the same time as Moosie & Goldilocks, who paid nothing. I washed their socks in my "smelly" laundry load and was glad to do them the favor. People help each other out on the trail, it's unspoken. The hiking was VERY easy today and I was able to move right along, except for a very rocky section near the end. I think there will be more rocks coming in PA, and this was just a taste. I may not see any more 30 mile days for a while. Didn't see Mossie & Goldilock on the trail and was happy to stay ahead of them. Got into Duncannon about 4:30, had a beer at the bar and checked into the Doyle Hotel. It's kind of a dive, but has charm, character, is hiker friendly and seems reasonably clean. Pat & Vickie are the owners and are very nice, but have their work cut out for them restoring this place. "Peace Frog" is going to shuttle me up the trail tomorrow so I can slackpack back to meet Patty here. Can't WAIT to see her. Hope she likes the fancy place I've picked for her to stay! A real taste of hiker style...
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Duncannon, PA

To: PA Rt. 325 Crossing
Miles today: 17.1

Since I'm a day ahead of Patty getting into Duncannon, I decided to take a day of slackpacking back into town so that at least I could get some miles in while still ending up in Duncannon. So Pat (the Doyle Hotel owner) hooked me up with Peace Frog (trail name), who lives locally and does shuttling for hikers. He met me at 7Am and drove me out to the road crossing so that I could hike back to town. It was a nice hiking day and I made good time. After the initial climb, it was mostly ridge hiking (pretty level, just a few ups & downs). I ran into a few NOBO thruhikers I hadn't met before (DayTripper, Johnny Blaze & Catnip), along with a few I had (Buzz, Moosie & Goldilocks). They're always surprised to see someone they know going the other way on the trail, but then figure it out pretty quickly. I got back into town around 3:00 and was told that there had been a Patty sighting, but that she was around town somewhere. I also saw Handlebar who had just come into town and met a few other hikers at the Doyle bar. Patty arrived shortly and we had a nice time visiting and catching up, along with her bringing me much-need supplies and shoes. The soles of my Montrails had split in half, so I was in desperate need of new shoes. We had a nice dinner at the hotel and just soaked up each others company for the evening. We're going to hike together tomorrow and Chris will take us out again in the morning to drop Patty's car and then take us further down the trail to walk back to it.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: PA Rt. 325 Crossing

To: PA Rt. 443 Crossing
Miles today: 16.3

We were up early and had breakfast at Goodie's across the street from the hotel, then waited for Peace Frog, who was going to drive us out. A no show, unfortunately, so we figured out the map on our own and drove to the further point. Patty dropped me off to hike back, then drove to the finish point to park and walk towards me. The idea was to meet somewhere in between and then walk back to the car together, and it worked out well. We met just after noontime, had lunch together (a sub sandwich from the deli, a rare trail treat!) and then enjoyed each others company the rest of the afternoon. It was nice having a hiking partner, since I'm used to hiking alone mostly, and especially my FAVORITE partner. We got back to the car about 3:00 and then went back to the hotel for showers, a nap, laundry, internet, cocktail party and dinner. Patty is going to head back tomorrow so that I can get in more miles and she can visit her friend Nancy Bourke, whose father just passed away. It was great to see her as always and I can't wait until her next visit. We're having a get-together at Bear Mtn. when I p[ass through in a couple of weeks, and I look forward to seeing her then and also seeing the friends that can make it out that day. Hope for good weather...
Date: 2005-05-29
From: PA Rt. 443 Crossing

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

A nice leisurely start to the day, with our customary breakfast meeting in bed, then over to Goodie's for a FULL breakfast of french toast and eggs. Can't get enough calories when you're hiking! It may have been a SHADE easier saying goodbye to Patty this time, partly because we might squeeze in a short get-together next weekend, since I'm almost in the neighborhood. It was a perfect weather day for hiking and I headed on the trail about 11:30. I had ambitious hopes for at least a 25 mile day, so I set off at a pretty good pace. It was fun hiking with Patty yesterday, but now it's back to the old routine of hiking alone. A lot of poison ivy and rocks to deal with on the ridge, so you have to be alert. I ran into Colorado Pete just before the 501 Shelter and got the Croc (sandal) from him that belonged to Buzz. I'll hope to catch up with Buzz in the next day or two and give it back to him. Ended up sitting down with Pete and then lost my motivation to go on. It would be after dark before I make the next shelter and it's supposed to rain tonight, so I don't really want to camp out. PLUS, you can order pizza delivered at the 501, a definite incentive to stay. I'm not happy about the low mile day, but that's how it goes sometimes. It will put a kink in my travel schedule, unless I put in a LONG mile day tomorrow. Matt & Dan (section hikers) came in along with five other old guys (like myself). We ordered pizzas and lasagna, so I got a good intake of calories. AND, I'm indoors and dry in a nice spacious hostel/shelter. I'll take it...
Date: 2005-05-30
From: 501 Shelter, PA

To: Eckville Shelter, PA
Miles today: 38.9
Weather: broken clouds

Yes, you read it correctly. 38.9 miles today, a new personal best, not likely to be eclipsed. I got up at 5:00 and got going about 5:30, planning to push as hard as I could and at least TRY for Eckville. I had doubts if I could make it that far, especially with the rocky terrain I've been encountering. But the hiking gods looked kindly on me and I was able to keep up a strong pace most of the day. I got slowed down by the rocks a couple of times, but they were intermittant enough that I was able to keep my average mph high and I made it in to Eckville at 8:30, to find only Buzz there. Needless to say, he was pleased to get his Croc back and I felt I did my trail good-deed for the day. Only problem is that I lost my folding umbrella from my pocket while jogging down the hill to Eckville. I completely bypassed Port Clinton, since most of the restaurants were closed and there was not much to see there, and I needed the time to hike. Pleased about the miles (and I stopped at every scenic vista I encountered...), but tired and weary.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Eckville Shelter, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 25.1

Enjoyed my stay in Eckville SHelter, being inside and cozy. I was slow getting going in the morning, as I wanted the extra rest after yesterday's long mile day. Did some housekeeping in the shelter (a stall tactic to delay starting...) and finally got on trail about 8:30. I just didn't have the oomph today and was looking for any excuse to stop or rest. Maybe it was that I didn't get enough calories or protein, or maybe my muscles were wearier than I thought. I struggled to keep going, especially with the heavy dose of rocks that today brought. That slows you down to a crawl, clmbing carefully over big piles of boulders. The slow pace put me into Palmerton to stay at the "Police Station" hostel, set up by the town in the old Borough Hall. Had time to get to the library to update my journal, then had a steak dinner at Bert's Steak House, then a shower (where they used to shower detainees...), then to bed. Tomorrow I have to climb a HUGE pile of boulders (a mountain) to get out of town, and I'm not looking forward to it...
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Kirkridge Shelter, PA
Miles today: 29.6
Weather: scattered clouds

People started stirring just after 5AM, so I got up just before 6:00 and went across the street for a BIG breakfast at Bert's to fortify myself for the rock climb ahaead. Blueberry pancakes, sausage, eggs, toast, home fries, OJ, coffee. Back to the hostel to pack up and hitched a ride to the trail surprisingly easily. Started climbing the ominous Blue Mtn. out of Lehigh Gap and found it really wasn't that bad. It looked imposing, but it really went quickly and I BLEW by a group of 5 young guys up for the weekend. I think they were impressed that an old guy like me left them in the dust without even huffing and puffing, as they were. I think I'm getting my trail legs finally! Once on top, it was an easy ridge walk for a couple of hours, then down through Little Gap and back up again. An easier climb this time, and I soon passed the hostel gang, who had stopped in a shady grove for lunch. Buzz and Catnip also were there and I bid them all adieu and kept going. The rocks began to become relentless again and the morning energy I had began to wane. I kept plugging though and made the shelter by 7:30. ChooCHoo, Guitar Man and Blaze (woman) were there and I fixed a quick dinner and setup my bedding. ChooChoo asked WAY too many questions and began to get a bit annoying. Kirkridge Retreat Center is just nearby and actually allows hikers to get water from their spigot. I think I was there for Unilead almost 18 years ago. A good day all in all.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Kirkridge Shelter, PA

To: Brinks Rd. Shelter, NJ - OUT OF PA!
Miles today: 31.5

Was a little bit slow getting going this morning and didn't hit the trail until 8:00. ChooChoo & Blaze were ahead of me by about an hour, but I quickly caught up to them before the Delaware Water Gap. I had a NICE breakfast at the Trail's End Cafe and then GOT THE HELL OUT OF PA and all the rocks there! The rocks seemed to get worse at the very end, almost as a final insult or torture. I met the B's, KB & SB on my climb out of the gap onto the ridge of the Kittatany Mtns. I moved along the ridge quickly, although there were a surprising number of rocks still. At one point I got lost off the trail, but found my way back to it without having to backtrack by using the map. Alongside Sunset Lake, I had a nice Ham & Cheese sandwich from the cafe, then later stopped at the Mohican Center for snacks and a beverage. I need all the calories I can get to keep up the miles and long days. Towards the end of the day it got rockier again, which slowed my pace down some. I was late getting into the shelter by even my standards, but the other four squeezed me in. Mosquitos were worst I've encountered yet. I ate quickly, then had to hike up to the ridge in the dark to get a cell signal so that I could talk to Patty about the details of our meeting place tomorrow. As always, I can't wait to see her!
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Brinks Rd. Shelter, NJ

To: Unionville Rd. Crossing, NJ
Miles today: 25.8

Was first up in the shelter at about 5:30. I wanted a reasonably early start so that I had a cushion of time to get to my meeting place with Patty. I hoped to possibly get an extra 2 miles in if I arrived early. The terrain is still pretty rocky, almost as if the trail designers routed it wherever the rocks went rather than make it easy for the hikers. I got lost in Culver Gap at the road crossing because of poor signage, with an arrow pointing down the road, but not where the trail was. That cost me about a half an hour and made me more than a little annoyed. Each state/ATC chapter has a different system for marking trailheads and shelters, and I'm not crazy about the way it's done in NJ. I made reasonable time by mid-day, but found my energy really drained. I think with the big mile days, I'm just burning up WAY more calories than I'm consuming, along with my muscles being tired and sore. I stopped at High Point State Park and asked if the concession stand by the beach was open and the ranger said yes. It was a bit of a hassle to get there, but I needed the food, so I had a couple of cheeseburgers, a banana, a brownie, two sodas and an apple to put me in the right condition and state of mind to get to Patty. It cost me about an hour of lost hiking time but I was really able to move along better after that and felt much better. I got to the designated meeting place just after 6PM and then walked towards town where Patty was to be coming from. It took me about 20 mins to get there, but still no Patty (even though I spoke with her enroute and she seemed to think she would be there at 6:00). Finally about 6:30 I saw her car down the road, looking lost and so I chased her to a pub she had stopped to ask directions from. She was in the middle of trying to get directions when I surprised her by finding HER. It was great to get together again. We drove to Middletown NY to get a hotel, had a bottle of wine in the room, then a killer steak dinner at Outback before retiring exhausted just before midnite.