morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-02
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

John Brown's Body Lies A-moldering in His Grave...I slept a bit late, getting up in full daylight at 6:15AM. Saguaro and Sherlock stopped by to check my progress as they were anxious to get to town. They were awakened early by a chorus of snorers (not me...) in the shelter. Finally, I was packed and ready by 7:45 AM.In spite of a lot of tricky limestone rubble on the ridge, we raced into Harpers Ferry arriving before 11 AM. It was a momentous occasion as we crossed the Shenandoah River singing Country Roads off key and leaving Virginia at long and dear last.We took the blue blazed trail towards the ATC headquarters to have our official thru-hiker's picture taken and our numbers recorded. The anticipation of this event had generated significant excitement in our ranks over the last few days. We passed through Storer College which was dedicated to the education of African Americans following the Civil War. There was a plaque dedicated to abolitionist and, obviously, deranged hero John Brown (this is also Saguaro's "real" name). Inscribed were these words sung in praise: "John Brown's body lies a-moldering in his grave, but his spirit goes marching on". Sherlock and I would sing this ditty to the tune of the Battle Hymn of the Republic as we hiked, much to the dismay of Saguaro, who suddenly seemed to lag a bit behind.We triumphantly entered the ATC office, the psychological halfway point of the adventure only to feel crestfallen when the woman at the desk felt that we couldn't possibly be thru-hikers as we lacked long beards and did not appear to be adequately soiled (now I have a glimmer of how Earl Shaffer must have felt when he completed the first recorded thru-hike in 1948 and was not believed). Thankfully, she relented and took our official photos for the 2010 thru- album. I was thru-hiker #174. My number at Amicalola State Park was 200. We were now official and felt a few inches taller as we strutted about. We enjoyed the hiker-friendly amenities of the ATC Headquarters which included a nice bathroom and stocked refrigerator with reasonably-priced beverages.We resumed our hike into the downtown historic district, passing Jefferson Rock with views of the river below. The Towns Inn had rooms available. It is located across the street from The Secret Six Pub, so we dropped our packs for the day, showered, and headed across the street for a great meal of fish and chips chased by a couple pints of lager. The celebration for the three amigos was in full swing!Do the thing you fear most and the death of fear is certain. -Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Celebration at Harpers FerryI feel good...James Brown good!! Our time in Harpers Ferry was a time of celebration and reflection on our accomplishment of walking over 1000 miles over the last three months, climbing up and over countless mountains, scrambling across terrain that was rough and rocky, in all sorts of weather. It was also a time to assess the solidarity of our team. Time together and performance under fire provided adequate opportunity to judge each other's character, strengths, and weaknesses. Over the miles, each of us had demonstrated commitment to the task and loyalty towards each other. We decided to maintain the fellowship to the conclusion of the adventure on Mount Katahdin in Maine. Tomorrow, we enter Maryland, our sixth state on the trail.Thanks for following along. Catch you down the trail...Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live -Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Gracious Dining on the A.T.We sped along the C&O canal towpath for the first 2.9 miles before climbingup the ridge to South Mountain. We took a break at the spectacular EdGarvey Shelter which was two stories and included a stairway to the loft.Saguaro, our scribe, penned an entry for us in the shelter register to letothers know of our whereabouts and status.We took our second break at Gaithland State Park which features a monumentto war correspondents. We watered up, used the facilities, and bought sodasfrom a machine.Late in the afternoon, we spotted a restaurant within a hundred yards of thetrail. It looked fancy, but sported a sign which read: "Food and Drinks forAll". We took them at their word, dropped our packs in their garden andclamored to their front door. The hostess had to consult with the managerbefore seating us. As Sherlock came out from the restroom, he overheard hersay that we smelled bad. At any rate, were seated in the far corner andenjoyed great gourmet fare and attentive service from the wait staff. I hadswordfish smothered in a fine cream sauce, prawns, and asparagus. Each ofour meals was garnished with flowers: the presentation superb. It was withreluctance that we left the South Mountain Inn.The clouds were gathering at 7 PM and we still had five and a half miles to go. It was aneffort to hike up the hill to Washington Monument State Park on a fullstomach. We briefly viewed the monument and headed on. By speedhiking, wereached the shelter in the failing light. I quickly set up my tent in thedark without need for my headlamp thanks to the repetition of the task. I climbed into mysleeping bag without brushing my teeth as I was out of water, and fell intoa deep sleep. I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.-Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: broken clouds

Welcome to Rocksylvania!We had a great supper at a seafood place last night. After a good night's sleep, I was ready to go.We crossed train tracks soon after exiting Pen Mar County Park which marked the Mason-Dixon line. We were now in Pennsylvania, our seventh state!Thankfully, I was able to keep up with the group today. We hiked over rolling terrain and arrived at Deer Lick Shelters where we took a snack break. A couple of miles later, we arrived at Old Forge Park where we were able to fill up with good tasting water.We hit a rocky ridge scramble near the end of the day on appropriately named Rocky Mountain. Barbara was waiting for us at US 30 when we arrived.Barbara drove us to Chambersburg where she found a great Days Inn. We showered and headed for Hoss's for supper which features an AYCE salad and dessert bar. This sure beats trail food! The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. -Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Caledonia State Park

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

Halfway There!Today was marked by two important events: reaching the halfway mileage point of the A.T. and arriving at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, home of the half gallon challenge where one is charged with the task of consuming a half gallon of ice cream within a hour, and keeping down for an additional hour.The trail started with a steep climb out of Caledonia State Park and soon deposited us at the luxurious and beautifully landscaped Quarry Gap Shelters where we took a brief break. We then had a pretty level walk until the descent into Pine Grove Furnace State Park. We met Pickwick at Birch Run Shelters who was on a southbound section hike. He hailed from Verona, New Jersey and walked in sandals. We enjoyed an engaging conversation with this bright young man before he set out again on his journey.We arrived at the 2009 A.T. Midpoint sign at the 1089.55 mile mark. Celebration ensued as we posed for pictures at the sign. It is hard to believe that half of the adventure has already passed.We were pleased to see Barbara and Pat at Pine Grove Furnace State Park when we arrived. Tintin was in the midst of the half gallon challenge and was looking a bit ill, beard and shorts dripping with vanilla ice cream. We elected to forego the challange and bought less impressive quantities of ice cream at the general store.I picked up my resupply box at the state park office before we drove off to Carlisle to spend the night at a Super 8 Motel.The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter. -Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

1,100 Miles!We passed the furnace for which Pine Grove Furnace State Park is named at the start of the hike. I tried to imagine what this area was like when the woods were cut to produce charcoal for the furnace and the furnace belched black smoke over the mountains and valley. Now, the creeks flow with pristine waters and the mountains are covered in trees. Nature has a way of recovering from significant injury.We climbed up a ridge and rambled along a rocky trail, covering 7.2 miles in about three hours. Our first break came at the 1,100 mile mark where the James Fry Shelter was situated. We had a leisurely lunch and shared the food that we carried. Saguaro, our scribe, penned an entry in the shelter register.Saguaro then set a blistering pace that took us over Trent Hill. Then we entered a mini roller coaster with five climbs in the next five miles. Rocky Ridge involved some particularly sadistic trail design and routed us in a serpentine fashion around boulders and stone pillars. Eventually, we broke free of the rocky ridges and emerged onto pastures. The journey ended with a tour of picturesque Boiling Springs. We stopped at the regional ATC office were we met Barbara who took us back to our motel in Carlisle.To succeed in life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.-Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Boiling Springs

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.7
Weather: moderate rain

The Aquatic MarathonToday was a tough one. We marched out a marathon, much of the time in drenching rain. It is amazing what one will do for a pint of lager at the Doyle.We headed out across Cumberland Valley in a light drizzle at about 7 am. Saguaro took the lead and set a blistering pace once again. I could not keep up without running. The first break came at about two hours. I decided to keep going as I did not want to hold back my teammates.They caught up to me at the boardwalk just before the Scott Farm Trail Center maintenance barn were we stopped for lunch before noon. We had covered 10.3 miles at this point and had 15.4 miles yet to go. The rain started to come down hard at this point, so we put on our rain jackets. Temperatures were in the low 60's so we were getting chilled.We raced on to the Darlington Shelter which sat on top of the first mountain that we had to climb, about four miles away. I fell off the pace early and hiked alone. Saguaro passed the cut off trail to the shelter and had to back track, arriving after Sherlock and me. I took off my boots and poured water out of them. I wrung out my saturated socks. Saguaro felt cold and had to get moving again soon. I told Sherlock and Saguaro that I would meet them in Duncannon, and that they should go at their pace to stay warm. I was having some bowel issues and had to stop at the privy anyway, and did not want them to get even more chilled while waiting.The descent off the mountain was slippery in the rain, so I moved cautiously. Tall grass covered the pastures in the next valley, soaking me as I brushed by. The climb up Cove Mountain wasn't bad, but the ridge line walk that followed was rough and rocky. By the time I reached Cove Mountain Shelter, the site of a double murder in 1991, I had to use the privy again. I climbed down the steep trail which was a long 0.2 miles to the shelter. I penned a brief note in the shelter register before leaving and climbed back up the embankment to the trail.The descent off Cove Mountain to Duncannon is steep and precarious in dry weather. It wasn't much fun in the rain. Eventually, my feet hit pavement and I was on my way to the Doyle. I arrived at this trail landmark about an hour after my mates. I received a warm welcome and hugs from proprietors Vickey and Pat and was given a pint of Yuengling Lager "on the house." I then dug into one of Pat's great homemade soups to warm up and finished with a burger and fries. The Doyle Hotel is the greatest!Besides our crew, there were Grace and Glory (one person) and her husband Walking Man. Hopi, who I first met in Pine Grove Furnace State Park was also there.After supper, we bid farewell to the good folks at the Doyle and headed north to Lewisburg, where I would see my home for the first time in three months.You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus. -Mark Twain
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Lewisburg, PA

To: Lewisburg,PA
Miles today: 0.0

Home Sweet HomeBoy it's great to be back home! I really missed Ground Control, Erin, and Spanky.I was pleased that Saguaro, Barbara, and Sherlock could stay with me at my home for a few days. I cooked up a pan of Italian sausage lasagna and did up a couple of loaves of garlic bread for supper. There is nothing like good food shared with family, and good friends.All I can do is be me, whoever that is.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Night Out with FriendsErin and I made panini sandwiches at lunch for the crew.We went to Vic's Pub this evening with Shab and Chris for fish and chips and stouts and lagers.Colleges are like old-age homes, except for the fact that more people die in colleges. -Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

England v. USAAfter a breakfast of homemade waffles, we headed to Harrisburg for a visit to Wildware so Saguaro could pick up a new pack, and then to the Doyle to watch the World Cup match with other thru-hikers. Barbara was heading back to Aunt Pat's place this morning and would not be able to join us. Thank you Barb, for all of your help and support as we hiked the first half of Pennsylvania. We will miss you!The game thankfully ended in a 1-1 draw and there were no riots at the Doyle. I was glad to meet Tricks and Trail Angel Mary during our visit.Ground Control prepared a great grilled chicken dinner that we shared with Homeless Steve and Joan that evening. We watched the The Hurt Locker before retiring.I'll let you be in my dreams if I can be in yours.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Restless FarewellToday was difficult. I had to bid farewell to my hiking buddies as they resumed their adventure without me. Three days at home was just not enough for me and I decided to remain behind for another few days to spend more time with Ground Control, do some household chores, organize gear, and prepare mail drops.I parked next to the Doyle Hotel and walking with Sherlock and Saguaro on the trail for a few blocks before turning away. It was not easy.In the dime stores and bus stations, people talk of situations, read books, repeat quotations, draw conclusions on the wall. -Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Suburban LivingI mowed the lawn today and fired up the weed wacker to fight back the encroaching weeds that advanced in my absence. It is amazing how easily I have transitioned back to domestic duties. It is as if I never left.To live outside the law, you must be honest.-Bob Dylan
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Loud PipesI ran five miles with Ground Control this morning as she is training for a half-marathon. Running 33 1/2 lb. lighter is nearly effortless and much easier on my knees!Put a new battery in the Softail and took it out for a ride. The pipes seemed louder than usual. Live to ride...Never eat broccoli when there are cameras around.-Michael Stipe
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Lewisburg

To: Lewisburg
Miles today: 0.0

Marathon ManI ran four miles with Ground Control this morning. My knees were stiff at the start and made some noise but seemed to settle down after a mile or so. Perhaps I will attempt a marathon once this adventure is over.I have uploaded photographs: click on "Photos" button on the left column to view.I'll be back on the trail tomorrow.Thanks for following along...catch you down the trail!All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.-Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Back in the Saddle AgainBy some miracle, the USA tied in their World Cup match today. Erin drove me to Duncannon as Ground Control had to work in the slave world. We had a great meal at the Doyle as usual. I was pleased to receive a good luck hug from Vickey before heading out the door. I hoisted my pack and bid farewell to my daughter, and followed the white blazes north. Although it was a short mileage day, my feet were a bit sore as I had changed to my lightweight boots. I arrived at the shelter at about 7 pm. The trail down to the water source was steep and included 270 stone steps. Thankfully, the spring was flowing well, and the water was cold and tasted good. I cooked supper by headlamp and committed to an earlier shelter arrival tomorrow.Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man.-Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: few clouds

Hiking Through MordorToday I hiked through areas that were previously devastated by coal mining. Culm, the waste product of anthracite mining, frequently littered the trail, and a barren hill of it signaled the Rausch Gap Shelter trail. I passed a spring which disgorged a red, rust-colored effluent across the trail and down the mountainside. The mining operations ended decades ago, but the scars are still evident.I arrived at the shelter just a bit after 5 pm and found it crowded with weekend backpackers. The spring was conveniently located just in front of the shelter, but was running at a slow dribble. In May 2009, it seemed to be gushing and overflowing the stainless steel trough into which it was piped. I read the shelter register and was pleased to find an entry by Saguaro. It appears that he and Sherlock are doing well.Two of the weekend hikers were toting pack guitars; we enjoyed their performance that evening before retiring. Music remains the best medicine for what ails you.Do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.-Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Rauch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

In Virginia You Get the Blues, In Pennsylvania, You Pay Your DuesThe rocks, brambles, heat, and humidity got a bit worse today but was tempered by trail magic provided by a triple-crown-er (thru-hiked the A.T., the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail) turned trail angel, JZ, at PA Route 443. Cheeseburgers and soda at 9 AM might seem strange to most normal folks, but for thru-hikers it fits the bill. I had two burgers; some of my compatriots had three. I was a bit concerned whether this feast would stay down as I began the steep pull out of Swatara Gap. In spite of the rocky trail, I made good time and arrived at the shelter by 4 pm. It helped getting started by 7:07 this morning.I hiked a bit with Boston today. I had last seen him in North Carolina and did not recognize him due to his three month beard when he walked up to me yesterday morning at the Peters Mountain Shelter. He works as a CCU nurse when not on the trail, so we enjoyed swapping medical stories.I was reunited with Nobody whom I had not seen since Tray Mountain in Georgia, and Creepy, whom I last saw on Clingmans Dome Tower.The highlight of my day was using the solar shower at the 501 Shelter. It is great to rinse off three days worth of sweat and grime. The pizza, salad, jalapeno poppers, and jug of ice tea ordered from OIPS was also a hit.I will attempt to hike 24 miles to Port Clinton tomorrow-wish me luck!Thanks for following along...catch you down the trail.Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.-Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-21
From: 501 Shelter

To: Rt 61 Hamburg Microtel Motel
Miles today: 24.4

Summer Solstice: Hike Naked Day 2010Now that I've got your attention, let me answer the most pressing queries: no, I did not hike naked, and, no, I did not see any naked backpackers.All of us, at the 501 shelter, decided to hike the 24 miles to Port Clinton, so everyone was up by 5:30 AM. I set out by 6:10 AM, my earliest start. The heat and rocks really beat me down. Before long, I was eclipsed and passed by all other residents of the shelter. I am not sure why I struggle so much on rocky terrain, but I suspect weak ankles and poor balance contribute. I just can't seem to establish any kind of rhythm. Today, I felt like one of the weakest thru-hikers out there. At one point, I heard a commotion from behind and realized that I was at risk of being passed by a scout troup. Well, that got me to speed up a bit. Late in the afternoon, I caught up with Freight Train, a young man who left his job as a civil engineer to hike the A.T. He had left the shelter ahead of me and was complaining of sore feet. We hiked the last few miles together and comisserated about the rocks. A freight train was blocking the crossing when we arrived at Port Clinton, so we had to walk into the rail yard to cross in front of the engine. Freight Train (named for his snoring) took several pictures of his namesake. We headed into town where Freight Train headed north to stay at the church pavilion. I continued on the A.T. for another half mile or so, then exited onto RT 61 to begin a hot road march to Hamburg where my room was waiting at the Microtel. My long, hot day of hiking finally came to an end at Wendy's at 6:45 PM.Reasons to feel good: 1) I passed the 1200 mile mark today 2) Mt Katahdin looms less than 1000 miles away.Fatigue is the best pillow. -Benjamin Franklin
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Rt 61 Port Clinton

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 5.4
Weather: broken clouds

RecoveryI barely made it to town yesterday--just stumbled through the door at Wendy's before near total collapse. The heat, rocks, and miles had reduced my muscles to quivering jello. After a meal at Wendy's, that included a large soda and large vanilla Frosty, I was able to limp the final quarter mile to the Microtel Motel.It is amazing what a good night's sleep will do. This morning, I was ready to go again. I was dropped at the trailhead by taxi after eating too much at the AYCE buffet at Cabelas.The climb out of the gap at Port Clinton was steep, but I took my time. A light rain began to fall. I looked up at one point and saw a large deer standing about 30 yards upslope of me. It stood its ground and stared at me. I was able to raise my camera and take a few pictures before the deer snorted and turned, flicking its white tail as it ran up the mountain.While sitting on a rock, resting, I met Stambler who had just gotten up from a nap on the trail and had inadvertently set off southbound. She turned around drowsily and headed back up the trail.Thunder was rolling as I arrived at the shelter, so I hastily set up my tent and collected water. I then had time to go to the shelter and read the register to catch up on the news. I met a nice family from Stroudsburg who were hiking southbound from New Jersey. They had met Sherlock and Saguaro along the way. It was great to get to know them.Fireflies were out in force as the dusk faded to dark. The stars could be seen glimmering between the leaves. The storms never materialized over us today, only a couple short periods of light drizzle. Time to go to sleep.He does not possess wealth; it possesses him. -Benjamin Franklin