morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-07-06
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park, Pa.

To: Tag Run Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Hi, this is a message from Josh's mother, Linda.Josh wanted me to write and tell everyone that he is back on the Trail !!And very happy to be there.He took about 9 days of R&R- psyio, and rest both in Harpers Ferry and Washington DC, where we joined him to celebrate the 4th.Looks like the rest did him well as he has now been on the Trail for about 4 days and no problems.So, keep posted for more journals from our boy !Journal Entry from Josh:I am back on the Trail after my 12 day convalescence.We left DC this morning at 8 AM in a considerable hurry. Rally and I had left our poles in the back of my mother¢s rental car and we had to get out to Regan Airport and back into town to catch our 11 AM bus. After considerable run around at the airport, we got the poles and then hopped back on the Metro toward the bus station.Blue, Rally and I took a bus from DC to Carlisle, Pa. and then set out to get a hitch to Pine Grove Furnace.We got to Carlisle at 2 and waited only a scant 10 minutes to get a hitch in the back of a truck all the way to Boiling Springs where Blue and I parted ways. Rally and I then set up shop on Main St. trying to get a hitch to Pine Grove. After a somewhat humiliating 40 minutes trying to hitch, a friendly and slightly bored 22 year old picked us up and totally agreed to take us the 15 miles to the park.Once at the Park we ran into Dingle and Paradox who had just completed their half gallon challenges. Incidentally, Dingle did throw up after completing his 12 gallon of chocolate ice cream. I will do my challenge at the end of this week and will let you know how it goes.Along with seeing Paradox and Dingle I ran into Crampton Jim after nearly 2 months. I was so happy to see him as his calm demeanor is always so comforting.We ended up getting on the Trail just after 6:30 PM with a short 7 miles to the first shelter. The walking was pretty easy despite the hour of solo night hiking. I am not totally averse to hiking at night, but doing it alone is seldom fun for me.We got into the shelter shortly after 10 and decided to forego cooking electing to eat a cold dinner instead.Off to bed now and looking forward to day #2 tomorrow.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-07
From: Tng Run Shelter

To: Boiling Springs Campsite
Miles today: 11.0

I woke up this morning with no pain in my shin! I was quite nervous going to bed last night but so far so good.We didn¢t wake up until 8 this morning where I saw HDEB for the first time in weeks and met Beat Box who left with us out of the shelter.The terrain today was rocky but relatively flat. I think it is a good test for the shin without going overboard. So far Pennsylvania is looking nice.We hiked leisurely for most of the day and with a mile left we slowed even more to enjoy the wonderful, flat corn and soy bean fields.Despite loving the dense forest, I must admit that the field walking is so relaxing and so easy on the body.After making it into camp and setting up our tents, Rally, Bent Box and I headed into Boiling Springs for a pint and a burger at the tavern. Both the pint and the burger were particularly notable and to celebrate our full bellies we made it over to the local ice cream shop for milkshakes. No sooner had we sad down to enjoy the shakes when the clouds rolled in and the skies opened up. With our tents a half mile away at the campsite we decided to enjoy the ice cream and worry about our stuff later.Thankfully, after an uncertain walk back to camp we found our stuff dry. We have a 14 tomorrow across some of the flattest stuff on the Trail.More tomorrow,Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-08
From: Boiling Springs Campsite

To: Shelter (tent)
Miles today: 0.0

The shin feels good and the terrain was flat.I¢m going to use this entry to talk about what it is that I love about the Trail. I think it took an extended convalescense in DC to allow for some contemplation as to my situation.What strikes me most about life on the Trail is the marked absence of conventional social pressures. On the slightly more superficial side of things, no one cares what anyone looks like because we¢ve all looked exactly the same for the last three months. This may seem trite to some, but all of the pressures of wearing the right stuff or having a body that looks a certain way are all cast aside. To not look in a mirror for days at a time, or compare yourself to others is a welcome change.In a similar vein the anonymity of our Trail names and the irrelevance of our prior endeavors make this experience truly unique. It does not matter where one went to school, what job one held or how much ones bank account contains, because none of those things will help you get to Maine. To hear of a 17 year old hiker teach a state senator how to hang a bear bag is proof enough that out here everyone is equal with one common goal.My last observation is slightly more personal. For those who know me you were aware that when I left for the Trail I had been battling lower back pain for the previous 2 years. Once on the Trail, my back ceased to bother me. There may be some anatomical explanation for this like my pack opens my back or standing up-right aligns my body, but I think the explanation is less scientific. Life on the Trail is absent the various pressures and stresses of everyday life and without them I no longer ¢store¢ anything in my back.All of the above observations are not to say that the Trail is where I belong and where I will stay. It is to say that when I return I will think about the lessons I have learned and be more diligent about applying them to my life.That¢s all.More hiking tomorrow.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-09
From: Duncanson, Pa

To: Campsite
Miles today: 18.0

A fine day for hiking and the body feels good.It took us a while to get out of town this morning as last night¢s festivities at the Doyle left everyone a little slow.We got out of town at noon and immediately turned on the jets. Other than the initial climb to terrain that was pretty forgiving. Oh yeah, except for the rocks, the famous Penn. Rocks. I am hearing we have yet to hit the tough stuff, but we sure are getting a preview. The problem with the rocks aside from pounding your feet is that they slow you down. Navigating over a rock field takes concentration and patience.We got to the shelter at 6:30 and after resting until 7 we headed out to do the last 3 miles to the spring. To make a long story short, our guidebook (Wing Foot) had the spring 2 miles before its actual location so with no water and no light we finally found the spring just before 10. Needless to say, I was very relieved to see the water.More tomorrowMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-10
From: Campsite

To: Shelter 501
Miles today: 15.0

Some hikers come to love the rain out here, but I still can¢t come to like it. We went to sleep last night under clear skies. I left both sides of my tent rolled up and fell asleep staring at the stars and trees.Then the rains came.I woke up at 1 AM to go to the bathroom and heard the first drizzle. I rolled my tent fly down just in time to hear the first crack of thunder. It started slow but picked up steam. By 2 we had rains of biblical proportion. I don¢t really mind when I¢m in my tent but the racket was deafening. I managed to eek out a few hours sleep until 7 when Rally woke up. We talked for a couple of minutes and decided to wait until 10 to see if it would pass. It didn¢t.We started hiking at 11 and the skies continued to fall. Soaked to the bone, we hiked until 5PM when we reached the shelter. It turns out the shelter was a cabin like affair where Swan, Ursa, Mountain Squid, Bumbkin and Bumpo were hanging out. The best part was Powderfinger and her friend Sarah were waiting for us with cold sodas. We were soaked to the bone, but Powder immediately drove us to town to get pizza. We brought back pizza for everyone and were happy.Off to sleep now with 15 tomorrow.Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-11
From: Shelter 501-Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton (motel)
Miles today: 0.0

After an early bedtime last night Rally and I got up at 5:45 for our 8 mile jaunt into Port Clinton.I Love hiking early in the morning. It¢s a rare occurrence when we get out of camp before 9, but we were on a mission today and the morning was nice.The hiking was relatively flat with the notable exception of the 1,000 ft. drop into town. It was hard on the knees but felt good to finally get there.I feel strong today except for the twinge I felt in my shin a couple of miles from the shelter. The pain wasn¢t particularly bad, but it was enough to send me into a mental tail spin. It is so hard hiking with an injury always nervous that it is on its way back.
Date: 2004-07-12
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 15.7

Taking advantage once again on the hospitality of the Cabela¢s Outfitters, we got a ride first thing from Hamburg back to Port Clinton.We met up with Ursa Minor and Swan shortly thereafter and hit the Trail.We did a steep climb out of town and then ran the ridge for the next 5 miles. We are definitely in rock country now as we spent most of the day dancing over rocks. We got to the Pinnacle look out around noon and spent an hour looking at one of our first spectacular views in Penn.After leaving the Pinnacle it was smooth sailing into the Ekville Shelter. Just before we got to the shelter we met the friendly troop of Civil Air Patrol who were kind enough to provide us with a little magic in the form of Gatorade and Doritos.I am learning to cope with the uncertainty of my shin, but I will praise the day when it feels good and strong and is a thing of the past.We got to the Port Clinton Motel and we were immediately told that there was only 1 room left with 1 single bed. After hearing this we decided to head to the town of Hamburg 2 miles down the road.With no ride and pouring rain our prospects looked grim. And then the magic came. A generous troop of the Auxiliary Air Force was kind enough to offer us a lift to the Motel in Hamburg. Things were looking up.We got our room and immediately put in a call to the Cabela¢s outdoor store across the street who sent a shuttle to pick us up and take us to their store. I got another head lamp and then we were shuttled to the Cracker Barrel for dinner.It was excellent! With a full belly it was off to bed with a 15 out of town in the morning. More laterMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-13
From: Eckville shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

We hit the real rocks today. Today was the first day in a long time when the Trail thoroughly exhausted me before the day was out. We did a 1,000 ft. climb in the morning and after that it was miles of ridge line. The only problem was the giant boulders around every turn. We hopped from rock to rock for hours as the legs pled for respite.All the rocks were worth it as we hit the jackpot late in the afternoon when we crossed a road and came upon a restaurant still serving lunch. Just as the rain began I sat down with Rally, Trail Dog, Spin Cycle, and Bumpkin to a huge burger and generous salad. It was heaven.After that it was 6 miles of more rocks to the shelter.With 0.6 miles to the shelter we stopped at a vista and the threatening skies let loose. We were completely drenched by the time we made it here, but we were full and that¢s what matters.It¢s only Rally, ursa, Swan and I in the shelter tonight-very cozy.The highlight of the day was that I am now HALF WAY DONE WITH MY JOURNEY-1.087 MILES !!!!!!!We¢re heading into Slattington tomorrow where I will attempt my half-way half gallon of ice cream. Which way to the privy???More tomorrowMuch love to all ¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-14
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton Borough Hqts.
Miles today: 8.0

We started early this morning in order to make the Slatington Post Office by noon.It was a beautiful day for hiking and we reached the road in no time. We got a hitch from a friendly day hiker from Philadelphia and picked up our packages with plenty of time to spare. As I was leaving the post office I got to talking with the postal employee about supermarkets in the area. She let me know that the closest place to shop was 4 or 5 miles away but if I wanted to wait a half an hour she would be happy to take me when she got off. I was ecstatic and went outside to wait. In the time I was waiting another woman pulled up and offered us a lift. What a great place.We did our shopping, had a sub and then I sat down with a half gallon of Breyer¢s vanilla ice cream. I have passed half way and now it was time to take the challenge. I started strong but slowed as the time went on. By the time I neared the end, I was staring at about an inch of melted cream. I sucked it up, suppressed the nausea and drank until it was all gone. In the end, the clock stopped at 38:19 not too shabby.After the ice cream, we headed back to the Trail. We only made it another half mile before deciding to head into Palmerston to escape the impending rain. We¢re currently staying at the Borough Hall in the basement. It¢s excellent lodging and its free!Heading to bed now. More Later,Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-07-29
From: Pacemakers House

To: Campsite
Miles today: 16.0

Today was quite an eventful day!We started out the day by crossing the Delaware River into New Jersey, thereby putting rocky Pa behind us. The hiking was nice for most of the day, but the real story was the wildlife. Some would say it was quite amazing to have gone through Pa without a rattlesnake sighting, but today our luck would change.Rally and I were hiking up a rocky hill engrossed in conversation when all of a sudden I heard a loud rattle from the side of the Trail and saw a large snake poised to strike. I jumped back with a gasp. Once back at a safe distance I was able to admire the immensity of the snake in front of me. I snapped a couple of pictures and we moved on. This was the first of 6 rattlesnake sightings today.For the rest of the day I was quite jumpy as you can imagine. Anyway, late in the afternoon I was hiking with Rooney and while we were chatting he let out a gasp and yelled to run. I ran not knowing what from and when we stopped he had been stung three times from the wasp¢s nest we had passed. I made it out unscathed, but Rally was not so lucky with a high welt on her head from two stings. I tell you, it¢s like the Wild West out here in Jersey.I¢m off to bed now but am excited that I will be meeting one of my college roommates tomorrow around mid-day. Mark Antinono is going to drive down from his place in Teeneck, NJ and have lunch with us.More tomorrowMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-08-01
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Vernon , NJ
Miles today: 0.0

We took a needed 0 day today in Vernon.After many days (and many 0 days) on the Trail, we have finally learned our lesson and got all of our town chores out of the way yesterday and so were left with a full day with nothing to do.I spent most of the day in and around the church hostel. I bought a New York Times and four doughnuts first thing so much of my day was consumed sipping coffee, eating junk and catching up the the world¢s events.In my normal life I am a political junkie and someone who stays up to date on world news. Needless to say with the exception of spotty radio signals it is fairly difficult to remain informed while on the Trail. This doesn¢t bother me in the slightest except when I get to town. The newspaper is one of my first purchases in every town after, of course, a double cheeseburger, fries and cheese and gravy and a large chocolate shake. It is true that there is a feeling of extreme disconnection while on the Trail but this has seemed less so the further north we have come. It may be that we cross more roads now, or that towns are closer together, but I don¢t feel so removed from the ¢real world¢. This is a nice change from the remote terrain of Tenn. But will surely not be the case as we get up into New Hampshire and Maine.We hit the Trail with a 17 tomorrow and another state line. Tomorrow we take NY and leave Jersey behind.Maine here we come.More laterMuch love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-08-02
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Warwick, NY
Miles today: 15.0

There are a number of entries yet to be included in this journal but in the meantime I will skip ahead to Day 117. Today presented me with my first true disaster on the Trail. We had a nice walk out of Vernon and at midday we crossed the border into New York gaining our 8th state. Later on that afternoon I was walking ahead of Rally and Rooney when I felt a terrible sting on my thumb accompanied by the whoosh of an insect flying away. My thumb immediately began to ache and I felt an intense itching on my sides. I was initially scared to look and when I finally pulled my shorts down my worst fears were confirmed. I was breaking out in hives. I immediately got a Benadryl from Rally and started making my way to the road a half mile away. When I got to the road the better part of my body was covered in hives with the exception of my face. I knew I had to get out of there. Rally said she would come with me so I walked out into the road and flagged down the first car that came by. I told the woman I had been stung and needed to get to the hospital. She agreed to take me so we hopped in and raced to the hospital 5 miles away. When we arrived twenty minutes later the inflammation had spread to my face to the point that my eyes were almost completely swollen shut. I was admitted to the ER and had an IV shoved into my arm. I got a massive dose of steroid and antihistamine and was told to rest. After 20 minutes the reaction was not subsiding so another antihistamine was administered intramuscularly. Things proceeded to improve after the shot and in two hours I was discharged, the new owner of an epi-pen and a weeks worth of steroid. I got a room at a motel in town and crashed. Depending on how I feel we¢re planning a 16 tomorrow in the impending rain. I am not looking forward to it. I must say that this experience has shaken me to the core. It took me the better part of a month to feel completely at ease on the Trail. As the days went by this sense of security only was strengthen to the point of utter invincibility. Now I feel as though I am back to square 1. I will be nervous about getting stung again and out here these types of feelings can spell ruin. What if I hadn¢t been so close to the road? Okay, enough of that. I¢m not feeling great right now so I will get some rest. More later, Much love to all¢T¢
Date: 2004-08-03
From: New York City

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It is with a heavy heart and considerably deflated spirits that I leave the trail today. Though I never thought this day would come I must now face the reality that to continue would be foolish and, therefore, I will now head home.For those that have followed me over the last 1,300 miles you will know that my journey has been incredible. It would be too difficult to sum up my four months on the Trail but suffice it to say it has been the most ambitious undertaking in my short life.         In the end it is neither injury nor lack of heart that forces me from the Trail. A severe allergy to bee stings, one that mysteriously arose, makes continuing a potentially life threatening endeavor. I love the Trail and desperately want to finish but at this point the risk outweighs the reward. I will now travel home to Toronto and begin a four-month series of shots designed to desensitize me to the venom of bees.         I always believed that I would finish this journey in a year and now I must confront the reality that I will not. My friends will push northward and I will re-acclimate to life in the real world. I have so relished my time away from the stresses of ¢reality¢ that my premature return makes me uneasy. However, there was always the possibility that this day would come so I will now return thankful for the time that I spent.        Despite this unfortunate conclusion Josh¢s Hike for Habitat has been a tremendous success. In less than two years we have raised over $50,000 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Thank you to everyone who donated or supported me throughout my journey.        I have not come up with any profound way of summing up this trip so I will leave it open. I wish the best of luck to those continuing - I hope you make it; I will one day.        Thank you to everyone.        Much love to all¢T¢ps. If anyone has questions about my trip or the Trail in general I would love to talk to you. Be warned though I may just talk your ear off.
Date: 2005-02-19
From: Appalachian Trail

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am 63 years old and hail from a small french speaking community, Shediac, New Brunwsick, Canada. This is a small vacation destination which is nestled in the Northumburland Straight between Newbrunswick and Prince Edward Island. My wife, Frances, and I retired and moved here permanetly two years ago. It is a little piece of heaven on Earth. We especially look forward to the summers as it is when our three children and three (soon to be 4) beloved grandchildren come to visit. I enjoy all sorts of challanges, either physical or mental. Cycling is a passion, and in 1999 I cycled across Canada. The highlight of this trip was dipping my wheels in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Now, it is time for the next adventure. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of hiking the Appalachian Trail. As life would have it, work and three fantastic children can kind of interfere with pursuing such a grand undertaking. Now that all three of my children have graduated University ( the last this past Spring), I am free to pursue my dream. However, life always unpredicatble as it is, had other plans for me. Last spring, one day before embarking on my dream, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [SLE] an autoimmune disease. It chose to manifest primarily in my kidneys, and can prove fatal if not treated. I was blessed with a fantastic internist, and was started on chemotherapy right away. I will not lie. I was greatly disappointed, but more determined than ever to beat this latest obstacle and get on with life. Countless chemo treatments later, I am in remission. The only thing that stands between myself and the trail is the two thousand plus kilomters of highways between Shediac and Atlanta. Since I was given the news of my remission, I have been more focused than ever. I have been tying up all sorts of loose ends and making the final arrangement before the big day comes when I embark on the adventure of a lifetime. My only regret is leaving behind my most preciuos wife, Frances. She has been my rock. I don't know how I would have made it through the last year without her constant support and unwavering love and devotion. She is my inspirtion on this trip. She will be my last thought and last face I see as I hunker down in my sleeping bag each night under the stars. My daughter in law, Michelle, will be in regular contact with me while I'm on the trail and will frequently update this page and let you all know how I am making out and keep you up to date on my progress. Wish me luck, and follow your dreams.
Date: 2005-02-20
From: Appalachian Trail

To: Atlanta
Miles today: 0.0

Leaving today! Getting a ride to Montreal with my nephew Serge, a long distance trucker. Once in Montreal, I will grab a bus to Atlanta. Should arrive in Atlanta Thursday morning. Once there, I will catch a ride to the Trail Hostil and spend the night. Get on the trail on Friday morning. Will call my daughter in law,Michelle, early next week to let you all know where I'm at. By the way, doc's appointment went great. Show no signs of coming out of remission. Doc gave me the green flag to start the adventure of lifetime. From now on Michelle will be my transcriber. Thanks Michelle.Addy