morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-04
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Sandy Hook Bridge (Harpers Ferry, WV)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a big day and for many reasons. Early in the day we (Pez and me) passed the 1000 mile mark. Not many people walk a thousand miles and certainly not a thousand up and down rocky wet miles. So we had high fives and a nice feeling of accomplishment. Next we left Virginia. Nothing against Virginia but I have been hiking through it for an eternity. And we crossed the Shenandoah River into Harpers Ferry and stopped in at the ATC headquarters. I delivered some Florida Trail items and then had my photo taken. I had messages from other hikers Red Dog and Wildcat and from an FTA friend. Another milestone - I passed the last blaze of my 2002 hike. The rest of the AT will be trail I've never hiked before. The 1000+ miles I've done on this trip was all on trails I'd hiked before. Now I will be seeing something new. And that something new started with a hike through Harpers Ferry WV. A very historic town. We took a side trail to the cemetary and there were stones dated in the 1700's. We then crossed the Patomac and said goodbye to West Virginia and entered Maryland. After a short LEVEL hike on the C&O Canal Towpath we headed over to the Harpers Ferry Hostel. The hosts (Dusty and Skipper) are very special people whom I had met on my 2002 hike. Dusty had helped nurse me back to health when I arrived very ill at the Bears Den on that hike. This time I arrived in great shape and am fit to continue hiking. Other good things that happened today - trail magic (can of ice cold soda thanks to Genisis and Tang) and goodies at the Post Office sent by Linda P and Virginia L. Thanks. You can't imagine how nice it feels to receive such a surprise. Well, it is now past midnight and I had a very busy day. I am tired and excited but mostly tired. Goodnight to all,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-06
From: Sandy Hook Bridge (Harpers Ferry, WV)

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 23.2

I didn't sleep well and was awake well before the alarm I had set. Pez and I were actually hiking at 6AM. I figure that if I can't sleep why should he... Actually we had planned to start early and to attempt a 30 mile day. The going was easy at first with us hiking on level ground - the C&O Canal Towpath. Being the first hikers to hit the trail has its rewards - I found $12 on the trail.Two fives and two singles. Even though I moved faster grabbing the loot, I split it with Pez. It was very foggy so we passed up on visiting Weverton Cliffs. The next section of trail was extremely muddy and in areas it felt as though we were walking in a stream - against the current. The trail was badly eroded and water was still flowing from the two inches of rain that fell yesterday. We visited both Gathland State Park and Washingtom Monument State Park. There is a lot of history in this part of the country and there is much to see and learn. Many Civil War battles were fought near here. Anyway, we continued on until after passing over I70. At US40 we took a detour and headed over to a bar & grill that is a hangout for local bikers. A few beers and cheeseburgers later we headed back to the trail. We were no longer in the mood to hike much further so we decided to set up our tents at Annapolis Rocks. We watched the sunset from the rocks and then headed for the tents. I am   beat and need a good nights sleep. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-07
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Tumbling Run
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: light rain

Today started out about as bad as possible. I did not get much sleep. First, I had a bad sinus headache and it just would not go away. Second, I was a bit chilly and had to put on my dirty pants in the middle of the night. Next, I awoke again because I was cold and sore from sleeping on rocks. I was sleeping on rocks because my thermarest sleeping pad sprung a leak during the night. The pad usually serves two purposes - a soft surface and insulation. Without air it serves no purpose except maybe to irritate you. I took some medication for the headache and headed out on the trail feeling lousy. A few miles into the hike I took a bad fall. The boots I purchased in Waynesboro give no traction whatsoever on wet rocks. And I stepped on a wet rock. With a 35 pound pack on your back it is amazing how fast you seem to hit the ground. I got my hands to hit first but was unable to prevent my head and glasses from smashing against a tree stump on the side of the trail. The eye glasses were mangled and they in turn mangled the bridge of my nose. I have a nice bump and cut over my right eye and took a bruise to my ego too. Nothing serious but I will be sore for a while and may have a bit of a shiner too. That was fall number 4 of this hike but only the first of this morning. Less than an hour later again I slipped on a wet rock. This time I landed on my right knee against a pile of rocks. There are now blood stains on my pants and my right knee is not too happy about it. I have to survive two more days with these boots which have very little tread left after only two hundred miles of trail. Anyway, I was still ok and was able to shrug it off - even laugh about it. As they say "no pain - no Maine". Fortunately the rest of the day was much better. A friend (and member of the Florida Trail) was waiting at the Ensign Cowall Shelter with bags of goodies. She knew by my journal about where I would be this morning and decided to surprise me. And if soda, cake, donuts, bananas, and chocolate bars are not magic enough, she offered to slack me and Pez for the rest of the day. That means we would not have to carry our backpacks (and maybe I could remain upright) for the rest of the day. And she met us at road crossings with more goodies throughout the day. On top of all that she is a trail maintainer in the area I'll be hiking in a few days. Thank you Rosie for turning my day around and for helping to make this trail hikable. She delivered our packs to us only a few hundred yards from the shelter - along with a package of cookies, Pepsi, and a big bag of fresh cherries. Anyway, we passed another milestone today. We finished the trail in Maryland and crossed the Mason-Dixon Line and are now in Pennsylvania. I enjoyed the view from High Rock and passed through beautiful Pen-Mar Park. I am now in my sleeping bag on top of my hastily repaired sleeping pad ready to dream of hiking with new boots. Goodnight, pleasant dreams,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-08
From: Tumbling Run

To: Shippensburg Road
Miles today: 20.9

There was no need to get up early as Trail Angel Rosie was going to meet me and Pez back at Old Forge Road and slack us again today. She arrived again with a car load of goodies and we enjoyed not having to carry our packs again. She met us numerous times at road crossings and had cold drinks and goodies for each hiker who happened to pass by. When we arrived at Caledonia State Park we jumped into the car and headed out for a great lunch at Little Italy - the food was excellent. We had to push hard to get finished before dark as much of today was spent sitting around eating and drinking Pepsi and chatting with other thru-hikers. We had decided to get a couple of rooms at a motel so Rosie would not have to drive so far (over 2 hours each way) and Pez and I could take a much needed shower. Plus, with the prediction of temps in the 90's tomorrow, we could get an early start. We finished hiking about 8PM and headed into town for a good nights sleep. Didn't get to bed until after midnight and am now closing my eyes. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-10
From: Sheet Iron Road

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I picked up the car and headed south and drove from 9:30AM until 10:30PM. I only made one stop for fuel (me and the car) and to use the privy. It was a long drive and quite a shock to find myself fighting traffic in a major city. And a bigger shock to be staying in a luxurious suite with a balcony overlooking the atrium. The bride will be throwing her flowers from our balcony on Saturday. I could be sleeping on rocks with a deflated thermarest... Yes, its a tough life but someone has to live it. A whirlpool bathtub in the bathroom. Refrigerator, living room, two TV's, computer desk. Over 600 square feet - about equal to five or six good size shelters. Truth is I feel much more at home on the trail. But right now I just feel tired and my eyes burn from all that driving. Goodnignt,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I headed over to REI to replace some of the gear that is looking a bit worn. I bought new boots - I tested many pair until I found the ones which had the best traction and still felt comfy. I found a pair that should stand up to the PA rocks. I also purchased some new pants, socks, and gaiters. Then I did some laundry and got a haircut. I even got the beard trimmed so that Bonnie would be happy. I guess it looks better but the ratty look fits me better out on the trail. The bright side is that I did shed some weight. I think I will sleep until the wedding starts tomorrow. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Said my goodbyes and started the long drive back to the trail. I decided to go a different way to avoid some of the construction and traffic and it saved me a couple of hours. I checked into a motel and headed out to resupply my food bag. All is set to return to the trail and I am anxious to get back. I'm afraid I will not see anyone I know out there as everyone is probably far ahead of me. Well, I'll just have to bug some new hikers. Heavy eyes after that trip - 750 miles. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-14
From: Sheet Iron Road

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: light rain

I checked out of the hotel and headed across the river to return the rental car. After returning the car I went outside to await my shuttle. I didn't have to wait long as he actually arrived a little early. After a pleasant drive I found myself back where I had left the trail last Wednesday. After being in air conditioning for four days the heat and humidity was taking its toll on me. I had a tough day today. In spite of the easy terrain. My feet were not happy breaking in new heavy duty boots. Plus I am hiking without the custom orthotics I've been using for the last ten years. They broke in half last week. And, it's way cloudy, hot, and muggy all day. And I guess I got soft with all that time off the trail. Anyway, the day started with a few small ups and downs. I was soaked with sweat after only ten minutes. Still, it felt good to be back and heading north again. I quickly passed the 1100 mile mark. The trail passes through the middle of Boiling Springs PA - a beautiful little town worth another visit. I stopped at the ATC office for a chat and hit the PO on my way to pick up a pizza. I couldn't finish the whole pie so I carried some in the pack for dinner at the shelter tonight. The trail then levels out as you cross the Cumberland Valley. I crossed over the PA Turnpike and then I81. I had been tempted to stay at a motel I passed as I could hear thunder and I knew I was passed due for a soaking. I was rationing my water all afternoon as there was no place to resupply for about 13 miles. When you know there is little water to be found you spend your day obsessing about it. Anyway I survived the lack of water and the last mile of climbing and made it to the shelter just before the rain came pouring down. It felt so good to take my boots off. My feet may rebel tomorrow morning but I'll worry about that then. Right now I am tired from my long day and from my Atlanta trip. I want a good nights sleep so I can push on into Duncannon for a cold beer tomorrow. I could use one now to wash down the cold pizza I had for supper. I'll close my eyes and dream me up one..Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-15
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, Pa.
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a very pleasant evening yesterday as we had a nice group staying at the shelter. I was afraid I would not know anybody after taking 4 days off. In fact I knew everyone at the shelter - Flura, Fauna, Grass, Uncle Ben, and Boyd. Anyway, I was up early and made myself some coffee and had a big bowl of cherios. I packed my bags and hit the trail about 7:30 in an attempt to beat the heat. It didn't work as it was already hot and humid. And very buggy - the kind of bugs that like to fly around in your face and ears. The trail gave me my first taste of what PA is known for - rocks. Each step had to be carefully planned. Rocks of all shapes and sizes - many jutting from the ground at all different angles. And they were wet. It gave me a chance to test out my new boots. They performed well but my feet were still very sore from yesterday and they were only getting worse with all the rock hopping. I stopped at the Cove Mountain Shelter because Rosie had participated in its construction. It was a long climb to and from the shelter and I didn't need more climbing in this heat. I enjoyed the view from Hawk Rock but was unhappy to see all the grafitti. What idiot would carry paint cans all the way there to deface such a nice place? The climb down was rough and I somehow missed a turn and followed the old AT to the bottom of the mountain. When I realized something was wrong I turned around and climbed back up. I then hiked the correct route into Duncannon. I went directly to the Doyal Hotel where I was greeted by Scout and Pez. The room is on the 4th floor (12 foot ceilings) and there are no elevators. I made the climb and headed immediately for a cooling shower. I have read so much about this place. It has a lot of AT history and is quite an interesting place. After a refreshing shower I went down to the bar for a cold drink and a big cheeseburger. After food shopping and doing laundry I was able to spend the evening hanging out with friends - including Biscuit and Slim who were just shuttled into town. It is after midnight and I'm off to bed. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-16
From: Duncannon, Pa.

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

It was a warm night last night sleeping without air conditioning - on the fourth floor no less. At about 10am we headed back on the trail - which passes through the middle of town. Pez and I slacked for 8 miles as Scout delivered our packs to us at PA225. She also brought hot dogs, buns, and 12 cans of Miller Lite for us to pack in. I also carried out 6 liters of water so we would not have to climb down the side of the mountain to get some. The heat and humidity hasn't changed. After eating our feast and sharing some food and beer with the other shelter occupants we hit the sack early. Usually the temp drops with the sun. Not tonight. It still is hot and humid. I am still having trouble with foot pain. I hope my feet get used to my new boots before the PA rocks get too bad. Time will tell. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: haze

We were up early in the hopes of beating the heat. It was hot and stuffy all night in the shelter. I made myself a cup of coffee and a hearty breakfast and was on the trail by 7AM. All I can say about the trail today is that it is leading me out of Pennsylvania. I hiked 17 miles today - not one vista. Nothing but rocks and mud. And blowdowns. We got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm and the trail filled with water. Even where the ground slopes to the side of the trail there is no attempt to channel the water off the trail. Waterbars are situated perpendicular to the trail so they retain the water in stead of channeling it to the side. Most of the afternoon we were walking in mud up to our ankles. It was certainly not one of my favorite sections of trail. At least the rain cooled things down a little. I have a lot of things hanging throughout the shelter drying but in this dampness I doubt it will. The plan for tomorrow is another 17 miles to a shelter where I understand you can order a pizza and have it delivered. The entertainment for today was shooting rubberbands at this hugh mouse that kept popping its head out of a hole next to the table. He got tired of the game when I got him square on the head. He went back into his hole and is probably planning his revenge for when we are all asleep. And that's where I'm headed right now. goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Rausch Gap

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I got up to find that nothing dried last night. The clothes I had hanging were as wet or wetter than when I hung them. So I put on my wet clothes and ate and started hiking. I did put on a clean dry pair of socks but the water inside my boots had them saturated within minutes. I shouldn't complain as I really havn't had that much rain this hike. The class of '03 had it much worse. Anyway, we were off and hiking by 8AM under mostly clear skies. We visited an old cemetary with gravestones dated in the mid 1800's. The map showed us passing through Swatara State Park. Visions of vending machines danced through our heads. Ahhh. The thought of a cold Pepsi. Well, I must have blinked and missed the park as we didn't see so much as a picnic table. Bummer! Not even a restroom...We crossed over an old (1890's) Iron Bridge which was really neat. I had to examine its construction and was impressed by its design. After the bridge there was an Appalachian Trail detour. The detour brought us right into the I81 construction site. Me and Pez were the only ones there without hard hats. There were cranes and giant jack hammers and noise that could drown out the cicadas. The construction crew looked at us like we were freaks. At least our cracks were covered...After walking under I81 which towered over us about a million feet up, we followed the detour up to a similar height. We were getting cut pretty badly by the thorny brambles that were taking over the trail. Those suckers were sharp. One consolation - I came across a number of rasberry bushes and enjoyed a sweet and juicy treat. We arrived at the William Penn Shelter and reloaded with water. We took a late lunch there and Pez examined his feet. They were not a pretty sight. Hiking with wet feet for two days left him with big red sores which were causing a lot of pain. We headed on the last 4 miles to the 501 shelter and ordered a pizza. The shelter is close enough to town that they will deliver it to the trailhead parking lot. I also took advantage of the running water at the shelter and washed up a bit. Pez doctored up his feet and we will wait and see how they are tomorrow. We may have to take it easy for a few days. Besides, my feet haven't been feeling too good either. We passed another milestone today. There are now 995.1 miles left. All along I have been telling others that we haven't done a pimple on the butt of the AT. I was saying that until you have less than a thousand miles to go you haven't done anything. Well, now we've finished a pimple. It will all be over with too soon.Today's trail was much more enjoyable (INHO) than what we did yesterday. There were things to see - cemetary, vista's, bridges, etc. And the trail wasn't designed to retain mud puddles and water. Plus the sunshine tends to brighten your mood. End the day with pizza and what more can you ask. Except maybe a good nights sleep. I'll try for that now. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-19
From: 501 shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

We were in no hurry to get moving today as both of us are having problems with our feet. Mine have been sore since I started with the new boots. Pez has a red rash all over his and they smell like something that died. So we spent time drying boots and socks and cleaning up a bit. Wildcat left us some info about a hostel that was 8 miles up the trail. The plan was to hike those 8 miles and see how the feet feel. When we got to the road crossing it was windy and threatening to rain. We called the hostel for a shuttle but got no answer. So we moved on up the trail heading to the next shelter. After a short while the sun came back out and the humidity dropped. It was a perfect day for hiking. The PA rocks are very tough on my feet and between them and the new boots my feet were on fire. After arriving at the shelter I actually dipped them in the stream. I'd swear I saw steam rise from that stream. The bone numbing water temp soothed my feet - after the initial shock and scream. I then went back to the shelter and had to eat plain old backpacker food - mac & cheese. No hot dogs, pizza, or cold beer. Bummer. Tomorrow we plan to head out early and make it to Port Clinton for breakfast. I may check with the outfitter about what I can do with my boots. It is not even 8PM and I am ready for sleep. The temp has dropped and it may even be chilly tonight. I'm heading for my sleeping bag. Goodnight,Lwop
Date: 2004-06-20
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, Pa.
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: clear sky

I was awake about 3:30 this morning shivering. The temp got down to about 45 degrees. A few nights ago I had trouble sleeping because of the heat. Anyway, I put on my warmest clothing - which made my pillow mighty small- and was still cold. You could see your breath! I had no desire to get up at 5:30 as we had planned. We didn't get out of the shelter until after 7:00. And that was without breakfast or Coffee. And hiking without my morning fix of Starbucks doesn't cut it with me. It was some consolation that we only had 8 miles to hike and we would be having a real breakfast in town. So we pushed on at a brisk pace. It was an absolutely perfect day for hiking. Very cool temps with beautiful blue skies and a few puffy white clouds here and there. We stopped for a break at Auburn Lookout and enjoyed the view and the refreshing breeze. The drop into town had us very happy to be heading in this direction. It would be tough on Sobo's (hikers doing the AT backwards - from north to south). You lose a thousand feet of elevation in less than a mile. We arrived in town and immediately headed to the Port Clinton Hotel only to find that there were no vacancies. The other option was a B&B that we couldn't check into until 5PM and that would cost about $80 for a double. We decided we could live a few more days without a shower and set up camp at the pavilion the local church allows hikers to use as a shelter. I got a ride into Hamburg to get some food and supplies while Pez washed our laundry. Bag of Tricks (that's his trail name) whom I met at the outfitters drove me to the supermarket and brought me back to the pavilion. He was here in town doing trail magic for everyone. Thank you Mr Tricks. I met up with Pez at the Hotel where we each had the biggest hamburger I've ever seen. It was about the size of a frisby only fatter. I could not finish it. Back at the pavilion I met up with Bag of Tricks who drove me to a small market where I purchased ice cream for everyone at the shelter. It produced a lot of big smiles. By then it was getting late and I decided to set up my tent under the pavilion. I don't want to be bothered by insects and I think it may be a little warmer inside the tent. There are clear skies with no wind tonight and that means the temp is going to drop fast. You can already see your breath again. The Post Office opens early here and after stopping there we will be on the trail again. We want an early start for the climb out of Port Clinton. But not before breakfast and COFFEE. Special thanks to the people of Port Clinton for being so hospitable to us hikers. Goodnight, Lwop