morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.4

YIPEE! Into Pennsylvania today! But that kind of saddens mebecause no more sweet tea... Well, the good stuff anyways. Had a short break at Pen-Mar park and filled up on water. Beautiful pavillion to watch the sunset, but it was really hazy and only noon so we kept going. We realized this morning that we under bought for our candy/granola bars. So, we went into Waynesboro. By chance (and because we looked it up :-)...) there was a Golden Corral... AYCE!!!! We ate so much food! We sat around for a while in town to give the food a chance to settle. Got an awesome hitch out of town in the back of a pick-up truck. The guy stopped to get gas and he bought us bottle water. (which might not sound so great to everyone else, but COLD water is very much appreciated!) Here at Deer Lick shelter(s) with AJ. Got our tent set up in one shelter and AJ is in the other one. Bugs are getting worse, I think I'm going to retreat to the tent!!!
Date: 2005-06-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Started at 7:30 this morning, which is a very unusually early time for us. We must have been going at a good pace because before we knew it we were at Caldonia State Park eating hot dogs and fries and drinking a coke. Even with out long break, we were still able to get to this shelter at 4:15! :-) This shelter is beautiful! It's two shelters joined by a covered cooking area and it's even got hanging baskets with pansies. And the privy here actually smells nice!!! No joke! There is thunder rolling in the distance, but I'm not sure if it is going to rain. The past week or so has been so hot (mid 80's & hotter) that my shirt has been soaked! Been drinking tons of water just to keep up with what I've been sweating out. Can't complain though, at least the terrain isnt' as tough. Well, I'm going to get a game of cribbage in before I crash.
Date: 2005-06-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.3

What a CRAZY day!!! We were planning on a 13 mile day but we got to the shelter at 1:30. SO, we decided to take on the 1/2 gallon challenge today. My strategy was to get the ice cream with no chunks, less calories = better chance of finishing! So the first 1/4 tasted awesome, but by the last 1/4 I wanted to quit! I stuck with it and defeated the 1/2 gallon of chocolate ice cream! :-) VIctory was MINE!!!!! I signed the "1/2 Gallon Club" register and received my souvenier wooden spoon! So, we also passed the 2005 halfway mark, but we won't pass the sign until tomorrow. Another part of our motivation to get here was swimming at the beach, which we did. Got semi clean, or at least clean enough to get us to Duncannon. Oh yeah! Also had a guy from the Patriot Newspaper come over and photograph us demolishing our ice cream. So, we may be in the paper up here. WAAHOOO! Well, I'm going to sign off for the night...
Date: 2005-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.4

Crazy hot day today! On our way to the second shelter, out of water, we come upon a beautiful sight! A cooler full of cokes and snickers left by OC-1 and Shipwreck. Couldn't have been better palcement! We decided to push into Boiling Springs when we noticed a nasty storm headed our way. (And we heard about the "campsite" that happens to be directly next to the RR tracks that is unbelieveably loud!) As we were crossing some of the fields in Cumberland Valley, we could see the storm closing un on us. We got to the ATC office just in time and the bottom fell out! We sat under the covered porch until the rain passed, then the skies once again turned blue. Ate stromboli for dinner, though not as good as my Uncle and Aunts, but it ws still good. Camped in the backyard of the B&B now because it was only $2! :-) Radio gets his new shoes tomorrow. Then it's off to Duncannon!
Date: 2005-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7

Where do I begin?? It was an incredibly easy day if you just focus on the terrain. FInished walking through the Cumberland Valley today, which is mostly (if not all) farmland intersected by a few major highways. but... when you throw in the unbearable heat and figure that in parts your in the middle of a field w/out cover, than you can imagine how bad it sucked. I sat on the footbridge that goes over 11 and tried to convinceRadio to go into town to escape the hiking, but we decided it would be better to keep moving. Now we're at the shelter that isn't even fully completed yet and I'm glad we're here. Now we have just 10 short miles into Duncannon tomorrow. I might have a friend stop by Doyle's that I met last year on the trail. We're in to tent now, hiding from the bugs which seem to have gotten worse since this warm streak started up. Heard that a cool front is moving in, we're REALLY excited to hear that!!! Well, now that I can't even write on the lines, I guess it's time for bed!Oh yeah, before I forget... Again... Big thanks to the outfitter in Harpers Ferry for replacing our water filter! (You can bet I won't be selling this crappy filter when I get back home!)
Date: 2005-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.3

Absolutely Beautiful day today! Cool(er) and a steady breeze! Hiked into Duncannon today and got a great view from Hawk Rock of the city below. We got to the Doyle, which is a 100 year old hotel. Built by Anheuser-Busch as a place to keep beer cold while shipping it. I have to admit, I felt a little dislike towards the Doyle at first (mostly because of the lack of AC), but during the course of the day it grew on me and I really like it now. It's amazing that such an old building is still able to function daily. Definitely the palce to stay in Duncannon. Hopefully cooler weather for the next few days. Off to sleep for now!(Oh and the answer to that riddle from a week or more ago about the lamb and the firecracker is "ssssisss, boom, baaaaaaa" Tulip used to be a cheerleader so it made more sense when she told us. Sorry about the delay for the answer!)3 MONTHS ON THE TRAIL!!!! WAHOOOOOOOOO!!!! :-)
Date: 2005-06-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.4

Lazy start this morning from thh Doyle. Met Harmony, a hiker from '04 at the truck stop where we had breakfast. It was good, and we usually wouldn't go to a truckstop back home, but it was good. Felt great to talk trail with another hiker. She brought chocolate too! Thanks Harmony! Made it to the first shelter before realizing that I forgot to call home and Tapeworm let me borrow his phone so I could order up my next mail drop from my Mom. Didn't get to talk for long (sorry Mom!), but I plan on calling as soon as we can get to a phone. It start raining for a brief second, and had thoughts of calling it an early day but the rain stopped and we continued. Tons of poison ivy along the trail! I hope that we reach some invisible line soon that the poison ivy can't grow north of, but I have my doubts that such line exists. Got to the second shelter (Peter's Mtn) and played a few games of cribbage with The Odd Couple... First game sucked, but the second was fairly close! There is a really small shelter nearby that looks like it was built in the early AT days. We opted for the larger shelter (That looks a little more weather proof!) The weather has cleared, and it has cooled down enough to actually sleep INSIDE my sleeping bag and I may even be able to zip it up a little bit! Had a hole in my thermarest (first one!) But repaired it at the Doyle. It's holding air again so I should get a good nights sleep. <--- And speaking of sleep, it's bedtime!
Date: 2005-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5

Saw a bear today!!! :-) On a ridge as a helicopter came over, when the helicopter was gone, I heard thrashing in the woods. I looked up fast enough to see a big black blur disappear over the side of the ridge. I may have only seen its butt, but it still counts! Did 17.5 miles today and got to the shelter at 2:40. I guess we were making pretty good time! We're going to be passing some cool ruins tomorrow that I'll get pictures of. Now it's nap time and then a tie-breaker match of cribbage with The Odd Couple. :-) Back from the games. Played 2 more and tied it again! Another tie-breaker tomorrow! We are in an old mining area now. I gues this shelter was built on the foundation of some mining structure. Has a spring directly in front of it that collects in a trough type thing. Easiest water source yet! We passed some big piles of coal today and also and orange-ish stream (I'm guessing from the iron?). Oh, other wildlife viewed today is: a turkey, deer, butterflies & chipmunks. (And don't forget the bear! :-) :-) :-) ) More on this crazy adventure tomorrow. Quick gear update... Tent - REI Quarterdome = Excellent!!! Sweetwater/MSR Filter = Awful... Don't ever get one! Sleeping pad - Thermarest - one hole so far (Prolite 3) is holding up great. Insulmat - does it EVER hold air??? Sleeping bag - Western Mountaineering = Incredible! Pack - both Gregory's are doing great, very comfortable! Stove - alcohol -> Why do I even bother carrying this? Whisperlite International - running on unleaded, cheap, efficient, but burns a little more dirty though. Spork = SUCKS! Just get Lexan spoon & fork. Much more effient! Any other gear I missed, just sign the guestbook and ask about it. :-)
Date: 2005-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.4

Well, we past the ruins this morning, but a picture wouldn't have shown up very well. Passed through TONS of poison ivy fields today! :-( I wiped my legs off once we go through it, but I'm not sure if I got it all off. Also had an official detour in the trail with official bright orange road signs to mark it. Got pictures of that. We came upon a maintaineer "Spare", who hiked in '96. He left his car at one of the roads and told us we could grab a coke from the cooler in his car. It was great! Well, there was a big free meal for hikers in Port Clinton, and it was 30 miles away... But... Spare offered to take us back! :-) Score! Had roast pig and cupcakes and pie and cookies! YUMMY! Saw Hardcore Hiker there, it will probably be the last time we see her. :-( Also saw AJ, but he's got to get off the trail for a few days, so we'll probably see him again. Got a ride back to the trail and did the last 1.9 miles in 35 minutes. This shelter is awesome with a big skylight in the middle and a port-a-john. Also has a solar shower, but it was cloudy so the water was pretty cold. Well, got to get my cribbage on!
Date: 2005-06-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.1

Happy Father's Day to Dad! Today was long and rocky! The arch of my left foot is bothering me again. Hopefully that will feel better tomorrow. Got stung by 2 yellow jackets today. :-( Not sure if I was too close to the nest or what, but both spots quit stinging after a few minutes. Radio must have thought I was nuts! I just started swearing and the blew by him on the trail. We're stopping to resupply tomorrow in Port Clinton (if we can) or Hamburg. We beat The Odd Couple in both games of cribbage last night, so they are looking to settle the score tonight!
Date: 2005-06-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.7

Last to leave out of the shelter this morning, but we caught up with Ed & Scott (The Odd Couple) in Port Clinton. Radio & I had already planned on bringing some hot dogs in to the shelter, and talked The Odd Couple into it also. We carried in ketchup and The Odd Couple is bring in chili! WEENIE ROAST AT WINDSOR FURNALE! The weather had cooled down a good bit the past few days (even had to wear pants legs one morning!) But by the end of the week it should return to hot & humid. :-( At least we'll be in NJ soon! Looking forward to the short day into Palmerton on Thursday and the "Jailhouse" hostel! Well, for now I'm having fun watching section hikers try to start the fire! :-) Maybe more cribbage tomorrow, series stands at 5-3 our lead. Time will tell!... Series now stands at 7-3 after two really close games. :-) Also forgot to mention that while at grocery store we each ate a HUGE "make your own" salad. It was sooooo good!
Date: 2005-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.5

R-O-C-K-Y! Another way to say Pennsylvania in AT lingo! Not even the worst of it yet! Great day today! Stopped in the Eckville Shelter (more like a free hostel) and had a coke and an ice cream sandwich... YUMMM!!!! Now we're at the Allentown Shelter, about ready to crash after our nightly cribbage games. (series now 8-4). Shoes are feeling great now, I loosened up the ankle brace a smidge, and now my arch doesn't hurt anymore. Had a profound thought on the way to the privy... I LOVE being out here (and that was the thought) I am very fortunate that I have had the time and ability to make it this far. Today was naked hiking day, and (Thank God!) we didn't pass anyone participating in the event. Got passed by "Teach" today who left April 27th! Wow! Radio wants me to include that we saw 2 A10 military planes go over today, one was completely sideways as it flew over. Okay, didn't write everything I wanted to, but it's late!
Date: 2005-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.8

Ridgerun all day! :-) Hit a few rocky spots, but what's new? Got a view of a ridge that we may be ascending on Friday. Old zinc mines scarred the ridge, and some brushy trees are starting to grow. The PA Turnpike was 800 feet below us at some point on the ridge. Hard to imagine cars going that fast that far below us. The Odd Couple, Radio and I have decided on the 0.9 mile challenge in the morning to pull a zero in Palmerton. I've got to call some family back home and it will be nice to take and easy day. We'll be staying at the old Jailhouse and did I mention that it's free? :-) Haven't gotten our nightly cribbage games yet. The Odd Couple is tenting, but they will be down for the games soon. Until then, I will nap!
Date: 2005-06-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.9

Super easy day into town today! :-) Figured we had been doing some decent miles lately so we'd take it easy. (Mostly because the hostel is free though!) Our thriftiness has helped us tremndously though! Not counting the last mail drops (which are few) and the shipping. We've been able to average under $1 per mile. Don't let anyone tell you that it can't be done and still have fun, because we are proof! Anyways, I got to check out the pictures online and they were hilarious! There is one of me at Bear's Den w/ a pint of Ben & Jerry's and I look sick! I think it's because I was about to make a stupid face and didn't realize that Radio had secretly gotten the camera out of my pack. Oh well. This town is a hiker's dream! Free hostel that has everything you need really close by! First zero that I've been able to really relax! Looking forward to the nightly cribbage because we got spanked twice last night. Off to eat junk food and make calls home!
Date: 2005-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

CRAZY climb out of Palmerton today! Felt like I should've had a harness and some ropes in some places! Crossed over the partially barren ridge. The trees are scarce because of zinc smelting pollution years ago that litterally killed the mountains. Made for great views though! Coming down off the ridge, Radio & I almost got lost. We missed a poorly placed turn in the trail and continued to walk down an old woods road. Thankfully, the trail crossed the road about 1/4 mile down. We waited for Scott to pass us so we'd know which way to go. We left our packs there and ran up the trail to where we missed the turn... I know... Purists! Hit Little Gap and some awesome trail angels left gallons of water by the trail! :-) Water through here is scarce and far from the trail, so it was incredible to see the jugs there. Then we hit Smith Gap and there was a ridgerunner there with more water! WAHOO! THANKS soooooo much to those who help hikers! You're great!! Now we're camped at the shelter. No cribbage tonight because Radio & I are exhausted! Series was tied up last night after getting our butts handed to us again. Maybe some games tomorrow night. We're thinking of hitching into wind gap tomorrow for some McDonald's because Radio's awesome parents sent us more gift certificates! :-) Well, It's beginning to get dark...
Date: 2005-06-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.8

Short miles seemed harder to me today. Multitudes of small rocks angled so that when I stepped on them I would lose my balance and my poles would bear my weight. Got to a section with a bigger boulders and it was easier on my ankles. Only about 7 miles of PA left, and I'd like to say that the rocks weren't as bad as I thought thery were, but they weren't easy either. Stopped at Wind Gap and hit up the McDonald's! :-) Ate lots of unhealthy food and loved every single bite! Got to the shelter and it has a spigot that is close to the shelter! :-) Played The Odd Couple in cribbage and ended our 4 game losing streak. The series now stands at 10-8, our favor. Getting late, so I'm going to crash out.
Date: 2005-06-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.9

Last night was super buggy in the shelter, so I told myself that I won't do that again for a while. We were able to catch a view of some fireworks that were in the valley.. We were hauling today! Made it to Deleware Water Gap by 9:30 this morning so now we're in New Jersey! :-) State #8! Passed by Sunfish Pond which is the southernmost glacial pond around here. Very hot and humid today! The vistas aren't as magnificent as they could be because of the thick haze, but at least there are vistas! :-) Now we're at the Mohican Outdoor Center camped out. Went swimming at the pond when we got here. Felt incredible to completely submerge myself in cool water... AAHHHH!!!! Getting ready for cribbage with The Odd Couple. Drank cokes and ate a sandwich upon arriving here and now it's time for bed! :-)
Date: 2005-06-27
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.3

First full day in NJ! Saw another bear (Radio's first) closer than the first one I saw. It was off in the woods and it walked away, and a few minutes uptrail, we saw it again! :-) Tried to get my camera out, but the bear was gone! Beautiful day today! A lot of the haze disappeared and there were views a plenty! :-) Last day of hiking with The Odd Couple for a while because Radio and I are taking a short day into town tomorrow. Got our two games of cribbage in and the series stands at 13-9 (us). :-) I hope we catch up with those guys again, they're hilarious! Well, it's rainging now which has cooled things off a bit. I'm exhausted and must get some rest.
Date: 2005-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 3.6

Short day into Branchville today. Started raining last night and continued until late in the morning. Got a sweet hitch to the Weis Grocery Store, thanks to Stan for taking time out of his day to drive us to and from the store! :-) Now we're at the hotel watching TV. Decided we're going to zero in NYC and check out the city. We're behind The Odd Couple now, so it may be a while before more cribbage games. :-( Well, cant think of anything else to write, I'll probably remember more stuff as soon as I put my journal away... Such is life.
Date: 2005-06-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Thunderstorms blew in as we started to pack up, so we decided to hang around another day. We'll still be doing the same number of miles by July 4th, so an extra day to lay around and accomplish nothing felt great. We ate more italian food and by the end of the day we'll have watched the entire season of the Real Gilligan's Island. Sad, but at least it was mildly entertaining. Feels great to just lay around and relax all day. Enough for now, time to see who wins the Real Gilligan's Island.
Date: 2005-06-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.0

Left out of Branchville a little late, but we met old friends when we arrived back at the trail. Yappy and Dead Animal were there, we haven't seen them since northern Tennessee. Also saw AJ, but we were expecting him to pass us soon. Great hike today. Hot & buggy but beautiful. New Jersey is becoming my favorite state so far, just because of the change in scenery. Well, we heard from Yappy that some of the people we expected to be catching us soon are off the trail. It's sad to think about it. Radio & I are still going along, stronger than ever. We have plans of doing big miles tomorrow so we can be to Radio's sister's house by July 4th. There is also a bakery close to the trail, so we may hit that up. For now we must rest so the big miles may be possible.
Date: 2005-07-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.1

New Jersey has such a variety of terrain! Went from ridge to swamp to cow pasture and now at the base of a ridge stealth camping tonight just outside of Vernon. Weird distances between the shelters! We'll be back on track tomorrow night to be in Bear Mtn. on Monday. Got some trail magic on the long boardwalk. LWOP & Stumpknocker saw us cross the road so they went to the next road crossing and hiked out to meet us. Great stuff! Thanks SO much! :-) We've passed 3 dead animals (4 if you include the hiker! :-b) since entering NJ. I would've gotten the skull of one of them (a friend's request back home) but there was still fur & skin attached. Well, almost time to eat dinner!
Date: 2005-07-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.3

Big climb early this morning. Met up with Yappy & Dead Animal and crossed into NY! State #9! :-) Heard some sad news today though... One of our friends dropped off the trail in PA. Jersey, wish you would've caught us , hope everything goes alright. You'll have to let me know about the Shenandoah's, We might come up and see ya! Great views all day today. Followed a long rocky ridge (some of it requiring some climbing and good balance!) Saw a lake full of boaters and jet skis... Ahhh... to be normal living a normal life... Stopped for ice cream and had to hitch to an ATM. Got a ride from a really cool guy on leave for the 4th of July from the Marines. He gave us a ride to town and then back to the ice cream place. Talked about the war, and I realized how fortunate I am to be out here. Now we're camped with Uncle Ed, Yappy, DA, Spicerack and Peeps (have seen Spicey and & Peeps for a LONG time!) It's amazing how many poeple we see again when they take many days off (haha) Off to bed.
Date: 2005-07-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 16.1

WOW, what a day!!! Started off quick, but every time we took a break it got a bit longer. Made it to some bog bridging with a handwritten note saying "Bees!" So we started running... Not fast enough! :-( Radio & I each got stung once. Walked into Harriman State Park which is absolutely beautiful! New York is definitely a wake up call though. If New York could talk it would say "Enough easy trail, let's see what you thru hikers are made of!" Had to take my pack off twice to get through a couple obstacles. But it was fun. Ran into Yappy & DA today and they said this is training for the White's. Well, we ran out of water just short of the shelter and decided to push on to a beach/picnic area. So hungry and thirsty when we got there that we ate both dinners that were in our food bag. Camped less than a mile from the road. Really looking forward to NYC on Tuesday! Also excited to meet Radio's other sister and her family. Real food tomorrow night!!!! :-) :-) :-) Also, happy b-day to my cousin Christi! :-) G'nite!
Date: 2005-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.5

Fist off, Happy B-day to my Mom! Hope the fireworks were great! :-) I had a reall rough day today... Woke up this morning feeling really sick. Packed up and started hiking, but only made it 1/4 mile or so before dropping my pack and puking. :-( Felt ill the rest of the day and still not feeling well. Not sure if it's from bing dehydrated or if I've got some sort of bug. Anways, made it to a mountain that had a view of NYC far in the distance. Got a pic, but I'm not sure if it will turn out. Got to the trailside zoo at 4:30 (30 minutes earlier than the guidebook said it closed) only to find that it closes at 4:30. So we had to road walk around it. Now we're at Radio's sister's house clean with celan clothes. :-) It's a great feeling. Ate McDonald's for dinner (what did you expect???) and watched the fireworks on TV. Maybe NYC tomorrow.