morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Camping

To: Pine Grove Furance St. Park
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Weather:Sunny & warm, high around 78 degrees.Small evening thunder shower.Today's Hike:Camping to Pine Grove Furnace St. Park - 19.0 milesToday was amazing! We knew we had a longer mile day ahead of us so we were all awake by 6am and on the trail around 7am. The hike for the first 10 miles was beautiful; open pine forests and a fern covered forest floor. The trail wasn't too rocky and the hike was relatively flat. I reached a shelter around 11am and stopped to rest my feet. Twenty minutes later Billy Hoot arrived and told me there was trail magic at the parking lot 1.3 miles up the trail. I was off! Twenty minutes later I was in the parking lot with a coke in one hand and a cold slice of watermelon in the other, thanks to Pacer and Peanut who completed a thru-hike last year. Pacer was also kind enough to grill me up a fantastic veggie burger. Heaven in my mouth Around 2pm ourselves along with the Divas and GA Girls managed to pull ourselves away from the magic and get back onto the trail.About two miles up the trail we heard the Divas shrieking like little girls and the faint exclamations announcing the presence of a rattlesnake. Muster and I rushed to catch up, and were able to catch sight of the 3 ft. timber rattlesnake that was coiled up underneath a laurel oak along the side of the trail. To cool.The hike continued another 4.5 miles to the official halfway point, 1,098 miles. Wahoo!!! We all took some group photos, then started to get geared up for the half gallon challenge that would be taking place 3.7 miles up the trail at Pine Grove Furnace St. Park. The half-gallon challenge consists of thru-hikers trying to consume a 1/2 gallon of ice cream. To make things a little more interesting we also made it a competition between team condiments (just me), the Diva's (Grommet and Storm), and the GA Girls.When we arrived at the parks general store options for ice cream flavors were limited; vanilla or banana split, neither of which were appealing. I grabbed a box a vanilla and headed out to the porch with the rest of the girls. Less then 45 minutes later Billy Hoot (Team GA Girls), who was completely blue in the lips, had consumed her entire half gallon. A little more then an hour later Lil' Dipper (team GA Girls) also finished her half gallon along with Grommet (team Divas). Meanwhile I was doing horribly at consuming my ice cream. After about one third of the way through just the smell of it was making me want to throw up. I finally threw in the spoon and swapped my ice cream for a grill cheese sandwich and french fries. Consuming a halfgallon of ice cream will not be on my list of accomplishments.After dinner, Muster did our laundry and we were able to shower at the campground. Getting clean is always fantastic. We finally turned in at 11pm, hoping that tomorrow will be just as wonderful as today.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Camping
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: thunderstorm

Weather:Sunny. High around 85 degrees, no rain.Today's Hike:Alec Kennedy Shelter to Camping ¢ 17.0 milesToday's hike was a beautiful unexpected change from our usual walk in the woods. About four miles after leaving the shelter we were walking through the cute northern town of Boiling Springs, PA. Amazing! The Springs is right in the center of town, and reminded is both of Florida's crystal clear blue springs. In addition, there was an ATC office that we temporarily invaded and relaxed for a few hours.Muster was having a shoe emergency, and was in desperate need of a new pair of hiking shoes (again). We both bought new shoes in Harpers Ferry, however, her Asolo shoes were literally tearing her feet up. Her feet had gotten so bad that she had hiked about 40 miles in her Crocs. So, upon invading the comfort of the ATC office we inquired about local shoe stores and outfitters. Not only did they provide us with the information, but the leader of the trail maintenance crew for this section brought her to Dick's Sporting Goods and brought her back to the office all of which took about an hour our of his day. Incredible. When Muster returned with her new shoes we headed over to the local Italian restaurant for a hot lunch then headed back to the ATC office to pick up our gear.We finally departed at 3:00pm and still had 14 miles left to hike. The trail took us through small towns and agriculture fields throughout most of the day, which was a nice change from our usual hike. Despite how flat the trail was, the day lingered on forever. At 6:30pm we were still hiking and had at least 5 miles left to hike. We finally pulled into camp at 9:00pm, completely exhausted.Tonight we¢re with the Packadivas and the Georgia Girls at a stealth site next to an old abandoned car. Gotta love the wilderness.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Camping

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Weather:Overcast and muggy. High around 75 degrees.Today's Hike:Camping to Duncannon, PA - 12.5 milesWe were all suppose to be up and on the trail by 7:30am this morning, but after last nights late arrival into camp none of us were able to crawl out of our tents until 7:15. An hour later we were on the trail motivated by the thought of a hot shower, food, and a cold beer. The hike in was pretty rocky and tough on my feet. I¢m trying to think of it as preparation of what the next 180 miles of PA may be like.We walked into town around 2:30pm and straight into the Doyle Hotel/Bar. Never in my lifetime would I have thought that I would walk into a bar and request a room for the night, but I guess there's a first time for everything. The owners, Vicky and Pat, have been wonderful and the food is fantastic. They even had a veggie burger on the menu After rushing to get chores done, we had a good meal and a fun game of celebrity with the Packadivas (Grommet, Storm, and Rocket) and The Georgia Girls. We heard that the forecast is calling for 5 days of rain.....not a good sign for us. We're suppose to leave tomorrow. We'll see how that goes in the morning.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Weather:Raining and cool.Today:Duncannon, PA - The Doyle Hotel - 0.0 milesWe were up by 8am this morning, got packed and ready to go. At 9:30 we went with the Diva's to a place called Goodies for breakfast. Delicious. I devoured a plate of french toast, 2 eggs and 2 pieces of toast then finished off Storms french toast, eggs, and toast. After finishing we made our way back to the hotel and continued to get ready. Georgia's Girls were staying another day because Georgia (the dog) was sick and were begging us to stay. We kept preparing to leave anyway. Once we were packed and ready the Diva's and us sat down together and over the next 45 minutes we somehow talked each other into staying another day. We're tired and the weather sucks. So a zero day it is.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Peter Mtn. Shelter

To: Rausch Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

Weather:Partly Cloudy. High around 68 degrees.Today¢s Hike:Peter Mtn. Shelter to Rausch Shelter - 17.5 milesWe had wonderful trail magic today from Snack Break (thru-hiker in 2007). It was a perfect treat before our only 1,000 foot climb for the day.We stopped just short of the shelter at a beautiful campsite surrounded by lady slippers (an endangered orchid). We're tenting with the Packadivas and Liefy. It's going to be another long 17.5 mile day tomorrow, but we can shower and order pizza at the next shelter
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Rausch Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Weather:Rain/thunderstormsToday's Hike:Camping to 501 Shelter - 17.5 milesIt started thunder storming at 6:00am this morning, so we were trapped in our tents until 10:00am. We finally crawled out into the drizzling rain, took down the tent, and began our nearly 18 mile hike. The rain continued all day long. In a way it may have been a blessing given the gauntlet of poison ivy we trekked through for several miles. The rain kept our legs wet enough to keep the ivy oil and the ticks off.We reached the shelter around 8:00pm, and discovered that we could order pizza. By 8:30 ourselves, the Packadivas, Liefy, and McBride were devouring four large cheese pizzas. A great way to end a slightly less then perfect day
Date: 2009-06-21
From: 501 Shelter

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

Weather:Sunny. High in lower 70's.Today's Hike:501 Shelter to Eagles Nest Shelter - 15.1 milesWe ate a wonderful breakfast at Scholl's Diner this morning then hiked a wet and rocky 15.1 miles to the shelter. During one of my breaks I set my pack on a rock and when I went to pick it up Grommet and I caught site of a baby rattle snake that had made its may under my pack and was chilling in my croc. Yikes! After recovering my pack I continued northward. The day was sunny but half of the trail was flooded. I found myself looking for cotton mouths with every wet step. Force of habit for this Florida girl We're tenting at the shelter with the Packadivas, Liefy, and McBride.
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Weather:Sunny. High in upper 70's.Today's Hike:Eagles Nest Shelter to Port Clinton, PA - 8.6 milesIt was a town today so we were up and on the trail just before 8am. However, today was not our typical town day, but rather an extra special trip due to the arrival of Rockets mom (Ms. Rocket) and sister (Kate). We reached the towns outfitter by noon. I was slightly behind after battling a yellow jacket/hornet (not sure which) that chased me into city limits. Considering I was bit on the face 3 times and Grommet on the back of the leg once or twice and the attacker survived I'd say I was on the losing end. Oh well, guess we can't win them all. I popped a benadryl and finished hiking the quarter of a mile into town. After introductions to Ms. Rocket and Kate, we all piled into the car and headed to the Microtel Inn for an amazing night off. Ms. Rocket insistently treated all of us to a nice cozy room (where we could shower AND do laundry) and also bought everyone lunch at the Cracker Barrel. I couldn't believe it It was an unexpected pleasure to have a night in town and begin the presence of such great company.
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 15.8

Weather:Sunny. High in the upper 70's/lower 80's.Today's Hike:Port Clinton to Stream & Campsite - 15.8 milesOur amazing night in town was followed up with an amazing and beautiful day on the trail. We got started a little after 10am this morning. After the third big climb of the day we reached the Pulpit, an amazing rocky outcrop with great views of the valley below. It was the best view since McAffe's Knob in Central Virginia. Rolling farmlands and far off vistas along with a few white puffy clouds floating above. Beautiful. After breaking there for 30-45 minutes we made the 2 mile rocky hike to the Pinnacle; another rocky outcrop with view of the valley. From here we could also barely catch site of where we had started that morning approximately 10 miles back. It always looks so far, like it would have taken days to walk it After another 30-minute break I was starving and was soley focused on getting the next 5.5 miles done so I could eat dinner.After about 4.5 miles of hiking, myself and the Diva's pulled ahead when Muster made a pit stop. We met back up with her at camp that night. Apparently her pit stop was a rather eventful one. After finding a tent steak she also had an encounter with a rather large bear. It was just standing by the side of the trail, and didn't seem to care about her. So, she started singing (screaming?) the words of the first sing that came into her head.......Grandma Got Ran Over by a Reindeer. Great choice right? Apparently the bear didn't care and stood there looking dumbly at her. Who could blame it? How would you react to someone screaming a Christmas song at you in the middle of the woods in June? So, she continued screaming and banged her trekking poles together. It worked and the bear ran off.We accidentally passed the shelter, and instead are camping by a creek about a mile further north. Less that we'll have to do tomorrow
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Bake Oven Knob SHelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Weather:Sunny. High in upper 70's/low 80's.Today's Hike:Stream/Camping to Bake Oven Knob Shelter ¢ 17.0 milesMy love for PA is slowly turning into a love/hate relationship. Today was nothing but rocks. Small rocks, big rocks, round rocks, pointy rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks.Tenting at the shelter tonight with the Packadiva's, Leify, McBride, The Hulk, and Baltimore Andy.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Weather:Sunny. High in upper 80'sToday¢s Hike:Bake Oven Knob Shelter to Campsite - 11.7 milesIn life we all have experiences that are meant to build character. Some of these experiences are fun and memorable and others you wish to forget (or at least not repeat). Today was one of those experiences you wish to forget. It started at mile eight, when we reached Lehigh Gap. We reached the gap at high noon; it was 90 degrees outside. After debating on whether or not to take a break, Rocket and I gave in to a compromise of Deli Subs for lunch and a break in the shade up get through the heat of the day. We still had 12 miles to hike. At 3:30pm it was still 90 degrees, but we knew we had to get a move on. We put our packs on and started toward the zinc mountain of hell. The mountain had been deforested due to zinc smelting in the late 1800's - early 1900's. I¢m not sure what smelting is, but I can tell you is that it leaves behind huge rock wastelands with no trees. The climb was 1,000 feet straight up in the blazing sun. It was definitely not the funniest hike I've done.The climb took forever and by 7:45pm we still had 8 miles to go and almost no water. We took a quick break and had to tell ourselves that everything would work out; it always did. Five minutes later Muster was down the trail and found an unmarked water source. We grabbed water and decided to cut our day short. We found a beautiful campsite on the ridge and called it a day.While at camp Storm got a text message from her mom that Michael Jackson died. Even out here I can¢t escape entertainment tonight gossip.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 19.0

Weather:Sunny in the morning. Severe afternoon t-storm.Today's Hike:Camping/powerline to Campsite -19.0 milesAfter a short but exhausting day yesterday, we were all on a mission to make up miles today. The hike wasn't particularly fun, but we were making good progress over the famous rocks of PA. Then, in the late afternoon a horrible thunderstorm passed over and for two miles we thought we were going to die. We had no choice but to keep trudging through. By 5pm the rain had stopped, but we were drenched. We plugged away until nightfall and set up camp after finishing 19 miles; 1 mile short of our goal.Looking forward to the Delaware Water Gap tomorrow, and its famous bakery
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Campsite

To: Powerline/Campsite
Miles today: 19.0

Weather:Sunny in the morning.Severe afternoon t-storm.Today's Hike:Camping/powerline to Campsite-19 milesAfter a short but exhausting day yesterday, we were all on a mission to make up miles today. The hike wasn't particularly fun, but we were making good progress over the famous rocks of PA. Then, in the late afternoon a horrible thunderstorm passed over and for two miles we thought we were going to die. We had no choice but to keep trudging through. By 5pm the rain had stopped, but we were drenched. We plugged away until nightfall and set up camp after finishing 19 miles; 1 mile short of our goal.Looking forward to the Delaware Water Gap tomorrow, and it's famous bakery
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 8.7

Weather:Sunny. High in upper 70's. Light evening rain showers.Today's Hike:Delaware Water Gap (DWG) to Mohican Outdoor Center - 8.7 milesWow, what a wonderful 24 hours! After hiking into DWG, two of Storms hiking friends, Jonathan and Joan, picked all of us up and whisked us a way into an evening most hikers only dream of. First, we went to the local grocery store to resupply. Then we made a quick side trip to the liquor store to pick out our choice of wine and beer for the evening. It was here that we were also informed about how bad we smelled when Joan told the clerk we were thru-hikers and he promptly responded that he knew. Although we didn't think we were completely unbearable he stated that "it's surprising what the nose can get use to." Wow. Can't blame him for being honest.We left the store and made our way to Jonathan¢s incredibly gorgeous home where we would be for the rest of the night. We showered and did laundry. We were served an incredibly tasty three-course meal and the best part was we were in such fun company. Jonathan and his family were extremely welcoming and funny and Joan and her family spent much of the night with us as well. By midnight we were exhausted and departed to our own beds and had our best night sleep in weeks. Amazing!Today was our first day hiking in our 8th state of New Jersey (Storm's home state). We were joined by Jonathan, Joan, and her daughter Emily who hiked with us 8.7 miles to the Mohican Outdoor Center. The rocks of PA have continued into NJ, a bummer. However, we did get held up by a 5 foot timber rattler that was hanging out on the trail by Sunfish Pond - very cool. Muster also saw another bear this afternoon; also very cool. New Jersey has the highest density of black bears compared to any other area along the trail, so I won't be surprised if we have a few more bear sighting while were here.We ended the day with a cook out at the Mohican with Jonathan and Joan¢s families. Wonderful. We had such great time with everyone, and it was sad to see them go.We are camping at the Mohican tonight and tomorrow with the Packadivas. Looking forward to a relaxing day off tomorrow.
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Mohician Outdoor Center

To: Mohician Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Weather:Sunny. Small afternoon shower.Today:Mohican Outdoor Center - 0.0 milesWe started this morning off with fantastic blueberry pancakes thanks to Grommet who bought bisquick mix during resupply. The blueberries were picked from the hundreds of blueberry bushes that are currently lining the trail. Natures best; unfertilized and no pesticides. Yum! Our pancakes were followed up by grilled cheese sandwiches, made on rye onion bread purchased from the Delaware Water Gap Bakery. Double yum!After breakfast it was time to veg. Today has been one of the most relaxing zero days yet, thanks to Jonathan and his family¢s hospitality and thanks to the fact we are in the middle of no where. We have nothing to do but relax and enjoy each other¢s company and the company of Storm's family and friends who came to visit. It was an afternoon full of great food, great beer, and great people.We're relaxing in our tents and getting ready for a campfire, smores, and maybe some more beer
Date: 2009-06-30
From: Mohician Outdoor Center

To: Blue Mtn. Rd/YMCA
Miles today: 7.3

Weather:Sunny morning, high lower 70's. Afternoon thunderstorm's.Today's Hike:Mohican Outdoor Center to Blue Mtn. Rd/YMCA ¢ 7.3 milesWe were back on the trail after a wonderful day off. The morning was filled which much of same as previous mornings; rocks. Ugh! We've heard that the rocks never go away. We hope that these rumors are false. Otherwise I just may loose it. Hiking constantly over rocks sucks.A thunderstorm rolled in around 1pm, and we made our way to an abandoned YMCA camp to take shelter. Creepy. It was the stuff that horror movies are made of. At least we weren't hiking in lightening again. The thunderstorm passed through by 3pm, but rain continued. By 5pm we called it a day, and set up our tents in a shelter by the lake. The rain was done by 6pm, and we borrowed some canoes that were there. The water was crystal clear blue and warm. We spent 30 minutes racing the Packadivas around lake. Way to much fun!
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Sunrise Pavilliom

To: Unionville, NY/Mayors House
Miles today: 17.5

Weather:Partly Cloudy and coolToday¢s Hike:Sunrise Pavilion to Unionville, NY - 17.5 milesToday was a race to Unionville, NY before the P.O. Closed at 5pm. Muster ad I made it there by 4:25p. Whew!The five of us are spending the night at The former mayor's house in Unionville; Dick Ludwick. What a great guy! For the past 2 years he has been taking hikers into his home and taking care of their basic needs. Him and his crew have cooked us dinner, let us shower, and do our laundry. We tented on his lawn for the evening then awoke to a wonderful breakfast of eggs, potato cakes, bagels, O.J., and coffee. What more could I have wished for?
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Unionville, NY/Mayors House

To: Waywayander Shelter 
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Weather:Partly Cloudy with afternoon thunderstormsToday's Hike:Unionville, NY to Waywayander Shelter - 16.9 milesSome of Storm's work friends came to visit her this afternoon and join her on a short hike up Waywayander Mountain. So, we were all up and out early. Storm and Muster led the way and raced to make it to Heaven Hill farms by 12:30 to meet Storm's friends. Rocket, Grommet, and myself were running about an hour behind and made the 11.5 mile trek by 1:30pm.We were unexpectedly welcomed with a large cheese pizza. Yum! Our pizza lunch was promptly followed up with ice cream from Heaven Hill, and it definitely was heavenly A thunderstorm rolled in mid-afternoon and Grommet, Rocket, Muster, and myself stayed at Heaven Hill until it passed over. Storm and her friends had decided to make the hike about 30 minutes prior to the start of the storm. By 3:30 the four of us were climbing Waywayander Mountain and met back up with Storm at the shelter for a relaxing evening.