morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-17
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Up and at it at 7:30, after 10 miles, I arrived at Caledonia State Park. If you are into swimming this is the place for you. Uniquely, this place has a swimming pool and a lot of hikers indulge in the facility. Multi-purpose experience; swimming, bathing and a place to check out the natives. But not me, I went straight to the concession stand, gulped down two hot dogs, a large Pepsi and a bowl of ice cream. I arrived at the shelter about 4:30, I beat the rain. Wouldn't you guess, the rain that I beat only lasted 5 minutes. Today included one challenging climb, starting elevation 890 ft. and topped off at 2000 ft. in three miles. It wasn't a problem, I'm getting use to these elevation changes. Sharing shelter space tonight are Delta and Snowman, two section hikers, one headed North and the other South. Tomorrow, will be a big day. I will pass the half-way point and take the 1/2 gallon challenge. So tomorrow should be really exciting to experience and to witness as a reader. Good night.
Date: 2004-06-18
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: James Frye (Tagg Run) Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: broken clouds

I couldn't sleep all night, too excited, so I left the shelter at 7:15. This was a day for celebration, I passed the half-way point as a member of the A.T. class of 2004. Everyone, yes, you back there, get up and clap your hands and cheer for Mushroom. This mile stone was at mile 1087.0. There is a half-way Marker marking the spot. Interesting issues: is this the real half-way point? Because of trail relocation, the half-way point probably changes from year to year. To keep up with this phenomenon, the Marker would have to be on wheels and relocated everytime there is a relocation. But no one has come up with that idea so the Marker remain in it's current location.I really don't care, half-way is half-way, so don't fool around with the Marker. Now that was the FIRST special event today, now for the SECOND. When I arrived at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park, I went directly, I mean directly, I headed straight to the Pine Grove Furnace Store. This place is famous, it's the "Home of the Half-Gallon Club". When I arrived, I purchased a half-gallon of ice cream and downed it in 30 minutes. It was good, heavenly good. This is a Thru-hikers Tradition. And for the great feat and accomplishment, I received a wooden spoon, about 5 inches long, sorta like a "dixie cup spoon" but much different. For this spoon had written on it "Member of the Half-gallon Club". Now that something to walk 1087 miles for. Now, again, everyone clap your hands and cheer for Mushroom.   Editorial note: maybe it's the trail dust but 1087 miles for ice cream and you get a dixie cup spoon with some writing on it. I guess you have to be there to appreciate the event. I wish I was. I finished the ice cream, enhanced my diet with two hot dogs and a coke. What an exciting day, now are you glad you read today journal? Shelter mates tonight are Snowman, Riva Queen and Zippy, Southern Boy and two others, and 5 tents. I guess were all looking at our spoons tonight. Tonight, I will sleep, half-way. Good night.
Date: 2004-06-19
From: James Frye (Tagg Run) Shelter

To: U.S. Rt. 11
Miles today: 20.2

Even though, yesterday was a big party day, full of celebration, I was up and on the trail at 7:30. The trail today has no signifiacant elevation changes but there were plenty of rocks to walk on and some rock climbing, but no rain so the challenge, at least was on dry ground. I hate those slippery rocks. Before I reached Boiling Springs, I saw a deer, this one was a doe and she was beautiful. I arrived at Boiling Springs at noon and have 12 miles to go to reach the shelter. I forgot to mention that I met Ole Smoky and his Pipe Sherlock on my way to Boiling Springs. At Boiling Springs is located the Appalachian Conference Center, Mid-Atlantic Regional Office. I stopped by and signed the register. That felt good but the next event felt better, I inhabited a local place to eat. I doved into an egg salad sandwich and washed it down with a chocolate milk shake. Boiling Springs was an eighteen century iron industrial settlement that became a ninteenth century tourist village and recreational area. Today it is a quint and quiet little residential community listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Springs are some of the largest found in Pennsyvania. The flow of the springs is 22 million gallons "bubbling" up everyday. The water temperature is 53 degrees. The whole deal just appears to be boiling. This is one you won't forget, The local high school, the team name (I guess the mascot) is called the "Bubblers". Get this :"Go you Bubblers".The A.T., the trail goes right down through the center of town. Well, Boiling Springs was interesting but 12 more miles to go. So, I went. Just a note: I'm not the only one that shared in the exciting and informative venture at Boiling Springs, Switchback, Pokey, Zippy, Riva Queen, Snowman, Scrubs and Professor Pete shared the experience. At 3:00 back in the woods and arrived at U.S. Rt.11 at 5:15, 2/10ths of a mile and walked into the Appalachian Motor Inn. What a day, as usual informative and a beautiful day to be out and about. Good Night.
Date: 2004-06-20
From: U.S. Rt. 11

To: Duncannon, PA.
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

The Appalachian Motor Inn, definitely beat a hard wood shelter floor but all good things must come to an end. After, a ham and egg omelet, juice and coffee, I was back on the trail at 7:30. The trail was rocky today. Even at that, White Lighting flashed by me at 11:00. Several elevation changes today affording views of Pennsyvania countryside, especially from Blue Mountain. The elevation change with climbs of 600 ft and later an 800 footer. About two miles from Duncannon, a fantastic view from Hawk Rock. Hawk Rock is a popular spot as when I arrived there were 3 people taking in the sights and I passed a family of five on the way.Into Duncannon at 4:30, checked into the Doyle Hotel, well I guess "all good things don't necessarily have to come to an end". The hotel was built by Anheuser-Busch in 1900 and operated by the Doyle family for 4 decades. Most of the early Thru-hikers, let's say "pioneers" stayed here, so why not. Those sharing in history tonight are Wizard, Scrubs, Professor Pete, Riva Queen, Pokey, Switchback, Zippy and a few more.Received a mail drop from Hawkeye, he said he would send my Under Armour performance underwear. I had several pair and decided I didn't need to carry 4 pair, so he took them with some other items back home when we were in North Carolina. During his visit at Harpers Ferry, I asked about sending them to me . We had just arrived at the motel and getting ready to go out to eat. As he was changing his clothes, he said, " do you mean these". Is there no sanctify. I guess not with little brother's. Well,he sent me my request and added some food for the ride. Good night.
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Duncannon, PA.

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

The Doyle House serves a great breakfast. So before taking off on the trail Pokey, Riva Queen, Wizard, Switchback, Zippy and I sat down to real breakfast prepared by other than ourselves. I decided to go all the way and ordered eggs, sausage, pancakes, orange juice and several cups of coffee. After the thrill of a real breakfast, I gathered myself together and went to the post office and received a pleasant surprise. My son, Jason, sent me a Father's Day card and that made my day and the breakfast was icing on the cake.Back on the trail at 11:00 and crossed the Susquehanna River, which is the longest river the A.T. crosses, 444 miles. Talking about rivers, how's this for a history lesson: The Connecticut River is the 2nd longest to cross the A.T. at 412 mile, The Potomac comes in at third at 383 miles, 4th The James River at 340 miles and The Hudson at 315 miles. But the one not mentioned here is the Kennebec River in Maine and that will be a story for later.Leaving Duncannon climbed from 315' to 1300' in 2 miles and most parts of the trail was rocky and some rock hopping to give a break in a tedious endeavor. I hiked with Pokey today, her usual hiking partner, Riva Queen left the trail in Duncannon to visit with friends and family. Pennsyvania is her home state. Her plan is to rejoin Pokey in about a week. This was one of those days that the views of the Pennsyvania countryside were awsome. I saw Doc this morning in Duncannon and he is staying in the shelter tonight. Lot of us in the shelter, Pokey, Swichback, Zippy, Snowman Southern Boy, Wizard and myself. Scrubbs and Professor Pete were here but decided to move on. Scrubbs is entering medical school in the Fall and Professor Pete is headed to grad school to study microbiology.That's it for now, good night all.
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

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

Back on the trail at 7:15, only one significant climb today 1100' in three miles. The trail is about 80% rocky, which is hard on the feet. But, at least no rock climbing. Weather forecasting the sky, it looked like rain today and it did sprinkle several times but briefly. I didn't have to stop and put on the rain gear. Approximately 5 minutes from the shelter, it caught up with me and poured and I was drenched.This isn't the first time I have been wet and again it's only water. After I arrived at the shelter, the rain discontinued after about 20 minutes.The sky was cloudy all day so no views of the valley but the forest was in it's magnificants with haze and the contrast of greens, browns and the various colors and shapes of the rocks.I arrived at the shelter at 4:00. There are 7 of us at the shelter and a section hiker tenting. Tonight's company is Pokey (we hiked together most of the day),Snowman, Zippy, Switchback, Wizard and myself.On the way to the shelter at PA. 325 was another gift of trail magic of sodas and candy.I stopped and shared in the magic with Snowman and Doc. I like this trail magic thing, makes you feel there are people out there who care, Sorta opens the thinking there are people who care in this world. Hiking the A.T. is a world of it's own, simple life with few complexies and few decisions. It's a world of moving on and and enjoying what the moment has to offer. When we reached the shelter, Doc moved on and probably is tenting. Well that about covers it for today, good night.
Date: 2004-06-23
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

Pokey and I left the shelter at 7:15, I set the pace. She was right behind me. If she was setting the pace, I would be way behind her as she is a faster hiker than I. Pokey is from Maine. When Hawkeye was living in Maine, they were in the same area. Pokey lives a short drive north from where Hawkeye lived. Zippy, who hikes with switchback, is Pokey's brother. Zippy and Switchback can move on out so they are much faster than Pokey and myself.The trail was about 80% rocky and several rock climbing areas. A challenging climb of 500'in a mile today, the rocks make the challenge more so than the elevation. Really good views of the Pennsyvania countryside. The 501 Shelter came in view about at 4:00. This shelter is of another character as it more of a bunk house rather than lean-to construction. The set up is four walls and six wooden bunk beds, no mattresses, has a solar shower and port-a-potty.When I arrived, Snowman was at the shelter. He said Southern Boy, Zippy, Wizard and Switchback hitched a ride into Pine Grove about 3.6 miles off the trail. Pine Brove has a lot to offer: restaurants, lodging, resupply and even a movie theater,but to see a movie you have to be there on the weekend. When we arrived, Pokey pulled out her cell phone and ordered food to go. "What kind of hiking is this, I never imagined when planning this hike that I would be ordering food to go". Another one of the "never thought this would happen events" but whose complaining. I ordered a tossed salad, cheeseburger and coke. Snowman had an Italian sub and coke and Pokey went for the pizza, salad and sprite. Hey, this is encouraging. But best of all of tonight's delight, no "Ramen Noodles". Good night.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Rt. 501 Shelter

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

After a night of fine dining we left the shelter at 7:45. A short mileage day. Fifteen miles, I never thought that I would consider 15 miles to be a short mileage day. I hiked with Pokey again today and we started off on the wrong trail but it didn't take us long to figure out the mistake. No big climbs today but the trail was very, very rocky. I would up grade the percentage from yesterday's 80 % to 90 % today and rock climbing was an added feature. We hiked by a historical marker "The Fort Dietrich Snider". This fort was built at this site in 1755, during the French and Indian Wars. It was used to warn of the approaching enemy. Probably a lot of other purposes but if your'e interested you will have to check it out on your own. Pretty views of the countryside today, Pennsyvania is a pretty state, I like it but just a tab too many rocks. I'm looking forward to arriving into Fort Clinton tomorrow, I need a shower and it would not hurt to do laundry. The idea of eating from a menu offering a variety of food and topping that off with ice cream, I'll dream tonight. When you arrive at a shelter, you never know who will be there. Tonight a father and his two sons, been section hiking for 4 days and will get off the trail at Fort Clinton. We shared our adventure with them. Pokey, Southern Boy and myself are sharing the shelter with this family and Switchback and Zippy are tenting as well as three other hikers. Did you know that Snowman is from Boston, probably not. It's not too hard to figure out how he got his trail name. For you way down south readers, I'll give you a hint. What does it do in Boston that doesn't quite happen in the deep South? Another hint: it's like rain but white.Snowman and Wizard hiked into Fort Clinton, a 23 mile journey, they must have food on their minds.. That's my report for today, the trail is still interesting and challenging and best of all I'm meeting not only interesting people, but really nice people and I like that most of all. Good night. everyone.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Fort Clinton. PA.
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Trip miles 1202.7, I'm hiking to Port Clinton, PA. Early start at 7:00 and arriving in Port Clinton at 10:30. Today the trail was not as rocky as yesterday, but this is not to say that it was not rocky. Several places had to do some rock hopping. Pokey and I hiked together again today, Southern Boy, Zippy and Switchback passed us on the trail and arrived in Port Clinton before us. At Port Clinton, hikers are permitted to camp under it's pavillon at no charge. The pavillon, with an outhouse, is located 0.5 miles off the A.T. and water is available from a spigot outside the Port Clinton Hotel. You can't ask for much more than that,thank you Port Clinton citizens. There are few services at Port Clinton, but we took avatage of what was offered. At the Port Clinton Hotel, I had a good meal and they provided a place to do laundry. Hikers don't really have much laundry, so the four of us, threw our stuff together. We consolidated the resource and saved time. Welch Nomad, who is doing part of the trail, lives nearby and drove us to Cabellos, the big outdoors equipment place and to a grocery store for resupply. Back to the pavillon, into the tent and good night.
Date: 2004-06-26
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today starting out with a climb, so on the trail at 7:45. The elevation 410 ft. and topping off at 1300 ft. in 2 1/2 miles. The trail remains rocky but seems least than in the past three days. When I left the shelter, Pokey needed to visit the post office to get a mail drop, so I'm hiking solo today. I took a break at a place called Pulpit Rock. This is an outcropping with a panaramic view of the Pennsyvania valley. On the opposite side of the vista is an area with three observatories for viewing the stars. The whole thing is operated by The Lehigh Astronomical Society. A good day to be in this area as it was a perfect day with blue skies and a cool breeze. I'm sheltering at the Eckville shelter tonight which has a different character than most shelters. You won't believe this as I didn't on my arrival. But the Eckville Shelter is constructed with four walls, yes a roof and "get this" electricity. It gets better. The place has a refrigerator stocked with ice cream, sodas and cookies. I thought I was in deliriums, but not so. If you are going to be in a shelter, this is the place. Something else, which you don't get in the "real world" Pay on the honor system. Can you see yourself walking into the local grocerer, no clerks, no check out. Hey, take what you want, I trust you to pay for what you need. Only on the Appalachian Trail. In the shelter tonight are Pokey, K-2 and myself. Tenting are Switchback and Zippy. That's it for tonight, big day planned for tomorrow, 24 miles. So, good night.
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Eckville Shelter

To: George Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Good bye Frig, hope to see you soon. Big day for mileage, so hiked out at 7:00, not far down the trail met two hikers camping. They reported seeing a bear last night. When I came to a place called Dan's Pulpit took a break. Dan's Pulpit is at an elevation of 1650, a real nice view, none of that cloudy haze drifing in the air, just a beautiful blue sky. Of course what I like about a "beautiful blue sky" no rain. The view looked down on the Pennsyvania farmland, what a sight. Next interesting place just down the trail is a place called the "knife edge".The name comes from the character of the trail, a long narrow rocky ridge about 5' wide and about 150 yds. in length. Not an easy stretch, I had to "rock scramble" which is to climb up and down in places. Let's be hysterical "it was dangerous and one could feel the possibilities of being cut to pieces if one slight loss of concentration". How that for being dramatic? Lot of day hikers on the trail today, must be a weekend. It's not uncommon to forget what day it is and who cares anyway. I'm retired. Pokey and I hiked together today and after eleven miles a wonderful thing happened. We came to the Blue Mountain Restaurant, which was about 1/10th of a mile off the trail. You got it, we stopped, couldn't pass it up. Hey, let's eat lunch like real people, heck with sitting on a log and dinning on a candy bar and a mashed granola bar. So, we went in and immediately was seated outside on the patio, the waitress didn't even asked as if there were no choice to the arrangement. Does that tell you something? We're probably not the first hikers to stop by. A lot of first have occurred to me on the trail, but this one you will envy. I had my picture taken stading next to (your'e thinking a movie star) better a 4' Morel Mushroom, my namesake This phenomenon was taken inside of the restaurant, you would think they would have "no charged me". Hey, I'm a walking billboard for mushrooms. But, that was all in my mind, I don't think the idea popped up with the waitress. As we were leaving, Switchback and Zippy arrived and there plan was to have lunch. I wonder where they were seated. Two to get you one, I bet they ate on the patio. About 8:00. arrived at the shelter and it has been a long day. Good night.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: George Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is my 3 months anniversary being on the trail. I can't believe it. I've been on the trail 90 days and have hiked 1258.8 miles. So, I'm really hyped for today's journey. I was feeling really excited. Hiked out from George Outerbridge with an immediate climb from 380' out of Lehigh Gap to Blue Mountain at 1500'. I believe, I have said this before but I mean it this time. This is about as close to rock climbing as I will ever get. There were places that I had to put my treking poles on a ledge above me, find a ridge or dibit for my fingers, places for my feet so I could pull myself up to the next level. Pick up my poles and start over. Then rock hop on boulders to the next level. Then climb some more. They say, I don't know who they are but they say this is the most challenging section on the A.T. south of New Hampshire. Now, doesn't that want you to be out here with me. I'll probably have nightmares thinking about New Hampshire, if what they say is true. Once on top. I saw a sight I will remember until the next millenium. The whole view was devastated caused by a century of zinc smelting in near by Palmerton. In the 1980's the E.P.A. shut down the furnaces and in 1982 put the area on the superfund cleanup list. Revegetation efforts are underway and the mountain is slowly reclaiming itself. It is reported that it is safe to hike through this area but I bet my zinc level in topping off. I might shine tonight. Ugly place, but someday maybe it will return to it's past gradeur. In the shelter tonight are Hobbit and myself. There are 6 Boy Scouts and three leaders tenting about 200 yds. from the shelter. Five of the scouts are Eagle Scouts, the highest in rank and the other is ranked as a Life Scout, which is one step from Eagle. Their Scout Master said this is a elite group and I can see why. I made Tenderfoot and that was a give-me. Pokey, Switchback and Zippy went another five miles to Wind Gap. They are planning to meet Riva Queen, who is getting back on the trail. That's my report for today, good night.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

It rained last night,but was nice and dry in the shelter. Woke up this morning to a clear blue sky and thought,"This is going to be a good day for hiking". It was early and I was ready, took off at 6:30. Everything was great but nothing is perfect, as the trail was about 95% rocky and the feet were howling. I met a family south bound and they said they were going as far as they can, which meant until they had to get back to work. They were Magic Rat (father), To Fruitti (mother) and Beep Beep (2 year old daughter). Not long after that I met a college professor, section hiking south. He said he was out to get "a feel for the trail". He is thinking about a thru hike in a couple of years. That's the report on two legged animals and next came several chikmucks, a Doe and two Fawns.Zippy and Swithback passed me in about four hours into my hike. Riva Queen and Pokey caught up with me about another hour later. At the time, I was taking a break so they stopped. Doc and Wizard came by about 5 minutes later but moved on after a brief conversation. I was ahead of the pack but now I'm behind everyone. Pokey and Riva Queen hiked the rest of the day with me. We arrived at the Dalaware Water Gap at 5:00, checked into the Ramada Inn Limited, showered and we all went out for supper. That's all for tonight. Good night.