morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Campsite by Monument

To: Pennsylvania
Miles today: 24.3

Well, hellooo. Pa! We have finally crossed the Mason Dixon line. It feels pretty darn good too.. Today was about 2 things. One of them crawls down my hairline, into my ears, down my neck to soak my shirt. It gets into my stinging eyes and drips off my chin. Yep, I am talking about sweat. Wow, I can just about wring out my shirt. Sleeping in it is something that I try not to think about! I crawl into my bag which smells something like a wet sock lying in the garbage strewn gutter..and I pass out ..only to wake up in the night lying in my own slick sweat. Yuck! It is beyond gross....The other thing that is occuring every single freaking day and comes in every size known to mankind. They all hurt my feet and they are those evil, crafty rocks! I swear they are laughing at us as we trip, stumble and flail across them ..Oh well. This trail is not for the faint of heart and it definitely is not always fun. You have to want this very, very badly. It is the other hikers, quite often, that keep me going. They make me laugh and egg me ever onward. Today I ran into Knuckles again and we yacked about the challenges out here and the reasons we keep finding for doing this. I have also been meeting folks who have done the PCT and that always cheers me up cuz I love that trail. Anyhow, Maryland is behind me now...and the official half way point is only a day or 2 away!------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Campsite above Pinegrove Furnace

To: US 11
Miles today: 24.5

Another nice day out here..feels good to string some miles together. I want to keep moving and get out of PA by the end of the month. I got out early knowing there was a restaurant about 5 miles out and we got there around 8 am to some very good pancakes and coffee. There were only 4 other people there and we shared simple conversation. I am glad we walked the extra half mile. The next several miles were rocky with some good climbs but it felt good to work.I fell in Love with Boiling Springs Pa! What a snazzy little town with the best coffee on the trail so far. The buildings were truly beautiful. I could have stayed a week..but, had 8 more miles to the Super 8. The AT used to have the worthy 16 mile or so road walk in this area. They now run the hike thru corn fields and woods. I must say it was very pretty and much easier on the aching feet. It is gratifying to be here and I hope to sleep well. I am pooped! Tomorrow it is on to the town of Duncannon and the famous Doyle hotel. The last time I was there it was a rather strange place . I will let you guys know how it goes.....nite...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-17
From: US 11

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

They were the words that greeted me when I clattered into the Doyle. Most hotels, businesses and restaurants in the towns we visit have a wall full of pics of the hikers of yesterday. They send in their Katahdin pics and thank the places for their hospitality. The Doyle was no exception. There were photos of us everywhere...vibrant, strong nomads celebrating on top of Katahdin.. Within a few minutes of conversation I knew I was in a special place with folks who adore the hikers. The building is still ruff and tumble..kinda like me so I guess it suits..The hike today was graced yet again by spectacular weather. Nothing is too hard when it is cool and breezy out. The rocks greeted me about 10 miles out. Ouch!! but the views were very nice. I saw Pathfinder and Walrus during the day. I really like those guys. I talked with Walrus awhile about the struggles out here. They are going thru a ruff time. He said that the hike has been MUCH harder then he thought. They both have injuries and miss home. I know that they can make it though. Finally I walked off the rocky trail and onto the pavement. I hit the first little store for a little r and r...in the form of tasty cakes and diet lime coke .... Yum! Then shouldered my pack and walked thru town. Duncannon has a rundown charm that is very appealing. I am sure there are residents here who have never lived anywhere else...but it was the sign outside the Doyle that reeled me in. Welcome Hikers. It is just that simple. There were a few other hikers bellied up to the bar, drinking beer and swapping yarns. Yes, we tell a few out here! The owners take your pic for their album and then I was free to relax. I have a quiet room on the 3rd floor with a steady breeze. The food is good and the portions even better.. I wanted to thank everyone for all their encouragement. I didn't think anyone would care particularly or really even read the journal. So thanks for following along. You are very definitely a part of my hike.. ------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I decided to stay here in this scruffy, enchanting hotel. This is definitely a vortex town. There are about 10 of us here now with more to roll (limp?) in. I am really enjoying these hikers now. We huddle together, young, middle and older - thick as the green grass that grows by the river. Often our shoulders touch as we lean in to tell secrets. The bond has formed. The connection made. Yet another gift this trail offers. Another thing has happened. Somewhere thru the miles the city fat has gone the way of our town life and vanished. I watched the women go from soft and tender to lean, supple, distance hikers and the men become lanky ,almost boney, powerhouses. We hold on to our body fat more but we also are blessed with strong, clean-lined legs. The guys get skinnier though. Whatever !...I needed this rest more then I realised. I am getting re-energised for the rest of Pa ...and on into NJ.Oh yeah, guess what? Brad is coming to visit me!! I am SO excited to see him and it gives me something extra special to look forward to. I will no doubt be a shy, goofy idiot when I see him but he would expect nothing less. It has been over 3 months, yikes! He is a very special person to me and just to watch him pull up in a car will make my knees grow weak and my heart beat like a grouses' wings in my chest...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Campsite by pipeline
Miles today: 17.4

Happy Fathers day to my Dad and all the other dads' out there..especially Frank... We had a fairly short day out of town. The trail goes right thru Duncannon for about a mile so we got to see the old neighborhoods..kinda cool. It is a quiet town and folks still have time to sit on thier porches and watch the goings on.The hike was mellow except for the rocks but what can I say.. they are just part of the trail. I said goodbye to a father/son duo that is doing a big chunk of the trail, about 600 miles I think. They seem to have a terrific and dynamic relationship. The boy is 16 and is getting a lot out of this experience. I also said adios to a father/daughter duo that is doing 149 miles which will complete his thru hike done in several years. Congratulations!! It take alot of tenacity to keep coming back year after year to do the whole thing. Anyhow, just before we crossed the road to hike up to this site..what did I see?! Pepsis, Mnt Dews and a bag full of Snickers bars sitting on a rock. Amazing huh ..? I had a Pepsi with my peanut butter sandwich for dinner and now I am relaxing in my tent chatting with you guys. This tent is a msr zoid and I love it.(except when it downpours. Then I might as well be under a tree) It has room for lulu too. Man, I miss that dog. There is a guy out here with a dog and he doesn't treat him all that well. I hope I never see him abusing him or I will find myself in a wreck. For anyone thinking about bringing an animal give it alot of thought cuz I see very very few that do well out here..But, this is all just my opinion. Lulu did 1000 miles of the PCT and I think she enjoyed it some of the time. But, it was lot of work for her also. Well, I am pooped.....nite...------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Campsite by pipeline

To: Campsite at Blue Mountain Spring
Miles today: 24.8

I was thinking, the last time I stayed at a shelter was on Priest mnt way back in Va. I love going to them for breaks but would rather be by a pretty little creek to camp. Today was uneventful, just long. We aren't getting views much lately... a lot of woods walking. I seem to be in a void. We only saw 1 hiker today. Spicey and Pieps are a day or so behind..and Jersey maybe 2 to 3 days behind. I am gaining on Krazy Katy and Radio though. I would love to see them again. There is a big group up ahead.The rocks were back with a vengence thru out the day but the springs were running well. It all balances out out here. I did see my first south bounder though! He started in Gorham NH and will hike to Ga and then go back to NH and finish up. He was carrying a bow and a shot gun. I have seen it all out here! Rumor has it that Cycle hiker finally sent his bike home and is now just hiking witha pack. I wonder where he is now?Tomorrow should be another 20 plus day as I try to get closer to Port Clinton so we can have a short day on Wed. I stink! need to do laundry and shower. I think the heat will be back in full force tomorrow... yikes.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Campsite at Blue Mountain Spring

To: Campsite above Port Clinton
Miles today: 24.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Firts things first- today was hike naked day! Nope, I know ya'all are dying to know..I didn't... I didn't see anyone else doing it either..thank God..lol.. I am so tired I can barely type..holding this device up hurts..really! The rocks were ravenous and they nibbled, munched and finally devoured my feet. Hiking on them is not a lot of fun and I just keep moving as best I can. I hear the next 70 miles are awful..yuck, so me and my bloody nubs are having a little r and r in the tent. Tomorrow is a very short day and a rest in Port Clinton. DA has a bad case of poison ivy on his leg so will look for some medication. I am doing well, just beat. On the bright side though I get to drink coffee tomorrow....gonna close my eyes now... nite.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Campsite above Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Yahoo..! I am off those freaking rocks for awhile! It is a steep descent into this town..ouch! We walked to the pavilion and then on to the cc restuarant for breakfast. It was delicious..really, the best thing I have eaten in a long time. I am pretty sure I could have started all over again..There isn't a store here so decided to go into Hamburg for the day. We got a ride from a nice lady. Thanks, Ruth. I am clean, not starving at the moment. All is right in my world. When I was taking a shower the water turned a wierd shade of brown. Ugh! How the heck do we get so dirty ? Kinda fun though to get as gross as ya want in a perverse way...like being a kid again and never taking a bath.You guys wanna know something? If we walk 20 miles a day multiply that by 5280 equals 105,600 feet! No wonder I feel like I have been run over by a slow moving airplane...well, getting hungry again..ps- I miss you Brad ...I saw a chocolate lab in town. Reminded me of Lulu.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Campsite by Echville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2

It started out as a frustrating and edgy day but ended up well. I have been very homesick lately. I miss Lulu so much and am saddened that I am missing out on her life. It has been way too long since I have seen her. She will be 7 by the time I get back. (I know all you non-dog people are rolling your eyes!) I know 4 people that have abruptly gone home in the last few days. They were beginning to hate something that they had cherished before the trip, hiking. It had become a job and a painful one at that. The question is often coming up .. Is it worth it?? Is the sense of accomplishment worth what you are missing by being out here so long? Everyone has a different answer to that difficult question. For me, I miss my life..I have been waiting a long time for what I have up in that fantastically beautiful state. So what in the heck am I doing not being there? After every walk I have done it always seems like they have gone by in a blur and I am back in my other world before ya know it. But, while I am out there it often feels like I am hiking in quicksand. Could I just get there already?!! I know that in a few short weeks I will be done but it seems to be taking SO long. There too is the other side of the equation.. enjoying the process of the hike.. not the destination. The miles become nothing more than work when you are always just trying to GET somewhere. But, in order to complete a hike the miles have to get done in a certain time frame. You do miss out on a lot simply by always walking by it. A quandary.. to still enjoy the experience for everything that it is and also to accomplish what you set out to do. Am I confusing you guys yet?.. See, I can still smile even though it hurts sometimes...Keep your fingers crossed for me. I have some decisions to make.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Campsite by Echville Shelter

To: Campsite on Ashby Gap road
Miles today: 19.8

I woke up early after a light nights' sleep. A father/son who were out for the evening stayed up late. The place itself was fantastic though. I stayed there in 89 when Cindy Ross lived there and it was a hostel. The Park Service owns it now but they have kept it the same. Still have sodas and ice creams bars for sale and also a solar shower. There was a restaurant on the trail in about 11 miles and we arrived at noon. It was nice to get out of the sun. It has turned hot and I am drinking tons of water again. The rocks were nasty for most of the day. They remind me of fangs...gnashing their teeth and going for the ankles. We did have some great views though and some of the rocks were fun for rock hopping....but, mostly they slowed ya down.The last couple of weeks of dry weather have made the water situation a bit trickier. We had been getting spoiled with all the free-flowing springs. We had our first taste of going down, down, DOWN to a water source. It took us about an hour to get it and climb back out. I saw some young boys a bit before the water and they decided to climb down with us for some. When we finally got to it they wanted to know if someone had "turned off" the water and that was why we had to go so far down the hill! I felt sorta sorry for them when we just told him that mother nature took care of that...no faucet to be found. Anyhow we hiked a couple more miles and are camped about 5 miles from the road where we will go into Palmerton. The police host the hikers and I have heard all good stuff about their hostel. I will get to stay a night in jail! It is supposed to be 97 degrees for the next 2 days.. yikes! We have a 16 mile waterless stretch ahead..gonna be weighed down out of town with water.I am still grappling with missing home but still hiking. It will all take care of itself I imagine.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Campsite on Ashby Gap road

To: Police Hostel
Miles today: 5.0

Darn it! I am in a bunk... No cell for me I'm afraid. But content to be here and out of the heat. It is hot out! I am here with DA, Spicy, Pieip and others. The place is filling up. I don't know several of them. This is a compact town with everything we need right outside. It has been awhile since I have been in a town so easy to get around. The diner has homemade pie too...I am not too hungry though..probably the heat.Tomorrow it is on towards the Gap. I know I have said it before but can't wait to get out of Pa. I break the trail into sections. The first 800 miles of the hike is the appetiser...yum delicious! The next section until about Conn as 'the main course' of this hike and quite frankly I am getting stuffed and have my eye on the dessert table. The sweet taste of New England....yeah baby. But I have to finish my dinner first. I know the rules.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-26
From: Police Hostel

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: few clouds

Ummmm...lets see..where do I start? With rocks rocks ROCKS!! Are all the pesky, pointy, go for my throat, rocks in this State? My feet hurt! ..lol. Oh well. 16 more miles and then we bid PA farewell. I am excited to get the heck outta here. For me this one has been a big mental challenge and I am relieved to be moving on. We got up at dawn to beat the heat and get the steep boulder climb out of the way. It was actually fun..a clamber back up the mountain. Everyone at the hostel knew this little hotel was basically on the trail and a group of us are here tonight...with the air conditioning on and our feet resting on a comfy bed. I am spending way too much $ but I'm happy to be here. Tomorrow it is on to the Gap and the church hostel and resupply. Only 70 miles in NJ and then on to NY....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Wind Gap

To: New Jersey
Miles today: 15.8

Yahoo..!! I am so glad to be out of Pa. The 3rd longest state on the trail. The rocks don't end but..hey.. it's a new state... I am at the hostel, hanging out with Spicy, Pieps, Morel, and Handyman. A nice crowd. This is a comfortable hostel..with a great shower...and relaxing sitting room. I had a list of hostels I didn't want to miss and this is one of them. I am gonna tent out though cuz I like to go to bed pretty early. Tomorrow it is on into NJ. This state had me in its' claws and shook me like a puppy with a chew. It was by far the worst mentally. All the roads, not a lot of silence in the woods and the rocks got to me. I think of Alaska sometimes and the exquisite summers..all that vast, unfettered space..and the way it smells. It has a wild fragrance like no other place I have ever been. You have to smell it for yourself to believe me. I miss that but I am feeling excited about the hike again. We are almost 2/3rds done and the countdown will begin....not quite yet though. Still have some mental challenges ahead...but glad to be out here and looking forward to putting my boots on the trail. Heading North. I wonder where Red and Houdini are? I miss those guys..what a long time ago that was. Chickadee and Neighbor where are you?....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-28
From: New Jersey

To: New Jersey
Miles today: 0.0

We got sucked into the Gap and just decided to spend the day writing postcards, drinking and resting. My feet are enjoying not walking... This little town is very pretty with a terrific bakery. The people are friendly and seem to like the hikers..Tomorrow we will head into NJ and I can't wait! Spicy and Pieps will be a day ahead of us. Hope to see them again soon.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-29
From: New Jersey

To: Campsite below Rattlesnake Mtn
Miles today: 22.0

It is raining!! The forest is almost sighing its' pleasure. I am absolutely soaked and I could care less cuz I am in New Jersey! It was raining so hard that I just walked thru the puddles, kicking up the frogs. Even they were singing the praises of the rain. So far my tent is keeping me dry. I hope it doesn't pour all night or I could be in for a long one.I had a great day. There are ponds here and we hiked around 2 ..lots of rocks but they didn't bother me.. just glad to be hiking again.. This state is the biggest suprise of the trail to me. It is very pretty, with high ridge walking and tons of views. I expect I will enjoy the next few days, assuming I don't float away.Right now I had better get out of these wet clothes and settle in to enjoy a rainy night.It was nice to meet you Bruce! A small hiking world.------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Campsite below Rattlesnake Mtn

To: Campsite by High Point Shelter
Miles today: 22.4
Weather: scattered clouds

I had a terrific day on the trail. One of those days that reminds me why I like hiking. It rained last night but I stayed dry and comfy, sorta. I didn't want to get up this morning but still hit the trail by 6:30. New Jersey is proving to be a very scenic state and I am enjoying it immensely. The terrain runs over ridges on slabs of rocks. I like that kind of rock! The blueberries are ripening and taste of summer. We had lots of views of the surrounding countryside. There are hints of the climbs yet to come as we scramble down rocky gullies and back up the other side. Very nice.We got to Carver Gap keeping both fingers crossed that there would be a place to get some breakfast. There used to be an awesome bakery..but it has closed. We went to the gas station but they didn't have much. I took a chance and headed in anyhow. The fellow there asked what I was looking for and I hopefully answered "breakfast?" Before we could even introduce ourselves we were in his car and he was whisking us off to the diner with the promise of coming back to get us! Thank you so much Bill... You are what makes this trail so very special. I had pancakes, sausage and eggs. It was nothing short of spectacular! The meals that you know are coming are wonderful ..but the suprises are extra sweet. True to his word Bill gave us a ride back to the trail and we said our goodbyes. I suprised Brad on the phone which always makes my day better cuz he makes me laugh. I am not sure what we always find to talk about but we can burn up the minutes with no effort. While I was yacking with him who pulls up you might ask? Krazy Katy and Radio!! I was so happy to see them that I had to serenade the girl..kinda obvious what I would sing. Crazy, I'm crazy for Krazy Katy..lol. I think she likes that. I hadn't seen them since Kincora and it was a reunion. We hiked together the rest of the day. Catching up on where folks were, etc. The rest of the day went quick. We climbed the tower to see if we might catch a glimpse of NYC but no such luck. I then admired the high point monument and came down and set up my tent. The long weekend starts tomorrow and who knows how crowded the trail will get.Tomorrow we get a restaurant and fruitstand/icecream store..yum. Not bad huh? I am so glad I am still hiking. I knew if I hung in the doldrums would go the way they do and I would be back soaking up this experience. Nice to be happy out here again.....------------------------------Sent via PocketMailEmail Anywherewww.pocketmail.com