morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-26
From: James Fry Shelter (tenting)

To: Carlisle, PA (motel Days Inn)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Day 86, May 26, 2014 Today started out with a small dilemma. The Cumberland Gap has a 17 mile stretch that does not allow camping. So I would have to walk either 12 or 26 miles or walk 20 and get a room in Carlisle, PA. I decided to walk and figure it out as I went. This morning I knew there was a general store about a mile away. I really wanted a real cup of coffee so the Green Mountain Mercantile was my first stop. During the early part of the day there were a few steep climbs and lots of rocks. At one point I went thru two sections called Rock Mazes. I could have just walked around them, but I played and had fun doing it. At about mile 1114 I came to Center Point Knob. This spot was once the original AT mid-point. There is still a plaque at this spot. Next I walked thru Boiling Springs, PA. I did not feel like stopping but decided if I could find a place to stay, shower and do laundry it might be worth it. No such place that was dog friendly. So I decided to walk on to Carlisle. This 8 mile stretch was very nice. I basically walked by or near hay/corn fields. While I was walking I went thru several areas filled with purple flowers. So plentiful that the air was filled with their lovely fragrance. To get down to Carlisle I had to bishwhack down to US 11. LOL ok not really. That's just what the book said. Actually there was a nice path down to the road. I know find myself in a Days Inn. Showered and doing laundry. I also had a wonderful Shepherd's Pie at a local restaurant. I was hoping not to stop so soon as I wanted to stay at the Doyle in Duncannon, PA. A famous trail stop. Oh well, who am I to argue with the trail or my feet. I will at least stop by and who knows? Me and Coop are pretty tired. He's sleeping and my feet are sore. But I am happy. I forgot to mention yesterday that I met a young lady moving to Cody. I gave her some Wyoming advice - go to Taco Johns!! Also, one lady I was talking to said I looked really clean and neat. LOL no one has ever said that to me even when I use to shower everyday. I think it's the shirt. Woody doesn't believe its a hiking shirt and calls it "my going out shirt"! Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 20.0 Completed: 1125.5 Remaining: 1059.8 Start Point: James Fry Shelter End point: Carlisle, PA (motel Days Inn) (10 photos
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Carlisle, PA (motel Days Inn)

To: Duncannon, PA (hostel at best:))
Miles today: 17.6

Day 87, May 27, 2014 I was very slow to get started this morning. But the second I stepped foot on the AT I knew I was going to Duncannon!!! This is probably the only place I ever thought about staying at while researching the trail. It was just as expect; old dingy and crooked. I loved it!!! The trail today took us thru some beautiful fields and over a few Pennsylvania rocks. The final miles thru the Cumberland gap were gloriously flat and free of rocks. About 3 pm we found ourselves in a substantial storm. I actually had a big old flash bang right above my head. The one good thing about storms is Cooper stays very close to me. For the last couple of days I have been thinking about food. Not eating it but how much to eat. The AT is like a free ride on the gluttony train. As I understand it most people put back on the weight and then some. So as I start the final half of this journey I think I need to be more deliberate about what the body needs and what the body wants. Either that or keep hiking I like how I feel and look right now and hopefully I can do the right thing. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 17.6 Completed: 1143.1 Remaining: 1042.2 Start Point: Carlisle, PA End point: Duncannon, PA (hostel at best) (6 photos)
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Duncannon, PA (hostel at best:))

To: Peters Mountain Shelter (Shelter)
Miles today: 11.0

Day 88, May 28, 2014 Today I went over to Goodies for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich (just one). The owner, Holly, was a complete sweetheart and was so nice to both Coop and me. I have said this before but here it is again. My RV and Trail family have recharged my faith in humanity. In my last life I often had a distinct feeling some were just fake caring. In fact sometimes some of these people would call an emergency briefing just to tell us how much they cared about us and to please not kill ourselves (this upsets Congress). Anyway we set out. I was pretty tired from the last three days. And could tell. The climb out of Duncannon was no joke and very rocky. After that it was fairly flat and still a little rocky. There were a couple awesome views though. Coop and I stopped and chilled at one of them. I made it to the shelter. The weather is calling for rain so I decided to shelter. The shelter is pretty full but it is a big roomy shelter. Grease Spot is here and Top'O (I tented with him and Gandalf three nights ago). The rest are all new, but friendly, faces. So here is another thing I was thinking about. Mileage. It is easy to fall victim to worrying about mileage. Or another thing that happens is adulation for doing big mileage. Every one hikes for a different reason and I say respect to those who are hiking to push themselves or to meet a deadline. I just personally don't want to worry about this. You can hike this trail at 12 miles a day and finish on six months. For me everyday is Full of beautiful senery and rich humanity. I try each day to savor every moment of this gift called the Appalachian Trail. And I know, as with all good things it will come to am end much to soon. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 11.0 Completed: 1154.1 Remaining: 1030.2 Start Point: Duncannon, PA End point: Peters Mountain Shelter (Shelter) (6 photos)
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Peters Mountain Shelter (Shelter)

To: Second Mountain - unnamed campsite (tenting)
Miles today: 20.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 89, May 29, 2014 Today started about three this morning. The guys were really getting their snore on and one of the hikers in the loft could take it no more. They got up, askqes for water and stormed off into the night to go sleep somewhere else!! I'm a heavy sleeper so I fell right back to sleep after the episode. I didn't wake up again until 650 and everyone was gone but 2 folks!! LOL I slept through all those people packing up and leaving starting around 530!! Needless to say it is nice to be back in my little tent tonight. As we were walking down the trail we came upon a box of trail magic. And low and behold it had just what I needed - 3 AAA batteries. My head light went dead just last night. There was also some Top Roman so I grabbed a package of that for a hot lunch. While we were there we visited with Wicked. She was nice enough to give me some duct tape as I was running low. Her tape was a leopard pattern that matched her dirty girl gators. I needed a hot lunch today as it was rather chilly. I wore my fleece for the better part of the day. We went thru a a section that had lots of downed trees and leave and branches littered thr trail. I am think that storm Coop and I were in must have been really raging in this neck of the woods. I am glad we were not up this far, I might have pooped my pants!!! Oh I forgot to mention Pooh Bear rolled into camp late last night. So we hiked together today. About 530 we came upon a campsite and Raman Shaman and Cheese Its were there. Always so great to see them. I also forgot to thank them the other day. In Duncannon they left Coopie a bag of dog food. I really appreciate it. I probably forgot because BL seemed more important at the moment then DF. Who knows. Sometimes I suck Pretty nice trail today thru State Game Lands. A little rain. Also, just to clarify or add to yestersay. I have no qualms with big mile days. In fact some days the trail or your body dictate that. I just don't want it to be my sole focus. Also, I want to take a second and thank those who took time to sign my guest book on TJ. I don't know how one replies, so I at least want to note it here and let you know it does not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 20.1 Completed: 1174.2 Remaining: 1011.1 Start Point: Peters Mountain Shelter End point: Second Mountain - unnamed campsite (tenting) (6 photos)
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Second Mountain - unnamed campsite (tenting)

To: Hertline Campsite (tenting - Cowgirl Camping:))
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 90, May 30, 2014 Well today is Coop and My 90th day on the trail and we offically are in triple digits left to hike. It is hard to believe we have come so far! Hopefully we can stay healthy for the remainder of our journey. Ok I have just one more milage story and then I swear I am done Today while I was still lounging around in my tent at ten to eight Gandalf comes by. He hiked 29 yeaterday and was shooting for 32 today so he could make it to Port Clinton before the Post Office closes. All I could think was "what the hell is in that mail drop? Gold bricks"! LOL! I hope he makes it. Or rather I am sure he will he is a strong hiker. The trail today was a nice walk in the woods with a few rocks. The weather was a beautiful mid 70s. As I was strolling down the trail today I heard what sounded like a gaggle of wailing banchees. Coop was even on alert with his fur all up. Low and behold around the corner comes an unassuming lady in pink singing her butt off!! She passed silently and start her singing again. The big talk on the trail was the 501 shelter. It is another shelter that you can have food delivered too and soda. Pooh Bear and I shared a pizza and took a sub with us. We left the shelter and marched on to a campsite up the way. We ran into two nice ladies, Michelle and Pammy. One was out for her first over night hike. They had a wonder demeanour and energy about them. Pammy had just hiked the Whites in New Hamshire and had a blast. She said they were beautiful and that we will love them. Before taking off they gave us each a banana. We got to the camp and I went to set up my tent. Wouldn't you know it NO tent poles!! So tonight I find myself sleeping under the stars. I am hoping to get some in Port Clinton tomorrow or I might have to shelter hop a little. Oh well at least there is no rain in the forcast tonight. I have also attached a picture of a tulip popular that Pooh Bear took. I had seen them on the trail after the storm but could never find a live one. I know now why. They only grow way up in the tree - way up. Thanks Pooh. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 21.0 Completed: 1195.2 Remaining: 990.1 Start Point: Second Mountain - unnamed campsite End point: Hertline Campsite (tenting - Cowgirl Camping) (9 photos)
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Hertline Campsite (tenting - Cowgirl Camping:))

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 91, May 31, 2014 Today's trail was pretty level but we did get into some more PA rocks. They are not that bad, you just have to step carefully and watch for blazes. The weather was again perfect!! As I was walking I came across a gaint bird. I swear it stood 3 feet tall. It was either a turkey or teradactyl!! It paused, Coop and I paused. I was in shock a little and didn't react in time for a picture. The bird took off running and Cooper was right behind it, oblivious to the fact it was five times bigger. It flew up to the tree tops and disappeared. No one was injured It reminded me of the time Coop and Ms. Bell chased the giant rooster through Watermelon Park!! A little later a genleman named Ron came by. He was handing out apples and gospel comic strips. I took one of each. He said he had been doing this for 11 years and I was the first person from Wyoming he had met. As I walked down the trail eating the apple I suddenly thought about Aunt Bev. What would she think about me taking food from strangers? I then freaked myself out and was worried about razor blades! I gained some composer, rinsed it off and ate it. No blades and no poison. Oh the crazy mind. I stopped by a stream and tried ordering new tent poles. No luck. I would have to wait until Monday and call Big Agnes directly for the poles. So, I decided I would go into Hamburg, PA to get a tarp for the week and I also needed resupply. I was down to one lone granola bar and 3 hot dinners. As I sat waiting for a ride from ZZ Topless (a 2012 thru hiker and trail angel) and Kelly, Twizler came by. Hey Cowgirl he says and then he asks....(drum roll)....are you missing some tent poles!?! Holy crap more trail magic. He had found then hanging in a tree. He said he usually didn't pick up and carry stuff found along the trail but had a gut feeling about the poles. How cool is that? The ride came and I spent the night in Hamburg sharing a room with Pooh. Cooper has only moved three times and is blissful passed out and resting. He had put in a lot of hiking the last few days. I needs a zero or short day about every three days. I need to take care and let him rest so we can finish this hike together. Oh we also passed 1200 miles of waddling. probably 1800 for Coop figuring in his squirrel diversions. Another great day on the trail. Full of adventure and sans any PPT or EXSUMS!! What more could a girl ask for? Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 18.5 Completed: 1213.7 Remaining: 971.6 Start Point: Hertline Campsite End point: Port Clinton (9 photos)
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton (motel)
Miles today: 0.0

Day 92, June 1, 2014 Accidental zero. My bad Resupplied, got Coop a new tag, hung out with Pooh, Raman Shaman and Cheese Its, ate at Five Guys and talked with loved ones. Back to hiking tomorrow. Rocksylvania or Bust!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 0.0 Completed: 1213.7 Remaining: 971.6 Start Point: Hertline Campsite End point: Port Clinton (motel)
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Port Clinton (motel)

To: Unnamed Camp Site (tenting)
Miles today: 15.3

Day 93, June 3, 2014 Started the day by stopping by Dunkin Donuts. Got two breakfast croissants and a frozed mocha. A nice lady named Mary Beth gave Cooper some water and then Pooh and I a ride back to the trail. The trail ran by a river for a short period and the we hit our obligatory uphill that usually greets us after a trail town. Coop and I stopped at the top at a place called Pulpit Rock. It was beautiful and we had a great view of the valley below. We also ate a sandwich. There was also an Astronomical Park right there. I thought that was pretty cool. The rest of the day was uneventful. There were some rocks but the last 5 Miles were clean and easy. We are camped out by a beautiful little stream. Pooh Bear is here and two young gentleman joined us, Bear Bait and Sky. Also, a dear strilled by camp not a 100 feet from us. Strolled. So I read a lot of journals over the last few years and I always got the distint feeling that there were two different hikes. Before Harper's Ferry (BHF) and After Harper's Ferry (AHF). For me I think that is absolutely true. BHF I would describe the trail as fun, exciting and social. I was thrilled to be on the AT bit nervous about the hike and my abilities. The trail towns were hopping with as many as 30+ hikers roaming around. Hitting a thousand miles, Harper's Ferry and the halfway point were all WOWWIE moments. AHF the only word I can think to describe it is stoic. I feel confident that barring any injuries or illness I can do this. Even though I love it put here I think its safe to say I, and probably others, are missing things from our life whether its family, friends, car, tv, a daily shower or clothes. I am comfortable with my gear, abilities and the trail. Trail towns are still a great break but now you only see a handful of hikers for the most part. Its more business like now. So I think it is different BHF and AHF. But no less awesome. Pennsylvania Rocks!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 15.3 Completed: 1229.0 Remaining: 956.3 Start Point: Port Clinton End point: Unnamed Camp Site (tenting) (7 photos)
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Unnamed Camp Site (tenting)

To: Dan's Spring (tenting)
Miles today: 3.1

Day 94, June 3, 2013 Today started out so good. I woke up at that beautiful camp site. Enjoyed a fired Bear Bait had made, ate some breakfast and hit the trail. About ten this morning Coop and I stopped for a break at another campsite. He heard some thing, a deer I think, I couldn't grab him in time and once again he was off. I waited, whistled and looked for him the rest of the morning. About one I saw a storm coming my way so I set up my tent. After the storm passed I went deeper into the woods to whistle and look some more incase he was hurt. No luck. I also built a fire hoping that might help. About six Raman Shaman and Cheese It came to site. Raman went NOBO up the trail looking and yelling for him. I was hopeful since he had already found hom before and sometimes Coop can hear that deeper tone better or so it seems. Still no luck. So now it is raining again. Word is on the trail to watch for him and he has his tags. So again staying hopeful. DAMN HIM!!! Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 3.1 Completed: 1232.1 Remaining: 953.2 Start Point: Unnamed Camp Site End point: Dan's Spring (tenting)
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Dan's Spring (tenting)

To: PA 309 (tenting at unnamed site back at 1232.1)
Miles today: 7.9

Day 95, June 4, 2014 Today was a bit of a blur. But I woke up and knew that I would walk North. I just felt it was the right thing to do. I left camp and walked to the Allentown hiking shelter. I waited there to talk with Raman Shaman and Cheese Its. They asked if I wanted to go back to Dan's Spring. I said no. I still felt I was doing the right thing. Coop is tagged, chipped, Cheese It posted it on FB and had left a note at the spring, we let hikers know, I called the local humane society, and we had signed all the log books. I was sure walking North was the right thing and that We had all the bases covered. I talked to Papa and he had his doubts from past Cooper experiences and thought I should go back. I was still balking. Shortly after hanging up the phone I crossed a paved road. I was suddenly full of doubt and misgivings. It was right then that Raman texted me. He said, "We stopped between the paved road and the tripoli campsite to rest and talk. We're feeling down and trying to stay positive". I came upon them less then five minutes later. They asked again about heading back. After a little debate and some tears all around I said yes. They said they would go back with me and help look. I said, "what about your hike"? The both replied with who cares about that, finding Coop is more important. This reply made me think of a story I heard once where people climbing Everest have litterally walked past dying humans in order to achieve a once in a lifetime abstract goal. I wondered, would I have done the same for Raman Shaman and Cheese Its hd lost Shelia? I don't think I would have yestersay, but I hope that for the rest of my tomorrows I show half of their compassion, empathy and selflessness. We got a shuttle back to get some resupply and then were dropped off back at the intersection by the Eckville Shelter. We set up camp where Coop and I had last camped. Then Raman Shaman and I headed up to Dan's Spring in hopes that Coop would hear us and we also left his Pooh Bear baby blanket. Unfortunately we had no such luck. Cheese It stayed back incase Cooper circled back. No luck there either. I am sorry I do not have better news. Tomorrow we will go look again by Dan's Spring. I kmow when you share a journey like this publically you must take the good with the bad. For critics out there, I know most of my words may just cause more wrath, so let me just say that I bear full responsibility for losing Cooper. To everyone who has sent positive vibs, kind words and understanding I say thank you. And a special shout out to dogdad. Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 7.9 Completed: 1240.0 Remaining: 945.3 Start Point: Dan's Spring End point: PA 309 (tenting at unnamed site back at 1232.1)
Date: 2014-06-07
From: Allentown, PA (Motel)

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 12.7

Day 98, June 7, 2014 Today the world was right again!! Three adults and TWO dogs made northern progress on the Appalachian Trail and nothing weird happened!! I started the day by going across the street where there was once again a Dunkin Donut and got Cheese It, Raman and I a beloved iced mocha! Dad then took us to the store where we got dog food and cosmic brownies. Then we were back on the AT at PA 309. ***Dad was really great in helping us get around. I recommend you give him a call if you need any shuttling around Hamburg, PA and see if he's available at 1 610-202-2686*** I am glad we made this a shorter day for two reasons. Coop is still a little tired and some of the sections were very rocky so we were a little slower. The two highlights of the day were knives edge and bear rocks. Knives edge was a huge rock formation with huge tilted slabs that you walked on. It was very cool. Bear Rocks afforded us a Pennsylvania 360 degree view! It was also a fun rock scramble to the top. Coop met some guy at the top and they were quickly fast friends!! We got into camp and Coop immediately jumped on my pack to rest. I got him fed and watered. As he ate I set up our tent. When the bed was made he went right in and laid down. He ate a lot and is doing very well. He only got on a squirrel scent once today but was securely attached to me. Had a nice evening in Camp with Cheese It and Raman Shaman. We, like Coop, are tired too and glad for the shorter day. Tomorrow should find the whole lot of us much more rested. Cowgirl and The Little Man Hiked today: 12.7 Completed: 1252.7 Remaining: 932.6 Start Point: Allentown, PA End point: George W. Outerbridge Shelter (tenting) (12 photos)