morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-25
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel in Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

In Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, 11.3 miles.Another very hot day temp in the 90's but we out of the woods by 1:00. And just as we came out to the road, a little bit of "trail magic". Trail Magic Mary had left some energy replacement drinks in a cooler. Did they ever hit the spot!We've been to the post office and done the internet thingie and catching up on the news at home when Boat comes in and says we have all been invited to Trail Magic Mary's house for supper. What can you say? In this town the local grocery store sends a shuttle down at 3 to take you up to the store and brings you back. Talk about service. A month or two ago, I asked sort of a rhetorical question not expecting an answer and now know where to go to find out how to make charcoal. Here's another question. About 3 or 4 years ago while hiking in the western end of Maine, we hiked with a hiker who I think was from Virginia or Penn. I think his trail name was Hickory. He was a roofer, did shingle or slate of flat roofs and I also think his wife was a DJ. Help. Any body know of whom I speak? He had lost his pack at the bottom of Speck Mtn. and we helped him find it.Staying in the hotel tonight with us are Buffalo Bobby, Boat, Zero, YoYo, and Dred. So Far.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-06-26
From: Doyle Hotel in Duncannon

To: past Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

About 3.3 miles past Peters Mtn Shelter, in a tent, 14.7 milesWe got out of town by 8:30 after breakfast at the Doyle Hotel. A nice climb after we crossed the Sasquehanna River to get up to a ridge which we followed all day.After checking our tentative itinerary for the next 10 days, we coud see that we had a 17 mile day to get to Delaware Water Gap and the post office but that was on July 3rd. If we missed that by 5 minutes we would be stuck in town over the July 4th celebrations. What we decided was to add a couple of miles to each day up to then and make the last one an easy one. So here we are in the middle of nowhere after leaving a beautiful shelter at 6:20 having had supper there.Back at the shelter are Buffalo Bobby, Deysman, and Boat along with 5 section hikers. Ahead of us, in the woods also is Fox.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-06-27
From: past Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Swatara Creek
Miles today: 20.3

At Swatara Creek, in a tent, 20.3 milesPretty good day, no views, lots of aircraft buzzing around. It was 80 deg when we got up, and probably didn't get much warmer. There was actually a decent breeze at times. Not many climbs as we mostly walked ridges. There is a 30% threat of rain tonight and thunderstorms predicted for tomorrow according to the weekenders that we talked to tonight, but we'll see.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Swatara Creek

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: clear sky

In 501 shelter, 11.3 milesHad an offer we couldn't refuse. Tomorrow there is trail magic at the 10 mile from here from 10 o'clock on. So we decided that rather than go farther tonight and pass by free food before they were set up, we would stay in this, enclosed with doors even, shelter. Today we now have less than 1000 miles to go.We saw our first rattlesnake today. We had been moving quite well when we passed a couple of weekenders. They told us about a rattlesnake on the "flat rocks" coming up. So for the next 4 or 5 sets of "flat rocks" we travelled very carefully always looking just ahead of our feet. Well after about half an hour, we are still moving very slowly. Then I hear the rattle. I stop and back up very slowly searching forthe source. I couldn't find it the range [6'] I was looking but Scrounger spotted him about 15' away. He was giving lots of notice and by now had settled into a crook in the rocks. He was about 3' long and 2 to 2 1/2 inches thick. When I neared him he rattled and assumed the strike position. We gave him a wide berth and continued on our way. Of course he had the last laugh as by the time we started to look for the white blazes, we found that we were off the trail by about 30 yds and had to cross some rough ground to get back on.In the shelter with us tonight are Boat and Buffalo Bobby, Dred, Zero, YoYo, and Chimpy. Oh we have just ordered pizza so it should be another positive calorie day.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-06-29
From: 501 shelter

To: Phillips Canyon Spring
Miles today: 19.7

At Phillips Canyon Spring, in a tent, 19.7 milesHow many ways can you say "trail magic"? We had been told by the caretaker to expect trail magic for the road that we would pass at about 10 miles. They [the Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club] were ready. They had chairs to sit on and a tarp to keep us out of the sun and to eat - vegetable tray with dip, a fruit selection of strawberries, melon, catelope, watermelon, grapes, cherries, cheese hot dogs and hamburgers, mustard, relish, ketchup, and onions, chips, soda, lemonade, iced tea, free fuel - both denatured alcohol and coleman, cookies, salad, egg sandwiches, fresh fruit - oranges and apples. All this for 11 thru-hikers. They do it every year. At least 2 members of their club have thru-hiked the trail and they maintain more than 60 miles of the trail as well as supply a caretaker for 2 of the shelters that are close to the road and need somone to keep an eye on them. The bugs are eating us alive. Through Port Clinton tomorrow and onward. Did pass a couple of hikers today that started in Harpers Ferry, Stephanie and Bethany.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Phillips Canyon Spring

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

In Eckville Shelter, 19.2 milesUp and on the trail at 0630. Into Port Clinton a little after 9. Went a half mile through town to the restaurant and had breakfast. Stopped at the outfitters to get fuel for Scrounger and I finally broke down and bought a 2# pack. So I sent the 6 and half pound one home. What a difference 4 and half pounds makes. This is one of those shelters on a road so it has a caretaker, and sodas and bars and ice cream bars. Tough day, but the weather stayed nice, 70's and it rained for only about 2 minutes. We got here at 6:15 and had a nice cold soda and supper is now ready.In the shelter with us tonight are JB, Raisin Man and Chimpy.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

At Bake Oven Knob Shelter, in a tent, 17.4 milesWow what a day. Pennsylvania rocks - today we met them and they were tough. Little rocks big rocks sharp rocks ugly rocks. Oh we did go over 1200 miles yesterday so that is another milestone behind us.We started out at about 6:45 and with the new light pack I almost flew up the 1000' hill and the first 4 miles just whizzed by. When we stopped for breakfast at 9:30 and I went into my pack for our food, I found that I had left my food bag hanging back at the shelter. We did a quick inventory of food and with the time we have been doing Scrounger actually had enough food till tomorrow and resupply. No wonder the pack was so light, it was missing about 5# of food. Later on we passed the caretaker from the 501 shelter and the fellow who cooked the hamburgers at the trail magic a couple of days ago. They were going back to Eckville shelter and said they would get by food bag and deliver to the hostel we will be staying in tomorrow night. So there it all worked out pretty decent.We should get into Palmerton tomorrow by 10 am and that should give us lots of time to get our laundry done and showered and check all our e-mail.Tonight with us are Chimpy in a tent and in the shelter alone so far is raisinman.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Jailhouse Hostel in Palmerton
Miles today: 7.7

In Jailhouse Hostel in Palmerton, 7.7 milesProbably the nicest day of hiking so far. Except for about 30 minutes of Penn rocks it was almost on top of a ridge witl nice walking and views to the North. Went through a nice mile or more of blueberry picking and there was a gentleman there who had left home at 4:30 to get up picking. He had almost a gallon picked when we passed him.When we came down onto the road, the first car at the light gave us a lift right to the post office. From there, we walked down to the old town police station; the town has it set up as a hostel. Hot showers, a goody bag when you register with shampoo, toothpaste and brush, breakfast bar, post card etc.Another great day, breezy and sunny, probably high 70's The Grayhounds, Gimp & Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-03
From: Jailhouse Hostel in Palmerton

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

In Leroy Smith Shelter, 15.8 milesA good day stsrted with a 1000' climb in less than a mile. but with a bit of good fortune trail magic we actually got our packs slackpacked to the 5 mile mark. Therefore we did the first 5 miles in 2 hours and 10 minutes counting the climb. After reaching the top we crossed a sort of bad lands that had zinc poisoning. Nothing was growing just a few small shrubs. Bare ground that looked like mine tailings.Donna, the wee bonny Scottish lass that took our packs, was a friend of Guana and Sonic and actually made two trips to get everybody who wanted an easy start to their day.Today was nice, sunny, bit of a breeze and about 70 deg.Tonight we are at a shelter that the register says has a bear visit on occasion, so I guess we will be bear bagging.Tonight in the shelter with us is Raisinman. Up the hill tenting, is Chimpy, and Sonic and Guana as well as Aloha and Shaka have moved on to try and get to Delaware Water Gap tomorrow.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

In Kirkridge Shelter, 13.8 milesNot very far but the rocks were something else. I think when the CCC boys were working during the depression in the other states they did a lot of very positive things. I am sure in the state of Pennsylvania, they took all the rocks and planted them on edge. That is the only explanation for what we went through today. At no time could you put your foot down on just ground only, always on part of a rock. Absolutely brutal, hard on your feet, hard on your ankles, hard on your shoes, hard on your mind as you can never take your eyes off the next step.Another great day, temp in the 80's. I just heard that it is called "the Trail of Tears" and I can well believe it.Well tonight we watched the fireworks for the 4th of July for at least 15 towns as we sat up on a hill looking down into the valley and were thoroughly entertained for more than hour. We could see at least 10 or 15 miles away so couls all the valley below us. It was well after 10 before we dragged our asses back to the shelter and bed. With us in the shelter tonight are Tadpole and Hover.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: few clouds

In Mountain Gap,in the Prespyterian Church of the Mountain Hostel, 6.4 miles. We were up and out by 6:30. Nothing like a town day and postal drop to get moving.This is a sweet little town that was once a tourist mecca at the change of the century - that's the 1899 to 1900 century, with more 30 huge hotels. We went to Stroudburg, another nice old town to sightsee and are now sitting outside enjoying the breeze. As of today, we have less than 900 miles to go and we can start to feel the end is near. We have just had a great talk with Pastor Karen about the history of the town.This is a great hostel with free shower and towel and we are in the basement of the church.In the hostel, with us tonight, are Shaka and Aloha, Tadpole and Hover, Righton and her dog, Brown Dog, and Boat. Outside tenting are Sonic and Guana, and Thor. I think Skywalker is going to use the couch.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Mountain Hostel

To: Mohican Outdoor Center 
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

In a cabin at the Mohican Outdoor Center run by the AMC, 11.5 milesOh what a day? Started with a 1200' climb out of Delaware Water Gap over about 4 miles, then we walked along a beautiful ridge where the footing was every bit as good as the Pennsylvania was bad. Oh yeah, we are now in New Jersey, our 8th state.We actually lay down on the ridge and watched the people swim in the Delaware River way below us. Then we noticed just dwonstream of them, the local outfitter was launching rafts and tubes to float down the river. Of course, above us the everpresent turkey vultures were catching the thermals and floating by us as if weightless. Then we caught sight of a plane towing a glider. So we watched first one then two gliders soaring high above us.Looking back below us we watched some of what we thought were smaller falcons dipping and darting in the distance. Then we realized that were radio controlled small gas powered planes and they could really move about.The temp today was in the low 80's and very humid but up at 1500' along the ridge line there was a really nice breeze.After getting bored and wanting to get to this place, we moved on. We arrived here just after 3 and were allocated this bunk house/cabin. There is a full kitchen and bath and shower facilities. They also have a beautiful lake where we just had to get in the water. Upon returning to our cabin, we checked out the fridge and cupboards for leftovers. Now we sit full, having had a supper of leftovers - chicken noodle soup, fresh boiled potatoes, hamburgers, fresh tomatoes and cukes, and Ramen noodles and Rotini-mostaccioli-shells along with fresh brewed tea. Oh and a Dad's oatmeal cookie for desert. What we do to help the AMC clean out their cabin. Along with us and enjoying all this food is Boat. Bag just arrived too late for supper and now Tadpole, Hover and Big Red are here trying to do supper without sharing their bodies with the local mosquito population.We just had a lovely visit from Boris and Allaina, Moscovites, who have been in America for 13 years.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Mohican Outdoor Center 

To: Culvers Gap
Miles today: 17.9

In a motel in Culvers Gap, US206,17.9 milesThe day started out when we stepped outside of the cabin and the mosquitoes were ready. Boy were they voracious. It wasn't until we made it back up to the top of the ridge and the breeze picked enough to keep them away.Today we saw a family of turkeys and lots of deer.We originally were going to stay at Brink Road Shelter, but the bugs were terrible, so we moved on to this small town with a famous bakery.It was about 85 and humid until it started to rain at about 4 and we picked up the pace, arriving just at closing so picked up a couple of pies at half price [they are closed tomorrow]. We hitched a ride down the road to this motel and are settling in for a bit of apple and blueberry pies.Today, on a side note,we have just gone over 1300 official miles.With us tonight is Boat.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Culvers Gap

To: observation tower
Miles today: 15.3

On observation tower, sleeping under the stars, 15.3 milesHot and muggy, temp 85 deg. A bit of a breeze on the ridges.First stopped at Gren Anderson Shelter. We left our packs up on the trail and went down the 0.3 miles to the shelter, only to read the Bag had done the same thing earlier in the morning and when he returned to his pack found that a bear had torn it open and was helping himself to the food goodies. Well we took off back to our packs, but thankfully he must have gorged himself on the other one. We left a message tied to the tree to save everybody else the same.Stopped at Mashipacong Shelter and when we there, the local trail angel came by. Desperado was refilling the Bear boxes where he puts cookies, candies, drink mixes, first aid supplies etc. in 4 different shelters. He had also left out by the parking lot 8 4liter jugs of water for thru-hikers. He has been doing this for more than 30 years. - And paying for all this stuff out of his own pocket. When we got to the parking lot, he gave us more cookies and a soda and a juice box and some nice smoked cheddar cheese crackers. He sometimes starts out at Springer in March and ends up in Maine in October before going back south and helping out SoBos as they near Springer.As we snacked on the trail to Rutherford Shelter, we were surprised by a young woman who had just come up from the shelter. It turned out she was a grad student at Rutgers and had just been offered a job at the University of Alaska at Ankorage and was rather a bit excited.We had supper behind the High Point State Park Admin Building and made our way up here to this platform, where on a clear day you can see the Big Apple NYC.Sharing this nice breezy platform with us tonight are Boat, Tadpole and Hover and their 2 new hike mates, Big Red and Strappy.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-09
From: observation tower

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

At Pochuck Mountain Shelter, in a tent, 13.1 milesA pretty good day. We broke camp at 7 this am and it started to rain shortly therafter. It wasn't bad just gentle and it kept the temp to the low 70's.We went into Unionville for our food drop and had a quick bite, then we did the last 5.3 miles to this shelter. We went by the Walkill Nat'l Wildlife Preserve which is a joint project of Ducks Unlimited and the New Jersey/New York State governments. As we walked by, we could only think that they were raising mosquitoes. It was buggy.At this shelter, we are being entertained by 7 young women and their 2 leaders. All of whom are tenting also. Also just before turning in, John and Neil [from Aberdeen, Scotland] have arrived and set up tents.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter

To: Bearfort Mountain
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

On Bearfort Mountain, in a tent,15.6 milesA pretty nice day and we have a great spot for our tent.It started to rain shortly after we started our so that meant wet socks and shoes. We still made 5.5 miles before 10. We stopped in to Heaven Hill Farm and had ice cream and a huge peanut butter cookie and coffee before getting some fresh fruit and continuing. We met Hobbit at the road looking for Big Red and Tadpole. We thought they had gone to Vernon and probably weren't back on the trail. We sent her off to town. When we arrived at the next trail register, it turned out they hadn't passed by so we assume they got together.We met a ranger from Wawayanda State Park who teaches Kindergarden during the school year and works a ranger during the summer. She walked with us for a bit 'till turning off to go to the park offices. We made the Wawayanda Shelter before 3 so decided to go for about 4 more miles.Because of the rain, the temp stayed in the 60's and it was pleasant to walk. The rain stopped by lunch time and the sun broke through at about 4:45.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Bearfort Mountain

To: West Mombasha Rd
Miles today: 13.2

At West Mombasha Rd, tenting in a field, 13.2 milesWell we are now in New York State. 8 states down and 6 to go. We entered it at about 7:15 this am. It rained last night so all the grass on the trail was wet. It doesn't really matter that we had dry socks and shoes because 15 minutes into the day your feet are as wet as if you walked across a stream. We didn't see any of the famous New Jersey bears but we sure did meet our fair share of the equally infamous New Jersey mosquitoes. They are worse even than the oones in Newfoundland.Very shortly after crossing into New York, we started slipping and sliding across the big rocks on the ridge. Now on a nice day you can see New York but on this day, we could see about 50 feet ahead. Each of us fell a couple of times and left some skin on the rocks. On my second fall, I fell hard on my right hip but was saved by my camera. Now the camera didn't fare too well, but I am okay.We went into the small town of Warwick to do our laundry and returned to the trail after a break of a couple of hours. Twice today trail angels have left water for us, once at the Wilcat Shelter and just now where the trail continues across the road. The guide book has said there are a couple of streams, but sometimes they are dried up and others are a little questionable. Tomorrow if we can get 15 miles in that will leave only 8 to get to Bear Mountain. The only catch is that we arrive on a Sunday. Oh well, we will catch on e-mail, do our shopping, check out the zoo, maybe get a shower at the camp ground, and lay around.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-12
From: West Mombasha Rd

To: Arden Valley Rd
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

Arden Valley Rd., in a tent, 10.4 milesWhat a day. When we crossed the NY17, we hitched down to the local diner and had a cheeseburger, fries, cole saw and a pickle. After getting back on the trail, there were messages left at the shelters about a food fest [free for thru-hikers] put on by Redeye, Niteyes and a bunch more of the thru-hiking class of '98.Now you talk about a spread. As soon as we arrived, they made a name tag for you. Then we sat down to a liter of orange juice, followed by greek salad, a rice and tender chicken dish, Bar BQ-ed chicken then steak [done the way you want it], sodas and beer, watermelon and papaya, more chicken, doritoes, Bar BQ-ed chicken in a roll with tomatoes and onion. During this little meal, we had a shower[ towel, soap and shampoo supplied by them] at the changehouse.Halfway through this, a member of the local bear population decided that maybe he would saunter down and check out all the action. Very quickly, a state trooped and a park ranger got their vehicles between him and all the picnicers and attempted to scare him away. Well the sirens and horns and the other noise making devices had very liitle effect. But after 25 minutes of entertaining all of us, he sauntered back into the woods.The party now moved up the hill to a stealth campsite, that ended up with 19 tents, 1 hammock and an untold number who just slept under the stars. The party continued, with music and ended after midnight with New York pizza brought all the way from New York. Definately the best trail magic so far. Tenting with us tonight are Thor, Boat, Tadpole, Big Red, Strappy, Kim and Sarah and a whole lot more as well as our hosts and families.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Arden Valley Rd

To: Bear Mountain
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Bear Mountain, in a tent, 12.3 milesWell we could have stayed for breakfast but thought that with all the partying the night before, it might not start until after noon, so we had a huge glass of orange juice, left our packs with Gene to slack over to the Bear Mountain Inn and left. Well best laid plans etc., It seems that neither the Inn nor the Park people will hold your pack, so Gene caught us at the half way mark to our hike and we inherited our packs back again. It has actually been 2 very nice days of hiking. The trails in this Harriman State park are exceptional. Today, we saw the New York Skyline in the distance. It really is something.Right now we are on the eastern end of the Bear Mountain Bridge. It is closed to pedestrians as there is a "jumper" and they are not letting anyone across in the pedestrian lane. We haven't found a place to tent yet but it's early.The Grayhounds - Gimp and Scrounger