morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-06-21
From: Turners Gap US40A

To: Ensign Cowall shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Day #99 Today is the Summer Solstice and the unofficial National Naked Hike Day. Checking with the post office was no surprise - nothing new to report, still no bounce box. Before leaving Harper's Ferry I want to say a few words about a hiker store called The Outfitters at Harper's Ferry. A small two story shop - the bottom floor is actually mountain rock. It is very hiker friendly and has all the necessary gear for a thru-hiker. What is particularly nice is the positive attitude you receive from the folks in the store to help you on your way to the halfway point and beyond. High fives to the owner Laura and her husband Ron for providing a welcoming thru-hiker atmosphere. Our ride (Luna¢s and mine) could not leave until mid morning so today was going to be a late start. Finally, at Turners Gap we started north on the trail after visiting the Dahlgren Chapel.An hour into the hike I arrived at Washington Monument State Park. This park contains the first monument dedicated to George Washington. While at the monument I run into Salt-Lick, another thru-hiker, on his way to meet his future wife in Pennsylvania. Completing the monument tour, the three of us, Luna, Salt-Lick and me head north. We find lunch at a hiker-biker pub called Dogpatch Saloon to avoid the midday heat. In walks Cuppa Joe While we are eating. It is so good to know he is close by. As far as I know, Cuppa Joe and I are the last of the Florida Ruck thru-hikers still on the trail. We left Cuppa Joe to his meal and I left Salt-Lick and Luna at Pine Knob Shelter for an afternoon nap. I wanted to continue hiking and get to a non-populated area to celebrate Naked Hike Day. Found my spot on a rocky cliff with an eastern vista north of Pogo Campsite. From the cliff I hiked north with just my pack and shoes on for several miles. The clothes came back on as I neared a highway and the shelter for the night. As much as I liked the feeling of walking in my birthday suit I was careful not to encounter others. It was my expression and one that may offend others with different views. Alone, I wished Lady Kritter was there to share my joy of feeling Mother Nature embracing me. Note from Lady Kritter: Naked Hiking Day .... Hmmmmm. We would have never made the miles today had I been there!
Date: 2004-06-22
From: Ensign Cowall shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Day #100 Everyday, it seems something special happens or a special event occurs. The morning hike was a pleasant through the woods. By lunch time Luna, Salt-Lick, Eel and I arrived at Pen-Mar Park with a vista overlooking the Maryland and Pennsylvania farmlands to the west. We decided to have lunch here. Luna went to use the public pay phone and noticed a flyer for pizza delivery. We gave ourselves trail magic and ordered pizza and sodas. I was surprised how good the pizza tasted. (After awhile anything tastes better than trail food) Just as we were finishing Cuppa Joe walks in. The events today were: 1) crossing north of the Mason/Dixon line and 2) Entering the seventh state - Pennsylvania. The trail did not change, still walking over boulders, rocks and roots. Towards the end of the day the trail's profile leveled out making hiking a pleasant walk with good time. Tumbling Run Shelters consist of two shelters. One is labeled "snoring" the other "non-snoring". The shelters are located next to a creek and a very good spring. The tenting area is large and very nice. I decided to tent tonight to escape the pesky bites of the no-see-ums. I have also noticed an increase in mosquitoes. Speaking of bugs, being too far south at the right time, I have missed the majority of the cicadas ear shattering noise. These red bug-eyed creatures are dying by the thousands and the carcasses can be seen everywhere on the trail, roads and on the floor beds of the forest. I am still pondering their purpose in the cycle of life.
Date: 2004-06-24
From: Milesburn Cabin

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park - Ironmaster's Mansi
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

Day #102"If one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours." ~ Henry David Thoreau Today was the second most important day of my thru-hike since leaving Springer Mountain, Georgia. I would be reaching mile mark 1087, the halfway point to this year's Appalachian Trail. And, with reaching the halfway mark comes the ritual of attempting the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge.I woke up early with excitement and was on the trail by 6:30. For once the trail was relatively flat, very few rocks and a pleasure to walk in the morning coolness. By 11:30 I was at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the location of a historical iron blast furnace. The camp store in the state park is the location for the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge. Today's challengers were Luna, Old Man, Lint, Salt-Lick, Strange Love and I. The others, Cuppa Joe, Now or Never, Southern Man and a sobo took pictures and made their bets. The challenge was successfully completed by all. I wanted to finish under an hour. My time - 57 minutes. The record - unbelievably an official 7 minutes 57 seconds, unbroken from last year. I don't think I had a pint done in that time. For several hours I did not move or think about hiking in the hot sun. Just the thought was curdling my Cherry Jubilee ice cream. Recovery came slowly and instead of moving on I washed and dried my tent, waterproofed my boots, and stayed close to the men's bathroom. The Ironmaster Mansion on the grounds of the state park was now converted into a hostel. We all stayed at the hostel for an early day except Luna; she was kidnapped by ridgerunners, Budda and Cue Tip, whom she hiked with last year. It was a total surprise for her. There was a sign on the porch of the hostel indicating the mileage to Georgia or Maine as 1087. Each of us stared in wonderment at the sign and remembered fellow hikers, friends who, for whatever reason, were no longer on trail. Not one of us made a negative comment about the off-trail hikers who shared a common bond with us. I hope their experience was positive and perhaps one day return to complete their dream.
Date: 2004-06-25
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park - Ironmaster's Mansi

To: US 11, Harrisburg Pike
Miles today: 27.4

Day #103Knowing I had crossed the half way point, I was in hiking mode. I like getting up early to finish the majority of my miles by 2:00. Today was no exception. I was out the hostel door and on the trail by 6:00. The miles on the trail continued to be relatively flat. all the makings for long distance day. The trail descends out of the mountains and onto the valley floor of farmlands. The trail weaves through corn fields and by 3:30 I arrived in Boiling Springs, Pa. I walked along a clear water lake that divides the town and stop where other hikers have gathered at the Appalachian Trail Conference-Atlantic Regional Office. The town was quaint and reminded me of an English village in the Cotswolds. Unfortunately, several of us had met not-so-hiker friendly town folks which ruined my mood for the day. Discussing this with the group of hikers on the porch of the ATC, we realized this was the first town we encountered north of the Mason Dixon Line. How we wished again for that southern hospitality. I didn¢t want to stay in a place I wasn¢t wanted. Even though the weather threatened rain, there was plenty of daylight to continue on. Lint said ¢Lets go for it and make an adventure out of it!¢ That was all I needed to hear. My boots and pack were back on and I was heading north. Soon I was followed by Lint and Cuppa Joe. All the other hikers stayed at the campground in Boiling Springs. The blackberries and mulberries along the trail were ripe for the plucking and plucking I did! We arrived at Rt. 11, a major truck route. Wherever there¢s a major truck route there¢s good food - a hiker's constant thought. Sure enough we found a very good diner with excellent food. Ready to continue our mini adventure we were about to leave when I noticed that the people just seated next to us were wet. Looking out the window I could see heavy rain. "More coffee, please," I said to the waitress. This could be a long night. The rain continued. One of the benefits of being human is realizing that choices can be made individually or collectively as a group. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out which choice was better. A soggy wet night hiking and setting up the tent in the rain or a Super 8 Motel. Hmmmm¢¦ What do you think?
Date: 2004-06-26
From: US 11, Harrisburg Pike

To: Duncannon, Pa at the infamous Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day #104The Doyle Hotel was waiting so I left at 6:00 and headed north. The trail continued to be flat and I took advantage of its route. The trail weaved through rolling farmlands giving a different perspective to the landscape. I should have known, by the time I reached the mountain on the other side of the valley, that last night¢s rain combined with the morning¢s sun equaled a drenching humidity. The climbs were not difficult - more farmland and smaller ridges to cross. At one point Lint and I came across a trail angel's cooler box of candy. (Thank you, CandyMom 2002, for the goodies!) Making good time, I felt I would be in Duncannon by noon. Cove Mountain would have it differently. So far this mountain had the most rocks to cross. The rocks were of all different sizes so it was never flat, no matter where your foot landed. The foot would either go to the outside or inside and stress the ankle muscles. For me, time was standing still. I was not moving at the speed I wanted. I was never going to get off Cove Mountain - this was my ¢daymare¢ come true. Finally, hot, tired and with sore feet, I entered Duncannon, to the Doyle Hotel and had a cold beer. I noticed other hikers while finally recovering my senses: Badger, Pappa Bear, Cuppa Joe, Lint, Flip Flop. We all shared similar feelings. I¢m getting so used to rocks that I pick one up when I go to bed so I don't feel lonely. If someone was to ask me "What is your biggest surprise so far on the AT?¢ My reply, ¢ROCKS!¢ I belong to a boating club called "On The Rocks". I am now a member of a trail club called "On the Rocks." I have never seen so many different, slippery, tripping your stride, out to get you - ROCKS! When I complete this trail, the only rock I want to see again is the rock on Lady Kritter's finger. Speaking of fingers here¢s one to you ROCKS! My God - I'm sounding like Rodney Dangerfield.   Ok, I¢d better behave. This was not the worst section for rocks in Pennsylvania, I¢ve been told. The best is yet to come.Walking into Duncannon and the Doyle Hotel, I feel as though I am seeing a dying part of Americana - a once thriving, energetic community and structure that is now pushed aside by fast moving highways. The lobby is the bar area, the front desk is a bar stool and the bar. The food is surprisingly delicious. The cheeseburger and fries is, in my opinion, one of the best on the trail. Saturday night at the Doyle was a unique experience. It was a social event for townees and hikers with a common bond of having a good time and beer. Somewhere between 12:30 and 1:00 I found my whole world to be a small room with a dresser and a clean bed called #12. As I fall off to sleep I can't help but think what this area must have been like in the 50's. As Humphrey Bogart said "good night, shweetheart."
Date: 2004-06-27
From: Duncannon, Pa at the infamous Doyle Hotel

To: Zero Day in Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Day #105 I¢m learning to listen to my body. Mentally, I am in a hiking mode and wanted to leave town. My ankles and feet had a different idea and were screaming, "Give us a break." My feet are my main transportation to Maine, so when feet talk, KrispyKritter is learning to pay attention. I was up at the usual early time and went outside in the crisp breeze to the corner newsstand. A cup of coffee and the Sunday paper in hand, I went to the Doyle Hotel's second floor balcony to read the paper. The front balcony is a great vantage point to look down the street and every now and then I put down the paper to watch the community wake up. Slowly, the ¢don't talk to me until I have my coffee¢ occupants of the hotel woke up, and in their morning stumble came outside to greet the new day. I met several folks last night during the Saturday Night at the Doyle event.   Trail Angel Mary who lives in town will shuttle and help hikers any way she can. Mary says it is her way of paying back to the hikers. It seems when Mary was out of a job and almost homeless several thru-hikers came to her rescue. That act of kindness has never been forgotten. The past four years Mary has become a friend of the thru-hikers and is a blessing in Duncannon. I met two other colorful characters from the trail, Bag-O-Trix and Jester, both past thru-hikers. Bag-O-Trix is a fun lovin' individual who loves to leave trail magic along the trails in PA. He is very knowledgeable of the trail conditions for PA, NJ and NY and willingly gives this information. Jester is a jovial character who likes to make people laugh. For example, he walks into the Doyle with a stuffed monkey on his back saying, "I need to get this monkey off my back." Like Bag-O-Trix, Jester is a wealth of trail information and loves to leave a red blaze on the trail that leads to trail magic.I spent the afternoon walking around Duncannon and leisurely organized my pack for tomorrow's hike. The rest of the day was spent on the balcony watching thru-hikers like Pipesmoke, Gator Woman, Meanderthal, Hermies, Willy Wonka and Name-less hobbling in. Luna arrived and told me her story about her stay with the ridgerunners. I enjoy the gathering of hikers. Stories are told about the trail, experiences, and each other. Names are bounced off one another to locate the current status of hikers. Many are sadden to hear the names of those who went off trail. I was particularly saddened to hear Fire Marshal is off trail. The ranks are dwindling, and the bond grows stronger between the survivors.
Date: 2004-06-28
From: Zero Day in Duncannon, PA

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

Just before leaving Duncannon I went to the post office to mail my new bounce box ahead and to mail a package to Lady Kritter. The clerk took the packages and asked if there was anything else I needed. On a hunch I said, "Yes, there is." I pulled out the receipt for the lost bounce box and asked if they could check the status. The postmaster comes out and says my box is in Harper's Ferry. I was stunned. I go back to the Doyle and call the Harper's Ferry post office. sure enough, after 3 1/2 weeks my two-day priority, insured bounce box has been found! The box is being forwarded to Delaware Water Gap.Half the morning had passed before I started following the white blazes. The trail leads through town, crosses two rivers and heads back up into the mountains. The first two hours of walking I was bombarded by loud road noise. I couldn't wait to cross up and over that first ridge and back into the solitude of the forest. At first I thought the ridge was going to be a repeat of the nightmare of rocks that I crossed over coming into Duncannon. My nightmare was soon over after Clarks Ferry Shelter. The rocks became minimal and the trail relatively level. The rain that threatened on several occasions ended each time with a sprinkle. The temperature was in the high 70's with low humidity. Trail magic came my way compliments of Spam at PA 225. A cooler was located on the side of the trail with cold sodas and candy bars. I arrived at a beautiful two level shelter with the picnic table under roof called Peters Mountain Shelter by 3:50 in the afternoon. Spending the night with me is Lint, Pipesmoke, Meanderthal, Gator Woman, Flip Flop, Rocket, and section hiker Mule Skinner.
Date: 2004-06-29
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day #107Last night I was glad to be in the shelter. Just after midnight the night sky illuminated with flashes of lightning soon followed by heavy rain. It was a great show. The rain stopped after an hour and a half and then the temperature dropped. By morning the temperature was near 50 degrees. I was on the trail at 6:30. Crossing PA 325 and Clarks Creek Lint, Flip Flop and I found trail magic left by Jester, a cooler of beer. Today was the perfect hiking day and one of the best I've had. Easy terrain, great sunny weather with temperatures in the mid 70's. Four miles from the shelter military jets are circling overhead. Suddenly, a jet engine increases in pitch, the noise increases and by the sound I surmise the jet is in a strafing maneuver. The green canopy of the trees blocks my view of the craft so I can't tell if he is a good guy or a bad guy. (World news is seldom heard on the AT) Guns open up with burst at the end of the run. The jet flies up into an overhead position while the second plane makes the same maneuver. This continues for 45 minutes until the jets regroup in formation then fly towards the north. I looked at my map to discover the AT borders a military reservation. I walk through some type of coal mining area that the forest is trying to reclaim. The area is rugged and gives the appearance of Rocky Mountain terrain. The shelter is located in this area making an interesting locale. Tonight's guests are Lint, Flip Flop, Pipesmoke, Gator Woman and yours truly.
Date: 2004-06-30
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

Day #108 "Be willing to have it so; acceptance of what has happened is the first step to overcoming the consequences of any misfortune." ~ William James Today was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I received news today that one trail friend's father has past away and another trail friend left the trail. I was saddened to learned Fire Marshal's father unexpectedly passed away and he went off trail. My thoughts and prayers go out to Fire Marshal and his family. Cuppa Joe injured his ankle a couple of days ago. The injury did not improve so Cuppa Joe went to the doctor. The diagnosis - torn ligaments. Cuppa Joe was told to stay off his ankle for several weeks. His only option was to go off trail. I enjoyed their company as well as their support when I was down. Fire Marshal and Cuppa Joe are in a group of friends that will always be remembered as part of my trail experience. I wish them well in their recovery. I had a good day of hiking. The trail was relatively free of rocks, the land fairly level and the weather ideal. During my morning hike, I was walking down a hill when I was startled by a huge deer loping down the hillside, bouncing and bounding through the high grass. At one point the deer stopped, turned and looked right at me. We gazed at one another and I felt I shared a kindred spirit with this animal, both of us being from the woods. I guess the deer felt this energy also, for it turned away as if assured I was no longer a predatory threat and continued to graze. Later in the morning I observed another deer running through the forest. It is amazing to watch the grace and speed these animals can attain while running through thick vegetation and rough terrain. By the afternoon I broke the 1000 mile barrier (miles left in my journey, 995.1 to be exact). Lint and I celebrated the occasion by hitchhiking into Pine Grove and eating at an ayce family restaurant. Our stomachs full to capacity, we waddled onto the sidewalk and up to the Major Purpose Hotel and Bar for a few beers before heading to the 501 shelter. Lint and I entered the shelter around dusk. I was the first one through the door and in my Ricky Ricardo voice said, "Lucy, I'm home." Happy to see us back from our adventure, Gator Woman, Meanderthal, Flip Flop, Pipesmoke and 65 and Alive, were enjoying the comforts of the enclosed shelter. Everyone climbed into their sleeping bags to rest and recuperate for the next adventure as the sun set behind the forest trees.
Date: 2004-07-01
From: 501 Shelter

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

Day #109 Today's hike was pretty much the same as the last two days ¢ GREAT! Came across several fields of boulders during the morning hike. Walking through a boulder field takes a special kind of stride. The first thing you notice is the steady rhythm of your pace is now broken as you stretch, bound, leap and step from one boulder to another. Your eyes are constantly scanning for the white blaze, boulders to walk on, where the next step is going to land and rattlesnakes hidden in the rocks. Going slow, using your walking sticks, a little cursing and a lot of praying are your constant companions over the field. By the end of the day your ankles are swollen and your feet sore. Placing them in a cold spring or flowing stream will quickly put out the fire burning in your feet.The sounds of the forest have intrigued me since my first days on the trail. First, you filter out the sounds of mankind; the jets and airplanes from above and the mechanical noises from the railroads, roadways and valleys below. When all is quiet and you are walking, the first sound you notice is your footsteps, crunching over dried vegetation or clicking over rocks and boulders. At the same time you hear your breathing, faster and heavier going up, slower going down. Depending on the velocity of the wind, trees will bind against one another creating assorted human-like, eerie sounds or like the creaking sounds heard in a wooden sailing ship on the high seas. In the stillness of the forest you may hear a loud rustle of leaves and your first thought is of a large predatory animal looming over you. Turning in a defensive stance, that predatory animal is a little chipmunk running along the leaf covered forest floor. There are sounds that you hear on occasion - a stream's running water cascading over rocks, chirping insects, flying insects and the silent whisper of a butterfly¢s flight. And then, the song birds¢¦ An almost constant singing of so many different songs! I wish I knew the names of the birds by their song. I love these walks in the mountains, through the forest. Today, I am alive and a part of this ecosystem of life in the wilderness. Tomorrow, when I am home and the journey is done my status will change to visitor - but a visitor with memories. From deep in the Pennsylvania forests, Goodnight All.