morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Turners Gap US 40A

To: Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

Spirit and her daughter drove FT and me back to the trail for the last time. By the time FT and I ate and stopped at the post office it was 10:15 am. We started with full heavy packs for the first time in a week. All I have to say is that it was a strenous day. The 13 mile day it almost felt like it was the first day and I was out of shape. The only interesting thing fo the day was the washington monument. We took a small break and some pics and headed on. I am happy to be back fully on the trail. I want to thank Spirit and her family for taking FT and I in for so long and feeding us and letting us have full use of their house includeding the hot tub. Its too bad Spirit didnt get to hike any with us and I hope she is feeling better. Early night tonight I will be asleep by 9pm.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Cowall Shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I got a late start out of the shelter 9:30 am. I felt good about being back in the woods so hiking was easy today. I played leap frog with FT and Billy Tree. FT and I got to Penmar park around 1:30 pm. We decided to order a pizza and take a long break. The pizza which was from rocky's was a little under cooked but we were starving so we at it anyway. FT and I left the park at 4 pm to head over to the Mason Dixon line and the Pennsylvania border to take some pics. FT and I got turned around and a little lost. We headed down a wrong trail but somebody painted some blazes on trees to confuse hikers so we did about an extra mile today. At the shelter tonight there is Willy Nilly, Xenon, FT and me. Going to bed early to get up early to make it to Fayetteville for FT's mail drop and a good breakfast.
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: light rain

I did not get moving until 7:30 am. FT left at 6:30 am so he could make the fayetteville post office. I ate my breakfast about a mile from the shelter on the first view in PA, Chimney Rocks. I was to the road that goes to fayetteville by 11 am and saw no signs of FT so I went to the caledonia state park and ate some hot dogs from the concession stand. As I headed to the quarry gap shelter I did not feel so good, something was not right about the hot dogs I ate. So I sat on a rock for a bit then it started to rain so I did the last mile to the shelter rather quickly. When I got to the shelter cordump was there and five minutes after I arrived Snail and Buckwheat showed up. Snail gave me a cola that he got from some trail magic. That seemed to settle my stomach. FT showed up about an hour after and with it raining we decided just to stay put for the day. There are a lot of section hikers this holiday weekend.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Midpoint Marker
Miles today: 18.4

90 Days and halfway, what a good day. I was up and hiking by 6:45 am. The day was very sunny with just a tad bit of rain around noon. I hiked alone all morning talking with a lot of weekend hikers going the opposite way. By noon I had hiked 13 miles to Toms Run Shelter. I decided to wait for FT so I ate lunch and read my book for two hours until he got there. We headed for Pinegrove state park hungry for some ice cream. The camp store in the park has a half gallon of ice cream challenge for making it halfway. Snail and Buckwheat informed us they had taken on the challenge and both completed it. So it was on FT and I went in and chose our flavor. He chose Banana split and I chose Vanilla. He sat down and started as I looked for my spoon then I started a few minutes later. As we are trying to eat all this ice cream, Cordump shows up and goes and starts with Cherry Jubale. I finish in 35 minutes, Cordump finishes in 20 minutes and FT finishes in 40 minutes. I felt very bloated. I bought some food to get me thru the next day. Then FT and I headed to fuller beach to let the ice cream tak its course. The beach didnt last long with all the screaming kids. We hit a concession stand so he can eat some nachos. We headed up to the midpoint marker took some pictures and found some camp spots. PA being the state I was born in, I am happy to be here. So far the hiking in PA has been great. Everyone keeps saying how bad the rocks are once I get to Duncannon. Being halway done with the trail feels great but is sadening knowing it will be over in another 90 days. FT and I have decided to try to hike the rest of the trail together and keep the days under 20 miles and take 90 more days.
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Midpoint Marker

To: US 11 Harrisburg Pike
Miles today: 26.4

Woke up and broke down camp by 8:30 am. The ice cream was totally digested and hiking was going good. FT and I stopped by a store called green mountain general store for lunch. I got a bbq sub it was so good. I bought a few candy bars and I was on my way. I was hiking pretty slow on a full stomach then FT and I came upon a pretty angry black snake. FT touched its tail to try to get it to move out of the trail. The snake went in attack pose so we had to wait for the thing to get tired of looking at us and move on his way. Once FT and I got to Boiling Springs and found everything to be closed we decided to try and make it to US 11 to get a room so we could shower and do some laundry. Its only been five days since I have had either and I stunk pretty bad. We made the last eight miles in two hours and orty five minutes so i was clean and had a full stomach by 10 pm. Its 11 pm now and I am hitting the sack because the feet hurt pretty bad.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: US 11

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Did a small day today since I did a big day yesterday. FT and I didnt leave the motel until noon. We watched a movie most of the morning after breakfast. I know its not even summer yet but it was very hot walking thru farm land today. I have gotten out of mtn climbing shape also. These small hills in PA are kicking my butt. The shelter is full tonight. Three thru hikers, FT Buckwheat and myself and also five section hikers. I am having a lot of fun hiking still. Every now and then I just smile as I am hiking and think to myself this is great. Going to Duncannon tomorrow for a quick resupply then moving on.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I got a later start then I wanted to. FT and I didnt get to the town of Duncannon until 10 am. The plan was to do a quick in and out from the daily mileage. You can tell that didnt happen. Walking thru town we met Peace frog a trail angel. he gave me a lift to the supermarket so I could resupply. After I was done with that I met back up with FT to go eat at the Doyle. It was a great lunch I had pork bbq and cheese fries with a beer. FT and I went back to Peace frog and trail angel's house after lunch and waited for the heat of the day to pass a little. When we left we stopped in the pub to say goodbye to trail angel mary and buckwheat was playing pool and it went downhill from there. We had a great time, five hours, playing pool and talking to the locals. Trail angel mary and peace frog offered us to stay at their house for the night so we did.
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Duncannon

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

FT and I left Duncannon real early and ate breakfast at the truck stop on the way out of town. The climb out of town was a little rough being a little hung over. Once we got on top of the ridge it was smooth sailing to the 2nd shelter out of town. It was a very beautiful day so we decided to quit early and relax. I finished the book I have been reading so its time for a new one. FT buckwheat indian and myself at the shelter tonight.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: mist

What a crappy day. It rained the entire day. So I walked 17.5 miles in the rain without taking a break because I would get too cold if I stopped. But you take the good with the bad out here. Tonight at the shelter its buckwheat FT and myself. Its still raining and supposed to continue tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

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

When buckwheat FT and myself were all sleeping at 9:30 am two local boys came into the shelter waking us up. They first wanted to start a fire under the shelter's roof so they could cook but that was vetoed. So they started their fire in the fire pit with gasoline. Cooked out there staked and lit off fireworks all in the rain. Needless to say I didnt get to sleep until late. This morning was not looking good from the start. It was raining when I woke up. I packed up and left within ten minutes the rain stopped. Today was just a very long day. Everything seemed very wet and I smelled like a wet dog. For me it was just a day to put music on and hike the miles. The evening turned out much better, FT buckwheat and i made it into the town of pinegrove PA to eat dinner. I ate a cheeseburger, 12 inch steak sub and a piece of pizza. I was stuffed. FT and I went into the store at the gas station for gatorade and buckwheat worked on getting us a ride back to the trail. All went welland I am at the 501 shelter which is very nice. I hand washed some clothes, took a mini shower with a bandana and a hose. I am semi clean and stuffed. Going to sleep early to try to make 24 miles to Port Clinton tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton House
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: clear sky

Up and on the trail by 8 am but you could tell it was going to be hot. I knew it would be a long day with 24 miles to cover so I listened to my radio all day. There were a lot of section hikers out today. One lady gave me water because she said I looked thirsty. I hiked alone all day and met up with FT in the Port Clinton hotel. I used their phone and my uncle ws there to pick us up within about a half hour. showers, home cooked food and a nice bed for the next two days should be great.
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Reading/Port Clinton

To: Reading/Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The luxuries of a zero day: laundry, shopping and eating. My aunt Joan was more than nice to FT and myself. She did our laundry and made us food and always had snacks out for us to munch on. My uncle Ronnie took us shopping at several different places and FT ended up with a new backpack. My uncle followed us around all day with a camera. Also, he was our own private papparazzi. Later that night my cousin Mike came over to see me. He is a 4th grade teacher. By the time he left he had us talked into going to his school and talking to 100 4th graders. Let's just thank FT for that. Tonight we watched the Pistons beat the Heat in basketball.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: Reading/Port Clinton

To: Reading/Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

We arrived at Cornwall Terrace Elementary school at 9 am and we were greeted by the principal and he said he was looking forward to our presentation. Our jaws both dropped. We got signed in and made our way into the cafeteria as the 4th graders began to come in FT looked at me and said maybe this wasnt a good idea. All went well. We talked about hiking the trail and the type of gear we carry. We then answerred questions. The entire thing lasted about 45 minutes. Fun was has by all. FT and I decided since we worked today we needed another zero day so the rest of the day was spent relaxing and eating. I have to thank my uncl eRonnie and aunt Joan for everything they did. The home cooked meals were the best.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: Port Clinton

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

My uncle Ronnie dropped us off at the trail at 10:15 am and we were on our way uphill in the heat. Today was a very long day in 90 degree weather after spending the last two days with central air. At about two o'clock I took a three hour break. I wasnt feeling that great. I think I have a cold now. I arrived at the Eckville Shelter after dark but low and behold there is a refrigerator with drinks and ice cream sandwiches for donations. FT and I are the only people here tonight.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: 309

To: Palmerton
Miles today: 13.6

I felt somewhat better today. I had no energy to go up hills today from not eating yesterday but I made it to town. It was another hot day. I did laundry and some food shopping and also got a good dinner at the stake house. Staying at the free hostel in Palmerton with FT and two section hikers Becky and her mom. The hostel is pretty neat. When you check in you are given a ziplock bag with some goodies in it, a toothbrush, toothpaste, toilet paper, a postcard with a stamp, band aid and a 15 minute calling card all put together by girl scouts. So far the PA rocks haven't been doing me in, its the heat. It is supposed to rain the next two days so hopefully it will cool off.
Date: 2005-06-11
From: Palmerton

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

Got out of town and to the trail by 9 am. It was 79 degrees when we started up the Lehigh gap rocks. When we got to the top it felt like 90. I was sweating so bad I thought for sure I didnt bring enough water for 16 miles. There isnt a lot of water in the 2nd half of PA. Some springs are dry but we were in luck today. Some nice trail angel left a water cache at little gap. FT and I got the last bottle. I felt conjested most of the day and very stuffed up so I walked slow most of the day. FT and I decided to stay at the shelter since there wasnt going to be water for another 13 miles. I havent seen this many people at a shelter in about 700 miles. The shelter is full and there are 9 people tenting. Delaware water gap tomorrow.
Date: 2005-06-12
From: Leroy SMith Shelter

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

Last night it was so hot I slept just using my silk liner. FT and I were the last people to leave at 8:15. We were planning on going to delaware water gap tonight but we crossed a road with a town within one mile of the trail. How could we pass that up? So we decided to go eat at Mcdonald's and sit in the a/c for a bit. After two hours of eating, reading the paper and talking to people about the AT we got a ride back to the trail. The entire day was spent walking on rocks. We got to the shelter with plenty of time to still make it to town but decided to stay so we wouldnt spend more money on food. Just four of us here tonight: FT, water, wave and myself. The PA section fo the trail gets a bad rep because of rocks. I found that its only about 30 miles of bad rock walking. I was only annoyed by them one day - yesterday - and thats because I was so stuffed and conjested and it was so darn hot.
Date: 2005-06-13
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I listened to my radio and got to hear the detroit pistons lose bad in game two of the finals. It was a very sticky and muggy night. I tossed and turned all night. FT and I left the shelter at 6:30 so we could get into town early. Delaware water Gap is a very small town so we decided to go to Strousburg. We met up with water and wave and we all jumped on the bus to get to Strousburgh. $1.25 and 45 minutes later we were there. Strousburg is a very neat town. We decided to get a room at the best western and relax sinice FT and I are both sick now. The days activities included eating, resupplying, the mall, swimming, watching movies and more eating.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

We watched the news and we decided to leave town late today since it was supposed to be 96 degrees. I slept in late and watched a movie. We checked out at 11 am and shared a cab back to the gap with water and wave. FT and I sat around the church hostel and played a few games and used the internet. We talked with becky, her mom and coredump for a few and found out loki was in town. I havent seen him in 700 miles. We left about 3pm and headed back to the woods. The climb out fo the gap went better than I thought probably because it was a little cooler in the afternoon. We stopped by sunfish pond which is a glacial pond and ate a snack and talked to the ridge runner. He said we werent aloud to go swimming. The rocks in this section of NJ are just as bad as any section in PA (excluding bolders). We are camped at the mohican outdoor center tonight. They have a camp store here and FT and I bought a six pack of soda so I have too much caffeine in me tonight. Also camped here tonight is frenchie elheffe and flip. I feel better and this cold should be gone tomorrow but this week has been so long for me. All I could think is I still have 900 miles to go. Thats about 2 months of walking to do yet. FT and I have been feeling burnt out and we tease each other a lot that one of us is going to go home. But we will stay the course and continue on because there are views to see and people to meet. We are going to buy a cheap chess set at the next dollar store. 20 miles to go tomorrow so going to bed.
Date: 2005-06-15
From: Mohican Outdoor Ctr

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: broken clouds

Just another day of hiking. Lots of rocks, small hills and ticks. I pulled my 1st tick off my leg today. Ft pulled five off of him today. We ate dinner at the sunset grill at culvares gap today. Bad servive and overpriced. Waht is it with the north so far this is the 3rd restaurant that doesnt give free refills on soda. Staying a tthe shelter tonight. I am the only one in the shelter. elheffe, frenchie, flip and FT are tenting.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Secret Shelter
Miles today: 18.3

I was the first one rolling out of the shelter and it was an easy climb up sunrise mtn but there were no views with all the fog and cloud cover. I took a quick break at mashipacong shelter within a few minutes of leaving the shelter it started to rain. As soon as I crossed deckerton road I hit a water cache and some trail magic sodas. The rain only lasted about 30 minutes but it was enough to get you soaked to the bone. I took a lunch break at high point state park, FT was still eating when I left and we planned on meeting at the secret shelter. The thunder storms rolled in fast and i put into high gear. I made 6 miles in 2 hours and I was searching for the path to the secret shelter as the thunder and lighting were close. At last I found the path and was surprised to find a hot water shower on the outside. Wouldnt you know it as I started to take a shower full clothed it stopped raining. I put on some dry clothes and washed my hiking clothes in the sink. I ate an early dinner and read some of my book. I have the secret shelter to myself tonight. No one else showed up and it has been raining on and off all evening. This is the 2nd night in 108 days I have been alone. The tylenol pm is kicking in so off to dream land.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Secret Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept in until 8 am. The sun was out and most of my clothes had dried. I left the secret shelter by 9 am. I am not sure but I think towns will be the death of me. I cant pass one up. I went into unionville NY for a mountain dew and a deli sub for breakast. 30 minutes later I was back on the trail. the morning walk was flat with some road walking mixed in. I stopped a pochuck mtn shelter to see if FT was by and he wasnt so that meant the was behind me. I continued on and made it to NJ 94 and wouldnt you know it another store this time a farmer's market. I bought an apple, plum, ice tea, coke and an apple turnover. After I ate i was packing up and what do you know FT comes walking up. he ended up staying at the shelter before the secret shelter because it looked like rain. I bought a cherry pie that we split and I talked him into doing 5 more miles to a shelter rather than going to a hostel in vernon NJ. At the shelter tonight there is FT, myself and the ridge runner Alex (Atrain from 2003).
Date: 2005-06-18
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Buchanan Mtn
Miles today: 18.0

This morning just sucked FT snored I couldnt get moving at all it took us 6 hours to go 8 miles but we did finish NJ. Since we were having a bad day we decided to go to town for food. We hitched into Greenood lake NY and hit up a subway for a foot long and a CVS for garorade and candy. With real food in my stomach I felt much better.We got a ride back to the trail and the next 10 miles went smoothly. We are camped out just north of buchanon mtn some great trail angels left a lot fo water at the road before the mtn so we each took a liter so we could cook dinner. NY has greeted us with a lot of ups and downs, rocks and bad water sources. On the good side of things it has cooled down so we havent had 90 plus degree days.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Buchanan Mtn

To: Fort Montgomery NY
Miles today: 22.1

Long day lots of rocks and ups and downs. Bear mountain state park was nice the shelter are made of stone. I am back in the mtns for sure. I was very exhaused at the end of the 22 mile day and my feet hurt. We talked thru the wildlife exhibit in the park and the bear exhibit was closed so FT still hasnt seen a bear. I am dead beat tired. we split a room in fort montgomery at the bear mtn bridge motel and the holiday inn express let us do our laundry there. I woudlnt suggest staying here. There isnt much here we had to resupply at a gas station/deli shop. I am going to try to watch the pisons game. Ihope I make it to the end. I also met my first april starter today, his name is batman GRR Ft and I feel slow be we are enjoying it.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Fort Montgomery

To: Sunk Mine Road
Miles today: 16.6

The word for today is BUGS. They were all over me today. No see ums in my eyes all day. I felt good today, better than yesterday but I am not impressed with the NY trail. It is nto well marked and you find yourself off the trail if you dont pay close attn and there are places where the trail is really overgrown. Not much happened today. I hiked by myself all day and I met 3 section hikers going south. FT stayed in town later than i did this morning but he showed up where I was camped at 8pm. I did take a 2 hour break today to read so I can get this book finished in the next 50 miles because I have another book waiting in my bounce box that I will get in kent CT.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Sunk Mine Rd

To: Nuclear Lake
Miles today: 22.0

Wow did I sleep in late. I didnt get out of my tent until 9 am. I got rolling on the trail by 9:30 am. The morning was mostly small ups and downs. FT and I complained all morning about how we are tired of walking. The afternoon went by much smoother. The trail was better maintained and we seem to get into a good hiking groove. It helped that we stopped at Danny's pizza and split a large pizza and two 2 liters of soda. We hiked until 8:30 pm and found a spot in the woods that is semi flat. I am sleeping on a right sloping hill so i am sure I will wake up smashed against the side of my tent. I will be tenting from now on I am sure the bugs have gotten real bad this week. Whenever you stop, skeeters attack from all angles. I am doing well. My spirits are still good, my body is holding up well my feet are the only thing that are sore at night.