morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2021-06-17
To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Our original plan was to hike into Front Royal today, but we pushed hard yesterday to get in early for a clean shower and bed.Apparently, my body was about to say enough!  After waking up in the hotel and getting ready to walk into town, my back started hurting.  I didn't lift anything heavy, well that is besides my smelly shoes that could knock a person out.This has happened befoe, right before our hike started, maybe about February ish.  Woke up and ouchie wawa. So we need to take a day off. Unfortunately, one day turned into 2 days, which turned into 3 days.Then we made the hard decision..., Cindy needs to move forward while I get in touch with my doctor, and get the rest I must have needed.  Just for a moment, it will be a Wandering Dame.
Date: 2021-06-20
From: Front Royal 

To: Dicks Dome shelter 
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Suz and I came up with a plan, I'd get on the trail and do a 4 day section by myself while she would try and rest her back. She has a teleconference call scheduled with the Doctor tomorrow. Hopefully she can get some meds to expedite her healing and I will keep The Wandering Dames moving forward. It certainly felt strange to be on the trail without her but we both agreed it's for the best! I will meet up with her in Harper's Ferry and hopefully she'll be ready to do some slack packing. Time will tell..
Date: 2021-06-21
From: Dicks Dome shelter 

To: Sam Moore Shelter 
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: broken clouds

Last night I tented on an old logging road that ran above the shelter. There were less then a handful of hikers that evening, 3 of us tenting and 1 stayed in the shelter. Around 8 pm (hiker midnight for some) a kid came into camp. He didn't have any gear on him, not even a slack pack. About an hour early I had seen him go into camp but didn't think nothing of it but here it was almost dusk and here he was again. Strange I thought. Come to find out that this young man was hiking earlier with his dad for Father's Day and he some how got separated from him. Thankfully he borrowed a hikers phone and was able to reach his dad where they reunited at a campground trail head about a mile up the A.T.I was so happy for that ending as you can get pretty turned around in the forest at night without the proper gear.
Date: 2021-06-22
From: Sam Moore Shelter 

To: David Lesser Shelter 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: light intensity drizzle

This is the third day of being the Wandering Dame instead of Dames. I miss my hiking buddy but the terrain has been very difficult since I entered the "Rollercoaster." It's the last section in Virginia, with steep rocky climbs of up's and down's for approximately 15.6 miles, a dramatic conclusion of the longest state on the trail!It's a you know what and I'm certain this would have presented quite a challenge for Suzanne's current back issues. Rain came in early and didn't quit until around 1pm. The rocks turned slick and my focus was on every step. Days like these are extra tiring and stressful as one trip or slip could really be dangerous. Unfortunately, this was the case for a older gentleman that was hiking with his son and friend. I had passed the Virginia/West Virginia state line and there he was sitting on a log with his knee split wide open and blood dripping. His son was doing his best in the rain while me and his friend held a poncho over his knee to help keep the wound dry enough to get it bandaged up. I wished them well and prayed he could get off the Rollercoaster to seek medical attention and get it properly stitched up. Another reminder that accidents can happen so quickly that could sideline you or worse yet end your entire hike!
Date: 2021-06-23
From: David Lesser Shelter 

To: Harper's Ferry 
Miles today: 8.4
Weather: clear sky

There are 250 shelter along the entire Appalachian Trail and like hikers they vary in shapes and sizes. Almost all are 3 sided. Some are two stories, some have individual bunks, a few have solar showers, horse shoe court, hanging flower baskets, Adirondack chairs, wooded swings, pavilions, picnic tables and fire places. I really enjoy seeing them when they are not too far off the trail. Last nights shelter although older was well maintained. It had a nice detached pavilions with a picnic table, fire pit and a wooded swing that faced East. Below the shelter was several level tent pads and in the center was a fire pit with a picnic table. You can tell that the PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) takes a lot of pride in the maintenance of shelters and trails. Another bonus was a large plastic container that had a little bit of everything a hiker may need. I was so happy as I didn't have a dinner to eat for the night but found a packet of Ramen that hit the spot along with a few other items I needed. They say the trail provides and I couldn't agree more!
Date: 2021-06-30
From: Harper's Ferry 

To: Holly Springs 
Miles today: 89.7
Weather: clear sky

We spent over a week of slack packing to keep us moving forward while Suzanne's back took a break from wearing our heavy packs to help her back heal. We traversed from Harper's Ferry thru Boiling Springs and ended in Carlisle P.A. Our plan paid off as Suzanne's back feels much better, thank goodness! We were also very fortunate to meet Junker, who's not only a shuttle driver but absolutely knows all the trail heads from Harper's Ferry all the way to Carlisle PA! We are so grateful for him and his knowledge of the area. We couldn't have slack packed without his help and knowledge. So thank you Robert George "Junker" you're the best trail angel we've meet thus far! ¢¤
Date: 2021-07-01
From: Mt. HOLLY Trail head

To: Carlise PA
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Junker dropped us off at Holly Springs trail head while he continued on to Carlise PA to drop our packs off at the Quality Inn.Today is our last day slack packing! Tomorrow we'll take a much needed zero day. The morning was beautiful, crisp and clear as we hiked thru farm land and rolling fields. The afternoon called for rain so we were enjoying the present moment. One of the highlights of the day was walking thru Boiling Springs PA! The town surrounds a seven-acre man-made lake that is fed by some 30 natural springs which bubble to the surface from subterranean caves. The springs deliver about 22 million gallons of crystal clear water a day, which is always a consistent 53 degrees.  It's super charming and quaint as we made our way to the local pizza shop to feed our hiker hunger. The rain let loose while we were tucked inside enjoying our meatball and sausage subs. Once it subsided we were back at it slushing thru the now muddy and slippery trail as we headed for trucker city, Carlise PA. sensory over load for sure!
Date: 2021-07-03
From: Carlise PA

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: clear sky

With packs on our back after 7 days of slack packing the Semi's whizzed passed us while walking parallel US 11 towards the trail head. It's amazing how overwhelmed we are with traffic, noise, and over all business of towns and cities. Peace and solitude have taken root deep in our souls, I guess that's bound to happen when you spend 4 months surrounded by nature. More farmland hiking today. Probably some of the lowest elevations we seen. It's amazing how the trail weaves in, out, over, and under. The green tunnel is what we experience thru most of the trail so it's refreshing to hike on open farmland and meadows as long as the suns not to blazing hot that is!
Date: 2021-07-04
From: Stealth 

To: Peter Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: mist

Happy Independence Day!While on the ridge last night we heard the fireworks from the Duncannon Valley below. Unfortunately, the tree cover made it impossible to see the colorful light display. For the first time on the trail I was terribly homesick. Being on the trail for months on end everyday blends into another. Weekends and holidays feel like ordinary week day. I grew up in a small Ohio town where the 4th of July was highly celebrated on the town green. My beloved father, rest his soul, always went over the top in his patriotic decorating of our house and I've continued that tradition with our homes. Now I'm in the woods longing for the comfort of those familar traditions as we walk toward Duncannon PA, my mind fantasies as we steeply descend towards town. I secretly hope that we'd interrupt a hometown parade with old glory waving in the background and the smell of hamburgers and Hot dogs on a grill wafting in the air. Sometimes we build things up so much that we set ourselves up for disappointment and sadly that was the case as we hiked thru a very depressed town of Duncannon. The only reminder of the fourth of July was the memorial veteran banners that line the street lights. It was a long 4 mile walk out of the town, over the Susquehanna river, across the railroad tracks to dissappear back into the woods, another ordinary day...
Date: 2021-07-05
From: Peter Shelter 

To: Rausch Shelter 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Our first impression of Peter Mnt Shelter was not great!  First, It was Suzanne¢s turn to get water. She had to take a STEEP Blue Blaze trail .3 miles down to a piped spring. Getting down was tedious, getting back up was a grueling climb. We found a level spot near another couple to setup camp. While putting up the tent, we met Titanium, another older thru-hiker. We had an awkward moment when she asked "is the Geriatric Section?" Cindy and I looked at each other, with thoughts racing through our minds. Cindy was very tempered when she said, "ouch, that hurt". Trust me, this was the very PG version of what we were really thinking. We woke up on the 6th and did 18 miles. Put that in your Geriatric Pipe and smoke it!!°
Date: 2021-07-06
From: Rausch Shelter 

To: PA 645
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we need to head into town for resupply, shower, laundry and a bed!It was very hot day as the Northeast had a heatwave going through the region. We had a couple of climbs during the day, but it was mostly ridge walking. I should probably say Ridge Running because we kicked the pace up a bit and turned the cardio workout gears on. Being on the Ridge usually means more sun exposure and less water to hydrate. Thankfully beause we "camel up" at each water source, we were able to share some water with another hiker who had her dog with her. We are always looking out for the fur babies.
Date: 2021-07-07
From: PA 645

To: Hartline Campsite 
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We were able to resupply at the Dollar Store next to the hotel. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!! Consumed Bananas, Gatorade, Pickle Juice and Pedialite to hydrate our bodies.  Back on thr trail by 11 AM. Unfortunately we had to settle for McDonald's for last nights dinner and today's breakfast.  No other available choices. We planned for a shorter day since we had to resupply.  A heavy day mentally as memories of my Mom occupied our thoughts and conversations for several miles.  Made it to camp about 3:30 and were blessed to be near a creek so we could cool off. Slept with the tent vestibules open hoping it will be cooler. Heard the footsteps of several hikers after dark. They must be trying to avoid the heat. We would like to night hike at some point, have heard it is exhilarating.  More likely to be before dawn hiking for us.  If you knew us, you would know we are early to bed, early to rise type of people. However we certainly wouldn't do it in Rocksylvania!!
Date: 2021-07-08
From: Hertline 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: scattered clouds

The trail was mostly flat over the past Two days and another " Bubble' has caught up with is. "Bubble", meaning a group of hikers going a a similar pace. They probably started the AT in mid April, about a month after us and have caught up with us.  About 10AM, we came across some trail magic. "Hawk Woman" who hiked the trail SOBO in 2016 does trail magic every year on her Birthday. Lucky us, we met her on her Birthday. What a selfless act to bless someone else on your Birthday.Made it to camp right when the rain started. The remnants of Hurricane Elsa was as scheduled to pass us tonight. Batten down the hatches, Dames, it may be a long night.The attached picture shows what we didn't sleep through.
Date: 2021-07-09
From: Stealth 

To: Port Clinton 
Miles today: 3.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, we survived the storm last night even though it down poured into the wee hours of the morning. Thankfully we only had to get out of our tent once to tighten the lines and re-secure the stakes and hang the bear line.. Now sleep that's another issue. Exhausted we broke camp and headed towards Port Clinton with hopes of finding a hotel to dry out and to resupply. Unfortunately it was slim pickens because everyone else had the same idea. I found a little motel that was right on highway 78 called the Dutch Motel. They were a means to an end. Suz aired out our tent and shoes. While I washed our stinky clothes in the bathroom sink and hope they'd dry in the sun. The rain is something you can't avoid but rain on the PA rocks is not a good recipe. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day because we have some rocks on the horizon...
Date: 2021-07-10
From: Port Clinton 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Cricket our shuttle driver dropped us at the trail head at PA 61 and off we went up a steady climb then back down into the beautiful Windsor furnace area. It was a sunny Saturday and that explain all the weekend warriors we met on our climb up a boulder scramble to the summit of Pulpit Rock. It was a fun and challenging climb and by the time you get to the top you understand why it's called Pulpit Rock. You find your religion up there once you catch your breath and wipe the sweat off your brow. It was refreshing to see so many people experiencing the beauty of our country side!We grabbed a bite to eat and then pushed on to our stealth site for the evening. We've found ourselves in another bubble of hikers again. These hikers are average 20 plus miles a day and we're doing around 15 miles. Sooner or later we get passed. They say the last one to Kahtadin wins. Perhaps that might be us.°¤
Date: 2021-07-11
From: Stealth 

To: PA 309
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Finally, we've made it to the northern part of Pennsylvania, an area we've secretly dreaded from all the horror stories we've heard. Somebody had it right when they called it Rocksylvania. The trail is literally rocks on rocks then throw in boulders that are precisely stacked on top of one another. It actually happened oh about 22,000 years ago during the ice age. 30 percent of Pennsylvania was covered by glaciers during that era. When you think about it, it's pretty cool to be walking on some really OLD rocks and boulders but seriously it not easy! It's a mind and body suck as you step, hop, trip, skip over them. You can't over think it, you choose your route and then you go while on boulder scrambles. But when you're on the rocky trail that is relatively flat and no visible dirt in sight, too bad, you put your head down and deal with it! We're fortunate that our ankles, legs, knees and butt muscles have had extensive training over the past four months in preparation for this state. But even that isn't a 100 percent guarantee. Unfortunately, Suz (Tumble) who's fondly called now. Slowly tripped while trying to cross a small rock scramble. Her trekking poles were strapped around her wrist, and she couldn't get her hands out in time to catch her fall as her forehead made contact with one of those ancient rocks. She was returning from fetching water from a near by spring as I was setting up the tent in camp in another location. Fortunately she was blessed to have a few trail angels that were hiking behind her. 18 WHEELER and KIDDO. Kiddo is an EMT, how about that? 18 Wheeler had some training from his Uncle that does rescue on the White Mts. of New Hampshire. They quickly responded and bandaged her up and we headed South to the nearest road to get a shuttle from Cricket to the nearest Hospital. Luckily she didn't need any stitches, thank goodness! She got a tetanus shot, x-rays, and Cat Scan, all which were fine. Grateful, we headed to Countryside Bed and Breakfast for a few days of much needed R and R.
Date: 2021-07-13
From: PA 309

To: Countryside B&B
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: broken clouds

Tumble woke up in the morning feeling pretty good all things considered. The Countryside Bed Breakfast was a perfect respite for us Dames. Actually, it was the best place we've stayed at on the trail thus far! Barbra "Rooster" and her dog Apollo were wonderful host in a stunningly decorated cape cod style home. Everything was high quality and comfortable for our tired bones. Rooster did our laundry and shuttled us to town and picked us up after we slacked packed the sections where Tumble fell. It was important to get back on the trail for Suzanne and to tackle the notorious Knife edge section. Slowly we conquered the challenge and so glad to have that behind us! We're so close to exiting PA we can taste it!
Date: 2021-07-15
From: Palmerton 

To: Leroy Smith Shelter 
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

A long 15 mile day. Left The Country Delux Suite at 7AM. Rooster driving Suzanne shotgun, Apollo and Cindy in the backseat. The Dames are heading back in the woods in an effort to get this state behind us.  We were hiking by 7:30 and looking down on Palmerton by 8:30. There is alot of controversy over the historic Zinc factory that operated here several years ago. The process of smelting Zinc and the disposal of the waste has left a significant environmental impact locally. Through revegitation initiatives, trees and grass have began to grow again.We got to the shelter side trail about 4:30, walked past the tenting area and saw it was not so inviting. Agreed we would tent back up by the trail on the ridge as it seemed nicer and cooler than by the shelter. Next step was fetching water. We dropped our packs near the shelter and headed down the blue blaze for water. Got to the firsr spring, and it was dry. Trecked another quarter mile to the 2nd spring and it had enough flow to work. You want the water to be moving atleast or it is stagnant.On the hike back up the blue blaze we were startled by a Timber Rattlesnake, and he was NOT happy!!Thankfully he warned us enough in advance so we were able to before we got to close. He made us wait a few minutes, as he wanted us to know, this was his trail."For nearly 80 years, the New Jersey Zinc Company disposed of 33 million tons of smelting waste at the site. Former smelting operations released heavy metals into the valley, causing the wide-spread loss of trees on about 4,000 acres of Blue Mountain. This barren area allowed for surface water contamination from erosion of contaminated soils into Aquashicola Creek and the Lehigh River." Reference from EPA article, "PALMERTON ZINC PILE PALMERTON, PA Redevelopment"
Date: 2021-07-16
From: Leroy Smith Shelter 

To: Stealth 
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

Getting out of PA is starting to become an outer body experience. Seriously, who would want to be getting beat up mile after mile. You literally need to go to another place in your mind and let the miles slowly pass. When you get back hopefully you will be closer to the state line.The weather will be a factor again today. 89 degrees and no water until we get to the shelter, 13 miles away.We got to Wind Gap, about 5 miles into our hike and took a break. The gap has a busy road running through it which we had to cross, and a trailer park on the other side. One of the residents was working in his yard, so I walked over and asked if he had some extra water he could share. Taking him by surprise, I had to repeat my question. Wearing his Dale Earnhardt T-shirt and a cigarette hanging out of his mouth, he welcomed me into his yard. I explained there is no water for the next 9 miles and he questioned if I got enough.  I thanked him, then was on my way again, crossing the busy road before rejoining Cindy by the trail.Tomorrow we say goodbye to PA.
Date: 2021-07-17
From: Stealth 

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: broken clouds

We woke early and refreshed after a good night's sleep. The plan was to get an early start so we could get to Delaware Water Gap post office before they closed at 1130. We checked our watch and started the inreach GPS tracker at 630am as we left camp. I stepped on the trail in front of Tumble and maybe 20 ft out of camp my left foot hit a rock and then in slow motion everything went south fast! I couldn't catch myself as my right foot hit another rock and down I went. My right knee hit the ground first and then my head made contact with a rock! I quickly tried to get up as Suz kneeled down to help me! Poor thing I think she was more upset then I was as the blood ran down my face. All I kept saying was how bad was it? Another hiker showed up and help take my pack off so I could get off the ground. I sat on a rock while Tumble nervously nursed my wounds. I felt I could make the six mile trek down into town, so bandaged we slowly made it to Delaware Water Gap where I got a shuttle from the church hostel to an ER in Stroudsburg PA.
Date: 2021-07-18
From: Stroudsburg 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

So with 7 stitches and a banged up right knee we walked out of the ER. The Cat Scan of my head and x-ray of my knee came back all clear. I was so fortunate and lucky! This fall could of ended my hike so thank you Lord for protecting me. I will rest and ice for a few days in the hotel room while we figure out what our next steps are on this on going journey and adventure towards Maine..
Date: 2021-07-20
To: Stroudsburg PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

After nearly 1300 miles I finally received an appropriate trail name..Stitch! Suz (Tumble) has been saying "let the trail come to you" who knew I would take it literally!°While resting in the hotel room we came up with a plan. Tumble would do the next 50 miles without me while I continue to recover. My knee is pretty swollen so icing and keeping it clean will be my main objective! I'm determined to get back out there and finish what we started!
Date: 2021-07-21
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Rattle Snake Springs
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: mist

DWG to Rattlesnake Springs Camping.I left the hotel about 7:30 this morning, being whisked away by an Uber driver, heading back to Delaware Water Gap. It was my turn, "Tumble", to head back to the trail solo. Not by design, but by necessity, we have to keep moving forward. "Stitch" needs more rest, and I can help make the forward progress we need.  I have not done much solo hiking, usually "Stitch" and our dog Simon are with us. Today was very different, lonely. No conversations besidss the ones in my head. There were a couple nice views, but I didnt stay long at them. Ran into "Yard Goat", he is also tending to injuries from a fall in PA. Good to see he still out here pushing forward.Got to camp about 2:30. I was ready to go further, but Cindy said rain was coming at 3PM. Decided to just stay here since the sites were nice, and I had time to setup camp before the rain came in.While the rain never came, there was a nice breeze in the air that was relaxing. Early to bed for me.