morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-04-17
From: Tumbling Run

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

1CPR. A. Maryland is in rear view mirror. B. Lumpy was really a hiking machine. Good luck on AT in VA and would love to see you in MA. C. I'm sure St Kit would enjoy the Burgundy Lana B&B; but, I can't imagine her dining at Gus and Ted's.  D.  Last evening two "pros from Dover" hiked into the campsite, probably all of 0.2 miles from the parking lot. Flip was neatly e noting his Zero in the NonSnoring shelter and I was multitasking in the Snoring shelter: putting wet clothes out to dry, putting out night gear and getting ready to fix supper  One of the dudes asked which one of us would movqe over to the other shelter so that the two dudes could have one to themselves. I won't report what Flip said but I said the same goes for me. The pros then decided to go set up a tent at the pads. I really won't report what Flip said nextqq and I really wasn't in a very accomodating mood at the time ( pastor Sherry -  I'll try to do better next time)2. Report today was a good 12+ mile hike beginning with a good wakeup climb. The trail was 't particularly difficult with a nice intro to the PA boulder fields. The weather was slightly  down: cool, overcast and very windy.  I didn't  break. Sweat until end of the day. I did observe a big blowdown in front of me. Not enough to need a laundry change but it didGet my attention.  Didn't see too many hikers on the trail bur ran into a bunch at the shelter. Turns out there is a large Tenderfoot group of scouts at the group site, a family in another tent site, Yar and wife N in one shelter half and me in the other half. The "inn keeper" here has done a fabulous job in managing this shelter. And will wonders never cease, the genie produced wonderful trailagic: adult BEvERages!!!Life is great
Date: 2010-04-18
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: overcast clouds

2. Report. Body check this am was 't very pretty. Big and Little seemed to be improving slightly yesterday but one couldn't tell today. I passed on taking a photo as it would surely be R rated. A Scoutmaster in the camp said he had some pop rivets if I wanted to secure a flab on my heel. I declined and patched it up with some of my 1st aide supplies, then went into major overhaul on my boots. On leaving the campsite I met the Scott family who camped by nearby stream. I was very pleased to see their three hikerettes really seemed to be enjoying themselves.Thanks to the magic genie for the beverages and to Yar and Nancy for the resupplies It was a cool am, my heels weren't feeling all that great, i got a real late start and I hoped to hike  to the next shelter. Saw a number of periwinkles in bloom but not too many people on the train: Betty (?) and her wonder dog Justice, couple of bird watchers, two mountain bikers and two day hikers who weren't lost, just not exactly sure where they were.My feet were still hurting but really felt best in a week. I made the Birch Run shelter early pm and decided to rest up, snack up and assess the situation. My next desired stopwas 10 miles away and didn't open until 1700. There were no conviemt stops that I thought I could comfortably reach and concluded to layover here for the night. Fixed a leisurely supper, getting ready to retire real early into my down sleeping bag on chilly evening and  post my journal. But no coverage now5 (New topic). Weekly summary: first report is actually 8 days. Hiked nearly 70 miles. Enjoyed Lumpy's company. Heels are really bad and have probably set me back at least a week from where I'd like to be. Wx has been very good, though a bit chillyOverall, Life is Great
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Iron Masters Mansion
Miles today: 9.9

1 CPR. A. Walked by Methodist Hill but too tired to climb it. B  Birch Run was first shelter with a bear pole. C (part 5 weekly summary) PA does very good job of marking AT crossings at the highways. The shelter caretakers do a very good job with special recognition for Quarry Gap. And thanks again to PATC for all you do - great trails2 Report I didn't get a particarly good nite s rest and wanted to get an early start for today s plaaned 10 miles. I was up early enough, but body check seemed to warrant some foot surgery. I cleaned out some of the torn blister flesh and cleaned the injury. Little Hurt had minor 2 nd degree and Big Hurt was worse. I took some photos in case I need to do some telemedicine consulting as these certainly are R rated and not for distribution. I placed all the trash I'm a ziplpc bag - one of the hospital's medical waste bags would have been more appropriate. Booted up and started hiking about 0830I was smoking the trail in the am. As soon as I reached a ridge checked cell coverage and posted waypoint and yesterday s report  cruised o. And I easily covered 1.3 miles without any breaks. Kept cruising even forcingy self to take breaks and still arrived at the next shelter at 6.2 miles with very little exertion around 1100.  I had a long lunch and continued hiking.  Shortly passed the semi official half way point ( at least for 2009).  Only 1089.1 miles to Katahdin. The pm hike was not neat as pleasant as the am. I made to Pine Grove Furnace State Park around 1600 and intend to RON at the ironmaster s hostel. The campstpre is closed but soda machine operatesSaw 2 SOBO , 1 NOBO and another Outward Bound group. Also heard and briefly saw 2 woodpeckers. These were big, black body , red head and black/white wings. Could these be the extinct woodpecpers reportedly last seen in Arkansas?  A closer look may have confirmed pileated woodpecker sightings. Also saw sign protecting timber rattlers as an endangered species
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Mt Holly Springs

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

2. Report enjoyed the stay ay Holly INn in Mt Holly Springs PA. Walkedf a couple of blocks to ger a small resupply and my feet were complaining quite a bit. Checked the guidebook for next NOBO section and wasn't really pleased with amount of "no camping" zones. so, adding that with bad weather and rerally bad feet, I made a decision to try to shuttle into Duncannon and lay over a couple of days to try to get my feet into hiking condition again. Arranged a shuttle and checked into the Doyle Hotel and plan to stay here awhile until my feet feel better.Life is Great
Date: 2010-04-22
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

2. Report tomorrow is D- Day (Departure Day). I've been laying up here at the Doyle and my heels have really improved that I'm ready to get back on trail. Of course, rain is forecast tomorrow afternoon for the next five days. Saw a numbers of NOBO while here, Boo and Scout, JP IBBG, and several section hikers I didn't meet. The stay at the Doyle has been most enjoyable. Haven't left the hotel very much. Pat and went to the market tooday for a food resupply. LilSis and BILD (more on them in future reports) came up today for a short visit. Vickey thought they were "parents" of one of the hikers. Gave them a short tour of the hotel and we checked out the AT NOBO out of town. Other journals indicate cell coverage is not allo that solid for the next few days or. So, until the next report,Life is Great!
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.3

1  CPR  Saw a "victory" post card at the Doyle from Half Full and Chomp from their thru hike last year2 Report. Got up early and had hearty breakfast at Goodies  I packed up and sadly said farewell to the Doyle. Chilly hike thru town -  36 deg. Crossed two bridges and a railcar blacking the trail.  1000 ft climb then small boulder field. Met Freeman at Clarks Ferry Shelter. He was zero and I took lunch. Hiked on to Peters Mtn  Shelter. Getting water was a chore due to about 300 rock steps, of which about 20% were covered in leaves. Supposed to start raining today but I only caught a few sprinkles while cooking dinner  The feet weren't too excited about getting into the boots. After awhile Lil Hurt seemed to be doing fine and Big Hurt was hoping for another down day or two. Have a new named body part - Half Nail. Broke the nail on my big left toe. A sharp part of the nail was sticking out at the base. So I was able to fold it over and cut off one sideIt's supposed to rain tomorrow and the next shelter is a long hike from here for me. Also, cell coverage appears suspect for next day or two.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-04-25
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: mist

1CPR.  Regular at Goodies warned about opening day youth turkey hunt Sat, adults next Sat.  Reay sad how trashy the Peters Mtn Shelter, otherwise very nice place2 Report. I was checking my trailguide for today's options. A 500 ft clb followed by 1000 ft. Water seemed to be 5 miles apart and the next shelter was almost 18 miles  it started raining and rained all nite  I planned to get up early, but it was raining and I slept in for a bit. Finay got up a d heard a turkey hen before I started hiking. 1at third was a slight clb and then a boulder field. Next third was mostly up and I was expecting a woods road that didn't play out. Final third wasostly flat on a ridge. The day was mostly col, heavy overcast and 100% humidity. I wanted to see if I couldake the shelter , as a nite in the rain certainly wouldn't bee all that comfortable. Made the shelter before dark. JP IBBG was there and had a big fire going. Two other section hikers as well. I going to eat, clean up and go to bed - the puppies are tiredLife is Great!
Date: 2010-04-26
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: moderate rain

Report. It rained hard most of the night. JP was first out, followed by OF 1 and 2. I left little after 0800. I caught up with OF 1 and 2 at the first  road and they were thinking about calling a shuttle. Later I met JP at the I-81 underpass. It rained most all day. Pulled into the Wm Penn shelter. Was lucky there was some dry kindling under the shelter to start a fire. Cooked dinner and making plans for tomorrow either a short hike to another shelter, which has pizza delivery or either a hostel. Need to dry out some clothes!!Life is Great
Date: 2010-04-27
From: William Penn Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

1CPR.  Crossed a small stream yesterday. With all the rail many of the rocks were under water and got boots well just a out ankle high. Thankfully the REI gore Tex boots did their job and I didn't get my feet wet.  Also saw a sign for Camp Bayshore. Our Boy Scout Troop used to camp there and I can remember B2's first week there. I went to help bring the Scouts home and he didn't want to leave. He ended up staying another week in a provisional troop and I think he earned over a dozen merit badges all told. 2Report. It rained most of the night. Trek, a NOBO thru hiker came in late and left early. It was a clear morning. Saw the Sun for the first time since Sat. I hiked with JP IBBG today. We were trying to stay at a hostel today; but the lady owner apparently wasn't interested in our business. We hiked to the 501 shelter which was a short distance to set gear out to dry. This is a unique shelter, a closed bldg with skydome and a solar shower. This shelter also has pizza delivery which we'll try tonite. Milestone. I've lowered my stds this year and ready to call myself a thru hiker. The mark last year was 200 miles. I don't think I've done 150 yet but I have broken triple digits - only 995 miles to Katahdin! Life is Great!
Date: 2010-04-29
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: overcast clouds

2 Report. JP and I got up eay to ensure we arrived at Port Clinton to pick up a mail drop at the PO before they closed for lunch. The hiking was okay and we took advantage of an adjacent wildlife road to be a little easier on the feet as well as extra insurance to arrive at the PO before lunch break. We were making very good time but the last downhill of the am was a pretty good challenge. I took some photos of aReading RR ( from Monopoly fame) museum. And we then hiked into town and got our business at the PO completedNow for today's treat: AstroGuy came and picked us up and drove us to his home. We showered and did laundry and Ms AG fixed a super lunch which I used fresh baked homemade chocolate chip cookies, of which I forced myself to choke down a few. Later we resupplied, toured AstroGuy's campus and then fabulous dinner by Ms AGJP quote#2:  hiking in Penn is like a heavyweight fight between Dr Scholl's inner soles and the Penn rock boulders. It's a TKO by the Penn boulders in the first round. Life is Great!
Date: 2010-04-30
From: Port Clinton

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: clear sky

2 Report. Last evening was most pleasant. Another great meal by MsAG and a short tour of the Williamson Free Trade School. Enjoyed talking with several of the students. And a great night's sleep in a real comfy bed. I started the am by attending reveille with the students  enjoyed watching some students trying to shine their shoes on the back of their pants legs  Another great meal, sole photo ops and back towards the trail. Stopped by an REI and JP got a new pair of shoes - his old boots were falling apart and hurting his feet. AstroGuy dropped us off at a parking lot and we began today's hike.  A real steep 500 ft climb, then another gentle 500 climb although there was a small boulder patch.  We arrived at Windsor Furnace Shelter and it was a mini reunion. Fahmah, Klipspringer and Freeman were already settling in.  We fixed dinner and topped it off with a bag of MsAG homemade chocolate chip cookies. It's now time for bedJP quote of day:  Snickers on the trail is like cigarettes in jail. Life is Great
Date: 2010-05-01
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 12.0

2 Report. Friday night was most enjoyable. JP shared MsAG home made choc chip cookies with the other hikers and the entire shelter population says thank you.  BTW I was the youngster at the shelter being the only one not on Medicare except maybe for Klipspringer and he is a S Afrikaner (Also JP thinks Springbok is a more appropriate name for him and I agree).  JP was talking to his son GearJammer who  was supposed to be trucking in the area in couple of hours and he promised to blow his horn for us. I was asleep by then and I think GearJammee diverted anywayWe all got up early today. There was an atomic woodpecker that started at first light. We planned to take ascenic hike to  the Allentown Shelter.  In JPs earlier hike he had made it to the shelter from Pt Clinton in one hard day; so I was expecting a relative walk in the park.  Along the way a lady dayhiker passed us and mentioned seeing a bear at our spot 2 days earlier. At a water stop we saw a couple of PA game officials. We had a legitimate 1000 ft climb and were making fair time until we got to the ridge. The last 4 miles was almost all rocks. I had heard all the stories about the PA rocks and with the one exception where I mistakenly entered the boulder field wasn't too bothered by the rocks. Not anymore.  It was hot - mid 80s- and our time went into the toilet.  We arrived at the shelter near dark to find it overflowing with Boy Scouts. There were two section hikers, one large troop and one small troop. And everyone was making it clear they were not associated with the small troop. The small troop had totally filled the shelter and was mostly unorganized and undisciplined  I intend to send a note to their Scout Exec at the next town JP and I found a relative flat spot to pitch our tent. We both had MSR Hubba tents, but they had different colored materials. JPs tent fly was red and orange with gray poles; mine was yellow and gold. JP (retired USN E-8) said mine ( retired USAF O -5) were naturally the officer's model. We cooked dinner and then went to bed, all to the noises of the wild childrenJP quote of the day: Most of the shelters have two entrances. One for the hikers and one for the governor when he dedicates the shelter.   I know we entered using the hikers trIl njust hope we exit using the governor's trailLife is Great!
Date: 2010-05-02
From: Allentown Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

2 Report. Today was aplanned Zero day and well warranted after yesterday's long hike and a longer night with the Boy Scouts ....  M.A. From P.A, Ginny and SamboFrom the Allentown Hiking Club came by for a spring mx cleanup. Shortly later Fahmah and Springbok arrived. JP collected a large mushroom for Fahmah's dinner, which he not so graciously passed on. Then Freeman arrived so we have the entire gang at the shelter tonite. It's supposed to rain later today. So, I'll make a short report, fix dinner and hit the sleeping bag early. Zeroing in today allowed JP and I to get first dons on the bunk beds at the shelterJP quote: after hiking the last 4 miles to the Allentown shelter, he can't wait to get back to Mahoosic Notch in Maine where life is simple.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-03
From: Allentown Shelter

To: Bake Pven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

2 Report. It was hard getting to sleep last nite. It was warm and humid, then the rain started around 2230 and got pretty heavy over the nite. It was still raining at daylight and we got a late start out. Freeman was first out and intended to do some heavy miles today. JP and I were out next with intent to make the next shelter about 10 miles away. Fahmah's and Springbok intended the same.  The trail was about a medium. A fair stretch was relative easy and gentle. A larger stretch wasn't nearly so kind. The name "Knife Edge" should give you a hint and if that doesn't work try to trail map descriptor: " Parts of the trail are not well marked and poorly maintained".  We got to the shelter and were joined by a NOBO section hiker and a couple SOBO and then Fahmah and Springbok.  Everything g was goin fairly well until Springbok spotted a black snake near JPs sleeping mat. We later saw three snakes, one was a legitate 5 footer. JP was last seen setting up a tent away from the shelter.  We had a little more rain in the afternoon but the skies are clearing up a d looking like a good nite tonight, assuming the black snakes behave tonight. At least we don't have to worry about shelter mice toniteJP quote of the day:  I don't mode carrying a little water along on the hike as long as it's there when I reach for itLife is Great!
Date: 2010-05-06
From: Delph Springs

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: broken clouds

1 CPR. Yesterday I saw a groundhog a d another bigger black mamba snake. Fortunately JP didn't see the snake2  Report. It was a clear night and we were up a d hiking before 0800. JPs section hike is scheduled to end Sat at Wind Gap and he'll return to ME to work on his boatbuilding. Our near-term plans was to hike a short day to the Leroy Smith Shelter and then a shorter hike to Wind Gap Friday. But yesterday we met a SOBO named Josie Wells. He was hiking with a blow dart gun for trekking poles and I noticed a ninja sword, Bowie knife, Marine Kabar knife and a sheathed Gerber knife. All this was on one side; don't know what he was carting on the other side. Anyways, NinjaMan mentioned seeing two large snakes in a shelter and JP was now interested in making Wind Gap in a single day and skipping the shelter. I agreed on the rationale to avoid possible thunderstorm evening. We expected the hike to be another walk in the park and was reasonably so for the most part. But it seemed we came across a short boulder stretch every half mile except for a much longer stretch near the end. Ong the way JP was having foot/boot problems. We stopped once and didn't find anything suspicious.  A second stop brought the socks off and I saw heavy bleeding - JP had squashed a millipede that had climbed into his sock.  The last 4 miles were pretty tough for me. I hyper extended my left ankle. The climb upwards was tolerable but downhill was especially painful. We got into town midafternoon and checked into the Gateway Motel. A quick shower, a professional horsewrap by JP, ice pack and elevation for the ankle. Hopefully it will feel much more better soonJP quote of the day:  hiking boots come to Penn to die and I am walking proof of it.Life is Great!
Date: 2010-05-07
From: Wind Gap

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

2 Report. After cleaning up and resting a bit JP and I hiked into town for dinner and resupply.  It was a good hike on a bad ankle.  The first stop was PO where we picked up the maps sent by MLM.  And wahooooo, it had NJ and NY.  We then stopped at Duncan Donuts for a practice snack Had dinner at a diner and then resupply at local Kmart. Hiked back to the hotel, updated logistics with MLM and prepped for bed.Good nights sleep and hiked into town for breakfast at the Diner. On the return hike to motel, I found a home construction project and was able to get some Tyvek house wrap to make a custom groundcloth for my Hubba (somehow the officers model didn't come with a footprint). Stopped by laundry to start a load of wash and picked up some groceries for tonite. We got to the motel and who did we see - Springbok and. Fahmah. There was then some journals trash talk and I take back everything I said about them slackpacking or gold blazing.  They decided to take a short day out of Palmerton and stay at a B&B.  6 Gap Diner. -3 greasy spoons. Super Greek diner.  Ordered a pepper pot soup. Had no idea what that was but really enjoeyed it: ground beef, homemade noodles, taters and celery (didn't notice anything peppery. Great value meals including dessertNutrition note: new favorite snack is the Oreo Brownie, which has more content than most of my meals: 340 cal, 13 g fat, 57 g carb, 4 g fiber and 4 g protein. Long distance hikers usually concentrate on high calorie and carbs and arent really concerned a lot about the other valuesJP quote of the day: I can visualize a Penn bar with a Danny DeVito- type sitting on a barstool, Downing his second tall draft and chuckling to himself: HeHe, HeHe, HEHEHE. And on the back of his T-shirt was printed: "Penn Trail Designer" Life is Great!