morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Brunswick, MD

To: US Alt 40
Miles today: 15.0

Rousing Harry out of his normal routine, 1st stop to bounce my box of items I don't want to carry forward at the post office, then off to the trailhead we went. The up out of town to Weaverton cliffs thankfully had switchbacks. At Weaverton cliffs, I had a decent view of the Potomac river(see pic). Once on the ridge, it was a gentle walk to Gathland state park. What a pleasant surprise, w/ beautiful shade trees, picnic area, benches and the war correspondents memorial. Beautiful little park. There, my catching up with friends continued, as Stuart(see pic) brought trail magic (read that -lunch) for the visit. Vicki & Howard, trail angels helping Caddy and NoBo HoBo, extended their magic to us as well see pics. I also caught up with CAT (name stands for Chinese, American, Taiwanese). I had to remind him of Truck 04's recommendation " NO STINKING THINKING" as he was beginning to doubt himself. Fortunately, he is pressing on Not paying attention to the time, Stuart & I parted ways at 3:45 and I moderately hurried the 8 miles to US alt 40 to meet new friends (David & Sarah-see pic) so the pampering continued! Wow, what a treat, 1st they drove 1/2 an hr to pick me up, fed me treats before dinner, excellent homemade veggie lasagna, peach cake and watermelon. The magic of the trail is in the people you meet! Needless to say, there will be no weight loss on this trip!! The next morning, 5 star pampering completed, back to the trail I goLooks like I didn't mention the forest much again!Til Later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-29
From: US Alt 40

To: High Rock
Miles today: 20.0

1st order of business-walk uphill to Washington's monument. See pic. The next variable amount of miles through the course of the day, I suspect My progress looked like that of a drunken sailor. There were just enough rocks dispersed through the soft plush trail that I found myself zigzagging side to side through out the day to obtain the softest footfall since it was there. I was not the only one along the way, I caught up w/ Caddy, NoBo HoBo and CAT all of who sang the virtues of last night's shelter and campground- I still got the better dealI set a slow pace to time lunch at Annapolis rocks view. Which a must see in the fall. See pic, black rock cliffs view next was even more expansive as the haze had cleared a bit. The afternoon's 12 miles was rockier terrain than I remembered to reach High Rock but pretty as it traversed a ridge, w/ large cliffs, boulders and cliff crumble along the way. At High Rock, friends from College, Jim & Shannon brought sushi for dinner I suspect very few hikers have had that luxury! I must have whined enough or looked pathetic enough as they took me under their wing for the night, making this my cleanest week on the trail with a shower 5 of 7 days!Hopefully I will get pics imported. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-06-30
From: High Rock

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 23.6

An hr drive back to the trail head (we are talking true friends right?)!!!!This section of MD had a little bit of everything to walk on -smooth paths, zigzagging paths, small rocks, boulders, and cliff crumbles. Some areas were a bit difficult to discern where the trail went as it wasn't where you would expect a trail. not a lot of pictures as I was trying to keep my balance. lunch was at the cute spring in the whimsy pic. The prettiness of the area and great tasting water only marred moderately by the abundance of mosquitoes. Many miles later, I dined at Caledonia State park, creek side, then finished the day at Quarry Gap Shelter near dusk so I could enjoy the caretaker's love of flowers. This shelter has 2 separate shelters (to isolate the snorers) covered eating area, potted flowers, a sundial and rock wall narrow stream running next to the pathMaybe more laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: mile 1100.4
Miles today: 19.6

A leisurely start (perhaps late would be a good term too) so I could enjoy the beautifully quaint shelter w/ it's potted flowers, sundial, covered eating area, cute spring and general cleanliness. See pics. The trail had some rocky areas but plenty of soft runs as well. The big news of the day is passing the official and unofficial half-way points!! see picsThe day was hot & humid and my feet enjoyed a numbing respite in the cold water of toms run creek mid afternoon before continuing on to pine grove furnace general store. This is one of the stores offering the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge. Shortstop (2nd time thru-hiker-way ahead of me) had mentioned it in his journal but declined, advising he left it for the younger generations. I figured, I fit that category and should step up to the iconic plate ( my pancreas didn't think so) shamefully, I must admit, w/in 1/2 hr, I devoured a 1/2 gallon of moose tracks ice cream! 2500 calories! I must also admit I didn't feel bad afterwards!src='http://www.trailjournals.com/images/faces/smile.gif'> no weight loss here though. Til laterRed robin
Date: 2014-07-02
From: mile 1100.4

To: Boiling Springs, mile 1117.5
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

Morning forest-up w/ the birds, trying to move out @6:30 without disturbing "billy goat" Initially the trail followed a service road then turned into its more normal appearance in a forest of relatively small stature with most trees less than 10"in diameter and most below 5". I will blame this on the forest needing to feed the pine grove furnace in years gone by, but who knows. The air was already warm and heavy as my breathing increased up the hill. The woods became extremely silent for about 20 minutes, save the noise of my feet and pole strikes. No airplanes, no mowers, no road noise. Thus I followed suit in my best Elmer Fudd hunting imitation (shhhhh! Be vewry vewry quiet!) anyway, it is fun to follow the woods in their daily ebb and flow. Who knows why it was so quiet. The path continued along an easy grade with a soft footfall and only a few areas requiring the drunken sailor step to reach the softer footfalls. By late morning, I was drenched such that skirt and shirt were dripping sweat when I came upon a site for a delightful dip! It saved the day see pic. A bit later, the rock mazes what fun if a bit demoralizing that mice are better at these kinda things There were blazes and arrows leading us down the path. See pics. More ups, more downs and a stretch through farmland into Boiling Springs in time for the post office and the Mid-Atlantic ATC office see pics. In addition, check out what The Goose got me commemorating the 1/2 way point! See pic. Til laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Boiling Springs, mile 1117.5

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Dinner on the 2nd-a must do, The Boiling Springs Tavern There we celebrated Paul's birthday (wonderful friend) and met up w/ Doug(another great friend) who will be joining The Goose, Jack the terrier and myself on the walk to Duncannon, PA 25 miles away. Picture a quite slow start from the truck camper as it was difficult to reorganize in the allotted space and time frame. We had a very big breakfast in the camper and I was escorted to the post office in a Porsche. See pic. Eventually, we struck out @10 from the ATC Mid-Atlantic office after chatting w/ Batman, Lumberjack and a few others..see pics I had forgotten the level trail was as shaded as it was and it was great to see how the town of Boiling Springs has preserved the beauty of spring then lake with many beautiful Sycamore and other trees lining the AT and streets. See pics from yesterday.The trail skirted pretty farmland for most of the route (pics maybe) We lunched at a creek w/ unpleasant tasting water but pleasant setting. By the time we hit the exposed cow pastures, it had begun to cloud up although the the cows were all standing then. The day was warm but not like yesterday. The ridge to climb today is seen in the distance of some of the pictures. ( maybe I I'll get them imported)Another leisurely break at the Scott AT work farm, we met Predator, who gave Doug(still needs a trail name) a hard time about being from Penn State, and Catch-up caught up I hadn't seen him since before all of my zero days Having connectivity perhaps was not a positive thing as we gazed at the radar and waited out a couple of light rains before tackling our only UP of the day. Part way up, it became so dark in the woods at 7 o'clock and rained a hard gully washing rain all the way up the ridge! The view at the bench (normally a beautiful expansive view was a white out of cloud like that seen in the smokies previously. Today's pic is at the bench. Jack was the least happy as he didn't get to wear rain gearThe evening progressed in normal backpacker fashion & we were late for our 8pm curfew. The wet clothes will be fun to don in the morningTil later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.0

The morning in camp- a cool, bright, breezy morning w/ the sun's rays reflecting off of the fog filtering through the forest. We stood around in camp clothes, not one of us interested in donning our still wet hiking gear as all the others hurried out of camp. Most of them were dryer than us. The 11 miles to Duncannon was a pretty forest walk along the ridge line w/ an up then a down and many many rocks in between to carefully pick our way through. We lunched in a pipeline clearing which gave us good views of the Susquehanna, and a chance to dry everything out. Hawk Rock offered a wonderful, expansive view of the Susquehanna, Duncannon and the surrounding farmland and forests-beautiful. See pics. Wrong time of the year for the hawks migration. The way down was a fun cliff crumble/scree field, then stroll into town. I had had my hopes set on dining at the Doyle hotel since my maiden name is Doyle but their kitchen was closed. Not to worry, on the upside, we met Bag O' Tricks who had actually hiked w/ Earl Schaeffer(1st thru hiker) & chatted w/ him a bit before going to Sorrento's down the street. There we could not have had a better dining experience. 1. Goose got a proper birthday dinner! See pic Remember previously on the trail he had tuna salad out of the foil pack. 2. The food was excellente! 3. We got to meet and chat w/ the owner Salvatore himself! What a treat that was! See pic. 4. We also got to meet Lumberjack's father -couldn't have asked for a nicer evening. We then parted ways and off through the town to the river campground I went. Many of the families were enjoying the evening on their porches so we exchanged Happy 4ths and they all wished me well on my journey. A few fireworks(pretty good ones) were set off in the campground so the country's birthday was complete for meTil later, Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-05
From: Duncannon, PA

To: mile 1165.5
Miles today: 21.7

Across the Juniata and Susquehanna rivers first thing (see pics) and up a gradual rise toward Peters Mountain, thanks to the trail traversing the side of the hill. A trail runner was deftly managing the rocky footing at great speed, lapping me twice. I had my 14th skittish bear sighting, 1/4 mile up from the river (as the crow flies). There were 2 but this one seemed so scared, he didn't know which way to run and ran somewhat toward me for the viewing. The mountain was a blast with quite a few large rocks for hopscotch. The rockiness definitely slowed my pace and my left foot balked as there is only so much an orthotic can do. Regardless, it was fun.Along the way, I met a young boy(3' tall-whatever age that is) with an oversized school backpack he was carrying on his front side (hope there was only a sleeping bag in there). He exclaimed "I thought you were a bear" I have yet to figure out in what manner I may appear as a bear...no comments please One of the significant view points was Table Rock, which I would appropriately label tipped over table rock as it's face was 80 + degrees off horizontal. See pic. Others were from campsites with nice views of the Susquehanna. Unfortunately, I missed a rattlesnake sighting by 2 hrs and 10 minutes. see pic of the note. So, it is still on the complete the trail to do list. The afternoon trail was a smoother, and much less rocky trail, allowing a normal pace as I entered the portion of the trail traversing a mountain crumble of extraordinary caliber with large boulders scattered forever and mature trees thriving where they could. See pic. I camped in a boulder grove amongst a few blooming Rhododendrons of all things. All for now. Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-06
From: mile 1165.5

To: PA 645 (Pine Grove, PA- mile 1187.6
Miles today: 22.1

1165.5-1187.6Pine grove, PASo much fun to see blooming rhododendrons again! The trail today, initially was atypical of Pennsylvania with few rocks to slow the pace. Water was an enjoyable 7 miles away with small unmarked creeks prior to that. Reaching Rausch creek, I met up with Dragonfly, Freckles & Dirty Ernie. I had met them quite awhile ago before my multitude of zeros. They are getting ready to flip flop, hike the Whites north bound then hike the rest southbound. Freckles has had multiple attempts at a thru-hike since 2008, but was plagued with physical maladies that drew her off the trail each time. This time, it looks as though she will make it!!!Unfortunately through the course of the morning, I managed to plow through my entire days' snacks and ate an early lunch! Good thing the rest of the food was in the bottom of the pack! Wonder if that happens to others? The afternoon consisted of second mountain, trout run with a large log crossing, Swatara Gap with an incredibly large footbridge, passing below I -81 and up the mountain the trail went. Along this initial ridge line I admit was my least favorite portion of the entire trail. the rocks compete with the poison ivy for control of the trail such there was no "safe" place for a hiker to hike. I don't think I have seen such an abundance of poison ivy as on this ridge. I feel bad for the trail maintainers. Oh well, hikers prevail, but not without more than a few stubbed toes and likely itchy legs in the next few days. The reward, a fun boulder field crossing, followed by a fern filled forest and some smooth path before sharp pointed rocks jutted from the ground and poison ivy returned. Not to worry, gradually it was left behind. Of further note, just before William Penn Shelter, I hit mile 1185.3, meaning, <1000 miles to go or depending on how I look at it! Having cell reception due to the close proximity to I-81, I was able to set up a shuttle to Pine Grove and a hotel reservation while walking down the trail.src='http://www.trailjournals.com/images/faces/smile.gif'> yes, this is roughing itAt the trail head parking lot, a wonderful gentleman that keeps track of the hikers on trailjournals and whiteblaze had cold sodas and water for trail magic! he has section hiked @700 miles and advised it will be rockier ahead, ie, I am thinking of adjusting my daily mileage! Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-07
From: PA 645 (Pine Grove, PA- mile 1187.6

To: mile 1205.1
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

After a morning of town chores, back to the trail @11:30. Thanks to advice from previous PA rock stars, at times an easier trail, and my shift in focus as when skiing the trees (see the route not the trees), the day was more successful read that fewer stubbed toes, ankle turns and less painful soles of my feet.The larger rocks are fun. It was the short, upward turned pointed rocks that are difficult. Remember-"it's the little things that bug us and tend to hold us back. You can sit upon a mountain, but not upon a tack"! see some pics of some trail sections. The views of PA farming valley below were wonderful. See pics. I stealth camped in a wash of small boulders just to further embrace the rocks and because I could.Til laterRed Robin
Date: 2014-07-08
From: mile 1205.1

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Great news! A wonderful, special couple just donated $1200.00 to The ALS Hope Foundation via my ALS takes A Hike Campaign to commemorate my 1200 miles on the trail so far!!!!! This brings me to 69% of my goal! hurray! For today, the early bird gets the worm and the spider webs in the face! 8.4 miles into Port Clinton for my mail drop. While there, wonderful trail angel Fred offers to drive me and any other hikers(there were many-too many to mention all their names) to the plethora of stores at exit 29 off of I-78. Sounds like I am from Jersey anyway, what a great guy! Regret I didn't get his picture. A stop at cabelas for a new dry sack and of course nothing doing, I had to eat lunch at Red Robins gourmet burger restaurant. Many on the trail have been singing their theme song. Yumm More later, lunch has arrived See pic. Back at Port Clinton to resume the hike, Frank from the barber shop calls me over and what a treat that was. I stepped into the past in this 1850s building and oldies barber shop w/ memorabilia, several guitars, and potions I guess barbers use. His dad is the primary barber. See pic. All I could think of was bugs bunnies' rendition of the barber of Seville. After chatting awhile he convinced me to walk the old AT route for a different view. Pretty but the road miles were hard on the feet. On the way, saw his house which had been built late 1700's. Back on the AT near the reservoir and voila there was the shelter for an early in. Tucked into the hammock shortly before the thunderstormAll for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-09
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: few clouds

Allentown hiking club shelterMile 1235.916.5 milesToday was fun. A late-ish start hopscotching to let the clouds clear from the forest and valley in prep for the views at pulpit rock (where sermons were given to the coal miners) and pinnacle rock, described as the most beautiful view of PA. This may hold true and is certainly the most expansive I have seen here. The boulder runs were fun and much of the trail was reasonably smooth in between. The plan mostly worked w/ somewhat hazy cloudy but beautiful views of the farming valley below. The warm sun, nice breeze & heavy, muggy weather warranted a lazy time on each. See pics. The pulpit rock astronomical park was 30 yds away. See pic. The next section was smooth, wide service rd walking through pretty forest and good water. See pics. I stopped by Eckville shelter, a well shaded bunkhouse behind a cute old farmhouse. This shelter boasted shower, flush toilet, trash receptacle & an electronics charging station- Big ticket items in a hiker's life. The rest of the day continued w/ a combination of hopscotching large rocks and more views at Dan's pulpit and balance rocks. Bilbo Baggins & Peter Pan & many others were at the shelter. Funny I had just finished re listening to The Hobbit a week or so ago as many of the knobby gnarled trees down South had reminded me of the storyA fun storm came through necessitating the full tarp over the hammock(instead of halfway set up) just as I was settled into the hammock a bit. You should have seen the moonlight shimmering on the wet sapling leaves later-magical. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-10
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: mile 1253
Miles today: 17.0

Mile 125317 milesBoulders ruleWhat another excellent day in PA! An early start as I hadn't taken the time to go to the watering hole the night before, nor set up rain water collection, necessitated a long steep climb down a yellow blaze trail to delay AT progress. No matter, it and the spring were nice. The first miles of the trail were a continuation of beautiful forest on a jeep trail. (See pics)This gradually morphed into fun bouldering at knife edge and then over to bear view ( a blue blaze to the other side well worth the effort for lunch w/ a view. The boulders and rocks continued throughout the trail such that at times it was difficult to see where to go as we all spent our time looking down. See picsAt Ashfield rd, there was trail magic gallons and gallons of water and the jugs weren't empty! There was PB&J, spam, sardines and fruit. Further down, on the shelter was buggy but with a nice spring so I loaded up on water and trod to a campsite .3 miles down the hill. My initial plan had been to stay at the jailhouse hostel in Palmerton, but since it didn't look like a jail, and I couldn't rake my cup on any bars, I chose the hammock, although hit the town gets rave reviews for its friendliness.Tomorrow I meet up w/ friends from work for a day hike. I am only 1.5 hrs from home or so! Til later,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-11
From: mile 1253

To: wind Gap mile 1274
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: few clouds

July 11, 2014Mile 1253-1274(Wind Gap, PA)21 milesOff early to meet up with a group of friends from work. Haven't said that 4 letter word for 3 months. The plan- share a little slice of the AT with them- meet at little gap, hike to smith gap 7 miles away after trailhead lunch. The climb out of Lehigh gap was excellent fun as the rocks were stable and the trail well marked. See pic. The trail was detoured around the Palmerton zinc superfund re vegetation site. See pic. This area the last time we had hiked here was barren wasteland from zinc smelting. In 2012, the EPA began its reforestation efforts. Huge improvement so far with some areas still needing attention. See pics. I made the 6 miles w/ time to spare. 11 am, everyone arrived so great to see everyone and dogs Raven & Bell weren't sure what was up but were ready for the adventure. Lunch was fresh salad fruit, corn chips for salt and JSB at my request brought her specialty cake -tres leches!(spelling?) Not good for you but delish! I took 2 left over pieces for later. The hike resumed after I advised for the first time in my life for them to "sugar up" for the hike as usually I am the one policing what they have in their lunch! Everyone took to the trail as though they were from here(yes, actually they are)! The first climb is a bit of a doozy boulder climb and they all had fun, handling it well. The trek was made in plenty of time for all to make it back to work or other obligations w/ no injuries and the dogs not the least bit spent. What fun to walk along with everyone. After parting ways, I hiked to the Leroy Shelter, then decided since the water was 0.4 miles down a trail (.8 round trip), I would rather hike to Wind Gap 4.6 miles away to meet my friend a day early...good hiker logic there. I met up w/ a section hiker needing a ride into town and offered my friend's services My friend Laurie was gracious enough to open her home to her as well. This farm we stayed at is a 200 year old dairy farm turned veterinary clinic. What a beautiful place. For dinner, we enjoyed shrimp stir fry under the trees of the front yard. All for now,Red Robin
Date: 2014-07-12
From: wind Gap mile 1274

To: Mt minsi mile 1287.1
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

Difficult to leave the porch of a 200 year old farmhouse! Nothing doing, I had to take a picture of the worn threshold, hollowed by 200 years of farmers footsteps Once again, I have known Laurie for 12 years but took me a walk up the Appalachian Trail (1274 miles) to take the time to stop by for a visit!Moving slowly amongst some particularly meddlesome small rocks aided by concentrating on the murder mystery I was listening to(set in Scotland, 1950's w/ an excellent narrator), I only made it to Mt Minsi for the night In route, 1 grove of trees all appeared to have a peculiar kink or twist or curvature of their trunks. Otherwise, the trail was all PA pretty forests, lots of young azaleas waiting their turn to bloom, some blooming rhododendron, farm valley views, and fun boulder runs. See pics eventually.I was surprised at how few people I saw & got my answer. Batman came whizzing through w/ his 50+ lb pack, laden even heavier w/ yard sale finds in wind gap. He advised many have chosen to yellow blaze the rest of PA. Oh well, hike your own hike. Dinner at Kirkridge shelter, then on to Mt Minsi. Til Later,Red Robin