morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-04-25
From: camp-site

To: Rockfish Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rex called, he is staying at a motel near Rockfish Gap. He hiked 18.0 miles, it was a good day for hiking, cool & sunny, with a little wind. Elev. 1920ft. He went to the information center in Rockfish Gap, where he met Paul, a volunteer at the center. Paul shut down the center and took Rex to a motel, and waited to make sure he had a room for the night. Great guy. The next morning Trail Angel, Roger, gave him a ride back to the trail. Rex has talked about "trail magic" food and beverages left in containers on the trail for hikers and "trail angels" people who give hikers a ride to and from the store or back to the trail. I have "trailjournal computer angels", I had a problem with my computer over the weekend, and two friends came to my rescue. I would like to thank Jon for checking out the DSL and wireless connections and other lines to the computer and Rollin for spending an evening getting the thing up and running again. You are both great friends "computer angels" , thank you again! Marilyn
Date: 2005-04-26
From: Rockfish Gap

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Went from Rockfish Gap to Blackrock Hut. A total of 20 miles. Very nice hiking day, cool and mostly sunny. There were seven other people staying at the Hut, including Boomerang, and Margaret and Allen, a couple from New Zeeland.
Date: 2005-04-27
From: Blackrock Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Went from Blackrock Hut to Hightop Hut, a total of 21 miles. Nice day with cool temperatures once again. Saw lots of deer. Stayed in the Hut with Bomerang and three teachers from New Jersey, and one store owner from New Jersey. We had a roaring fire going most of the night, which was nice because it got down to around thirty degrees.
Date: 2005-04-28
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rockspring Hut
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Went from Hightop Hut to Rockspring Hut, a total of 25 miles. I stayed in the shelter with Boomerang and three brothers from Boston, Denver, and Maine. The brothers get together once a year and hike a hundred miles on the AT. It apeared they were having a wonderful time. There was also a cabin nearby which four gentlemen stayed in and partied well into the night. One of the men was eighty years old and was present on the USS Quincy for the surrender of the Japanese at the end of World War Two. He was very proud to show all of us his VJ card.Right now I am about two thirds of the way through Shenandoah National Park. As of today I have completed 928 miles of the trail. There is 101 miles of Appalachian Trail through the park. The Park is home to wild turkey, whitetail deer, black bears, and shelter mice. Almost 2 million people visit this park annually to view the wildlife and get back to nature.
Date: 2005-04-29
From: Rockspring Hut

To: Thornton Gap
Miles today: 14.0

An easy day to the rendevous point with Merlin. She picked me up at the Ranger Station in Shenandoah Park, at about 3:30, and we drove to Luray, home of the world famous caverns, where we spent the night. The weather has been cool and damp, but who cares. We drove through the park today just to give Merlin a look at the area. The trees at lower elevations are leafed out, but not when you get above 2,000 feet. I have lost a total of 25 pounds since I started at Springer Mountain, GA. Amazing! I am now down to 148 lbs. Merlin keeps looking at me and wondering, "who the hell is this guy"? One more day of R&R and it's back to the ridge running. I enjoy reading the guestbook entries, and I appreciate everyone's support. Thank-You.
Date: 2005-05-02
From: Thornton Gap

To: Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter
Miles today: 24.8
Weather: light rain

Monday morning, after a pleasant weekend with lots of food and R&R, T-Rex is back on the trail. I dropped him off where I picked him up on Friday. While he was putting on his backpack and getting ready to go, I noticed a black shape in the road about 100 feet from us, it was a bear! a car was coming and it ran into the woods. We had just drove over that section of road and didn't see anything.Rex called later, he had another bear sighting about ten minutes before he arrived at the shelter. He hiked 24.8 miles in new boots, no major problems. He wore the tread off the pair he started the trail with, they had aprox. 1200 miles of wear from hiking over the past year. Two other hikers are staying at the shelter, Cado and Wells. Weather today was cool with light rain. It's been a little easier hiking in Shenandoah Park, the trails are in better shape. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-03
From: Tom Floyd Wayside Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The new shoe boots (Asolo) are working fine, they are cut lower than the old hiking boots. No critters on the trail today, just lots of birds. Today was cool, no rain, a nice hiking day. Met a south-bounder named Happy. Stayed at the shelter with four young kids who are hiking to Harper Ferry. Hiked 27.0 miles today.
Date: 2005-05-04
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rex called, he is staying at the Blackburn Trail Center (hostel). From the porch, on a clear day, you may be able to see the Washington Monument. He was the only hiker spending the night. The owner was going to cook him a meal, she probably felt sorry for him, he's so skinny. On the way to the Center today, he stopped at the Bears Den Rocks, another hostel, and had a pizza and three ice cream bars. Keep eating Rex I don't want to be bigger than you.   Also today Rex went through the "Roller Coaster" a 14 mile section of viewless trail, with ten 500 foot ascents and descents, built on narrow ridges.love Merlin
Date: 2005-05-05
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Wow! he¢s over 1000 miles, there¢s no turning back now T-Rex. He left Blackburn Trail Center Thursday morning and hiked to Harpers Ferry, W. Va. The A.T. goes through the historic district with museums, stores, and restaurants. Thru-hikers register at the Appalachian Trail Conference Center Office, Rex is number 16, Bailey 15 and Bomerrang the 14th hiker to register so far this year. Hikers also have their pictures taken for the 2005 album.Rex went to The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry, because his new boots are making his feet sore, the soles are not thick enough to hike on rock and stones. The trail has become very rocky. The sales person at the outfitter was kind enough to call the store were he purchased his boots, and arrange to mail them back and have his card credited for the returned boots. He bought another pair, this time he¢s trying Vasque low cut boots with thicker soles. After the store he went to a local Pub for something to eat, where he met several other hikers.He continued hiking in the afternoon. The A.T. goes past the Jefferson Rock Viewpoint that overlooks the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers. He crossed over the Potomac river on the Goodloe Byron Memeorial Foot-bridge and is now in Maryland.After all the stops today he managed to hike 19 miles, and is staying at the Ed Garvey Shelter. Keep up the good work, and I hope the new boots work well. Love from all of us. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-06
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: haze

Friday was Historical hiking day in Maryland, with Civil War battle sites. The first monument built to honor George Washington, at Washington Monument State Park. The War Correspondent Memorial Arch, at Gathland State Park, the only one of its kind in the U.S. He still has a small blister on one foot, but feels the new boots will work out fine, they just need a few miles to break them in, like the 20 miles he hiked today. Boomerang is staying at the campsite also.
Date: 2005-05-07
From: Pogo Campsite

To: Tumbling run Shelters
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Saturday, Time to re-supply, he left the trail to hitch-hike to Smithburg, Md. A retired elementary school principal gave him a ride to the store, waited for him to shop, gave Rex a ride back to the trail, and helped him re-back his backpack. I'm amazed at how kind and generous folks are along the trail to hikers.Back on the trail. The trail has changed, from rocks to boulders, some 4-5 feet in diameter. Just before leaving Maryland, Rex was hiking down hill when he stepped onto a boulder, it teetered, he slipped and fell, hitting his head, scraping his elbow, knee and shin. He felt lucky he came out of the fall with just minor injuries.A marker on the trail shows the historic Mason-Dixon Line, which serves as the Pennsylvania-Maryland state line. Rex has hiked 133 miles in six days, another two days and he will be at the half way mark on the A.T.He went 23 miles today, and is staying at Tumbling Run Shelters. There are two shelters, one for snoring, and one for non-snoring hikers. Rex and Boomerang are in the snoring shelter. I pity the hiker who goes to the wrong shelter.
Date: 2005-05-09
From: Birch Run shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Rex is now past the midpoint. There is a wooden sign and register on the trail that marks the official midpoint of 1069 miles. The actual trail changes from year to year, so this year Rex¢s midpoint was 1087 miles. The trail is changed to protect areas from erosion, change the view and is rerouted for water sources and new shelters being built. Today was a tough hiking day. The trail was very rocky and he had to climb over many of the rocks to stay on the trail. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-10
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

Rex and Boomerang left the shelter in the morning. Rex told Boomerang that it looked like a good day to see some snakes. They had hiked a few miles when they had their first encounter with a snake on the trail, it was a Garter snake, no big deal. A few miles later, Rex walked off the trail to look at a new shelter being built, and he saw a six foot long Black Snake, it slithered down the hill away from him, he said, it moved so fast it looked like water being poured down the hill. They continued hiking, with Boomerang about 75 feet in front of Rex, when he yelled at Rex to hurry up, there was another snake, this one a few feet off the side of the trail. This time it was an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, about five feet long, and four inches in diameter, it rattled at them, Rex was able to take several pictures, before it went off into the leaves. Boomerang was very excited because he had never seen a poisonous snake before. They both talked about the snake the rest of the afternoon, and agreed that the sighting has been one of the highlights of the hike thus far. The trail was flat in the morning, they did a little climbing in the afternoon, it was a good day for hiking. They went 25.5 miles.Merlin
Date: 2005-05-11
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: The Doyle in Duncannon
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a short day today, time to re-supply and peel the dirt off the old body. A lady with the trail name of "Gung-Ho", who hiked with Boomerang through Georgia was kind enough to take me to the grocery store to get the things I needed. She also made a gallant effort to find an outfitter for me. She also offered to let me stay at her home with Boomerang for the night, and then bring me back to the trail in the morning. I declined, because I'm meeting my son-in-law in the morning, and he is going to hike with me for a few days. Thank-you Gung-Ho, I appreciate your kindness. I'm staying at the Doyle Hotel which has been kind of a tradition for thru-hikers of the past. The saying goes that the Doyle is so bad, that it is good. The weather has been warm, but it has been good hiking, with a lot of flat trail, and a few climbs. I can't wait to see Eric, and get started back on the trail in the morning. Thanks for all of the support, and keep it coming.The photo is of the Eastern Diamondback Rattle snake that was on trail.
Date: 2005-05-12
From: The Doyle in Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday morning, Eric (son-in-law) met Rex at Duncannon Pa. to begin their three day hike together. Eric drove all night from Kazoo, parked the car fifty miles up trail. He had a prearranged ride at 6:00 a.m. to shuttle him from the car to Duncannon, where he and Rex had breakfast before they started their hike for the day. It was cloudy and cold in the morning, later the wind picked up and the sky cleared, but it stayed cool and windy. Eric saw a black snake in a rock pile, just it¢s head was visible. That would be all right with me. Eric was in need of sleep, so they went about 12 miles. Rex will get more out of him tomorrow, or maybe the other way around. Eric hikes in the Rocky Mountains, he lives in Colorado Springs. Co. Be safe and have fun. Love Merlin, Heather & Kaden
Date: 2005-05-13
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Eric and Rex had a good day hiking. The trail is very rocky. The elevaton at the shelter, 980 feet. They saw a coyote, deer and a wild turkey, and a hunter who was hunting the wild turkey. Rex has enjoyed hiking with Eric, he also has enjoyed their conversations about home and family.   Love Merlin
Date: 2005-05-14
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter, Pine Grove, Pa.
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: broken clouds

This was Eric¢s last full day of hiking with Rex. They are at the 501 Shelter near Pine Grove Pa. Eric left the car just a few miles from Pine Grove, so he moved the car closer to the shelter and trail, for his early morning departure for home. They went into town in the late afternoon for pizza. When they got back to the shelter it started to rain. Rex and Eric had a good day hiking, they went 17.9 rocky rough miles. During the day they came across another rattle snake, this one was bigger than the first one a few days ago. The snake was just off the side of the trail, it coiled up and rattled at them. They tried to move it with a long stick so they could pass by it, but it moved to the other side of the trail, closer than before. Finally with a little prodding in moved back so they could pass, they left a note on a tree for other hikers to beware of a rattle snake in the area.   Merlin
Date: 2005-05-15
From: 501 Shelter, Pine Grove, Pa.

To: Port Clinton, Pa. 
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

Rex called, Eric left in the a.m. & its back to hiking alone. The trail was more rocky today, and according to other hikers, Monday will be even worse, after that the trail will start to improve. Some elevation today, 1400 feet. It was foggy in the a.m. & later it turned out to be a nice day, about 70 degrees. Rex hiked 24 miles to Port Clinton, Pa. He is staying at an open air pavilion in town, provided for hikers. He ate at the local hotel. Later he went to the Fire Station (that's right). The Fire Station has a private club for the locals. Rex and Jennifer, another hiker, had to sign in as guests. Rex had a cheeseburger and a beer, the bartender paid the bill, and than offered Rex some salmon that his father had smoked, he said, it was delicious, some of the best smoked salmon he has ever tasted.Rex will hang out in Port Clinton monday, and wait for the Post Office to open. He ordered some new boots online from REI Outfitters a few days ago, and had them mailed here for pick-up. He¢s going back to the original Asolo boots he started his hike with, the Vasque boots were OK, but he needs the thicker soles and ankle support for the rocky trail conditions.    I saw this on a poster at work today. Go over, go under, go around or go through, but never give up. Love Merlin.
Date: 2005-05-16
From: Port Clinton, Pa. 

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

The new boots arrived in the morning at the post office.   REI sent the wrong size, and Rex had already mailed the other boots home. He had to wear the half size smaller boots hiking today. Rex called REI and told them about the mistake, they told him to go ahead and wear them. They will ship another pair to Palmerton, Pa. and Rex will mail the wrong size boots back to REI from there. He hiked 23.0 miles, it rain most of the night, the shelter was fairly new, no mice. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-17
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton, Pa. Borough Hall
Miles today: 18.0

Left Allentown at 6:30 a.m. hiked 18 miles to Palmerton, Pa. Arrived at 1:00 made good time on the trail. The city allows hikers to stay at Borough Hall in the basement, with free hot shower, this was once a jail. Another tough day hiking on rocks, climbing over or jumping across boulders. Weather was great, perfect for hiking, some elevation 1200 feet. Staying at the hall with Odyssa, Pure Luck and Big Daddy D. Boomerang is staying with friends tonight, He will meet T-Rex in the morning for breakfast, and his friends will drive Rex to the post office. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-18
From: Palmerton, Pa. Borough Hall

To: Wind Gap, Pa.
Miles today: 20.6
Weather: overcast clouds

When they left Palmerton, they had a steep rocky thousand foot climb. The scramble up the rocks is among the most challenging on the A.T. south of New Hampshire. Rex said, he could have easily fallen backwards from the weight of his backpack. There are archaeological digs in the area, they are finding artifacts from the Delaware Indian Tribe. Rex would love to find an authentic Indian arrowhead. New boots didn¢t arrive at the post office today. When they do arrive the post office will mail them ahead, to another post office in N.Y.   Rex¢s feet now have blisters and are very sore, he¢s taping his feet and using bandages to keep going. It was a cool day, great for hiking, he went 20.6 miles. He is sharing a motel room tonight with Boomerang, and Odyessa. I hope she has some earplugs. Rex and Boomerang have been known to keep a few hikers awake with their snoring.   Merlin
Date: 2005-05-19
From: Wind Gap, Pa.

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The rocks are trashing their feet. Rex called, he is staying at a church hostel, with free showers. Clear pleasant day for hiking, around 70 degrees.Delaware Water Gap is a National Recreation Area, on the Delaware River. After going over the river, water will become scarce, and the bear (estimated one bear for every one mile where they range) and bug population will increase. The rocky trail will give way to some swampy areas, (which may be easier on the feet). Merlin
Date: 2005-05-20
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Cernter, NJ.
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Rex called, he is at the Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ. After hiking 10.5 miles in a downpour, he was cold and wet and decided to call it a day. He is staying in a cabin with Boomerang, for $16.00 a night. The cabin has a wood stove, bunks, and a shower. They are going to have fire in the wood stove to get warm.Later Rex was able to get a ride from Leslie, a person at the Center, to Unionville, NY. (35 miles) to the post office to pick up his new boots. Now he will have "happy feet".On the way back from Unionville he picked up a pizza that him and Boomerang shared. Rex was told there are lots of Timber Rattle Snakes in the area, along with bears.Tomorrow he is planning to hike halfway to Unionville, NY. and the rest of the way Sunday. Monday morning he will meet a friend who is coming from Denver, CO. Mike is flying into NY and has a ride to the trail, and will hike with Rex for the next five days.   Merlin
Date: 2005-05-21
From: Mohican Outdoor Cernter, NJ.

To: Glen Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: scattered clouds

The day started out good. A big breakfast of bacon and blueberry pancakes at the Mohican Outdoor Center with hot coffee and orange juiec. Later in the afternoon some light rain set in. He is staying at the Glen Anderson shelter with Boomerang and three weekend hikers from NY. The New York boys shared some hard salami, a slab of parmesean cheese, and some spirits with Rex and Boomerang. They also stopped and had a burger and beer, 3 miles before shelter. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-22
From: Glen Anderson Shelter

To: Secret Shelter? Jim Murray
Miles today: 18.3

The secret shelter is located on the New Jersey/New York state line, two miles from Unionville. The shelter has electricity,heat and hot showers. Also at the shelter with Rex was Boomerang, Chase, and Josh. It rained all day, their clothes are wet, but should dry out in the shelter. Rex is looking forward to hiking with Mike tomorrow. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Secret Shelter? Jim Murray

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 13.6

All of our clothes dried out overnight, which was great. I left the shelter about 7:00. I hiked into Unionville, where there is a small grocery, and bought a few things I needed. I then called Bob, who was Mike's shuttle driver, and set up a meeting place another mile down the trail. They arrived about 15 minutes after I did, and we all greeted each other and began our hike. Mike looked good on the trail and did a fine job his first day out. The weather was overcast and cool which was perfect for hiking. We hiked over a boardwalk through a swampy area today. The boardwalk was probably a mile long. A lot of work went into that project. Mike saw a rattlesnake as we were exiting the swampy area. We are staying at a church hostel tonight, which has a shower and laundry facilities, and a dial-up internet connection. Tomorrow there is an 80 per-cent chance of rain, so we will see what happens.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: light rain

Its Wednesday, no phone service yesterday, so I¢m a day behind. Rex and Mike hiked 17 hard miles yesterday. The trail once again was very rocky and steep, and at times slippery from the rain.Its was cold and windy, with rain in the afternoon. They are now in NY, no more back and forth across the state line to NJ. They are staying at the Wildcat Shelter with Pure Luck & Pokey. Pokey has a hearing problem, and Rex woke her with his night serenade, (snoring), its bad when you keep a deaf person awake. Rex could make money selling ear plugs at the shelters.   Merlin
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Southfield, NY
Miles today: 10.0

It rained all night. The trail was strewn with rocks and very steep again, it was a hard hiking day. Mike said, he's still alive, he's a little trail weary, and has a few bruised toenails. I asked Mike if he was ready to hike from Georgia to Maine, his reply was, "maybe on a horse". It was a 10 mile day, saw wild turkeys and deer. Staying the night at the Tuxedo Motel. The motel owner offered to do their laundry, with pickup and delivery, for a small fee. Also staying at the motel are Kado, Wells and Boomerang. Merlin
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Southfield, NY

To: West Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

The day was cool, cloudy, and rainy off and on. Lots of rock climbing, elevation 1,240 feet. After 12.8 miles, Rex and Mike are at the West Mountain Shelter. The shelter provides views of the countryside and the NY city skyline. Also at this shelter is a resident rattlesnake, Rex looked around the shelter, but couldn¢t find it.      Merlin
Date: 2005-05-27
From: West Mountain Shelter

To: Dennytown Rd. Camping
Miles today: 20.3

Rex called, he is back hiking lone. Mike left the trail at Bear Mountain Inn. He took a bus to NYC to visit a cousin, before heading back to Greeley, CO. I hope his time hiking on the A.T. was a memorable experience. I personally have no desire to jump in the middle of this trail with someone who has gone over a 1,000 miles, and has his hiking legs. For me that would be a big ouch! Mike you are a brave person. The trail today took Rex through the Bear Mountain Zoo. In front of the bear cage is the lowest elevation on the trail between Georgia and Maine, 125 feet above sea level. The trail also crossed the highest point in NY, elevation 1,305 feet. The trail crossed the Bear Mt. Bridge over the Hudson River.Rex is staying off trail in his tent tonight, no other hikers.   Merlin.