morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Gettysburg National Historic Park
Miles today: 0.0

We woke up in the little (make that tiny) tent to the sound of birds. This is one reason we camp...listening to birds beats the sounds of people's showers/morning noises any day of the week! We were to meet up with Joe and Mary in Gettysburg so that is where we headed. All of us were hungry so our first stop was the Lincoln Diner. Back in Joe's car, we headed for the Gettysburg Battlefield Visitors Center. We purchased tickets for the movie, the cyclorama and the museum. It was all so very well done and interesting but I personally was most impressed with the cyclorama. (see photo on L. side in photos) The 360 painting seamlessly met up with the realistic looking landscape in front of the painting. The painting was done by a French painter and his crew in the late 1800's. It was many places before ending up here so had to be restored over a 6 year period costing millions of dollars. Don't miss it if you are ever in Gettysburg. Joe drove us around the battlefield on the auto tour. We stopped and walked up to Little Round Top. Standing there looking out over the battlefields, it was easy to see why it was the prime location. SOS and I both love history so this was an excellent way to spend a zero and more so because we were sharing it with friends who also love history! Back in the town, we went to lunch and then had to say goodbye to our friends who needed to drive home for Father's Day dinner with their kids. (One thing we have in common with Joe and Mary is that we both have 5 kids...theirs all came naturally and ours came in a variety of ways but are all equal in our eyes) After they left, we drove to McDonalds to catch up the journal and do laundry which was right next door....another $3.00 wash load...how do people who don't own a washer afford this?? It is dinner time so we will find something to eat and turn in early...hopefully my head light will work tonight so I can read awhile!PS: All of our sons and son-in-laws are great fathers...so Happy Father's Day to you all and to SOS who has been a fantastic father to all his children!
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Hwy 850

To: Footbridge at Hwy 225
Miles today: 17.5

Checked out of Allenberry and SOS drove to his start point. I drove to Duncannon and went to the restaurant across from the Doyle. Gribley, Daystar, Tater Tot and Pants on Fire were eating breakfast there. We talked for awhile and I had oatmeal w/blueberries and coffee. I gave them some candy bars and other goodies for the trail and went in search of the library which was supposed to be in a church. I got in the wrong church which had a senior center attached. It was a busy place with very friendly ladies. One lady explained what they do there and about all the things she sews to sell in their store. She recommended that I drive to Newport which was a nice little town according to her. After driving there, I have to wonder when she was there last...most things were closed including the library. She told me it was less than 10 miles but according to Edith Chloe it was 15 so I spent a very short time there and returned to Duncannon to wait for SOS to come off the trail for lunch. We ate at a little pizza place on the main street and then off he went into the 96 degree heat and I drove on to Harrisburg to find a room. Our friends were coming so I needed 2 rooms. I only had one coupon but the lady at the Econo Lodge let me get two rooms with one coupon. After I moved a few things in, I worked on catching up my leather journal and then took a short nap. SOS called to say he wasn't sure which way he was going so thought he would be later than he said. He also wanted me to bring him a strawberry milkshake. When I got on the road to where the pick up spot was, I was in heavy traffic on the Interstate ...again! I didn't want to try and get off to get the milkshake and back on so I just kept driving...besides it was so hot that it would have melted before he came. When I was back on small roads only 2 miles from the pick up, what should appear in the middle of NOWHERE but....an ice cream stand!! So I sat in the parking lot in the shade (which didn't help much) and talked to friend Julie from Elkhart for a long time. It was so good to catch up on all the news of our families. When it was time to drive the last 2 miles, I ordered a large strawberry milkshake and went on. I found the spot with no trouble...it had a parking lot with shade so was a good place to wait. In only about 10 minutes, here he came! I drove us back to the hotel and Randy and Meredith (friends from Illinois) were already at the hotel. We decided to drive 5 miles to a Italian Restaurant that I had passed...it was in an old church. We shared lasagna and salad...it was good! Back to the room to plan tomorrow and off to sleep.Road Name of the Day: HOLLY ROAD   This made me think of "Miss Holly" who is the secreatary, Jill of all trades,(and not a miss...she is married) at Our Savior Lutheran School in Marlette, MI which is where some of our grandkids go to school. She is always smiling and pleasant and has been very kind to our daughter/son in law and 5 children. SOS and I appreciate all the times she has gone out of her way to be helpful. We suspect she is this way with everyone!
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Hwy 325

To: Swatara Gap at Hwy 72
Miles today: 17.3

Trail Mama had a good nights sleep and is back at the computer tonight! We checked out of our hotel outside of Harrisburg and drove both cars to drop off the guys at their start spot in a slight rain (which soon stopped) and drove on to Lickdale to the Best Western. We checked in but had to wait a few hours until our rooms were ready so we drove one car to Fredericksburg. What a great idea that turned out to be! We found the Matthews Library...another 10! It is in a modern building with lots of glass, comfortable seating, lots of computers (all in use), and the most fascinating puppet room. The director, Sheila Redcay, took us on a tour of things the public doesn't get to see! After showing us the puppet room, she showed us the room where a young lady creates all day...what a job! She also showed us her German puppet collection. (see in photos) We then went down the street to a coffee cafe owned by Dawn Snader. It was my kind of coffee house..very nicely decorated, bright and welcoming, with good food and coffee. Be sure to stop here if you are ever in the area...you won't be disappointed! We ate lunch, used the computer, and talked awhile to Dawn and her assistant. When she asked why we were in town and I explained what SOS and I were doing, she gave me $20 "for the kids". What a generous gift from a complete stranger...THANKS, DAWN!! Back we went to the hotel and got our rooms. Since Meredith had a hair appointment across the street, I went down to the guest laundry to do 2 loads...only $4.00 for 2 loads of wash and dry as opposed to $3.00 for one wash load...a bargain! Laundry done, I knitted in Meredith's room while she painted and we talked. Soon we decided to go to a grocery and get food for dinner. The front desk lady gave us printed directions to the nearest grocery but they were not correct. A helpful man said "Follow me" and lead us to the store...nice helpful people everywhere! The store had everything we wanted. SOS called and said they were at the pick up spot so we hurried through the check out and went to get them. It was a pick up spot with NO parking so we had to just pull off the side of the road. The guys showered while Meredith and I fixed dinner and then we took it all outside to a picnic table and enjoyed the cooled off air. We also enjoyed our meal of chicken, sweet potatoes, broccoli, salad and bread. SOS and Popcorn went to the pool to relax and thus ended another day on the trail!
Date: 2012-06-24
From: PA 501

To: Six Gun Circle - Lusby, MD
Miles today: 0.0

All up early. After another delicious meal, we decided to go to a nearby beach. I was reluctant (not liking the sun to beat down on me) but they assured me that this beach had shade...and it did! There were huge shady trees very close to the water. So I got out a folding chair, got my knitting out and settled in for a few hours. SOS and friends, Randy and Kevin, went into the water. Meredith and her sister Debbie took a long walk on the beach and collected driftwood which we will now use at Grandma Camp. I changed my plan for a project when I saw the beautiful pieces of wood. Everyone enjoyed their few hours at the beach and then we went back to the house so that SOS and I could get on our way back to the trail. Debbie insisted that we eat first so she started putting together another delicious meal. This time shrimp, homemade guacamole w/chips, fresh fruit, pasta salad, ham with all the trimmings for sandwiches...all served on beautiful dishes from Germany! She is an excellent hostess as you can see. She and Kevin go out of their way to make sure guests are comfortable...THANKS KEVIN and DEBBIE!! SOS and I, with regret, left this paradise and drove back to the trail. We got in a traffic jam so got off on another smaller road and found the campground we were looking for. It is in a very remote spot and it was pitch dark by the time we arrived...so we spent quite awhile trying to find out number 115 site in the dark. When we did find it, we also found the ground so hard that the flimsy tent pegs wouldn't go into the ground very far and in some spots not at all. We were tired and figured since we would be in the tent holding it down, it really didn't matter until tomorrow. Once again, we just got settled in when it began to softly rain...it just sounded good on the tent roof so off to sleep we went all cozy and warm...actually too warm so I wasn't in my sleeping bag until later in the night! No road names today...
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Windsor Furnace

To: Hwy 183
Miles today: 20.2

Up again in our tent on a chilly morning. Off to a closer start spot than usual as SOS decided to go southbound today. I waited there until he was sure he was in the right spot...it was not well marked. I drove into town and found the yarn shop...right beside the Dollar General where I bought a few more things for Grandma Camp coming up in July. The yarn shop was open so went inside to look around. Kim, the owner, was very friendly and invited me to sit down and knit if I wished. I told her I would be back later. On to the library..another disappointment...a 6...beautiful old building but not designed well inside but did sit down and read awhile....very crowded feeling...the second floor is closed so hopefully they are renovating and will spread out later... Since the wind was blowing hard, I decided to drive back to the campground and see if our tent was still there. The ground is so hard that we can't get the tent pegs in and the tent is very light. Well, the good news was that it was still there...in the same spot!! We have decided to stay here 2 more nights so paid at the office and drove back to town (only 4+ miles) Back to the yarn shop where I settled into a comfy chair and began knitting. Kim was there alone waiting for her evening knitting class to start. The ladies , 7 of them, arrived and Kim began the class. I knitted and listened to the conversation and then had to leave to pick up SOS. On the way, I stopped at the grocery to pick up some food for dinner. On arriving at the spot to wait on SOS, I met Bird Kicker and Bottle Caps. And ,No, he doesn't really kick birds. Early on in his hike back in Georgia, a bird swooped down and hit his boot and then flew up into a tree and loudly announced its displeasure...so his friends named him bird kicker. Trail Mama got to give them food and drink. SOS showed up while we were talking so we all talked a bit and then they hiked on into the woods. We decided to just eat our dinner on a nearby rock. A man waiting on a friend to take him fishing came by so we talked and he took our picture...now here we are again at McDonald's catching up the journal! No road names...same old roads for 3 days now! Just in case you didn't realize it...WE ARE NOW IN TRIPLE DIGITS!! What that means is that we only have 900+ miles to go instead of 2000 or 1000!!!!!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: PA Hwy 309 Blue Mountain Summit

To: Little Gap Road
Miles today: 18.6

We took down our tent after getting up and started the packed up and moving on process. We headed north to the start spot and discovered a wonderful general store on the way...the Wanamaker General Store which has been here since 1905 with an addition put on more recently. It is a delightful place..filled with all kinds of things very nicely displayed. Rog had them make him a ham sandwich to eat on the trail while I had some of the best coffee I have had in awhile. On to the trail to drop off SOS and I headed into new territory to find a new temporary home. The drive was pleasant except for the drivers who just don't understand how many things I am doing at one time which slows me down! (and irritates some of them)....such as trying to find my way on strange roads, making sure Edith Chloe doesn't lead me astray, looking for photo ops, keeping an eye out for country stores, antique shops, coffee shops, artisan centers, libraries, and other points of interest in new territory! How can they expect me to drive over the speed limit and do all that at the same time????????????? :-) I only stopped once and that was a photo op that I couldn't resist....a very patriotic pig along the road in front of a countryside butcher shop...(see in photos) I drove into Allentown, PA to the first place on my list..the Quality Inn. It was advertised as brand new and recently renovated...a contradiction right there! ...and I am sure it was brand new...once...many years ago...but the price was right after I kept talking and talking (I call it negotiating). The lady insisted that I go look at the room before she would register me because she kept saying...it is really small. So I looked..and it is small but it has everything we need so here we are! I was allowed to check in at 10 so had lots of time in the room instead of killing time somewhere waiting for check in time. I did more knitting and then tried to find a grocery store. The first two on my GPS were not easy to find and both were no longer in business...so I stopped at a quick mart and got milk and salad for tonight. On to pick up SOS who was having his problems with a very steep mountain and many, many rocks...not a fun hiking day for him. Not a fun driving day for me either...much traffic in this town so took a while to get out of town and into the mountains to get him. I only arrived a few minutes before he did although I planned to be there 1/2 hour before he thought he would be done. I drove us back to the room and fixed dinner while SOS showered. It takes a while for our pictures to upload so I rubbed SOS' feet, which are very sore right now, while I waited for each picture to come up. He is now asleep and I will be soon as I finish this journal! Road Name of the Day: COUNTRY ROAD I had to laugh when I saw this name out in the country on the way to Allentown. Someone out there doesn't have much, if any, creativity if that is the only name they could come up with for a country road...duh!
Date: 2012-07-05
From: NJ 94 - Vernon

To: NJ 284 - Unionville, NY
Miles today: 10.8

Surefoot and Mini Mama got up early and headed off to get a train into New York City to celebrate their 10th anniversary. SOS and I packed up the room and headed to find a new home...this time together! We drove to Vernon, NJ and found a hotel very close to the AT called the Appalachian Hotel. We will stay here for 2 days. There is a wonderful fruit/veggie/bakery/ice cream store across the road from the trail so SOS bought some cherries and 2 apples. He took half and left me half. Off he went and then called back to me that Bucket was almost to the trail head also. I waited for him and gave him my half of the fresh fruit and some gatorade. Then we went together to the fruit stand where Bucket wanted to rest a bit in the shade. I bought a few things and then drove back to the room. I finished knitting a little doll sweater and a book I was reading. When it was time to go get SOS, I was half way there (17 miles) when I realized that I didn't have my phone. It makes it difficult to contact him to see where he is without the phone!!! On I went and waited on him for 1/2 hour...doing a sudoko and a crossword puzzle (which my 94 year old Mom does everyday! You go, MOM!!) while I waited. When he came out of the woods, he had a dog with him. He said the dog just appeared and hiked with him about 5 miles. The dog had tags so we called the owner...no answer...so left a message and then tried to decide what to do with the wet, smelly dog. At first I said, NO way is that dog getting in my car...smelly hikers are one things but this is another! In the end, we just couldn't leave her/him there...the address was on the tags so we loaded her/him up and off we went with the windows down. The house was in the country back a narrow, rutted dirt road (looked familiar...) with many signs saying Private property, Keep out...etc. However we were on a mission...so we drove on to the house and got the dog out of the car. He/she seemed to know where to go so we left and started back to our hotel. On the way, a Dutch Bakery called to us so we stopped and bought a few treats. Dinner in the room and then off to do laundry...another fun event...NOT! Back to the room about 9:05...with damp clothes...because the sign at the laundry said...the lights go out and the door locks automatically at 9:00! We didn't want to test that out so we gathered up damp clothes from the dryer and brought them back to the room. I was exhausted and went straight to bed and to sleep. I didn't even hear Jon and Megan come in about an hour later. Road Name of the Day: PRICES SWITCH ROAD... and the questions is How do you know when????
Date: 2012-07-07
From: NY 17

To: NY Route 17A
Miles today: 12.0

SOS and I packed up and moved on today. We are done with New Jersey (sorry, but I won't miss the driving-too-fast-and-honking-all-the-time drivers). The first motel we stopped at...the man told us we couldn't check in until 5:00PM! We tried reasoning with him but that was a futile exercise...he had showed us a room that was ready and there were almost no cars in the parking lot so I have no idea why he was turning down two nights but on we went to keep on looking. We came to Harriman, NY and there was a Hampton Inn...so we decided to splurge and we did. Our room is luxury compared to where we usually stay but this is our anniversary week (36 wonderful years on the 11th)so we are treating ourselves. We drove to the start point and once again SOS is SOBO today. I settled into the room and did my usual things. When I tried to call SOS a little later, my phone had a strange message on the front and wouldn't go on or off...so I asked where a Verizon store was and there was one very close by so that is where I headed. The man was very patient with a person who knows NOTHING about phones. He said the phone was dead and sold me a new one...so I went back to my favorite flip top phone and he transferred my numbers...but not my pictures :-( so there went all my favorite pictures of my grandbabies...that made me sad! Back in the room, I plugged in the "old" phone and lo and behold, it charged up and seems fine..so at least I can look at the pictures once in a while....why wouldn't it do that at the store??? Did I really need a new phone??? ...um.....too late now....I drove on a new road to get SOS which made me nervous because I knew I hadn't been on this road before and wondered if I was going to find SOS. Well, there he was standing by the road and I was thrilled to see him. He looked like he had just walked out of the shower...his hair was soaking wet as was the rest of him...we kissed from a distance! On to the nearby creamery to get his daily strawberry shake. The view is very nice by the Creamery. Back at the room, after a very long shower, SOS looked up a restaurant that he wanted to go to (I told him I was not thinking anymore today so he had to pick a place to eat) The restaurant was nearby but crowded and had a long wait so we drove back to Uno's which was even closer. We both made good food choices and enjoyed our meal. Back to the room to relax for the evening. Road Name of the Day: LILY LANE When I saw this road name, I immediately thought of our church friend whose name is Lillie. She is a faithful reader of this journal and a faithful signer of the guest book...which we appreciate very much. We have known Lillie for over 30 years (and her husband Russ)...when I think of her, I see her beautiful smile which always seems to be present with her! THANKS, LILLIE, for the prayers and support!
Date: 2012-07-09
From: Route 17

To: Bear Mt. - Perkins Tower
Miles today: 17.0

Long day today...We drove to the start spot and then I drove back to the room. I had already asked for a later check out time today because our appointment to get the glass window replaced was not until 3:00. I just stayed in the room until 2:00 and then checked out. I got to the glass repair place at 2:15 and told the man I would just sit and wait for my 3 o'clock appointment. Well, my car was in and out and done at 2:45 :-)That is now two times that just sitting quietly in the waiting room has worked wonders to speed up the work on our car! After SOS called and said he would be 2 hours later than he thought, I went to the nearest library (a 9...not because it was wonderfully designed or organized but because it was full of kids and people using everything they had to offer. There was lots of tutoring going on at the many tables. It was good to see a library so well used!)I read for awhile and then tried to find the McDonald's to get hamburgers that SOS wanted. Edith Chloe was way off on this one but I found it anyway. I bought 4 hamburgers and 2 apple pies. When I got to the top of Perkins Tower Drive to pick up SOS, he wasn't there yet so I looked at all the beautiful views again and took more pictures of the Hudson River. Who should come walking up but friends Headnout and Tagnalong! SOS came a few minutes later with another hiker named Amish (he isn't but looks the part with a beard and straw hat). I gave all of them a hamburger which they were thrilled to get! It is amazing to see how excited hikers get about food! We split the two apple pies in half so all 4 of them got a piece...then SOS shared his cookies and oranges and I shared my bananas so a "feast" was had by hungry hikers. SOS and I went looking for a room. We tried to stay at the military housing at West Point and were disappointed when they were full. We did get a room at the West Point Inn which really has no connection to West Point. We relaxed the rest of the evening.