morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

After a nice day of hanging out with Pedestrian and StingRay yesterday, I will delighted to hear the gentle pitter-patter of rain on my tent. AH! I could "sleep in" and wait for the storm to pass. It did not pass. So I stayed in my tent until 11:00 and did not get on the Trail (with a heavy, wet tent in my pack, thankyouverymuch) until 11:45 am. Luckily, I only had 11 miles to do to get to Duncannon. BUT, I was kicking myself that I would have to do it in the rain.I saw Dos riding out the storm in the shelter (she and I seem to run into each other in the rain!). According to her smartphone, the storm would blow over at about 3:00 pm. I decided to take my chances and push on to Duncannon.Rained all day. The smartphone lied! The rain let up at 5:00 JUST as I arrived in Duncannon. Got to stay at the classic Doyle Hotel (a vertical version of the Bates Motel, without all the taxidermy). When I arrived at the Doyle, I was greeted by the manager as "hiker trash" (a term of endearment in our community) and instead of a long check-in process, was given a key to my room so I could go upstairs and take a hot shower right away. Wonderful customer service! Meanwhile, my hiking buddies were eating in the bar downstairs waiting for me to come down and have a few drinks. Cynics say "Eat at the Doyle, don't stay at the Doyle.", but I decided to stay there and grab something at the pizzeria by the laundromat.I grabbed Pedestrian's laundry too and we combined a load to save some coins (and some water, and some trees, and... well, we were being green, right?!?). While he had a beer, I did the laundry and had a chicken parm sub nearby. After dinner, I threw the laundry in the dryer and Pedestrian and I met a very enthusiastic jogger, who ended up being a prospective section hiker looking to hike SoBo in a few weeks. As a former Pacific Crest Trail hiker, he immediately recognized my Dirty Girl gaiters and loved the fact that they were what gave me my name.After laundry, I retired to my room. Hiking in the rain just wore me out, and I could not see drinking my savings away downstairs, even though the manager was incredibly nice when I was sopping wet at check-in!
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The night at the Doyle in Duncannon last night was not as bad as folks make it sound. I awoke alive, ran down to the diner across the street and had two HUGE pancakes with Pedestrian, StingRay, and Jaws. On my way out of the hotel, I saw The Flash coming into town. He had taken a couple of days off in Harpers Ferry to spend time resting up and hanging out with old hiking mates Nokey and Trophy Wife (who now goes by Sprinkles). He was waiting on a package at the Doyle and said that he was going to have lunch there, too.Staying at the Doyle accomplished two goals: got my stuff dry and my batteries recharged (literally and figuratively). I mailed a couple of items home (including my cold-weather fleece, just taking up real estate in my pack). Since I had some time, and was only going about 12 miles, I thought I would explore Duncannon on my way out of town. There was a HUGE antiques mall that had been set up inside the old snow sled factory. There was a sled factory museum, as well as classic televisions, soda machines (in operation), and even a penny arcade (if by "penny" you mean "quarter").Afterwards, I had lunch at the Sheetz travel center. This gave me a chance to have a sub and a cold drink before hitting the Trail. While waiting for my order and eating, I had two inquires about my hike, one from a July SoBo named Mark (no Trail name for now). Again, when you are out on a hot Trail, an icy-cold beverage from a gas station is amazing.That evening, I arrived at Peters Mountain Shelter... the site of the "original" lean-to that I had photographed in the Appalachian Trail Museum.
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

18 of the most uneventful miles from one shelter to the next. Hiked half the day with The Flash, which will be our last time hiking together, provided we are both honoring our own timelines and deadlines. He has all the Harry Potter audiobooks on his iPod, so he should be okay for a few weeks.Planning on going into Lickdale, PA, to go to Wendy's tomorrow. Again, when you run on a 2,000-calorie deficit per day, the idea of ANY tasty food will drive you forward to accomplish great things.Rausch Gap Shelter was being torn down and rebuilt, so we stayed right on the Trail beside a rushing stream... I love these kind of campsites, because the river masks a lot of noise. Especially the lady who likes to get up at 4:45 to start her day. Heaven help me.When I arrived in camp, I met up with StingRay, who was complaining about "stomach issues"... later, I learned that The Flash was sick and our pal LeeBob had to leave the Trail! Turned out, anyone who followed the "eat at the Doyle" suggestion got a stomach bug from the BBQ. Yikes! Suddenly, my chicken parm sandwich and gas station sub looked like the most BRILLIANT decisions of the entire hike.Pedestrian showed up a bit later and showed me how his hammock system worked. Very, VERY comfortable, but completely impractical in cold weather. I loves me my "Taj Mahal" tent, even though it is heavy. I can spread out and keep all my junk inside when it rains. When it is cold, it retains enough heat to keep me comfortable. Everything is a trade-off on the Trail, but I really do think I have made the right decision.Also in camp was Dog Whisperer, a nice older lady who is traveling with a German Shepherd and a Border Collie. Luckily, the river will mask the sounds of her morning egress. Unfortunately, both dogs like to bark at approaching hikers. Apparently, someone needs to learn to "whisper" a little harder.
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Rausch Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked quickly this morning to get to town (Lickdale) so I could eat lunch at Wendy's. I'm my haste, I ignored a white blaze and went about .4 of a mile down another road near Rausch Gap.When I got to the road six miles later (but still on schedule!), the president of the local hiking club was doing Trail maintenance and offered a ride 2.3 miles to a collection of hotels, restaurants, and gas stations just off Highway 81. I stepped over to the Days Inn to ask if I could purchase a USA Today, and the desk clerk noted they were complementary. Score! So I enjoyed a paper with lunch, then walked across the street to Dairy Queen for a cherry double shot Blizzard. As I stepped out of the DQ and walked to the intersection to return to the Trail, a driver called out his window, asking if I needed a lift to the AT. Michael and his friends were dropping off one car at the gap before hiking back 24 miles southbound to Peters Mountain Shelter. What perfect timing... this day just keeps getting better!The night in the 501 Shelter was my fourth official night in a shelter this trip. This is another shelter where pizza can be delivered, as it is only .1 miles from the road. Luckily, I had treated myself at noon. Otherwise, I'd be disappointed, as I learn the parlor's owner is on vacation.Stingray and Pedestrian are here, among with Byline and Sparrow. Met a few new hikers, most faster than me, who plan to get up and leave at 5:00 am to put in big miles to get to a picnic in Port Clinton. No thank you!
Date: 2012-06-16
From: 501 Shelter

To: Shartlesville-Cross Mountain Road
Miles today: 17.5

17.5 miles to campsite just past Shartlesville-Cross Mountain Road. Picked up two extra miles to shave off tomorrow morning. Will be going into Hamburg for Walmart and Cracker Barrel for Father's Day.Earlier, a day hiker asked if I was a thru-hiker. I said yes and he offered me apples. I declined politely. Then he offered to pack out any trash I might have (which is a big thing for thru-hikers!). As I had just left a shelter with trash cans, I declined again. He asked where I was from, I said California, and he mentioned he has met other thru-hikers from California as he reaches into his bag for a very familiar looking Chick tract. Chick is an extremely conservative religious pamphlet producer, whose comic book style literature crosses the line from Christian to hate speech in a matter of a few pages. I thanked him for his kindness and turned to go. Such a positive person with such divisive literature, but I am certain his intentions were pure.Used iPod Shuffle for the first time in weeks. Combined with the flatter terrain, I sped though my afternoon mileage."Stealth" camping close to a road (stealth camping is when you use a flat site that is not an official campsite for tenting). Hope there will not be any trouble tonight from locals. You just never know.Found my first deer tick. These things are MINISCULE, smaller than a freckle. I am nervous about finding more or getting sick.
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Shartlesville-Cross Mountain Road

To: Port Clinton / Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 7.1
Weather: light rain

A 7.1 mile day = a "nero" to Port Clinton, with a hitch to nearby Hamburg. Visit to Cabela's (on a Sunday AND on Father's Day, so it was extremely busy) where they did not have what I needed. But, they DID have an AYCE buffet with fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn cob-ettes, and cornbread with honey, as well as a couple of servings of tossed salad.Checked into the only hotel, Microtel, to nurse infected pinky toe (which was causing me to limp for over a week) and attempt to address the breakout of acne all over my shoulders and across my back from the backpack, straps, naturally oily skin, and constant perspiration... along with the difficulty in remaining thoroughly clean each day on the Trail. It was such a pleasure to get cleaned up and to allow my skin to "rest". The Flash caught up with me and we decided to split the room for the night, which always helps stretch a dollar.Later in the evening, the local PBS station, WITF, aired the Independent Lens broadcast of "We Were Here: Stories From The AIDS Years". It really made me miss my City and my Community, but in a bittersweet way, strengthened my resolve to finish the hike. During her interview, Elaine noted that "I didn't choose this (the epidemic), it chose me." and she stepped up to the challenge and remained in the fight. Had Daniel Holloway never suggested the Appalachian Trail as a fundraiser, I would never have taken it on and I would probably be home right now on the couch. Therefore, I feel that, as a non-hiker, the Trail chose me. Many days, the repetition results in boredom or frustration, and most people would have quit long ago. But it is important, vital, and necessary that I do not give up.
Date: 2012-06-18
From: Port Clinton / Hamburg, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Nero to campsite near Windsor Furnace Shelter. It is surreal to be limping into your campsite and be passed on the Trail by two jogging grannies out for the after-dinner stroll. This Trail is a little TOO convenient for the locals, sometimes!Short day, as I was resting up yesterday in Hamburg. Hiking again today with The Flash, as he finally caught up to me after a visit with an injured hiker, his friend Smoke from Germany. Sharing the room at Microtel allowed us to get in a decent shower and laundry, as well as a free breakfast before heading back over to Cabela's for the morning shuttle.Bad news, we learn. The morning shuttle driver called in sick, so we were on our own to get back to the Trail. AND, the highway back to the AT is heavily traveled by big-rig trucks, so hitching on the narrow shoulder is dangerous.However, as we approached the main intersection to try our chances, we were offered a ride up the two miles to Port Clinton by Joanne (again, a driver rolls down the window and calls out "Need a ride?"). She lives RIGHT beside the Trail in Port Clinton, so we were back on the Trail by 1:00 pm!At some point, The Flash is going to have to pick up the pace, because he is really needing to get home to his wife in Kentucky.
Date: 2012-06-19
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked another half-day this afternoon with The Flash. I am worried that I am holding him back by providing the "temptation" only hiking 15 or 16 miles per day. He was on target to hike 20 miles per day so he can make it home to his wife and his job as a Starbucks manager by mid-August. However, I think the reality of the rocky Pennsylvania trail is catching up to him.And today was a "Pennsylvania Rocks!" kinda day... and with some mild morning precipitation, the rocks were SLICK. The black lichen or "must" on the rocks looks like a discoloration, but actually becomes a black slime when moist. No "grippy" at all and made for some slow going.BUT, today was "Day 100"! Only 950.3 miles to go!
Date: 2012-06-20
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: George Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

Hottest day yet. Had to stop twice just to cool down. Want to rush the next 16.7 miles in order to see Oscar, but cannot tolerate another hot day like this.The Allentown Shelter had a tame bunny and chipmunk hanging out on the lawn. Funny to see them just sitting there eating after everyone else took off this morning.Rocks, rocks, ROCKS. Added an hour, at least, to my day. Along with a precarious "knife edge", which was not as bad as Dragon's Tooth in Catawba, Virginia, it made for some unsafe hiking. I just don't get the idea behind this Trail design.
Date: 2012-06-21
From: George Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

Survived the STEEP climb out of Lehigh Gap, across the zinc-laden Superfund site outside of Palmerton, PA. Maybe I should not have had those fresh blueberries and blackberries on the Trail. But when I made it to the top, I was surrounded by a butterfly mob... or maybe it was a butterfly family reunion. Nearly two dozen black and orange butterflies danced around me like a Disney cartoon... or a feminine products commercial.Push, push, push... rocks, rocks, rocks... hot, hot, hot. I am so happy to read in some of the AT autobiographies that the authors come to hate the Trail when they are in Pennsylvania... I think everyone is mentally exhausted, but this section of the Trail is becoming harder and harder to tolerate. Sharp, jutting rocks that cut into feet and ankles and make it impossible to get flat footing.But, I get to see Oscar tomorrow!
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 4.8
Weather: overcast clouds

FINALLY arrived in Wind Gap. Oscar's host family, the Marmaras clan, has kindly cared for my dog for the past four months. As soon as I called from the trailhead, Karen jumped in the car (with two sodas in a cooler of ice, God bless her!) with her son John and Oscar. When they arrived at the Trail, I got a warm greeting from Karen, but indifference from my pup. I think he was punishing me for leaving him in Pennyslvania in February.Later, we ran errands for the AT and for the family, and when I returned to the house, Oscar was starting to warm up to me.This weekend, I will be seeing a Tony Award-winning Broadway show, courtesy of my friend Scott and his partner Tim. Then, Sunday, I will spend time with my friend Jeff and his partner Joel after volunteering at NYC Pride. On Monday, I will return to Wind Gap to spend more time with the Marmaras family before hiking to Delaware Water Gap (the border of PA and NJ) on Tuesday. Then, ON TO MAINE!
Date: 2012-06-26
From: Wind Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Left the Marmaras house today. Became very emotional when I had to say goodbye to Oscar (who does not seem to understand what is going on). I had to leave him once in February. Now this again. Anne was very sweet to ask if I was okay.The only way to describe the feeling when returning to theTrail after a few days off is like the first day of school. Familiar terror.Great day for hiking with a bad mood. Cried a few times, which helped me clear out the emotions.Being in NYC again has me thinking about moving there... just as I had considered doing so in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010... hmmm, what's it going to take?Got to hiker hostel at Delaware Water Gap church. Yosemite, Mad Scientist, Mad Hat, Milkman, Metric, Sticks, Possum, and Almost Awesome were there too. Went to Farmers bakery for dinner and pie.Great chat with Almost Awesome. We hooked around and it was so nice to make someone else laugh... my favorite thing to do, if you know me well. We also realized we lived in the Greater Nashville area at the same time! I think I have a "Trail crush" (I just invented that concept) on her and her husband, Possum... they are SO NICE! But they hike SO FAST, so I'll never see them again.
Date: 2012-06-27
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Campsite south of Blue Mountain Lakes Road
Miles today: 17.2

Only a few folks were left this morning when I woke up at 6:30. Metric and Sticks are going to zero... this hostel and town are a great place to do so. I took a shower and had two cherry cheese Danish from the bakery, then left town reluctantly.Lunch at Mohican Outdoor Center. Proceeds support Appalachian Mountain Club. MOC has been used as a Boy Scout camp for many years.Passed a large group of day camp kids heading home after a visit to a nearby fire tower. They were full of questions, especially after meeting Milkman and Mad Hat on the Trail. Most did not know what "Dirty Girl" meant, but I explained it was the brand name for my gaiters. Their counselors just chortled when they heard my name. I hope that is a good thing. Ate lots of fresh blueberries along the Trail.Stealth camping in bear zone. Yikes!
Date: 2012-06-28
From: Campsite south of Blue Mountain Lakes Road

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

Trail magic today. A trail maintainer, his wife, and three friends were taking a short hike looking for thru-hikers. They only found me, so I got extra cookies! And they were seven-layer "magic" bars, to boot! It was nice to talk to human beings again, after hiking by myself. It really does get lonely with only your thoughts out there. I'm glad I like being with myself, otherwise I'd be suicidal from the isolating nature of the solitary hike (speaking hyperbolically, of course).Stopped at a nearby lake town to have a late lunch / early dinner at Gyp's Tavern. May Hat was there finishing his lunch and enjoying a couple of beers. On the pub's television, Fox News was apoplectic that the Supreme Court upheld the President's healthcare package. The bartender did not seem thrilled to see hikers, but I still tipped well. Hopefully he will be friendlier to the next hiker. The deli beside the Trail was closed, but I understand I did not miss anything because the food isn't great and the owner is a curmudgeon. Sorry, Mr. Curmudgeon... Gyp's got my cash today!Two ticks on me today. Yikes!
Date: 2012-06-29
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Murray Cabin
Miles today: 19.2

Another day of humidity! Kept passing and being passed by Mad Hat when one of us would stop to rest.Stopped at the High Point State Park Visitors Center. High Point is the highest geographic point in the State of New Jersey and includes a lake with a beach as part of its attractions. At the Visitors Center, the Friends of High Point provide one free soda to thru-hikers. Then, I hiked another mile and a half to the lake's concession stand and had a late lunch/early dinner.As I was leaving High Point, I felt a "pop" and my pack slid down my shoulder. Unfortunately, the left shoulder harness was broken. I felt a moment of panic, texted a few folks, and voiced my concerns on Facebook, then devised a plan to hike for two days with the broken pack, take a bus in to NYC, and get a replacement at REI. New pack, but I lose two days. But, what can you do? This happens...Made it to the Murray Cabin by 8 pm, and Stahl had time to visit with Blue Skies, Sticks, Metric, and Mad Hat, as well as meet Oak, Johnny Rocket, and Knief (not knife, he's Latvian).The Murray Cabin, or the "Secret Shelter", is an old log cabin with a privy nearby and a warm shower outside an adjacent building. While it would have been convenient to start inside on the floor, it really was a cold weather cabin, so the heat made it uncomfortable to sleep with the door closed, but the mosquitoes were so heavy, you could not open the door. Slept on lawn in tent, instead.
Date: 2012-06-30
From: Murray Cabin

To: Wawayanda Mountain
Miles today: 19.0

Enjoyed meeting new folks at Murray cabin. They are faster than I am, so I doubt I'll see them again which is a shame because they are so nice.The ultra-light hikers who started in late April and even early May are zipping up the Trail looking like angry baristas... skinny and unkempt.McGyver-ed strap appears to be holding as hardware is failing on other strap. Will be in NYC on Monday... hold on, baby.Attempted two town visits to nearby Unionville (End of the Line) and Glenwood (Pochuck Valley Farm) for breakfast and lunch, which made my day longer by a few hours. Thus, I did not make my goal of Wawayanda Shelter by 7:30. Which just means three extra miles tomorrow. But the sandwiches were great and the tea was iced! I was able to catch up on some national news by reading a couple of papers while I relaxed inside cool delis. The humidity was insane again today, and I am sure I was terribly stinky. Sorry, folks...Saw a fawn and a small bunny using the Trail. For rabbits yesterday. Dozens of dragonflies today. Could not get a photo in time of the fawn. Funny how many animals use the clearing of the Trail to "commute", but then seem so perturbed when humans come along to use it too!Would love to get going early so I can check in to hotel, do laundry, and shower four times. Stopped at mountain stream tonight and kept splashing my face with cool water over and over to try to bring down my body temperature.