morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

   Today completes on full week of walking--130.6 miles. Two more days and we get to take a day off. We will be in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia and will have completed 1,008.5 miles. WOW!!   Nothing special about today's walk. We did leave the trail to buy some food and get mail in Linden, VA. It added 2 miles to the day for a total of 20.3 miles. When I walk this long, I just want to get the day over. I did take it a little easier and it was an enjoyable day.       It is suppose to be a difficult day tomorrow. Ten climbs and descents in the first 13.5 miles. Forecast is for 90% humididy and 90+ degree heat. Want to get 18 miles, which would leave us 12 miles to Harper's and our day off. Planning for an early start to stay away from the heat of the day. I am sure we will get-er-done.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

   It, "The Rollercoaster", is all it was cracked up to be. Both Sheephead and Bocephus sand it was the hardest day yet. I think with the 97 degree and 90% humidiy it may have just felt like the hardest.   The Rollercoaster is 10 ups and downs in 13.5 miles--rocky and steep. We were dragging big time. Total distance 17.8 miles. Animal update; one deer, and one turtle.   We made it to Blackburn Trail Center, a hostel that serves the hiker. If you must: free tenting and supper. Great meal, salad, spaghetti and brownies. There were 30 people eating at three picnic tables (have a picture). On a perfectly clear day one can see Wahington DC in the distance. Can't see it, to hazy. Great just sitting around and talking.   I am tired. Really looking forward to the day off.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

   Lying in bed writing my journal makes today's walk seem very distant. Up and on the trail by 6:30am. The body was telling me it didn't want to be doing this. No difficult climbs. Still, the boots felt heavy.   Walked through at least 4 miles of forest heavily infested with the caterpillar of the gypsy moth. The trees were almost leafless. The sun shone brightly where normally it would have been totally shaded.   Harper's Ferry still looks like it is 1862. No grocery store. Had to walk 1.5 miles to a 7-11. Eating expensive for the next week.   Letting the body recover.
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Harper's Ferry WV

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.7

   Sunday morning. Went to Catholic mass with Dave. The church is gorgeous. Just now used as a missionary church. The stained glass is awesome.   Picked up groceries. Watched the water flow down the Pontiac River. Just resting from the last nine days on the trail. Got ourselves scheduled for an early start. We go over half way on Thursday, June 14th.   Went to the AT heaquarters. Checked e-mail. Weighed myself--still in the 180's. Thinnest in a long time. Can't really see dropping more weight. All is well
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: scattered clouds

   Awoke at 5:15 am. Rested well. I guess I'm ready to get back on the trail. Walk started with a RR Bridge; crossing the Potomac River; fog covering the bridge. Walked along an abandoned ship canal from the mid-1800's. Widest vessel was maybe 12 feet and certainly pulled along by animals.   Good trail. No views. Approximately 1/3 of the forest was infested with the caterpillar of the gypsy moth. I leaves the trees leafless. Eerie! Took a picture, trying to show the lifelessness.   Walked by several Civil War Monuments. Most I've seen. I guess the winners build to remember the past. Finished our walk by 2:30pm. Good first day back.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 18.8

   The walk the second day always seems to go better. Just don't get as tired. The rocks have begun. They were constant for quite sometime. Took pictures of the Washington Monument. The one built in Maryland in the 1800's. An ediface, 45 steps to get to the top. Beautiful view of the valley. Took a picture of the same valley from Balck Rock Cliffs.   Had one long, steep climb to get to our shelter. Overall, a fine day for walking. Spoke with a local walker, she warned Sheephead of the descent down Devil's Racecourse. It wasn't that bad. The thinking about it was much worse than the reality.   Out of Maryland tomorrow. Halfway in 3 days. YEA!!
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: light rain

   Out of Maryland and into Pennsylvania. Wanted to take a picture of the border sign. It was missing. So I missed what was my only picture of the day--Mason-Dixon Line.   Had a "real" 1000 foot climb. Hadn't had one quite so steep and long in awhile. Gets the heart racing. Starting to get accustomed to the rocks. Takes a different step to either step over them or around them or on them. The real difficult ones (rocks) get here in 70 miles. That is right after our next day off.   Meeting many more day and section hikers. Shelters could start filling up. It was shoulder to shoulder last night. Rained most of the night. We were lucky it did. We were worried about water at this evenings shelter. The hiker log said the water source was very slow and muddy. When Sheephead and I walked the 1/2 mile to the spring--it again had sprung. It rained enough last night to get it flowing well. Water through Pennsylvania is suppose to be tenuous at best. We will just pay better attention and fill whenever posssible.
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Rocky Mtn. Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: light rain

   Almost the entire day was west, flat, and rockless. Exactly the opposite of the horror stories. They are just moving us over to where they can challenge us. The trail is suppose to be steep, with so many short pointed rocks that they tear your shoes apart. I can wait for that.   No pictures today. It has rained the previous two nights. Neither started before we got to the shelter. However, today I wore a rain coat to keep the sprinkles off. Such an easy walking day. 19.2 miles and in camp by 3:30pm.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Alec Kenney Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: overcast clouds

      It was a great day today. Dave and I passed the half way point today YEA!!!!! It is hard to believe that we have now gone 1,103.4 miles. Total miles to complete 2,174.0. The first half has gone surprisingly well. (Carpenter, Crazy Bear, Paloma, and Ghetto Box just walked in. What fun. Four people walking the trail. They have stayed together for such a long time. Hope they make it.) Took two pictures; 1) the half-way marker, and 2) trees reflecting in a lake--should make it into a puzzle.   It was a very easy walk, again; until the last four miles. We got a taste of the ROCKS. Had to climb. Really slowed us down. We have scheduled 15 to 17 miles for the rest of Pennsylvania. Everyone talks of how diffifcult it is. Will be finding out for myself.
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Cove Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: overcast clouds

   I am so tired. The longest time and miles of the trail. It was relatively easy to start, with the last several miles just rock filled. We completed 25.5. miles. I'm sure we will never do that again.   What made it easy was the Cumberland Valley. Late in the afternoon, I looked back to the mountains where we started the day. 14 miles of valley--roads, wheat fields, corn fields, and trees where it was too rocky to plant. We are back in the mountains again and the rocks are abundant.   Felt like a tourist instead of a hiker--abandoned German cemetary, dairy farm, vista of Cumberland Valley, wheat, corn, and hay fields. Is the Cumberland Valley the opening in the Appalachian Mountains that allowed wagon trains into the Ohio Valley?   Stopped in Boiling Springs for mail. Thanks to all. Four miles to Duncannon. Rest of the day off. There is joy in clean clothes!
Date: 2007-06-17
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: scattered clouds

   Even though it was a short day, we were on the road at 7am. Two hours to town. Felt like we were taking our time, and still got there quickly.   Couldn't get into the hotel until noon. Laundry. Newspaper. Sitting on a bench talking with the other hikers. Jerry is from Australia. Interesting accent. Didn't realize he had to fly into California to get here. He says he had a difficult time through customs, but everything else has been great.   Grocereies for a 7 day walk. Heavy pack for a rocky trail. Shot some pool. First time in a long time. Hotel room, two single beds. Dirty walls. One single light bulb with the rotating fan cord plugged into it. Still worth the $20.00 rate.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

Was anxious to get back on the walk. Missed talking to Danica. Tried yesterday and this morning. Always good to talk with the girls.   Started this morning walking over two rivers, then back to the mountains. The rocks are starting to make it more difficult, but not too unreasonable. Did start late. Got to the post office to get letters mailed.   There has been talk of a rattle snake nest on the trail. One hiker was suppose to have seen six. We will be cautious at the Shikelling [I can't read this name] Overlook. Going for 17.5 miles tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: clear sky

      I now know why everyone taks about Pennsylvania Rocks. There is nothing else to talk about. Even the rocks have not been too difficult. We are just short of 1/2 way through the state. The trails have rocks in them and we still did 17.5 with relative ease. The elevation changes are very do-able without taking breathers.   The excitment for the day was a rattle snake next to Shikellimy [still can't read] Overlook. We were by early and they were not yet out of bed. A half hour later a hiker saw four. I did get a picture of one eating a chipmunk later. Took the time to move this one off the trail. I used a very long stick. Be sides the snake is was a relatively boring day.
Date: 2007-06-20
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Wednesday               20 June 2007 501 Shelter            17.4 Miles         1179.2 Total       Had an excellent day. Back to enjoying the walk. The rain last night was awesome. Down pour at 6pm and 8pm. Then off and on all night. The spring at the shelter had stopped--but now, just over-flowing. Slept great.   We've been walking by a military plane bombing range for the last two days. Dropping bombs and rapid fire cannons.    Two mileage goals have been exceeded today; half of Pennsylvania is complete; less than 1000 miles to complete the walk.    Two times today we experienced Trail Magic. Hamburgers provided by a previous through hiker. Drinks by a couple who do section hikes. Trail "magic" is so aptly named.   We had one big UP today--800 feet in less than a mile. Pennsylvania's mountains are so flat, I forgot what it was like. I was walking up the incline and I heard some branches cracking--saw nothing. Walked some more--more cracking--saw nothing. Walked some more; two trees fell across the trail less than 5 steps from where I was!   Got a late start--7:15am. Worried about the rain--no need, all was fine. Got into 501 Shelter by 4:30. It has a solar (cold H2O) shower and 12 bunks in an enclosed building. Still feels great.
Date: 2007-06-21
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: light rain

   What a day. We were trying to get a couple extra miles, so that we wouldn't have to walk 10 miles Sunday into our day off. Also quite worried about the Pennsylvania Rocks; they showed up again today. Even with the rocks we were doing 2+ mph--more than expected. Got to Phillips Canyoun Spring at 4:30; sore feet, sore legs and 19.2 miles. Note said, "Spring Dry, 8-6-07". It wasn't a lie. I have less than a cup left. Dave had maybe 3 cups. Next water was four miles, lots of rocks and a 1,000 foot drop in less than a mile. No option but to go. One of the most difficult DOWNS of the trail. So thirsty, I hardly complained at all. Got to water at 7:30pm. Total miles for the day 23.7--second most ever.<   Planning a short day tomorrow. Still three UPS and lots of rocks.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: broken clouds

   I thought I would be really tired, but felt really good. Ran into several rock piles. Took two pictures to try to show them. Ended up jumping from one to another. Had an excellent view and a picture of Pulpit Rocks.   Echville Shelter has a shower--very chilly, sun is suppose to heat. Water from a faucet. Was in by 3pm. Very relaxing day after yesterday's 23.7.      Slept on a lawn. So well cared for you could walk bare footed. Fell asleep at 7pm.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

   I just felt great today even though half the walk was stepping on, over, or around rocks. We went through several rock fields. The cliffs, Knife Edge, was especially exciting. The name is no lie. One side is a sheer cliff with at least a 50 foot drop. The other, while not quite as sharp as a Knife's Edge, was as narrow; my feet could move neither to the left or right--only straight ahead. It felt great to scream like I was on a great roller coaster.   The weather was fabulous with low humidity, shade, breeze, and in the low 80's.   Took several pictures; rock fields and farm fields. That, I think, is what is so boring about Pennsylvania. Lots of rocks. Lots of farms. Mostly flat. Some nice tough UPS. I'm finding the rocks exhilarating. Getting thoughts of what work to do when I get back. Enough of this loafing around, feeling sorry for myself. Always have been a slow learner. JUST A GREAT DAY
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 7.7

   Today completes three months on the trail. Walked 1243.2 trail miles. There are 930.8 miles remaining. My first shoe replacement is waiting 36 miles away. My current pair has done well and the rocks of Pennsylvania are taking the last tread.   We walked 7.7 miles today, planning on taking a day off in the city hostel. Had to check in at the police station. Can only stay one night, by rule; so we are off to Delaware Water Gap--.2 of a mile to New Jersey. That will be our only day off in the 229 miles of Pennsylvania.   Trail became much more rocky. Two good sized rock fields and most of the rest of the trail filled or sprinkled with good sized stones and rocks. The 36 miles are suppose to be even more challenging. So we are reducing our expectations to finishing the state in three days.   Stopped and ate blue berries--wild type. Of course, they were delicious. They grow on bushes abour 6-10 inches high. The fruit are the size of small peas. They are surprisingly sweet. Took a close-up picture.   Another great day. Especially speaking with Denise and the girls. Denise said Daniel just keeps growing--fast. Good rest day, even though only a half day.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

   Was initially planning to stay for a rest day in Palmerton. Only one night was allowed. Need to send a thank you Duane Masonheimer (610) 767-7969--"local" gave uas a "free" ride back to the trail at 7am.   Our Hiker's Guide says, "The scramble up the denuded rocks from Lehigh Gap is among the most challenging on the AT south of New Hampshire". I put my tracking poles away. I needed both hands free to make a safe ascent. Easily 1000 feet in less than a mile. Much of it huge boulders. Got a couple of pictures. Then, when on the top, hiked through a couple of miles of devastated land. It is part of a super fund sight. Zinc smelting destroyed the ecology. EPA shut down the operation in 1980. It's slowly coming back. Took one picture where the growth of vegetation has begun.   Almost the entire walk today was on, around, or over stones, rocks, and boulders. Just difficult to pick your way up and over the mountains. Must stay focused on you feet constantly. Did 15.8 miles today.   The most challenging part of Pennsylvania is suppose to be tomorrow. Have scheduled only 13.8 miles. May have a chance for a few more.   Smiled a lot, again, today.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Leroy A Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: few clouds

   Fell asleep at 7pm last night. Was so tired from the walk and the poor night's rest the night before. Slept great. Wide awake at 5am. Worried about the rocks. And, the rocks were constant. No breaks what so ever. Even had a couple hundred yards of boulder hopping. We were still making just over 2 mph, so since we started walking at 6:05am, we got to our tentative stop--Kirkridge Shelter by 1pm. Both Dave and I spoke to a slack packer--no weight, just water and food. He said the major rocks are gone immediately after the shelter and there is a road, three miles long with no rocks. He lied. Twenty miles of rocks. Tough day for feet.   Then I was confused about what time the post office closed. I had 5:30--actually 4:45, so with an hour and a half left and three miles, really tired, I pushed to get there. Train angel picked me up on a road and got me ther in plenty of time. New shoes feel great. Had a calzone and a beer. The calzone should have fed three. I finished it--no problem.   Taking our first day off in the 229 miles of Pennsylvania. One half mile left in the state.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Spring +.9 Miles
Miles today: 7.7

   The plan was for our 1st day off in Pennsylvania. We were so tired we didn"t realize, that with a day off, Dave could miss his mail drop in Unionville, NY; getting there after it closed on Saturday. (Unionville, NY is listed under NJ. Just over the border for a short time I guess.) Thought I would have plenty of time for mail, washing, food, library and family calls. Unfortunately was rushed and missed talking to the girls.   Did something stupid in my tent. I was using my knife to cut out my notes from my Trail Guide. I cut my air mattress. That took an hour to repair at the local outfitters. Will see if it holds through the night.   Dave left earlier than I. This will be the first time we're walking separately. Almost didn't walk at all today. As I was leaving the hostel it started to rain. Glad I got in the miles today. it only rained for a short period of time. It threatened to rain most of the day. Resting in my tent as it thunders and the wind buffets my canvas. (Air mattress seems to be holding up.)   Ate supper, Alfredo Pasta with Tuna. Walked down the mountain 50' or so to get a better view. Stepped into a patch of blue berrys--desert. Enjoyed the tuna also.   Walked by The Sunfish Pond. It is a highly acidic mountain lake. The book says it's a glacial pond. Very pretty. Took five pictures. Went under 900 miles to complete the trail. 60% done tomorrow--1,304 miles.   New shoes seemed to do well. I hope they hold up as well as the first pair.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Spring +.9 Miles

To: Lake Overlook
Miles today: 19.1

Ate supper. Fell asleep at 7:45 as I was writing in my journal. Big rain last night--will open some springs. Wanted to get 22 miles, only did 19.1. These rocks are starting to bother my right knee. Hope it gets better as the rocks dissipate. They were only suppose to be bad for the first 20 mile of this state. I'm at 27 and they are still with me. Was going to walk till 6:30. It started to rain and unfortunately, my new boots are a little slippery on wet or even damp rocks. Will have to do 24.6 to catch Dave. I will probably just walk in on Saturday morning. My guess is that he will be there on Friday.   Saw a wild turkey. Chased him down the trail for quite a ways. He always was just out of camera view.   One of my tent support rods broke--tension, collapsable. It holds my narrow end up. Part of the metal was torn back, so it would not hold the neighbor rod in place. Duct tape to the rescue. Four times around the tear and my tent stands.   Most heat yet. I am not a big sweater. Today was different. I am wet from head to toe.   If I was taking a difficult class in school, and if that class was walking the AT; I would qualify for a grade of a "D". Just completed 60% of the trail. I qualify for a "C" in Mass.   Happy Trails.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Lake Overlook

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke early. Wanted to attempt Unionville, NY: 24 miles. Wet socks. Wet shoes. New shoes. New blisters. Sore knee. Only made 17.6. Will meet up with Dave tomorrow morning. He is taking the day off. I need to launder, grocery, and phone. Took a picture of a lake, that I could see from my tent. Beautiful in the morning light.   Saw several animals: deer, turkey, yellow salamanders or lizards, and a black snake. They were right on the trail. Thatr was the only way i would haver noticed, since the abundance of rocks require the eyes to be ever downward.   Took a picture of another Washington monument. Help save and start a country and people want to remember.   Sore feet. Tired. Off to my sleeping bag.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: High Point Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 7.1

   Up and walking by 6am. Slept well. Only one in the shelter. Nice not to worry about making noise. Finally ran out of constant rocks. Got my average speed up to 2.3 miles per hour. Got some good directions to get to Unionville, NY. Dave walked one road too far. The hiker book didn't note the number of roads we would pass. Got in early enough to get all the chores done.   The mayor really supports hikers. Dave and I showered and washed at his home. Seems like he just loves company and conversation. Got his address, must send a thank you when finished. Got several hot spots on my feet from the last two days of rain. My replacement shoes were "road" broken in; but not AT broken in. Really would hate to fight blisters.   One more night in New Jersey. Movin' on.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Unionville, NY

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

   One of the most pleasant days to hike. It was sunny and just warm enough. The only time I perspired was walking up Wawayanda Mountain. It said 900 feet in 1.4 miles; but I think they saved 700 feet for the last half mile. It's only fitting to be staying in Wawayanda Shelter.   Walked at least one mile on the boardwalk--Pochuck Creek Footbridge. Met lots of people walking the b-walk. Walked another two miles around a marsh. Actually quite an easy day. Took a long distance picture of the monument I walked by 10 miles back. I thought it was another Washington Monument. Dave told me it was a war meorial, it just looks like the one in Washington, DC.   When in Unionville I brought one of my poles in for repair. I got a new tip put on. However, the repairman--somehow--make my bottom half unadjustable. I extended the top half too far. When I put a lot of pressure on the rod, it snapped. I am now a one-pole-wonder. Still, just a great day.