morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-07-01
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: clear sky

In my tent T the Toms Run Shelters. Very nice stream close by - I can hear it flowing and I got to soak my feet and take a bandana bath tonight....happy hiker!It was a good day. I slept well except for sliding; the site was more slopped than I thought. It was fine. I ended up sleeping with the fly over the door open. There was no humidity and the cool air felt nice.I got. LTer start, 7:15. Decided I hD til dark, if needed, to do these miles. I wasn't going to stress or rush. Zo I didn't and finished up in almost exactly 9 hours. Not bad especially considering I took several sit down/take off my pack breaks and a long lunch. The Terran is easy. If it weren't for the rocks I'd be flying.It was a pretty morning and nice day. Cooler with great breezes. It it weren't for the hot dune, I'd hardly sweat. There was one rock scramble this morning and then the climb out of Caledonia State Park got my heart beating and I broke a sweat.That park was a nice surprise- sizable creek running through with rhodos in almost full bloom. Got to go thru tunnels just like NC and VA, pretty. I took a nice break in the park, took advantage of porcelain, water and trash cans. Oh. I took pics of my shoe toe caps this morning in the good light. They are separating from the shoes after 1 day. Not good.Big sign that Timber Rattlesnakes are protected on South Mountain due to documented decline. Made me laugh and, at the same time say...great. Just what we need to protect, snakes! I'm thankful I didn't see any to protect.South Mtn was a long gradual climb. Not bad. This Teail is very wel graded, terraced and maintained. PATC and the local clubs do a terrific job! Kudos!I took pics of the rhodo tunnel. I think the flowers look a bit different than the Southern ones will Abe interesting to ccompare pics.I had a nice long relaxing lunch on the porch of one of the PATC cabins, Miles urn. It was great and I had a chipmunk who was entertaining. Obviously use to people and knows we have food. I fed him apple and crackers. Adorable!Pretty woods - changes same as yesterday. There are no mili- or centi-'pedes. I did see a few butterflies. Right now I hear an owl Cali g.The Avon bug spray wok great. Thanks G for bringing it.Ice cream challenge tomorrow.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-02
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

It's officially less to Katahdin 1072.0 than to Springer!What a day. I'm not sure I remember everything...let's see, myself and another hiker were the only ones at the shelter. Local guy with a sweet dog. He was a talker. The temps got pretty low last night. I was in my bag the entire night and happy to be there. I slept well, over 9 hours. I wasn't in a hurry this morning cause it was only 3.4 miles to Pine Grove State Park for the 1/2 gallon challenge. First though, the official half-wY marker. It was almost immediately outside of the shelter are, I got a few pics. Even with leaving at 7 I arrived at Pine Grove around 8:40. The lady was opening up zo I hung out, used the porcelain, got water and then bought my ice cream. I went with Banana Split, never had it before; won't ever have it again. I did manage to finish in Bout 52 minutes. The prize is a wooden spoon! LOL. I didn't feel bad when I was done, I talked to several people while I was eating and a couple after. Mountain Squid, a former thru-hiker, was there and took my pic. I set off around 10:15. It didn't take too long for me to start feeling all that ice cream - sugar and fat - ugh! I kept pushing onward but my head was pounding and I felt like if I didn't lay down I was going to fall down in a coma. There was spring about 9 miles from the shelter - I went there, lId out my ground cloth, blew up my mattress and got my liner. After drinking lots of water, taking a Pepto tablet and 2 aspirin I lay down and went to sleep. All total I slept about 45 minutes. I felt markedly better. A bit sluggish but I was Ble to make it to the shelter, thru 2 huge rock mazes and 2 hills by 18:30. Not bad. I did take a few breaks - sit down and drink water.It was a pretty day. Turned really hot after such a cool start. No breezes. I was really sweating. Easy terrain except those blasted rocks; everything from scree to house-sized boulders.The rock mazes were a bit annoying. I wasn't in the mood to climb some of those rocks. And, I as about 20' away from a huge limb that de died to detach itself from the 'Y' of a tree it had been stuck in - what a loud noise and it broke in pie Ed which bounced off the boulders around me.I saw a raccoon shortly before arriving at the shelter. Thought I might see deer cause the sun was going down. Nope.A couple of people wrote in the shelter register they had seen bears yesterday. Nope.I did see a snake; small, maybe 22", with yellow ribbons and some markings. Tried to take a pic but he slivered away. That's it other than squirrels.So, now that I'm halfway I was thinking my pack if half-full of adventures and I'm looking forward to filling it with second half adventures.I didn't eat anything more today till I got settled in my tent - couscous ND TN. Gonna have some fig newtons, too. More water as well.Still warm. No breeze. But not uncomfortable.Tonight I'm thankful that not all stupid decisions have a lasting effect...I should have had just a cup of chocolate ice cream...lolHike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-03
From: Tba

To: Campsite
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: scattered clouds

As I was putting up my tent last night I recalled G saying there was a possibility of rain on Saturday. I decided to gamble and lost. See! That's why I don't gamble. Around 1:30 the lightening woke me. I listened to the thunder and thought, it's a long way off, we may not get the rain. About 3:15 it started . Ah well; hind sight is always 20-20. If I'd packed it all up at 1:30 and gone into the shelter it would have been a different day.I got out about 7:15; it was a short walk to Boiling Springs. What a cute town and friendly people. It's all centered on a neat little lake, nice older homes around it; ducks and swans. Folks out walking their dogs. NAND, a great place for breakfast, Cafe 101. Totally enjoyed that breK: coffee, yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola and a breakfast sandwich. I was able to charge my phone and get 2 TJ entries done. Yea!Didn't leave till after 10:00. Easy hiking today but hot. The corn, wheat and other fields were like baking in the sun; the spans of woods in between like braising in my own sweat. It was sticky, humid and buggy. Great fresh raspberries - red and black. Ate my fill.I saw a couple of rabbits, a peacock and 2 ground hogs along with the tiniest frogs I've ever seen: one had a body that wasn't over 1/2"; very cute. Of course squirrels and chipmunks.Several folks out hiking. Families are in town for the 4th.I had a really late lunch along Conoloquinel Creek which looks like a river to me. My plan was to stop at the Darlington Shelter, it was too early so I did another 4+ miles and found this campsite which has a creek so I had my bandana bath and feel much better. My clothes are hi my so I'm thankful I'll be in Duncannon tomorrow for shower, laundry, a meal and, at least, a few supplies. Not sure what will be available on the 4th.Still not impressed with these shoes. The toe cap on the right foot is separating more and grass, etc gets stuck in the torn part on the left shoe. Ok, time to eat.Oh, my tongue has a sore spot on it from all that frozen ice cream. Ugh!The ATC Regional office is in BS; I scored a few things from the hiker box: tums, a granola bar and a new ziploc.Saw 2 old cemeteries: the first about 5 minutes from the BS lake; neat old stone walled place. Not sure why I didn't take a pic. The 2nd in the woods, wrought iron surround - I did get pics with the daylilies. Both appeared to be fromthe 1800sHike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-04
From: Campsite

To: Campsite at mile 1145
Miles today: 13.5

It's 5:30; early. I slept well just not as long as I thought. Guess I wasn't as tired as the previous 2 nights. I am hungry. Got my food bags down and devoured a Zone bar.My headlamp went out last night just as I was finishing 'Caleb'. I was able to keep pushing the button to make it come back on for the fee minutes I needed to finish it but I couldn't start another book.2nd night in a row I could hear local fireworks but could not see them.Happy anniversary of my Papa's birthday. Guess he would have been around 110; somewhere around there.Just thinking and praying for everyone this morning. Kind of strange being 'alone' on the 4th since we are usually in Saluda and 'have a date on national holidays'. I also realized yesterday, I miss my pool. Goodness that would feel good.Ok. It's brightened up enough to see so I'll get dressed, eat and hike on to Duncannon. God Bless America.18:55. Long day. Just figuring out if I can make it 3 more days for resupply. I don't think I can which means I'll need to go into Pine Grove. I'll see.The rocks are multiplying! Craziness. And, boy, do they slow me down. I made it to Duncannon before the Doyle opened. Kind of strange. The town was dead - I hardly saw anyone. It's a strange walk in on the road, under the highway and into town. Walking out was worst: a long hot walk down High Street to cross the Susquehanna on a long, hot bridge then under Nother hi-way, across exit/entrance ramps, cross RR tracks and then up the steep, rocky climb. I'm tired.Guinness and Ally pulled up in a car with Bumblebee and two new folks: Sprout and Hopeful. Sprout actually left again so I didn't get to talk with her. The other folks had spent the night and then a Trail Angel had taken them to Rite Aid. The Doyle finally opened. I got my shower, cold cause their hot water heater went out; they reduced the shower cost. Did my laundry and ate a chicken sandwich, had 2 beers and part of Hopeful's fries. Met another new guy, Scrubs, who hD heard of me from his friend El Parro - I knew him before he got his trail name. He was 1 of the 3 with Russ and Waterbug way back. I think the last time I saw him was with his girlfriend: I was honking Fontan but it was actually when she was leaving at Newfound Gap.It was nice to visit with everyone for a while and a small part of me wanted to stay but I really don't want to get caught up in the town syndrome so I hiked out.Tough, steep, rocky climb. I think this is only a preview of what's to come.Tried to call G today, missed him. Hope he had a good day.I'm thankful to be in my tent and feel a nice breeze.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-06
From: Rausch Gap Campsite

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

I'm in for the night at the 501 Shelter. It's called 501 cause it's on PA 501. Originally this was a potters studio; she had her wheel under the very large 8-sided pyramid shaped skylight. Now there is a large picnic table in that spot with 12 bu ks around the walls, 2 dolled and 5 windows. It will be different staying in an enclosed shelter like this. Porta potty and solar shower as well.I got a 7am start after a chilly night and cool morning. It didn't take long to heat up and for the gnats to be out in full force. At one point I had a bit of a one-way conversation with God: rocks or gnats, Lord! I can't deal with both right now. One or the other will drive me crazy; both and I'll be absolutely bonkers. I was blessed by breezes to keep the bugs away!The Rausch campsite was great. There were several really good spots all along the creek. The creek itself was nice, too. Literal 'streams of refreshing'.Speaking of which, when G and I were together I said something about cleanliness being close to Godliness and he said maybe God didn't mean physical cleanliness. I was stopped in my tracks; I never thought of that! He probably was thinking clean thoughts, actions and a clean heart - purity. Wow! Thanks, G!Anyway...back in the 1870s there was coal mining and RR repair town situated around Rausch Creek.   A very small cemetery is still there with 4 graves: 2 adult men, both British; an 11 year old girl and the 4th was illegible. Interesting that when the person died their age at death was noted in years, months and days; like 50 years, 4 months and 17 days.For the morning walk the woods were beautiful old hardwoods, evergreens and rhodos in bloom. Vert strange to see rhodos in bloom in July, but pretty. Great Teail. In the afternoon it was rocky and mainly a long ridge hedged by overgrown brambles, grasses and other brushes. Difficult at times to navigate cause of their sprall over the Trail. Some tough rock scrambles, too.Big thanks to David Martin for the Trail Magic Gatorade and goodies! Hope you find Hopeful!!Crossed the SWatara Creek (I would call it a river) on a neat old bridge built by the Berlin, PA Iton Bridge Company; it had fancy scroll work at one end. Swatara was part if a canal and lock system. Some of the locks are still there but the AT didn't go by the creek...we went down a road and then walked underneath I-81; that was pretty horrid. Ni took a pic just to show that all we see is NOT pretty. And, the climb out was pretty awful as well; that part of the Trail needs some maintenance.Today seemed long. It was hot and about 10 miles of that was ridge with a few ups and downs thrown in just for variety.I got to the shelter early and hung out waiting to see if anyone else would show up and wNt to shRe a shuttle to town - nope! So, I had to pay $15 basically for a taxi ride. Other than hitching there wasn't an option and I had to get food. It was a good grocery and I'm good to DWG now.I'm thankful for a full tummy and a place to rest.Met TinMan and Woodstock.Saw a pure black snack today..
Date: 2011-07-07
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton Pavillion
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joy Knocking Knees! I had a rattlesnake encounter today! Literally had my knees shaking. It was mid-morning, the Trail was vague in that there were 2 parallel paths that kind of came together then separated several times. I was trying to figure out if they diverged and which to take; the left side was rocky and washed out, the right was smooth - let's go there. I walked that way and was kind of bent over looking for a blaze and I hear 'the rattle'. I look down and not 6" from my right foot is a big snake tail rattling. No one has ever seen me move that fast. I went 3' up ND 10" over touching down once on one toe. Then stood there, poles planted with both knees knocking, watching the snake pull it's head from the grass, flck it's tongue, look at me and start moving away. I was ready to hightIl it it that snake came anywhere close to moving my way. I didn't se much other than Trail and where I was putting my feet for the rest of the morning. That whole 'what if' scenario playing through my mind. Yikes! It scared me.Seriously not much else today. I got a very early start, 6am. I didn't sleep much at 501. 2 folks came in late and were using white lights and making lots of noise. Frustrating. It was also hot and muggy. I was Ble to charge my phone on the caretakers front porch, that was nice.Thunder late in the afternoon. Had a quick sprinkle then it rained softly. I headed out of the Eagles Nest Shelter after the shower determined to make the 9 miles to Port Clinton. I'm here, under the Pavillon. Had dinner and am ready for bed.I am SO thankful for that snake giving me a warning and time to move out of it's territory.
Date: 2011-07-08
From: Port Clinton Pavillion

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

In for the night at the Eckville Shelter. This is another of the fully enclosed shelters on the grounds of a caretaker. The 501 was larger; this one has a real toilet and shower house (still cold water). 5 guys here with me: TinMan, Loab, Guardian, Trolley Stop and Buffalo Bob.The Pavillon is not a place I would recommend. Two things: it is over a mile from he Trail down a residential street and it is 20' from the highway which has truck traffic all night. Very noisy. But, it's free and interesting. An old wooden pavilion. I slept on a 3 plank wide, 20' long bench. I should have taken pics. The best part was breakfast this morning at 3 Cs:' buttermilk pancakes, eggs over easy with ham and coffee.A non-exciting day which was just fine. I walked. It rained overnight, was clear this morning and rained again this afternoon, it just started up again. Guess I'll be wearing semi-wet clothes tomorrow. Oh well...Looks like Libbet is now coming on Saturday. NthT way she doesn't need to take off almost a whole week from work. Hope the logistics work out. I have to say she is good about getting out to see people and try different things. Good for her.Very pretty woods this afternoon. A great old roadbed to walk on. I was really moving to try and not get too wet. Felt good to shower and put on dry clothes.G sent me this great text message: 'three months on the trail and 10 days ahead of your original plan. Congrats. Hike on Scribbles!'Isn't that so sweet!Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-09
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

Absolutely gorgeous day after the rain late yesterday and into the early evening. It was a muggy night and nothing (clothes wise) was dry this morning. It takes some talking to myself to put on damp clothes. I tell myself they are just 'cool' and, honestly, after a fee minutes they do warm up and don't feel wet.It was a really humid start and hike up Hawk Mountain was steep. PA really likes to go straight up; almost 1000' in 1 mile.I fell twice today. Once, in the rocks before Dans Pulpit, right on my butt. The second tme wS not 15 minutes later, in a rock scramble, before Dans Spring: I've got a nice bruise frok that one and a bent trekking pole. Add that to the lists of items to be taken care of in DWG. Thankfully the rest of the day was uneventful injury wise. I did go down pretty hard on my left knee and I have a fee new scrapes from rocks. Nothing broken or bad cuts.I went over two rock scrambles that had me questioning my sanity: Knife Edge, that should give you an idea of how the rocks are situated and the width of what I was walking on; Bear Rocks, now that I tin of it, is fairly descriptive, too, giant rocks. I had tomhand on to my poles and use my hands to hold on and climb up/down. I lost my Gatorade bottle there, the one I use tondrink water from streams, it fell out and rolled away under the rocks...pooh!Most of the rest of the day was just Trail, some Rocky spots but not bad. I actually got to enjoy the woods instead of seeing rocks and figuring out where to put my foot next.Speaking of feet, mine are sore. I can hardly wait for DWG and new shoes wih some cushion and support. I treated myself to lunch at the Blue Mountain Summit B&B and Restaurant. When I got there Buffalo Bob, Guardian and Trolley Stop had just ordered so I joined them and had lunch. I had a chicken sandwich with fries and chocolate cake with ganache. Yummy! I'm eating G!Unbelievably, I am getting hungry. It is 18:42 so I guess it's been almost 6 hours since lunch and I didn't have an afternoon snack.Today was Coon Dog Day. Guess G will be heading home tomorrow.Lots of locals out today. I probably passed at least 20 people. I told the lunch group. I would NEVER freely choose to hike his area. The rocks are difficult and, I think, dangerous.I'm thankful to not be injured and to have all dry clothes for tomorrow.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-10
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Stempa Springs campsite
Miles today: 19.2

Late last night I wrote this as I was sitting in my tent with all the flies open enjoying the sunset...may I never forget the beauty of these hi-canopy trees, the ferns and the sun setting. I am blessed.Beautiful day weather wise. Some nice breezes. I slept pretty good. The full moon always make me restless. Still, it was after 5:30 when I got up.I was having some good Sunday thoughts about what I've learned: the Golden Rule, HYOH and trust in the Lord wih all your heart. I was even thinking how to expand on each. I'm not going into it on the TJ.So I was debating what to name today: Sunday Thoughts was first. My second idea was Moments and the third, Battered, Bruised and Bumbed. The third came because I fell a this time, in the large rocks by the powerline, only about 2.5 miles from the shelter. It was a hard fall. I busted my shin, left knee, left thigh is bruised. I felt battered and bummed out. I got myself out of the hole and sat on a rock and cried. I hurt. I was pissed off and I wasn't having fun. Then I bought, this is stupid. No one is here and it's hot in the sun; get up. I got up, tears still rolling down my face. I told myself stop crying or you'll fall again cause you can't see. So, I had my 'sit down and cry moment' I've heard everyone has. Short, over, move on.Then going over Lehigh Mountain was hard for me. It's bare rock requiring climbing hand and foot, small ledges, very steep drop off. At one point I was stuck, couldn't move. I had to talk myself into moving; finding a way to move forward. Nagsin, in the full sun. It was hot and unpleasant. After the climb there is over 2 miles of grassy jeep trail to walk - hot, dry, ugh! The redeeming grace: raspberries and black raspberries. My right hand and fingernails were purple. So good!I had lunch with Bubbles, Smiley, Mark Trail and Buttons. They were all going for more miles. I stopped at Stempa Springs. L-ong walk to water, .6; found a good campsite and am in for the night.I am grateful for God's presence giving me strength to move forward: Trust in the Lord with all your heart!
Date: 2011-07-11
From: Stempa Springs campsite

To: The Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 24.5

First let me say I am never doing this kind of mileage again. Totally ridiculous and necessary. I M not in a hurry.My feet hurt so badly at the end of today I wanted to scream every time I had to go another downhill step...new shoes tomorrow.I didn't sleep well. Everything hurt; still that full moon.Nothing exciting today other than it's my last day hiking in PA. Sorry JT and Chris, I know y'all call PA home. The NJ border is less than .5 - I'll do that Wednesday. I'm taking a zero tomorrow.The best part of today was the final few miles into DWG - thick rhodos, some still in bloom, nice creek, Eureka, with cascades and moss.I'm thankful to not have tAkrn any falls today.Dinner with Rolling Stone. Full house at the hostel; I moved from the bunk house to my tent. Hoping it cools down.Hike on!Scribbles
Date: 2011-07-12
From: The Church of the Mountain Hostel

To: The Church of the Mountain Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

This was probably the most relaxing 0 day I've taken. I had things to do but DWG is small and all tasks were easy to accomplush which left me time to sit, relax and update my TJ.It was very warm last night. I attempted to sleep with all the flies open so I could catch any breeze. The tenting area is behind the church fellowship hall which has a light that shines all night. Nalso there is traffic noise from the hi-way. I did get some sleep. Also, we are moving more eastward so the sun rise is a bit earlier. I was awake around 5:17 thinking I'd slept late cause it was so bright. I was able to cover my eyes and doze for about another hour. A group was going to breakfast so I hopped up and joined them: pancakes, eggs and bacon. I came back to the hostel and hand washed all my clothes cause there are no laundry facilities in town. It turned out fine. I hung them all, was diligent about flipping them thru the day and I had clean dry clothes to put on after my shower for dinner.After laundry I walked down to Pack Shack as they were the outfitter to repair the Leki poles - she didn't have the part for mine and sent me to Edge of the Woods. They didn't open till Noon so in between, I went to the bKery ND had an apple furn