morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-04-21
From: Sandy and Tom's (friends) near Front Royal

To: Dick's Dome Shelter (4*)
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

by PeanutThis morning Sandi took us to Wal-Mart and we found some good deals. I got some shorts, rain pants, rain jacket, etc. Let's just hope they all work well.We got back on the trail by 11am and made good time. Along the way, we met two other thru-hikers - Boy Wonder & Enoch. It's so nice to meet more fellow hikers - they are both very nice folks.Tonight we are staying in a shelter in the shape of a hexagon with a dome roof. How cool!I got rid of a lot of extra weight in Front Royal - my winter sleeping bag, heavy rain jacket, and other stuff. Having a lighter pack feels great - I feel like I can fly!
Date: 2004-04-22
From: Dick's Dome Shelter (4*)

To: Sam Moore Shelter (4*)
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: scattered clouds

by PickleGot moving quick to meet up with my good friend Doug. He leads trips every summer on Teens' Camping Tour of the west ( www.tctw.com ) where I participated in high school. It was great to see him; I always enjoy my time with Doug. He bought us breakfast and was very kind!We stopped at Rod Hollow Shelter to catch a shower. This is the first time we've taken a shower at a shelter. The water came from a spring and I felt 'Spring Fresh' like the ivory soap commercial. We need to take more showers out here! I feel wonderful.We started the roller coaster section known for its ups and downs. The name is appropriate.We met a section hiker named Tim at Sam Moore Shelter and we let him know that we think the roller coaster section would be a hard place to start like he did. I hope that gave him some encouragement. He was really funny and we enjoyed our time with him.Supposed to thunderstorm tonight - I'm glad to be in the shelter.
Date: 2004-04-23
From: Sam Moore Shelter (4*)

To: Blackburn A.T. Center
Miles today: 10.9
Weather: clear sky

By: PeanutToday was a slack day for us. We began the day by hiking three miles to Bears Den Hostel which is a very cool place. It is basically a small castle back in the woods. They have trails and pretty gardens. We bought some pints of Ben and Jerry ice cream and ate and relaxed for a while.Then we helped Dave change out the window screens and clean out the windows. Next, we headed to the Blackburn A.T. Center where we were just going to stop to check it out. A thunderstorm came and then Sarah offered us a spaghetti dinner--so, of course we stayed! It was very good. I'm stuffed.Tomorrow we're off to Harper's Ferry. Being a hiker is so tough, huh?? Ha!
Date: 2004-04-24
From: Blackburn A.T. Center

To: Ed Garvey Shelter (5*****)
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

By: PickleLong day today! We basically ran into Harper's Ferry to make up some time. I headed to the post office and Peanut went to the AT Center. My Platypus water bag had a leak and I mailed it back to the company. When I came back from the P.O. Peanut was waving at the ATC Center. Lori let us in and took our picture. We're afficially counted for being on the AT. Harper's Ferry is a really small town and big tourist trap at the same time. We spent many miles walking across town.We got the message that we're not going to see Cool Hand Luke for several weeks or more. We liked Coolhand a lot and we'll miss him. We spent about 4 hours in town and hiked on to Ed Garvey Shelter. We were warned that many Boy Scout troops spend nights there. There could have been 50 Boy Scouts running around. We spent a lot of time meeting other section hikers around there and there were some very interesting folks there. I'm excited about experiencing the culture differences between up north and down south. I'll use my ear plygs to sleep in tonight. Peace out.
Date: 2004-04-25
From: Ed Garvey Shelter (5*****)

To: Pine Knob Shelter (3***)
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PeanutMaryland is very flat. We make it to the shelter much earlier than expected. This area has a lot of Civil War history--as we learned today. We went through 3 state parks which all had monuments, etc. relating to the war. It was pretty neat!A highlight of the day was taking a FREE steaming hot shower thanks to Maryland Park Services. There was a small shower/bathroom facility right next to the trail for us to use. Thank you very much for this wonderful service! It just started raining. Times like this make one truly appreciate shelters. Time for bed--we've got another long day tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-26
From: Pine Knob Shelter (3***)

To: Devil's Racecourse (2**)
Miles today: 12.7

By: PickleOur goal for the day was to go into town and have a big day as well. It rained the whole night and we started the morning in a drizzle. The drizzle turned into 4 downpours and all of our things are completely wet. Our mission at this point is to get into town and find a laundrymat and warm food. We tried to hitchhike, but every car that went by was a commercial vehicle. We never got picked up. We dried our things and watched the weather put on a steady fight. Putting on dry clothes was almost a spiritual experience.We said screw 22 miles. I get pessimistic about towns when I don't get picked up, but a kind neighbor saw us trying to catch a ride and he offered us a ride. My attitude cheered.The shelter was close by and we stopped to talk to an older couple that were finishing their thru-hike from last year. We pushed on and the rain had let up. I got lost along the way because I followed the Appalachian Creek for there was no longer a trail. It took me the wrong way and Peanut had to re-0rient me.Things were going well until we came to a creek. There was no crossing it dry. We threw over our boots and hiked across. The current was much stronger than I felt comfortable with. I might build a bridge here one day to give back to the trail. Then we came to the second creek. This was ugly! You could raft down this stream.I hiked up stream to find a place to cross. I ran into this log that was bent into the water. I could barely get on the log, but what else do you do. This log was thin and slippery and also wobbling.If I were to fall in the water, then I would wash down stream and everything I had would be soaked. I get to the middle of the log when I lose my balance and fall. Somehow I manage to fall on the log. My heart is beating and I can barely understand how I landed on the log.My pack had fallen to my left side. My pack weighs almost a 1/3 of what I weigh so it doesn't take much to throw me off balance. I stand up and make it. I laugh because it was so close. I remember thinking that I would not recommend anyone crossing that log.Peanut shows up and is having trouble figuring out what to do. She is scared because the water smells like sewage. What do you say to that? I desperately try to figure out a plan, but I got nothing other than I managed to cross. I told her how I got across and she liked that plan.She could hardly get on the log and decided she's going a different way. She was going to hold on to the log and cross in the water. I almost let her, but tell her the current is too strong and I know there's not much I can do if she gets swept away. We decide she will cross where the stream widens. I tell her that if she starts to feel uncomfortable to turn around, but she made it across. It wasn't easy though.We were both scared and this has been the most extreme hiking day I've ever been on. I hope we don't have to do this again! We're really lucky!!
Date: 2004-04-27
From: Devil's Racecourse (2**)

To: Rocky Mtn. Shelters (3***)
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: scattered clouds

By: PeanutWe are officially out of the south! This morning we crossed the Mason-Dixon line and entered Pennsylvania. The sky was mostly clear with some clouds and lots of wind. The wind is the reason that large limbs were falling from the trees above. One almost hit Pickle, luckily he saw it and had time to get out of the way. And yes, he let out a scream!We crossed several streams, and they had bridges. Yea for bridges! We did not have to risk our lives for that today. Pennsylvania is very beautiful so far. The mountains are not as high, and they seem to be more like very large rolling hills. The terrain is pretty flat and rather rocky in some parts. But, we have yet to hit the really bad rocks.All in all, today was a great day. And, the only thing that could make it better is some hot chocolate which I'm drinking now as I write this.
Date: 2004-04-28
From: Rocky Mtn. Shelters (3***)

To: Tom's Run Shelters (3***)
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: clear sky

By: PickleToday was perfect hiking weather. It was actually kind of cold in the morning. We passed by 2 great shelters today. The first, Quarry Gap, had hanging baskets with flowers and was run by an innkeeper. Then we had lunch at Birch Run Shelter where we talked to several week-long hikers. The shelter has a finished floor. WOW!As we were finishing the hike, we figured up that we'll be ahead of schedule by a 1/2 mile today. This is exciting for us. It took us 1/2 the trail to catch up, but we're there!Met Panelman, a section hiker from NY, and Little Tree, another thru-hiker! L.T. goes to school at Appalachian State where we graduated from and knew several of our friends. We made her promise that she'll hang out with us for at least a little bit. Got the word that Coolhand is only a shelter behind. We're confident he'll catch up. Great night tonight!
Date: 2004-04-29
From: Tom's Run Shelters (3***)

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: scattered clouds

By: PeanutWe are halfway!! Today we crossed the official halfway point in Pine Grove Furnace State Park in PA. It feels great to have made it this far.In celebration, Little Tree, Pickle, and I went to Green Mountain General Store for ice cream. It is an A.T. tradition to eat a half gallon of ice cream at the halfway point. I didn't eat a half gallon because there is no way I could have hiked without getting very sick. We headed to Green Mtn. Store because the Pine Grove Furnace Park Store is not open yet. At the park we passed two school groups and the teachers asked us to talk to kids about hiking. It made me feel a little like a freak, but it was fun. They thought our packs looked very heavy. Pickle let two little boys try it on--it was hilarious. Today was a great day
Date: 2004-04-30
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: broken clouds

By: PickleWe had fun getting to know Little Tree last night. We hiked into Boiling Springs, PA and said our goodbyes to her because she hikes many more miles than us.We bought 5 days worth of food and our packs are too heavy. I was hating hiking with such a heavy load. We stopped by a truck stop to catch a shower. I doubt I will do that again because it is too expensive. Then we met Luke at the shelter where we cooked spanish rice, black beans, onions, peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes and wrapped it in a tortilla shell. This was the best dinner yet! We should cook over a fire more often.
Date: 2004-05-01
From: Darlington Shelter (1*)

To: Peter's Mtn. Shelter (4****)
Miles today: 22.7

By: PeanutThere was a larger section of the trail today that was very rocky. I guess I'm starting to see why everyone talks about Pennsylvania rocks so much. We arrived in Duncannon around lunchtime (the trail passes through the city, crossing the Susquehanna River). Coolhand Luke joined us for a pizza lunch. Each one of us ate half a large pizza and a pint of Ben & Jerry ice cream. Bad idea when you've still got 11 plus miles to hike!We all made it to the shelter around dark and were greeted by The Repeats, two sisters from Vermont, who are out section-hiking and a Boy Scout troop. Today was a blast though, we are very tired.Tomorrow we say farewell to Coolhand Luke who will be getting off the trail for a month. We will miss our friend very much.
Date: 2004-05-02
From: Peter's Mtn. Shelter (4****)

To: Rausch Gap Shelter (3***)
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PickleWe said our goodbyes to Coolhand Luke in the morning. It was his birthday and we picked up two lottery tickets for him. He won $2 on his 22 birthday. We'll miss him because he is probably our best friend out here.The hiking today was in a cloud. Peanut had a bad day. I think maybe because of the weather. The shelter we're staying at has a stone wall around it, with a picnic table circling a tree and a spring 10 ft. away. Nice place, but the back wall leaks.
Date: 2004-05-03
From: Rausch Gap Shelter (3***)

To: 501 Shelter (5*****)
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

By: PeanutThe weather was very cool today and no rain. I would say it was perfect hiking weather. We had an incentive for our hike today--pizza, or so we thought. A section-hiker told us about the 501 Shelter where you can get pizza delivered to you. The only problem was that the restaurant is closed on Monday.We were very disappointed, but I guess that's just how it goes sometimes. Instead, we had instant mashed potatoes. They were good, but definitely not a pizza!
Date: 2004-05-04
From: 501 Shelter (5*****)

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter (3***)
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

By: PickleSlept in this morning because we were cold. The sky was blue and we're happy! There wasn't much to see, so I think that's why everyone concentrates on all the rocks.I feel myself changing a lot. I get mucho amounts of time to think out here. There's so many things I want to do with my life now!We met Aron, a thru-hiker that started out section hiking. He was really nice and helped us out! We're going into Port Clinton tomorrow, which is a week earlier than planned. We hope we don't miss any mail packages people send us!Our next mail drop is Kent, CT 06757 with Expected Time of Arrival on May 22nd. Good night!
Date: 2004-05-05
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter (3***)

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: light rain

by PeanutThere has been a lot of tension in the air these last few days. Everything kind of came to a climax today. I needed to go to the Outfitters in Port Clinton b/c my water bag is leaking, etc. We also needed to buy some fuel for our stove. The only catch is, they are closed on Wednesdays. This just kind of set the tone for the day.It's a challenge sometimes to be together all of the time. We both see the best and worst of each other - and that is not always easy. For the most part, we have a great time, but every now and then our 'evil twin' comes out and it's not pretty.Sorry to leave this entry on a down note, but we've got to be honest - this AT is not always easy.
Date: 2004-05-06
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter (3*)

To: Allentown Hiking Shelter (3*)
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

by PickleStarted the day early because of a singing bird living in the shelter. The day was filled with sunshine and views from cliffs.Pinnacle cliffs were really cool! I spent time there trying to fix my poles because they're stuck in the shortened position. I didn't have much luck, but did realize that there's nothing to hiking poles and they're too expensive!I ran into Pole Climber and Mr. Steady, two people who have been keeping up with our journal. They were very happy to meet us and I was a little shocked. I guess I forget that people I don't know are reading our entries. That's pretty cool!We hiked on to Eckville Shelter, which had a caretaker named Lazee. He had drinks, ice cream, games, running water, showers, and a real toilet. Too bad we're not staying here tonight!We hiked on to Allentown Shelter where we met Starship Trooper, a professor at FSU, and two section hikers from Wisconsin. Starship Trooper informed us that the nation's deficit is going to cause inflation to be really bad if we don't do something soon. I'm not going to argue!Then a tremendous thunderstorm came over the night. It was loud! It reminded me of sitting on my back porch at home.
Date: 2004-05-07
From: Allentown Hiking Shelter (3*)

To: 'Jailhouse Hostel' in Palmerton, PA.
Miles today: 17.7

We started our day early - we started hiking before 7. Surprisingly, we made good time to Lehigh Gap - despite the rocky sections, which tend to slow us down.In our guidebook we fround out about the 'jailhouse hostel.' The town of Palmerton will let hikers sleep in the basement fo the old police station and use the hot showers for free. What a great deal! So I guess we can say we've been to jail!Palmerton is one of the nicest towns we have been to on the trail. People greeted us as we walked through town and everyone was very kind at the local shops.The local girl scouts put together goody bags with toilet paper, toothbrush, etc. for hikers. These kind gestures mean a lot to us. Thank you very much!
Date: 2004-05-08
From: 'Jailhouse Hostel' in Palmerton, PA.

To: Leroy Smith Shelter (2*)
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

by PickleWe ate breakfast at Bert's Steakhouse. I got eggs, toast, coffee, pancakes, and juice for 5 bucks. Then we hitchhiked back to the trail. We crossed the "dead zone" where a zinc smelting plant had killed all the vegetation for the next 4 miles. It was a completely different world.We hiked on another 6 miles or so and were going to check out a view when Little Tree pops up. It was crazy because she was supposed to be 2 days ahead of us. She was surprised by a friend who drove up from NC to see her and she took some time off. It was awesome to see her because we never thought we would see her again. We enjoy her company! We may go into Delaware Water Gap tomorrow or take it easy and do a 13 miler to the next shelter. Good night!
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Leroy Smith Shelter (2*)

To: Church Gazebo in Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

We slept in this morning. Little Tree hiked with us today. We were only going to go to the next shelter, but Little Tree talked us into going into town with her so we had lunch there instead.We spent an hour eating and started hiking again to arrive to a launch site for hangliders and paragliders. There were about 5-6 people out there launching. I've always wanted to hanglide so I spent some time asking questions. The first guy to jump was using a brand new glider and he was very nervous. I was nervous for him. I could feel my heart pounding then off he went. A successful launch. We stayed for an hour and watched others launch then we hiked on to Delaware Water Gap, PA. The hostel was closed at the church so we sort of stealth camped in the gazebo at night. I didn't get much sleep since we were beside the road. It's been a good day!
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Church Gazebo in Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: overcast clouds

by PeanutWe woke up very early this morning - partially because of noisy traffic and partially b/c we didn't want to get in trouble for staying at the gazebo. Nothing was open at 6am. We spent most of the morning waiting for places to open, like the post office and outfitter.We left town around noon. At the top of a mountain we skirted around the edge of Sunfish Pond. It is a glacial pond. It was very cool, but they water was extremely cold. Pickle actually got in the water, while I settled for sticking my feet in.Mohican Outdoor Center offers free campsites for thru-hikers. We both got showers and are settling in for what will hopefully be a much better night's sleep.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

We must fess up, last night was the first night we camped in the rain and not in the shelter. We've been wondering for the last 900 miles if our tarp works, at it does. Thanks Uncle Johnny. And boy did it rain and thunderstorm last night! It rained hard for a good hour and a half and was probably the worst thunderstorm we've encountered yet.The official count today was 7 ticks, 4 snakes, 2 deer, and 0 bears. New Jersey has the densest population of bears on the AT, which I find ironic. I'm hoping to see one since I've never seen a bear in the backcountry.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: Brink Road Shelter (1*)

To: Rutherford Shelter (1*)
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

by PeanutWe got a great night's sleep and started early. Our guidebook told us there was a bakery located on the AT a few miles north. We were hopeful that we could get some yummy food today, but it was closed - so no donuts for us. Our lives seem to revolve around eating while we're hiking. We burn so many calories and I can never seem to eat enough to last. And I can only eat so much food. That is why we were looking forward to the bakery today.The official count today was 451 orange salamanders, 12 ticks, 25 mosquito bites, 1 rattlesnake, and 0 bears. [Can you believe we saw that many salamanders in one day? Pickle counted them.]
Date: 2004-05-13
From: Rutherford Shelter (1*)

To: My parent's house
Miles today: 2.6

by PicklePeanut and I have been pushing miles lately because we have been planning a surprise visit to my brother's wedding on Saturday (today's Thursday). We couldn't say anything because they regularly read the journal entries. Today had a big agenda of things to do. We got up around 5am and were off to make up some time. Our plan was to hike a couple of miles, hitch a ride to Port Jervis, NY, and get picked up by Enterprise Rent-A-Car there. The only problem is that everyone was commuting to NYC and the few people who were travelling the opposite direction wouldn't pick us up. So we called Enterprise and they told us that they could get right up to the state line, but couldn't cross the line.We told them that we would be there in a couple of hours and hike the 4 miles into town. As we were heading towards town, a friendly person picked us up and took us to our meeting spot. We were thankful!Enterprise picked us up, we rented a car, and off to NC we go. We drove 10 hours to get home, the same distance that took us over 3 months to walk. I called my parents and they were pleasantly surprised that we were going to the wedding.It feels good to sleep in my bed and clean up in my bathroom and listen to my CDs, the little pleasures that we all take for granted. Tomorrow we'll surprise my brother at the rehearsal dinner.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: My parent's house

To: My brother and his fiancee's house
Miles today: 0.0

by PickleI got a lot of little errands done today that I could only do if I was at my house with my own car, etc. I drove over to Peanut's house, which is about 45 minutes away from my house and we headed to Asheville to surprise everyone. We walked in the restaurant where the rehearsal dinner was to be held and several people were ecstatic that we were there.I even saw a few tears from people's eyes. This little side trip became worth the trouble we've been planning for the past couple of weeks. I think that there was a little tension with us not being there and that tension was completely dropped when we showed up. Everything was all good at this point. The dinner was outstanding and we had a great time. Tomorrow's the big day!