morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-10
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

Up and hiking by 6:30am. Short day to Harpers Ferry. Went to ATC office and picked up hiker box, had my picture taken and signed the guest book.Carla (Mrs. Limestone) is here and we went to dinner--lots of happiness to see each other after two months.
Date: 2010-06-11
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero Day--computer issues, late update.We ate breakfast at the motel and then caught the shuttle to Shepherd's town for resupply, laundry and Doctor visit at walk-in clinic. Limestone had a bad reaction to tick bite and got medication to treat Lyme disease. We wait the results of the associated blood work until next week.Upon returning to Harpers Ferry, we went to Outfitter and left a stack of money as we replaced and updated some gear.We then went to the "Pub" for dinner and then went home for the night.
Date: 2010-06-12
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: broken clouds

Same breakfast drill as yesterday, motel buffet.Packed up and waited for the Post Office to open. We mailed home a box of excess stuff--12 pounds, sent forward a bounce box, mailed out some business things and mailed a fathers day card.We left the motel about 10 am and it was already hot. The walk from the highway to the bridge was a green tunnel with lots of locals walking their dogs.At the bridge, we were held up by construction work. The Park Service is replacing the decking on the bridge. I guess they want to show everyone that they still do some work and that it is not all left to volunteers because they were working on Saturday--needless to say, there are backups as the trail is pretty popular. I also doubt that the work site has been visited by OSHA any time in the recent past!We stopped for lunch in a clearing along the Potomac River. There are lots of water craft full of people floating the river. Also saw numerous geese on the water. While passing several ponds, we noticed turtles pulled up on the logs catching some sun and sleep. Hiking down the tow path, we were remembering years ago when we thought it would be fun to hike to the end of the path from DC. It still looks like a fun trip and maybe some day we will get to come back and do that hike--its rather short 135 miles or so and all flat. We were thinking we could hike from B&B to B&B and not have to carry too much gear.After lunch we hiked up to Crampton Gap where we are tenting for the night. We got a bit wet in a thunder shower this afternoon and the tent got a bit wet in a heavy down pour associated with another thunder storm. Such is life in the east--hot and muggy with afternoon thunderstorms.
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: scattered clouds

First day and night back on the trail has gone well. We had hot weather and rain so everything got an early test to see how it will function for the next several months. Mrs. L is doing fine, no blisters and putting down some miles in the heat.The tent seam sealing is perfect, no leaks in a real down pour. The bug net keeps out the bugs and some of our techniques we picked up using the tent last year worked well as we were nice and comfy.Limestone's air mattress still leaks and he has been unable to find the leak. Looks like a replacement is in order.We were camped next to a youth group of some sort, we did not find out who they were but they would get really quiet when the thunder rolled around and head into their tents, only to reappear when the weather got better.We met a section hiker named Heather who is hiking as far as she can go in one month until she returns to school.Today did not seem as hot as yesterday, but when we stopped for the night, we both could tell it was actually much hotter as we were clearly more tired than the day before.Freight Train rolled into shelter/camp after dinner and opted to stay the night. It was good to see him and hopefully we will meet again before the end of this journey. He is on a shorter time frame for completion than we are so he will be putting down some miles in the next month or so to keep his end date.We strung up a line and put out the remaining wet gear and it's now pretty dry which is good news. Being wet is not as troublesome as being heavy because its wet....There are five tents here and 3 people sleeping in the shelter and there is still a lot of room for more people.The only down side of this shelter is that it is close to the freeway and we listened to a lot of traffic during the evening. But the water source is a good piped spring...the good and bad.
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: State Rd 17, Free State Hiker Hostel
Miles today: 8.0

Said good bye to Freight Train as we packed up. Started hiking about 6:50 am or 15 minutes earlier than yesterday. Each day we get better at getting out of camp.This morning was an easy day, 8 miles of relatively flat going to a hostel with showers, laundry and cooler with Coke and ice cream bars...life is good.We are going to town later for small resupply and will get back on the trail tomorrow and continue north.Cheers.....
Date: 2010-06-15
From: State Rd 17, Free State Hiker Hostel

To: Antietam shelter
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: light rain

Yesterday turned out to be a great stop at the freestate hostel. We took showers,washed clothes and updated the trail journal. Additionaly, we ordered replacement sleeping pad afro limestone as his big agness blow up mattress does not like to hold air. Such a deal when it goes flat in the middle of the night.Today we said good bye to duff man a who is headed south bound and to Heather and Wade who are anortha bound. We may see heather and Wade again before this journey ends.It started outs a sunny day, but later a turned to sprinkles. We put on our pack covers, but did not Ned our rain gear.We stopped for lunch at Pen Mar Park. What an outstanding park. We were joined by Eddie from Germany.After lunch we hiked to Deer Lick Shelter for lunch and then to Antietam for the night.We met Will and Way doing trail magic at the shelter. They thru hiked in 2009. Many thanks.Today we entered the great state of PA. It will take a few days to complete this state.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Antietam shelter

To: Quarry gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the fire flies put on a real show. It was fun and interesting to watch.We got up to some rain and heard one thunder clap. It all ended fairly quickly. It stayed cloudy (foggy on the ridge) and cool most of the day as we hiked across the ridge to Caledonia State Park.At the Park, we again met Will and Way past thru-hikers/trail angels. Will gave us a shuttle ride to and from a the grocery store and deli. We picked up a few items to take with us and hit the deli for lunch. Eddie was also at the trail magic table when we got back.We spent some time talking with Will and Way before heading north. Many thanks for your help and shuttle ride.At the shelter, we met the Fireman and Mud Foot who have been following us in the shelter guest books for some time. We wished them good luck as they planned to hike a bit more north before camping for the night.Tomorrow is Pine Grove Park with showers and food.
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Antietam shelter

To: Quarry gap
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night the fire flies put on a real show. It was fun and interesting to watch.We got up to some rain and heard one thunder clap. It all ended fairly quickly. It stayed cloudy (foggy on the ridge) and cool most of the day as we hiked across the ridge to Caledonia State Park.At the Park, we again met Will and Way past thru-hikers/trail angels. Will gave us a shuttle ride to and from a the grocery store and deli. We picked up a few items to take with us and hit the deli for lunch. Eddie was also at the trail magic table when we got back.We spent some time talking with Will and Way before heading north. Many thanks for your help and shuttle ride.At the shelter, we met the Fireman and Mud Foot who have been following us in the shelter guest books for some time. We wished them good luck as they planned to hike a bit more north before camping for the night.Tomorrow is Pine Grove Park with showers and food.
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Quarry gap

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

Up early and on the trail by 6:30 am. Took several pictures of the shelter as it is the best shelter to date bar none. There were hanging flower pots, a covered eating area, benches to sit on and a bubbling brook just in front of the shelter.We made good time, averaging over 2 miles an hour all day for over 17 miles. The trail was fairly flat and it had a good tread--as in very few rocks and roots.We stopped at Toms Run Shelter and met Mo, the south bound iguana riding on her owners shoulder. Mo is five pounds lite and seems to be enjoying the ride. She took a swim in the creek before resuming the journey south.Just past Toms Run is the 1/2 way (1,089.6) post marking the center of the AT in 2009. Depending upon previous trail relocations each year, the exact mid point moves north or south. Rather than have the accomplishment be subject to question, we hiked another 5 miles before stopping at Pine Grove. Along the last 5 miles we were picking and eating black berries to keep our energy level up.At Pine Grove, we watched Ichabod, Phinnias and Jibitz do the 1/2 gallon ice cream eating challenge. Two out of three finished in about one hour and Limestone helped Jibitz finish the challenge. Thanks for the chocolate mint!!!!We are at camp site 10 in the State Park. The showers were great.
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Resort & Playhouse
Miles today: 19.2

We had a comfortable night in the State camp ground. Our compliments to the State and to the hard working folks at Pine Grove Furnace as they have a well built and maintained facility; and, the people we met were most friendly and helpful. Many thanks.We hiked the rest of the Park, reading signs and checking out the exhibits--it was fun.We then climbed up on the ridge and headed north. We stopped for lunch at the Green Mountain General Store and Deli. They make a great sub sandwich. Mrs. Limestone picked up some sun glasses as it is getting way too sunny, plus she is the web person and needs protection from the bugs.We have been hearing all about the great deal at the Allenberry Resort so we are thinking about it as we hike.We climb over the rock pile at White Rocks--no snakes and stop at Whiskey Springs--just water. Next we take a break at Kennedy Shelter trail junction and decide to push on to Boiling Springs and Allenberry Resort.The hike across the flat open fields was really hot and we were glad when we got back to the woods and green tunnel.Today, Mrs. Limestone has completed her first 100 miles in just one week which is a pretty good accomplishment after a two year break.We got to Allenberry Resort and Playhouse about 6pm. So, we quickly check in, take showers and go to dinner in the pub before it closes. After dinner, we just crash.
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Boiling Springs, Allenberry Resort & Playhouse

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

This am we decide to take a zero day. This Resort is just too nice to move on. So, we went down town to visit the ATC Regional Center, but they were closed. Then, we stopped at the Fishing Outfitters to watch Limestone get wrapped up in fishing gear. We then walked over to the source of the Boiling Springs. Rather impressive to see so much water bubble up from the ground. Of course, all Limestone noticed was the trout in the pool. We then ate lunch at the pizza place and went back to the Allenberry.At the Allenberry, we went to the evening buffet and ate all we could....this is such a nice place.Back to the Free State Hostel, we did a bit of pack and hiker weights on the bathroom scale. Limestone has lost 20 pounds and his basic pack weight is about 23 pounds without food and water. Loaded up, he left the Hostel with 41 pounds. Mrs. Limestone's pack is at 18 pounds and goes up to 22 pounds with water. This will change in a few weeks after we add food to Mrs. Limestone's pack.
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Boiling Springs

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: scattered clouds

We ate breakfast in our room so we could get an early start. Limestone is suppose to avoid the sun so we wanted to cross the open (corn) fields before the sun was too high in the sky. It was hard to leave such a nice resort as the Allenberry, but all good things must come to an end.The first part of the trail was really nice, as in flat and no rocks. The last couple miles were a very different story with lots of rocks which really slowed down our progress. We still completed 21+ miles which is new best for Mrs. Limestone. We saw a snapping turtle along the way while we were hiking along the river. They are fun to tease, but they are pretty fast with the snap.When we got to the shelter, it was packed with Boy Scouts, Troop 75. I have to compliment the Scouts as they packed up all their gear and moved out to make room for us thru hikers. Thank you very much. They then tented in the rocks while we enjoyed the comfort of wooden bunks. Limestone has a new air mattress mailed to Duncannon and will be happy to ditch his flat one.At the shelter, we talked to BullDog and Hitchcock. Bulldog is a blind hiker who is hiking the AT--he is really impressive to watch. It is hard enough to navigate the rocks being able to see, it is unbelievable to watch him do the same thing. He is also making really good time.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Cove Mountain Shelter

To: Duncannon, Doyle Motel
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Very short hiking day as we just dropped off the rocky ridge to the town of Duncannon and Doyle Motel. Very hiker friendly.Thanks to Red Hat who gave us shuttle ride to the grocery store. Hope to see you as we all hike north.We ate a second breakfast and picked up bounce box. Then, took showers and washed clothes.Tomorrow we start the serious PA rocks......
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Duncannon, Doyle Motel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Went to breakfast at the Goodie's Cafe. Great breakfast, low price.We then did a final load of laundry, packed our bounce box and loaded our packs. On the way out of town, we dropped our bounce box at the Post Office. We were hiking about 9am. It was a long walk over the bridges.Stopped for lunch at Clarks Ferry Shelter and hiked down to the spring for water. The spring is getting low. While we were eating lunch, it started raining and made everything wet. When it stopped reaining, we covered our packs with rain covers and left the shelter hiking north.About 10 minutes from Peters Mountain Shelter, we were hit with a rain storm and got wet. Tomorrow is suppose to be hot so we'll dry out.Mrs. Limestone tried to step on a black snake, but the snake moved at the last minute. One lucky snake.Peters Mountain Shelter is a big shelter, sleeps 20 in two levels. The water is a distance away--as in 296 rock stair steps or about 280 verticle feet in about 0.3 miles. Just one trip at the end of the day was plenty.Here at the shelter are Tania (Bear Chaser) and Norman (Chef) who we met at Allenberry, Eddie from Germany who we have been hiking with since Harper's Ferry, Mud Foot and Fireman who we met a week ago and Mud Foot's Mom and Sister.Tomorrow we do 18 miles to make Port Clinton on Saturday.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

1 Trail Magic--thank you.1 Wood tick--no thank you.1 Bear--nice surprise.1 Long hike in hot weather--no surprise.1 Pizza, 1 salad, 1 soda--pleasant surprise and full bellies.1 Solar shower, rather cool--no surprise.1 Thank you to care takers Pop Eye and Lil'Mac--big surprise seeing thru hikers we hiked with in 2008!
Date: 2010-06-25
From: 501 Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 17.2

Said good bye to the solar shower and headed north about 6:30am. Stopped for trail magic at State Road 183 (thank you) and then took an hour lunch.After lunch, hiked on to the next trail magic at Sand Spring (thanks again) and took a break.Hiked past Eagles Nest Shelter, no eagles in sight, and we are camped at a dry spring 2 miles north of the shelter.No cell phone coverage, same as last night--Verizon fails to come thru again!Tomorrow we go to Port Clinton to pick up a food box at the Post Office.Cooler day and lower humidity, nicer hiking weather.
Date: 2010-06-26
From: Stealth Camp

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Easy hike off the hill to Port Clinton. Along the way, met Draggin' Tail and Sherpa, hikers from early part of the journey and we were passed by Ace, another hiker from early in the journey. Such fun to leap frog and keep meeting folks you have shared a camp fire or two with in the past.Got a ride from Draggin' Tail/Sherpa's relatives to Hamburg, PA. Microtel Motel--many thanks.Today is a short day while we watch a bit of the soccer game and take care of some business.Tomorrow is heat wave and we start day with a climb....at least we will have most of the serious climbing done before noon.Less than a thousand miles of the AT left to do (mile stone of some sort) and Mrs. Limestone has two weeks done. We are headed north.
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Port Clinton

To: Blue Rocks Family Campground
Miles today: 10.4

Today is Limestone's birthday, age 64. For his birthday, we hiked 10.4 miles of the AT, 2.6 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail from Hamburg to Port Clinton and 1.5 miles from the At to the campground. At the campground, it was showers, swim and ice cream--life is good.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Blue Rocks Family Campground

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: broken clouds

The hike back to the AT was a brutal way to start the day--lots of elevation gain.We hiked over to Hawk Mountain Road on a good trail and then did another steep climb. We are now finding more and more PA rocks and our progress is being slowed down. Water is also scarce and many of the springs are dry.There is a troop of scouts from NJ camped here at the shelter and they are south bound so we got an update on the trial ahead--lots more rocks and less water. Also here is Winston and Churchill, 2 thru hikers from Britian.
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Palmerton Jail House Hostel
Miles today: 17.7

Earliest start to date, 6:15am, as we were trying to get some walking done before the heat set in. No water for the next 13 miles after Blue Mountain Summit Cafe so we are packing a lot of extra weight. The alternative is to be thirsty on the hot rocks--not a good option.We crossed the Cliffs and Bear Rocks before noon. Both very rocky, boulder size and steep ledges. We were glad to have that behind us.We ate lunch at noon at Bake Oven Knob Shelter--it's really hot here.At George Outerbridge Shelter, we changed our plans. We headed to Palmerton to stay at the Jail House (yep, old jail) Hostel. We took showers and went to dinner at the LaDolce Casa Restaurant. This is a very outstanding place to get dinner. Low prices, lots of food all made from scratch by the owner who talks with you as he works. He has only been in business for 6 months so he does not show up in the trail guides--maybe next year. Basically, you get a full plate dinner for less than a large pizza.The Jail House is a one room affair with bunks for 14 (we each had a top bunk), community shower and pretty stringent rules, including ID check in. While it is seemingly painless, it has got the real feel of someone watching over you. But the price is good--as in free! So many thanks to the folks of Palmerton who make this possible and keep it going.
Date: 2010-06-30
From: Palmerton Jail House Hostel

To: Filbert B&B
Miles today: 12.3

The Jail House was warm last night and neither of us slept too well. So we got up and headed for the restaurant--it was closed. The day was not off to a good start. We stopped at a Gulf Gas Station and picked up a couple egg/bacon sandwiches, coffee and donuts before hiking back to the trail.As promised, the climb from Lehigh Gap was steep and rocky with a bit of large rocks to get over and hang from. It took just an hour to go from the parking lot at the bottom to the ridge line at the top.Crossing the top of the hazmat site on Blue Mountain was not what we were led to believe--we actually enjoyed it. The folks doing the rehab work have done a lot of good work and it was like crossing an area of mixed openings (with grass and shrub cover) and new hardwood forest. The first flowers we have seen for a long time. Only problem, the grass was full of ticks. Limestone pulled off 8 and Mrs. Limestone pulled off 3. We saw a couple ground hogs--guess they don't know they are living in a hazmat site. We hiked down to Smith Gap and we were picked up by Kathy from the Filbert B&B. It's a long drive back to the B&B and the AT guides are incorrect in it's data--there are not shuttles from here.The B&B is a great place--an old, fully restored farm house/store. A real treat for Limestone who likes old building restoration projects. The work has been outstanding--many thanks.
Date: 2010-07-01
From: Filbert B&B

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Great night at the Filbert B&B--slept very good. The "country breakfast" filled up Limestone and Mrs. Limestone had to give up before the end.It was a long ride back to Smith Gap, but we enjoyed the conversation with Kathy.We headed north over the rocks, for a few hours until we reached Wind Gap where we resupplied. For lunch, we went to a restaurant called Beer Stien and ate the special--it was a good dinner. This is a recommended stop for thru hikers as the food is great (and reasonable $), the people hiker friendly (they filled water bottles), and have allowed hikers to camp "out back".We then went on to the shelter and caught up with Eddy who is not feeling well. There seems to be some sort of "bug" attacking hikers as there are others sick such as Winston who stayed in Palmerton to see a doctor.
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

A skunk came to visit during the night. Limestone heard it digging under the shelter sleeping platform just below our heads. Good news, no one got sprayed even though Limestone made some noise and scared the skunk back to the woods.Started north and back onto the rocky trail. It's a flat walk over to Delaware Water Gap where we stopped for coffee and donuts. We then went to the Church Hostel and got an update on available water as many of the springs are drying up.At the hostel, we met Bulldog and Hichcock. They are doing a zero so Hichcock can see a doctor for his poison ivy. As we were getting ready to leave, Eddy came in so we chatted a bit before we left.We crossed the long bridge and said good bye to PA and their rocks. One more state has been crossed.We went to the Delaware Water Gap NRA Visitor Center and had lunch along the river, checked out the visitor center, got water and headed north. It's already 1:30pm and we have only hiked 7 miles of our 17 planned.We arrived at the Outdoor Center about 6pm. At the check-in, we ordered sandwiches and sodas from the deli. Then we took showers and washed out some clothes.We made camp in the tent area and put our food in the bear box. Soon after we were in bed, some critter was checking out the bear box so Limestone went to check--no bears, sweet dreams.