morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-07-01
From: Mt. Holly Springs

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 9.8

Sleeping on a bed feels great! Well it's a Futon but comfortable! We slowly got up and got together with Melton for the Legion breakfast. Hot coffee, and creamed chipped beef, eggs and homemade sausage! Delicious! Melton took us to the Allenberry Playhouse in Boiling Springs so we could drop our packs. He then took us to Dollar General where we got lunch and snacks for the day. Not needing much, and after picking up some "apple pie", he took us to the trailhead. The trail in the book is bumpy looking and it is! Lots of boulder climbing, rock walking and ascents and descents. They are only 300 feet each but combined with the rocks, painfull. I was sure glad we got to slackpack this section! We arrived in Boiling Springs about 4 and stopped by a small convenience store and bought stuff we needed, ate dinner at a small cafe (Reuben sandwich and crab soup). The Allenberry is about a half of mile past the trail turnoff on the other side of town. We didn't want to come back to town so we got all we needed before going to our room. We went out by the river and played horseshoes (half left whooped me) and soaked feet in the river before heading to our room.
Date: 2012-07-02
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: scattered clouds

The Allenberry has a nice buffet breakfast for a meer $6 so we indulged. Fresh fruit, juice, hot eggs, etc, nice!Not to play around we have 14.3 miles to do today so off we go.The packs feel heavy but the terrain is flat. Through corn fields, grain fields and woods just steps away from farmhouses. It is an awesome sight with rolling wheat fields cornfields that softly blow in the wind. Miles and miles of planted fields. We spot a deer peeking out of the brush looking at us. Too quick for a photo we keep walking. On the side of the trail the raspberries are rippening. We stop periodically to pick them and have a taste, ummmmm!A past thru hiker named Snow was walking along the trail and told us of a great diner only 4 tenths of mile off trail. We agreed to try it, cheap and delicious. I got a salad, cole slaw and chicken fingers, Half Left got the Shepherds Pie. All was worth the walk. We even had leftovers.The last part of the hike is a climb just 800 feet but feels lots longer! Also there are reports that the water at the shelter is scarce. We must carry extra water for this evening as well as tomorrow. There is no water tomorrow for 7 miles. Water is HEAVY!!! We stop at a piped spring 1.1 miles downhill from our destination. I am NOT looking forward to the extra weight and Half Left is carrying extra for dinner and breakfast. We rest and get the water packed up amd begin our ascent. Ouch, ouch and more ouch. Feet tired, rocks hurt, climbing burns. We arrived unscathed but tired. The shelter is large and the privy is called the TajMahal because of its size.We ate the leftovers and went nighty night.
Date: 2012-07-03
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We slept fairly well at the shelter except for some noise by hikers with NeoAir mattresses. They are sooooooo noisy! Otherwise we slept well. After a quick breakfast we packed and headed the 11 miles to town. It was rocky in a lot of spots but also smooth and level in others. The down was steep and full of loose rocks. In some points somewhat scary. We survived the 100 degree temperatures and made it to Duncannon. First stop, the convenient store for a soda and to enjoy a few minutes of air conditioning. We were excited to finally see the infamous Doyle. It is a rundown but spectacular building, old and a little bit in need of repair. The inn keepers, Vicky and Pat are as nice as can be and the bar was air conditioned. I tried a Woodchuck Apple Cider and Half Left, a local beer called a Troeg IPA.we also were hungry and ordered some wings.Our room was simple with a double bed, old dresser and small table with 2 chairs. A fan was also included. The restroom / shower was down the creeky hallway. Half Left said he felt like Bonnie and Clyde because of the old timey look and feel of the place. Without air conditioning we baked in our room so we spent most of the time in the pub.Hikers showed up throughout the day so it was good to be there. Robo and his girl Tink came in, we haven't seen him since Iron Maiden left back near Dutch Haus. Also, Chef, Kazzoo, Snot Rocket, Moose, Daddy Long Legs and Flicka supwed up.
Date: 2012-07-04
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Took a zero day (not hiking) today to take care of all our town needs, laundry, groceries etc. We woke up to a restful but hot sleep. The Doyle doesn't have air conditioning except in the bar/pub. We had a lot to do and wanted breakfast, everything was closed except convenient stores. We walked to the laundry mat and as I started the clothes, Half Left went to the store to get us a coffee and some breakfast . The laundry mat doesn't have AC either and I was HOT. Needless to say we didn't dilly dally, I was out of there ASAP. We met back at t he Doyle to make a grocery list. The local grocery runs a shuttle at 4:00 because the road is treacherous. We went with 7 other hikers packed in a mini van. After buying groceries it was time to get ready for the 6:00 hiker feed at Trail Angel Mary's. She along with Chef and a few others prepared a delicious pasta meal with garlic bread and a salad. It was marvelous! I think there were at least 20 hikers chowing down all piled in her small apartment. After the feast, we jumped in her car to head for the fireworks. A spot had already been picked out in a fancy neighborhood overlooking the river where Harrisburg was to set off the light show. We arrived and hiked up a small hill where another family was already perched. Mary brought watermelon to eat and a few brewskies. The view was spectacular with views of 3 different communities setting off their fireworks. The family next to us had an obnoxious brat that whined and fussed until his mom finally took him to the car. The other little girl told him "I think it's time for nappy!", funny!We headed back to Mary's afterward and enjoyed fellowship with everyone else. It was still ridiculously hot. We managed to sweat through the evening at the Doyle.
Date: 2012-07-05
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Highway 225
Miles today: 9.0

Today we got to slackpack southbound because we decided to help with the Billville fun and hiker feed an annual event put on by past thru hikers from 2000. Every year they pitch in and feed for the whole weekend. The trail was level with some rocky uphill spots. There is a shelter where we stopped for a sandwich. Under the table, a small cat was taking a nap. She arose as soon as we sat down and started her I'm hungry meow. Half Left fed her some of our peanut butter and marshmallow cream sandwich. She was HUNGRY! After we left we told other northbound hikers about her and asked them to feed her.The trail got really rocky, with boulder type climbs for at least a mile. On the descent we saw Koozie and David some hikers from the Netherlands. We hadn't seen them since Devils Backbone Brewery. The trail steeply descended into the river areawhere we had to cross two bridges. It was hot again probably about 100. We arrived at Riverside Camp, our destination about 4:00. Opening their office door was delightful. With the cold air pouring out. Over to the right a cooler with cold cokes, yummy!
Date: 2012-07-07
From: Highway 225

To: Riverside Campground
Miles today: 2.0

Today is the day of the annual Billville Hiker Feed and Fun held at trail crossings and at the campground. Half Left and I have volunteered to help with the trail magic. Billville is a group of previous thru hikers who gather together throughout the hiker season up and down the trail giving magic (food, refreshments, cookies and fruit). We love trail magic ourselves so it is easy to volunteer.Camp is set up along the river in Duncannon at the local campground. We reserved 4 sites and expect about 50 hikers to be fed. On the grill we will smoke some pork, cook chicken and grill corn. Guess who is put in charge? Yes me. I wrap the pork shoulders in foil after the dry rub is coated. There is also 5 groups out at the trail-heads feeding the hikers sandwiches, fruit and lemonade. Half Left helps get the campsite prepared with tables, chairs, lighting, etc. Coordinating the event is Trail-angel Mary who also lives in Duncannon. She shuttles hikers all over and also allows us dirty hikers to come hang out at her house in the AC! She is a trail legend! During the day other notables show to help, Miss Janet, Matthewski, Baltimore Jack, Santas' Helper, Moose, Chesters' mom, JB, Over the Edge, Duck fart, and many others. Food was ready about 6, just when a huge thunderstorm started threatening and by then we had a large crowd gathered to feast. Luckily the storm only threatened and went around us. Now everyone's in line for some pulled pork, chicken, pasta salad, garden salad, baked beans, cole slaw, fruit and desserts (lots donated by Chester's mom). The food turned out delicious!Others at the bash included: Chef, Snotrocket, Anchor, Dotter, Dr. Pepper, Thin Timber, Bright Flower, Dude, G-Hippy, Hercules, Xena, Irish Charm, John, Shredder, Bust Ace, Leeks, Bandana, Nooga, Pain (from Germany), Riff Ralph, Over the Edge and Slowfeet. There were others also just too many to remember.We all stayed up late enjoying fellowship and trail talk. It was enjoyable!
Date: 2012-07-08
From: Riverside Campground

To: Trail Angel Mary's
Miles today: 0.0

Today we woke to a small rain shower. On the menu: pancakes, eggs, bacon and fruit. Breakfast on the trail is usually oatmeal, bars, instant breakfast or cereal so to have a hot meal like this is wonderful! We pitched in to help and I fried up 4 pounds of bacon. Of course I had to sample to make sure it was cooked and tasted good. The breakfast was terrific as well as the coffee too. Camp needed to be picked up and cleaned up which is always not fun. Dishes, tables, tents all had to be cleaned, swept and wiped, then put in boxes to take back to Mary's. It took us about an hour to get stuff together and also get our backpacks repacked. Bright Flower got up early and left before breakfast so I didn't get much of a chance to talk to her.Half Left and I as well as lots of other hikers are not enjoying the 100 degree temperatures so we have decided to go ahead and move forward to Cheshire, MA. The weather is cooler and the hike more interesting. We will be leaving tomorrow morning for Springfield where Low Key, our hiker friend from 2010 will be picking us up. We will hike Mt. Greylock and then begin Vermont. After completing the 600+ miles to Katahdin we will come back to Cheshire and hike south to Duncannon where it is easy to get a train home.I will keep the mileage counter actual but report the mileage in my entry so everyone knows how close we are to Katahdin.Iron Maiden will be joining us in Vermont and is excited to hike Vermont.Thanks for signing the guestbook!!!
Date: 2012-07-12
From: Mt. Greylock

To: Sherman Brook Campsite
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: clear sky

We reluctantly left our good friend Low Key and headed back to the trail. He took us to Mt Greylock and we sadly hugged each other to say our goodbyes. We were also very glad to be back out in the woods. The hike was to be mostly downhill and pretty severe down a 1500 feet drop. The issue with going down this mountain is it is steep and slippery. Not many good footholds just little rocks and dirt.It took us quite a while to descend. Our knees really took a pounding and really hurt every step of the way.Water seemed sparce, except for a huge river we passed over. Trail Angels left a cache of water but it was empty. The trail passes about a mile through a little town with older houses lining the way. On the path back to the woods, the trail goes right up someones driveway across a foot bridge that passes over railroad tracks. Then back over a roaring stream and into the forest. Our destination was Sherman Brook Campsite. The trail followed a stream where posted on signs all over "No camping, city watersource". Wow I hope they filter it or something. We got water from a spring right at the campsite. Tenting was all that was available and platforms were at each site, first come first serve. I set up the tent while Half Left got us water. We didn't feel like cooking so we ate some curry chicken salad we carried in from Lenox. It was so hot today we were exhausted, so early to bed tonight. As we were slowly falling asleep, I thought I heard a buffalo running toward our tent. As I popped my head out of the tent, I spotted the culprit, a huge bear and I mean HUGE! He turned to look at us and galloped on. I think we startled him as much as he startled us. We both were at arms after that taking at least an hour to fall asleep.
Date: 2012-07-13
From: Sherman Brook Campsite

To: Congdon Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: clear sky

We woke up in the morning both hurting from the big descent off Mt. Greylock. Popping Advil was the first thing on our agenda. Today we would pass the Massachusetts/Vermont border and begin the AT/Long Trail overlap which goes for 105.2 miles concurrently. It also seems like many more hikers are on the trail because of the overlap and southbound AT'ers are now showing up. The trail was uphill for the first section and then pretty smooth for a bit. At the border we stopped for a snack and talk to a couple of hikers that also felt the need to rest. Our legs warmed up but our knees scream on the downhills. Half Left is almost ready to quit because his knee seems to bother him more than mine. We pass the Seth Warner shelter because it is .2 off the trail and we already have water and have snacked. When you're hiking and come to a blue blaze (shelter or site) and the hike is .2 or more extra miles, normally you would just pass it up unless you've heard something good about the place. No need to add more miles to the already long day. After a couple of hard ups and then the painful downs, we finally reached some easy trail. It began to follow a beautiful stream meandering along its bank. The sound of the water rushing through the rocks was peaceful.We reached the shelter that had 4 double bunks and a table in between. Along the right side of the shelter was a small stream which was also the water source. We arrived at the shelter tired and hot so the refreshing stream was very nice. We shared the shelter with a southbound hiker who was full of himself. He talked and boasted most of the evening. Other hikers joined in but decided to tent. We ate a meal Jenn had given us back in Pennsylvania, thanks Jenn. It was Polynesian Chicken, yummy. Some notables at camp were: Almost Awesome, Possum, Lorax, TP Tommy, Daniel, Sculler, Jeff Davis and Funky Monkey. We were tired so early to bed, hiker midnight you know.
Date: 2012-07-14
From: Congdon Shelter

To: Bennington, VT
Miles today: 4.3
Weather: clear sky

Half Left was adamant that he needed to rest his knee plus we were out of good ole Advil. We decided to go into the next town, Bennington for small resupply and rest. The trail was all down and pretty steep. Half Left was in pain most of the time. You could hear the pain in his voice. My knee and now my left ankle was also in pain. I have twisted my ankle at least 5 times each, but the last time on the left ankle was severe. We arrived at the road to hitchhike fairly early in the day. Some ladies hiking up the steep mountain asked if we needed help. We told them if we were still at the crossing when they finished their hike we would gladly accept a ride. We got across the busy highway into a short term parking lot for day hikers. A man pulled up and asked if we needed a ride, I was hesitant because he seemed simple. Half Left talked to him for a few minutes and we accepted his offer. He drove us into Bennington to Friendly's, a restaurant know for it's exceptional ice cream. We thanked him, and he said if we needed a ride in the morning to come by his house, which he had already pointed out. His name, Mark Lucas. We ate ice cream at Friendly's and walked uphill to the cheap hotel that now has raised it's rates. We declined the fee and moved on the choice #2, Kirkside Motel. It was very clean with quilts and Grandma's furnishings. And it was centrally located, much better than the overpriced dive. We asked where the laundry mat was located and took showers. We got our clothes together and walked about 6 blocks to this little grocery/laundry store. It had a little deli in the back so I bought a sub to take on the trail tomorrow.Half Left wanted to walk about 6 more blocks to the RiteAid to buy Advil. Two ladies pulled up in front of the store and I asked them how far the RiteAid was from here. The driver said I can take you real quick. Half Left went alone while I finished the clothes.We got back to the motel and changed into our fresh clothes and headed to get him a beer. Of course he must taste every local beer from the craft brewers.We ordered wings and some refreshments. Some locals told us about a fundraiser at a pizza joint a few blocks away so we finished our stuff and walked down to see what was happening. We got pizza which was delicious and of course more craft beer and talked to a trail maintainer who happened to be sitting right beside us. We got back to the room early, both exhausted and sore. Half Left noticed his phone was missing. I called every place we went to but couldn't locate it. So I called it, no answer. Then I called it again, no answer but I got a call from his phone. He had left it in the laundry mat. Thank God it was found. He had to jog the 6 blocks to get it. Thanks wonderful honest people!!!A nice warm bed with a mattress, yay!!!
Date: 2012-07-15
From: Bennington, VT

To: Goddard Shelter
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Mark gave us a ride back to the trail-head, thank you Mark. The trail was steep up for 2 miles, steps made from stones. Up, up and up! We were so tired and breakfast was used up so we stopped at Melville Nauheim Shelter for lunch, the tasty sub I bought from the grocery and I also surprised Half Left with a pint of pasta salad. It was great and the rest was needed.It started sprinkling and we stopped to put on our pack covers. The hike seemed very long today, lots of rocks and some pretty good ups. About 2 miles before the shelter, it started pouring down rain and thunder sounded. We weren't sure how much farther we had to go but it kept getting cold and the rain was soaking the trail. Mud formed and the rain was making the rocks slippery. Half Left was almost in tears from his knee. The shelter was up a long stair laced trail that kept going and going. Finally in the downpour we made it. Crowded! Only 10 spots and there were at least 8 hikers already in the shelter, wet clothes hanging everywhere. Hammocks strewn across the inside, wow. I was soaking wet and cold, shivering. I grabbed our ground cover and sleeping pads to claim the last 2 spots. Luckily a nice section hiker we aptly named "Hangman" moved his hammock and gear to let us have the last 2 spots against the wall. I managed to make 1 extra space available for another hiker, kinda wish I hadn't. He was smelly and moved around ALL night on his NeoAir pad that was LOUD! Dang why right next to me?Anyway, we put all our wet clothes in a bag, changed and ate leftover pizza for dinner. Not much room to move around, so many wet hikers everywhere!It poured and poured and I was glad we were dry and safe.Two young hikers were on their first night out, Scarecrow and his buddy Quota.Human, Blue Skies, Lorod, Funky Monkey, Chirp, Munchkin, Kneef, Chez 11, Girl Forward were some of the hikers joining us tonight.
Date: 2012-07-16
From: Goddard Shelter

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

The hike today was much more pleasant than it has been. We had a couple of downs that weren't feeling good but not as bad as it could be. We arrived at the shelter about 5 Hangman and Scarecrow were there. Half Left and I set up our sleeping pads in the shelter to the right side against the wall. Scarecrow had his stuff strewn all over the left side so when a little bit stinky hiker showed up guess where he put his stuff? Yep right up against where I was gonna sleep. Now we had three on the right side and just one spread out all over the left side. Dang fire! Poor me, waaaaaaaaaaa! Hope he is at least quiet.It was a nice evening, we hung our wet clothes to dry and sat at the picnic table and talked to Hangman, then Funky Monkey and Lorod showed up. It was great conversation and a nice time.We were excited about hiking to Stratton Pond tomorrow. Plans are to stay at the Stratton Pond Shelter which sleeps 16, wow!And by the way, the hiker that slept beside me was quiet! Thanks!!!
Date: 2012-07-17
From: Story Spring Shelter

To: Stratton Pond Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: few clouds

We headed out of Story Spring Shelter heading for Stratton Pond. We were very excited to see the pond and stay in the shelter which houses 16. The day was beautiful, lots of cool breezes and sunshine. The walk around Stratton Mountain was chosen because of Half Left's hurt knee. It is the old AT route and is smooth and level. It is also used as a cross country skiing route in the winter. We arrived at the shelter early, about noon. We unpacked and headed to check out the pond which was about .3 of a mile down the path. The pond was all is was cracked up to be. We sat and enjoyed the rest and relaxation. Half Left filled our water containers and we headed back to the shelter. No-one was there yet so we enjoyed a little solitude. Half Left broke out the dice and we looked up the Yahtzee score pad so we could play. He beat me every game but we had a lot of fun.The shelter filled to capacity because of an impending thunderstorm. About 10 pm the sky broke loose. Thunder and lightning joined in and we were certainly glad we choose to stay. One lone hiker had chosen to tent, we all wondered how he faired.In the morning everyone woke about 5:30, yuck! Go back to sleep people. Well they didn't and of course made as much noise as possible, ladies giggling and men rustling their backpacks. Shelters are not for the meek. You must be of good sound mind to stand the ridiculous amount of people that aren't on your schedule. Oh well, we suffered through, everyone left and we had the shelter to ourselves again. We ate our breakfast and packed our stuff. We stopped again at the pond, which was covered with beautiful fog this morning. We also meandered around to see the beaver dam. They are quite the constructors!The trail out of Stratton Pond is level for quite a while and then starts heading down. Half Left winced at every steep step. We had planned to stop at the shelter before the road and hike in tomorrow but decided to hike the additional miles and go ahead and get him into the town to rest.We called the Bromley Sun Lodge and got a ride into Bromley to stay at their lodge. It was nice and showers after 4 days in the woods are wonderful.Relaxing and being clean, ahhhhh!