morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

6/15/05WednesdayZero miles.Still catching up on my rest. While resting I started thinking about the Appalachian Trail. All the work that comes with it. Sometimes I feel like a wild animal, hiking in the daylight, stopped for water (filtering), checking for ticks, and pulling them off, using the woods for a potty break. At times getting to shelters to get a space to sleep. (If the shelters are full one will have to tent). However, I do miss the people. I want to finish this hike as a thru-hiker. During the evening I attended my God daughter¢s (??) 8th grade graduation.
Date: 2005-06-16
From: Interstate 70

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

6/16/05ThursdayCatching the train from Newport News, VA - Alexandria, VA. The Weavers will drive me to the Trail head. The weather feels great. Not seeing too many thru-hikers. Saw a large group of girl scouts. Made it to Ensign Cowall Shelter. I met Caveman, Rog, and Handyman.
Date: 2005-06-17
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: South Mtn., PA 233
Miles today: 22.9

6/17/05FridayCowall - South MT PA 233.The hike was very slow and long. I finally made it to Pen-Mar Park. Overlooks Maryland and Pennsylvania. Welcome to the state of Pennsylvania (Mason-Dixon Line). I hiked until 9:45 p.m. trying to get to VisionQuest property. It had changed somewhat. The cast (capt?) offered me a shower and that I could camp near the visionquest sign at the end of the road. Very noisy. I could not sleep (noisy because of the cars). Around 0200 I heard a wild cat cry. Could it be a BOB CAT? I BELIEVE IT WAS A BOB CAT. NOW I REALLY CAN¢T SLEEP. I was awake the whole night.
Date: 2005-06-18
From: South Mtn., PA 233

To: Pine Grove Furnace Hostel
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: light rain

6/18/05SaturdaySouth Mountain - Pine Grove Furnace HostelI packed up and walked to the South Mountain Post Office. Extremely exhausted. Received two packages from Rebecca Beamer. One a book called ¢Walk in the Woods.¢ I mailed several post cards. ¢Joe¢ offered me a ride to the trail head. He also worked for VisionQuest, small world. I went back to the VQ property, talked to Major Boyd. It was hard getting back on the trail. I made it to US 30, Caledonia State Park. I was done for the day. I walked around the park. I saw several past C O workers (John & Alan). The Park Ranger offered me a ride to Pine Grove Furnace Park/Hostel. I stayed at the hostel (my three work for stay). I did laundry.
Date: 2005-06-19
From: Pine Grove Furnace Hostel

To: Pine Grove Hostel
Miles today: 19.5
Weather: overcast clouds

6/19/05SundayHiked 20 milesPine Grove Furnace Hostel - The first 15 miles were easy. I made all kinds of phone calls (to keep me going). I made it back to Caledonia State Park. The over view of 2 day hike was easy. 15 miles was nice and easy. I met ¢Cart of Grocies,¢ also ¢Free Hill,¢ ¢Motor Run, and ¢Pac Man.¢ While at Caledonia State, I met a lady ¢Drag,¢ well she works for VisionQuest. She offered me something to eat. Could not believe I hiked over 1,098.5 miles. Drag has been working there the past 4 years. Carl and Aija (??) gave me a ride back to Ironmaster¢s Mansion, where I attempted to challenge 1/2 gallon ice cream. I only ate 1/4 of the ice cream. Continued my work for stay.
Date: 2005-06-20
From: Ironmaster pine grove hostel

To: Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

6/20/05MondayIronmaster - Kennedy Shelter15.5 milesGot a very late startA nice cool day to be hiking. Had lunch at Green Mountain General Store. A man with two boys offered me a ride to the trail head. Took many breaks. Kennedy shelter was nice. I set up my tent inside the shelter. My summer cold is getting the best of me.
Date: 2005-06-21
From: Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

6/21/05TuesdayKennedy - Darlington Shelter18.4 milesHad a wonderful afternoon day hiking. Imagine hiking for 17 miles in the Valley. Completely FLAT. Had a good afternoon in Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Another hiker town. Stayed at a new (BRAND) Darlington Shelter. Still coughing in the middle of the night.
Date: 2005-06-22
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

WednesdayOn the trail by 0715. Had Trail Magic from Mary. It brought tears to my eyes. I was having a low energy moment. Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA once called ¢the jewel of the Susquehanna.¢ Most of the early thru-hiking pioneers stayed here. The local supermarket picks up hikers @1530 every day from the Doyle Hotel. I went to the local churches to use the internet (nice people). I took a long nap (woke up at 800 p.m.). I met some new hikers. ¢Thunder,¢ Bayou,¢ Marimac(?), ¢T.Bone¢, etc. Thunder stated he had never seen an African American hiker before.
Date: 2005-06-23
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 11.4

ThursdayIt felt good to sleep in. I had breakfast at Goodies (not good). I attempted to take another nap before getting back on the Trail. I had lunch at the Doyle. I got back on the Trail after 1:00 p.m. The Hike here was easy. Bayou (snoring!) and I are the only ones here.
Date: 2005-06-24
From: Peters Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: scattered clouds

FridayVery long day. I saw a few section hikers. I passed Bayou early on. He stated he was going to camp. I was getting concerned the next shelter being empty. Around 4:00 I met Buzz again. He stated last night at the Clarks Ferry shelter two white men came without water or packs (just looking around). Had a small flash light. Buzz was the only one at the shelter. I was getting very tired and sore. We made it to the Rausch Gap Shelter (Buzz and I). The only two. I had the shelter and he tented. I used my tent netting to keep the bugs out.
Date: 2005-06-25
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

Saturday0600, out by 0715. It pays to get started early. I saw three section hikers. Three groups of Boy Scouts. It was very HOT today. Again I was walking with ghosts. Yellow Springs / Rausch Gap Villages, old early 1800s. The 4 miles before William Penn Shelter was hard. I saw Bear s??ap 8 times, which means BEAR TERRITORY. I was all the pieces. My guardian angel please watch over me. Boy Scouts gave me gatorade and walked with me the next 2 miles (the Bear). At the William Penn Shelter (smoke & privy / shelter too much for me). I made it to the 501 shelter. Rodeo, Cubbster. Rodeo got kicked out for breaking the rules (no alcoholic drinks). I ordered pizza and went to bed. P.S. The caretaker was way too serious (just in general)
Date: 2005-06-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagle Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: few clouds

SundayWoke up to mosquito buzzing around my head. I got a very late start. The hike was SO LONG & HOT. I saw more people today. A father with his five sons camping (ages 2-10). Four couples going to the swimming hole. I received Trail Magic Lipton tea can drink. At the shelter Cubbster, Thunder and 3 section hikers. Good company. Thunder shared his brownies. I really don¢t like to complain, but every day (almost) MY FEET HURT, MY BACK HURTS. I jump at EVERY SOUND (a drop of acorn, falling leaves, branches, blowing wind etc.)
Date: 2005-06-27
From: Eagle Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday0725-1150 a good time. My back hurts and feet too. I was eager to get a good meal. Arriving in Port Clinton, PA at the Railroad. It appeared to be used as a park and Santa Land. Port Clinton, PA was a dusty Ghost town (very low economical income). The motel was closed for the week and only one food place until 3:00. The hiker pavilion was nice. Run by the St. John Church. My plan was to go to the next shelter, but I was tired. I stayed in Port Clinton. I ate at 3 C¢s Restaurant (a real good cheeseburger). I set up my tent and took a nap. We took the bus to Cabelas, a super large OUTDOORS STORE. We ate at the Restaurant. I purchased a rain pack cover for $10.00. Went back and went straight to bed. PA 16 is right behind us. No one got any sleep, plus that DAMN street light. Port Clinton, PA gets the worst hiker town VOTE.
Date: 2005-06-28
From: Port Clinton, PA

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

TuesdayNO SLEEP, NO SLEEP, NO SLEEP, because of PA 16 (Old Truck Route). I had a wonderful breakfast, the house special (Pancakes um um good!, eggs, the meat was awful, my sweet coffee with hazelnut creamers, all good after 1 mile round trip). I started after 0915, tears started rolling down my face (I believe I¢m very tired and pure exhausted). I met up with Rodeo and Cubbster. The Pinnacle had awesome views. I was busting to get to the shelter (hoping for some rest). The hike went faster than I thought. Eckville shelter/hostel was on private property. Had snacks/drinks in the frig. The doors were open to shelters. Had windows, but no screens and the windows were the ones you could not open. It appeared the owner had a love/hate for hikers. P.S. solar shower, clothes line. There were 12 people at the shelter, including 3 section hikers. Still reading ¢A Walk In The Woods¢ by Bill Bryson. I can already relate. In the middle of the night awesome lightening BUG SHOW! at midnight.
Date: 2005-06-29
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: moderate rain

WednesdayVery late start. Not sleeping well at all. Very humid (Bugs, BUGS)/ Made it to Allentown Hiking Club shelter for lunch and a siesta (before a major thunderstorm). My NAP was way overdue. Had much entertaining from Rodeo, Cubbster (section hikers Rich and Andrew (son)). Had ten more miles to get to the next shelter. A very late start. The first 6 miles went very fast. The CLIFFS were very scary and dangerous, especially if hiking alone. It took me forever to finish BEAR ROCKS HUGE/GIGANTIC). GETTING DARK! Hoping and praying that no one would be at the Bake Oven Knob Road/Parking area. NO ONE was there. Made it to Bake Oven Knob . Major ROCKS, however it was DARK, trying not to panic. I attempted to follow the WHITE BLAZES, with my head lamp. I ripped my PANTS. Praying NO LIONS, TIGERS OR BEARS. It was really hard to follow the blazes. Finally out of the Rocks. Where is the Trail (searching). On the Trail trying not to Run. The sign shelter BAKE OVER KNOB shelter. All I could do is sit down. English Bob and John appeared to be awake. I originally planned to tent, arriving at the shelter at 9:40 p.m. I did not EAT. Went straight to sleep. P.S. It was almost raining and lightening while on the Rocks in the Dark.
Date: 2005-06-30
From: Bake Oven Knob

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 7.7

ThursdayWoke up feeling sore and tired. I wanted to get to town. No water. English Bob walked over a mile to get water for us. I was out by 0815. Called REG & KGB. Oh no, more rocks. I can¢t talk any longer. While climbing towards the end of Bake Oven, my RIGHT FOOT got stuck between the rocks. My foot would not come out. I took off my pack, untied my boot, released my foot. It was really hard to get my boot out. The grass appeared to look dead, but with sandy brown color. I was running down the Gap. Outerbridge Shelter was the oldest shelter in PA. It looked spooky. I made it to PALMERTON, PA. No ride offered until I got off the PA248 by Chris, who was on the police Board. It was nice. At the office one had to sign their life away. Driver¢s License, SS#, date of birth, phone number and address. The ¢Jail house Hostel¢ in the basement room of the Borough hall (the old police station). No charge and hot showers. Took a hot shower, had Chinese for lunch (not good), completed laundry and a nap. Had dinner at BERTS.
Date: 2005-07-01
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

FridayHad a wonderful breakfast @ BERT'S. I finally got my act together. I also carried my juice. R.E.G. called @ 0615 stating he had to work. I walked to the gas station. While walking I felt like all eyes were on ME. Tears started to roll down my face. I felt like an alien. (No one offered a ride). At the gas station I was seeking people out. These two guys pulled up. I asked for a ride to the Trail head. Leaving Lehigh Gap was a TRIP. I was so scared and nervous. This was the first time I wanted to skip a part of the A.T. I had to talk myself thru it. My pack was too heavy and the trekking poles were in the way. After almost a major breakdown, I finally got over the cliff. Still trying to keep an open eye for snakes. The Zinc Factory was open for over 80 years. It basically destroyed the trees and plant life (over a ten mile diameter). The sight was unbelievable. It was like being on another planet. How could this have happened? . . . It took forever. I did not see anyone on the Trail. At the Smith Gap Road, I saw a white man drive by in a pick up truck. By the time I got to the L.S. shelter I had drunk all the juice and eaten all the cherries. English Bob and another guy were at the shelter. I asked if I could put up my tent (no worries). I didn¢t have much of an appetite. I ate very lite.
Date: 2005-07-02
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

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

Saturday Very nice privy. Out by 0740. I was hiking fast for the next 5 miles. It was a workout. I saw 3 section hikers and met Bob Thru Hiker. At Wind Gap I had two sodas for a snack. Still working with my cold. I attempted to cook dinner at the last shelter in PA. The noodles and tomato soup were awful. There was a guy named Chris (he was a smoker and smoked in front of everyone). 6.9 miles left to Delaware Water Gap. It was already after 5:00 p.m. On my way I saw a lot of section hikers. Feeling good, almost completed the State of Pennsylvania (229 miles). Oh yeah, I got my first blister on my right second toe. If you want to call it a blister. It is the best way to describe it. It hurts a little. It was a wonderful view of the Delaware River. The Hostel was a great place to be. By the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. There was a wedding and plenty of food. I took a shower and went to bed.
Date: 2005-07-03
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: White Plains, NY
Miles today: 0.0

SundayUp very early 0630, packed up. Had a breakfast to go from DWG Diner. Rode the bus from DWG, PA to New York, NY. A nice ride. Port Authority, NY was awesome. The hustle and bustle of the city. The city appears to be low key and hardly no traffic. It feels good to be back for a visit. My dearest friend Lisa H. met me at the bus station at White Plains, NY. It was good to see her. My collegate(?). We went to Hampton University together. Lisa¢s Birth home was like a mini castle in Westchester Co. Lisa and Dale baby was a bundle of JOY. They are proud parents. We had a peaceful day.
Date: 2005-07-05
To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

TuesdayLeaving New York City to DWG, PA. The bus ride went well. Had pastry from Au Bon Pain. My energy level ws extremely low. I had a salad with tuna and cranberry juice. After arriving in DWG, PA, The Hostel was packed. It was great to see new and old faces: RODEO, JAX, PATHFINDER, GRAY WALRUS, GRAYBEARD, BOX OF FUN, ANGIE. NEW FACES: HAIR BALL, LB, So many names. I had dinner at the DWG Diner: Spinach Pie with salad. Ben and Jerry Ice Cream. I was hoping to finish ¢A Walk in the Woods¢ tonight. I slept on the couch at the Hostel. The place was unbelievably packed.
Date: 2005-07-06
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: moderate rain

WednesdayHad a wonderful breakfast at the Trail¢s End Cafe. Started the Trail at 1000. I started on the Bridge. Met up with Box of Fun, Angie, Jax at DWG Information Center. It felt good to be with other people. There were constant reminders about BEARS/TICKS. Sunfish Pond, a glacial pond on the A.T was a sight to see. The first glacial pond going North on the A.T. It started raining. After a long break at the Pond, we made it to the Mohican Outdoor Center. A retreat center run by the AMC. Bunks @ $12.00, camping free for Thru-hikers. It was great company. I finished the Book ¢A Walk in the Woods.¢ I really enjoyed it. I took a shower and enjoyed a delicious fresh sandwich for dinner. Graybeard played the guitar and sang. The center main lobby closed at 9:00 p.m. I stayed in the Bunk with Rocket. It had 20 bunks, fully equipped kitchen and showers. It took me a while to go to sleep.
Date: 2005-07-07
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: light rain

ThursdayHot chocolate and hot tea. Hot cheese bread left over from the city. I felt like staying another day. I was still sleepy. Met up with Box of Fun and Giggles. ¢The Laugh Box Factory. We all three decided to eat lunch before leaving for the Trail. We were on the Trail before 1230 noon. We took many breaks. I felt like I was starting to get anxious about hiking alone. Maybe being alone for 1300 miles is getting to me psychologically. We played guess who games and talked. The Brink Road Shelter was PACKED, at least 20 tents and the shelter FULL. It felt good to be in my Tent. However, it is going to rain.
Date: 2005-07-08
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: moderate rain

FridayStill raining @ 0900 and in my tent. Still raining @ Noon.12 milesA. Hike original plan 12 milesB. Zero day in TentD. Hike to Worthington Bakery. Chill out and go to town for a room with the others.D. Hike to the next shelter after lunch.We chose ¢D.¢ An awesome day. A lot of girl talk. A Box of Fun, Jax, 2 section hikers Mark & Lyla. R Beamer will be here tomorrow.It went well. We saw a wrecked plane. The crash was two days old. The guy walked away. We had a wonderful lunch at the Sunset Grill. Hiked to Gren Anderson Shelter. I did not sleep well.
Date: 2005-07-09
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: secret Shelter
Miles today: 18.4

SaturdayGren Anderson Shelter to ¢Secret Shelter¢Had the usual hot chocolate and Pop Tart. A nice surprise to see a pavilion on the Mountain (Sunrise Mountain). Also met more youth groups from New Jersey. It is wonderful to see urban youth on the Trail. The group was called Trail Blazers. Desperado enjoys being a Trail Angel. We also met Wag Daddy who started May 15 (awesome). Had lunch at Mashipacong Shelter on the A.T. with New New Prissy (Potajohn). Made it to High Point State Park. Highest Point in New Jersey. I met R. Beamer there. It was great timing. We went to Dairy Queen for dinner. It was good to see her. I can¢t believe she drove 420 miles to hike with me for a week. We drove to the ¢secret shelter,¢ dropped off our packs and drove back to High State Park (where we left her car). We started hiking at 630 p.m. - 10:45 p.m. That went well. However I don¢t care for hiking in the dark. There were a lot of stone walls (like early settlers). Night hiking is O.K. when you have the energy for it. Upon arriving at the shelter, the laugh factory was still awake. Shelter was infested with mosquitoes. I took a hot shower anyway. I used my tent as a cover. They were buzzing around like crazy all night long.
Date: 2005-07-10
To: St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

SundayA glorious morning, a wonderful sounds of ?donkeus. Today is gonna be very HOT. Hike started out with PUNCHEONS or PLANKS walking swamp area. The Walkill National Wildlife preserve (former sod farm) was swampy. However saw butterfly observers. Pochuck Mountain Shelter for a break. Ridge runners doing an excellent job. Very informative. We made it to Vernon, NJ and stayed at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel. Very nice. Requested a $10.00 donation (sleeping on the floor, hot showers, laundry, and canteen). We ate at a pizzeria. That night I braided Giggles¢s hair.
Date: 2005-07-11
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Stream on A.T. 
Miles today: 12.4

MondayDunking Donuts/Burger King for breakfast. A ride back to the Trail Head from Bruce Cassidy Trail anglel. On Wawayanda Mountain, R Beamer saw her first BEAR. It was average size, ten feet away. We took pictures. The bear crossed the A.T.
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Stream on A.T. 

To: East Mombasha Road
Miles today: 11.6

TuesdayHad oatmeal. Eastern Pinnacles/cut Rocks were ROCKY. Had lunch at Wildcat Shelter. It was nice. Fitzgerald Falls. The water was peaceful. We cooked our dinner at West Mombasha Road where the Tuxedo(?) Hikers left WATER by the gallons. Buchanan Mountain was rocky (1140¢). It was getting dark. R.B. wanted to camp on the other side of the mountain in blueberry bushes and around the rocks. I wanted to move on (only 1/2 mile) down the mountain. We camped at East Mombasha Road. It was raining. We managed. I did not sleep well. This was my third time camping along the Trail.
Date: 2005-07-13
From: East Mombasha Road

To: William Brien Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

WednesdayA cool dayMet Cornell Mustard, Free and Patch. It was a very long day. Our plan was to make it to Wildcat Shelter. Prospect Rock was a challenge, but vista was glorious. The view of Greenwood Lake. State line NEW JERSEY - NEW YORK BORDER. Today I completed my 8th state and started my 9th state of New York (1352.4 miles). WOW! There was a posted note about cabin being available for thru hikers about 2 miles off the Trail. We had our first disagreement about going or not. We pushed on forward. It was 7:30 p.m. and decided to stay/camp by a stream at a pre camp area. I was concerned about the wild life. We set up camp, cooked, hung up our food. After getting in our tents for the night (at dark), I heard a BEAR. I yelled ¢Rebecca¢ 5 times to warn her. She was still asleep. With yelling I believe the bear went away.
Date: 2005-07-14
From: William Brien Shelter

To: Bear Mountain
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: haze

ThursdayUp early, had hot cider, cheese, and Pop Tarts at Black Mountain vista. NYC was not visible. Crossed 1777 and 1779 Trails (used during the Revolutionary Wars). I got water at Beechy Bottom Brook. Bear Mountain had wonderful views. Perkins Tower had the history inside of Bear Mountain Park. We saw the tower from Black Mountain. Finally at Bear Mountain, NY. The Inn was closed for renovations. We got ice cream out of vending machine and a free hamburger from the concession stand. We stayed at the Overlook Lodge. I got the rental car pickup from Rental Car Enterprise. We drove back to High Point State Park in New Jersey and returned to Bear Mountain, NY. We got lost on the way back. We finally got to enjoy the Room at 1000.
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Bear Mountain

To: Graymoor
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: light rain

FridayEnjoyed the continental breakfast. I went to the Post Office to get package. I parked the rental car at the Park. We drove to Graymoor Spiritual Life Center (formerly Graymoor Monastery), home of the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement and birthplace of the Christian Unity movement. The place was huge, at least 60-70 sisters, plus brothers. Per the sister at the gift shop, the monastery was founded by a sister of the Episcopal Church. We had lunch at the 123 Shop N Stop. I said goodbye to Rebecca. We had a busy week and good fellowship. I hiked back to Bear Mountain. Saw Red (Rocket), Raindrop and Train, Sam-I-Am and Origami, Gray Walrus and Pathfinder. I took the wrong Trail, lost time of 30 minutes. I got back to the car and drove back to Haverstraw, NY. I had two hitches back to Bear Mountain, Emeril from South Africa (she stated she wished that she could join me at that moment). My second hitch was from Joe. He was very nice. Almost like an Indian style culture. I called Jennifer to pick me up at Bear Mountain. She was there in ten minutes, with her dog Shaina. She offered me dinner. I met her while hiking in Shenandoah. We watched television and later retired for the night.