morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-02-14
To: Spring is in the Air
Miles today: 0.0

It's Valentines Day and the sun is shining on the snow. The sky is looking springish and the squirrels are playing in the backyard. Gary noticed it too, that feeling that the earth was waking up after the long gray days of winter. Though it is still cold out and promises to become still colder tomorrow, spring is coming. We have been working out a bit harder at the rec. center. We have both added some winter weight, and the hardened muscles we ended with last August have sofented a bit. It is hard to remember sleeping on the thin pads with the rain falling on the tent. We were so dead tired that getting to sleep was never a problem even at 8PM. Now we often stay awake to watch the monologue on the late show. It is hard to remember how we survived on rice, tuna and candy bars walking up and down the mountains and how strange it felt to be in town. It is almost like a dream, but it wasn't. The spring sun and blue sky lifts the spirits and reminds us that we have half of our AT adventure waiting for us to begin in Harpers Ferry.It will be easier this year. We know what to pack, and we know how to use our equipment. Unlike last year when we hiked off from Springer without a clue about what we were getting into, we are now seasoned hikers with 1007 miles of backpacking accomplished.The stuff sacks are still loaded with our hiking clothes, the backpacks are hanging on a hook in the spare room. We did a little camping in New Hampshire last fall that only made us hungry for the coming adventure.We hope that our friends and family will join us in this year's hike via this web page. We are looking forward to meeting the '04 thru hikers and section hikers.If you didn't follow last year's adventure from Springer Mountain to Harpers Ferry check out our AT '03 journal under my trail name !beesknees
Date: 2004-04-01
To: April Fools Snow
Miles today: 0.0

I bought the train tickets to Harpers Ferry yesterday. We leave Sunday morning from Cleveland at 1:08 AM. Today I finally decided to go to the doctor to see if I could get a cortisone shot for my aching shoulder joint. The doctor offered me one when I saw her shortly after we came off the trail last year, but I thought that just taking it easy and stretching it would make it better. And it did, a little, but this week it has really gotten touchy when I move it certain directions. The doctor tried to give me the shot, but couldn't get the needle at the right spot in the shoulder because of adhessions. Tomorrow I go to see her partner who will make another attempt to hit the spot. I'm not looking forward to that because it was pretty painful to have her digging around in my shoulder with the needle today. On the way walking back from the doctor's office big flakes of snow were falling from the sky. If I wouldn't already have bought the train tickets, I might be tempted to postpone the start of our hike. Then I could go to the orthopedic doctor like my doctor suggested and wait for better hiking weather. But, the tickets are bought the arrangements are made and we are going. If the other doctor can't get the cortizone into my shoulder, I will just load up on anti-inflamitory drugs and hope for the best. It doesn't really hurt while I am hiking, only when I try to sleep on it on the flimsy mat in the tent. I should have gone to the doctor earlier, but then I rarely do the wise thing. Leaving for the trail this year is easier. We are more aware of the problems we will encounter, but also the incredible joy that can be found on the AT. The trail is a place of comfort for me where it is easy to lose myself in the daily tasks, the majesty of the mountains, rushing rivers and towering trees.There is something about the rhythm of walking, the sounds of the wind and even the rain falling on my tent at night that brings great peace. Although I am often alone, there is a feeling of oneness with all that is around me. I am anxious to get back even in the cold and rain, even if my shoulder hurts a bit.
Date: 2004-04-04
From: Metaphor

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Our son, Jon came from Columbus to take us to the train station. It was great to see him before we left! The day was really busy with packing and planning. I went shopping for food and medical supplies, noticing that the sun was shining and my daffodils were blooming. About 10 PM I went to feed my friend Sherry's cats wearing just my long sleeved t-shirt, but I did notice it getting colder. Imagine my surprise when we packed the car at 11Pm and the snow was falling. it got worse as we headed to Cleveland. Jon did a great job of driving in almost blizzard conditions. As we neared the city it changed to a drizzle of rain. It might be a cold wet hike tomorrow. We said our goodbyes to Jon and settled down to wait for teh train, and a little longer than we anticipated because of the time change. When it finally came we had a pleasant surprise! Traveling by train is really fun! The ride was smooth, the seats comfortable and roomy, (unlike a bus or a plane,) the staff was pleasant, even downright friendly !:-) It was interesting to watch the towns, the river, and the snow covered mountains. The only bad view was of the dumping people had done along the tracks and of the few auto junkyards. We were able to catch a few z's early in the trip while it was still dark. At 7:30 we went to teh dining car where we had a rather pricey but pleasant breakfast with a fellow travelor from D.C. who was coming back from visiting her family in Michigan. She rides the trains often and says they even show movies in the evening. We arrived at Harpers Ferry about 1Pm, ate a not great lunch and went to the outfitter. He had the few supplies we needed, so we are set to go. Boy those packs were heavy coming up the hill to the hotel.
Date: 2004-04-05
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: clear sky

It was a really good day on the trail. We stayed at the Hill Top, an old hotel in Harpers Ferry, last night. We had one of their hiker rooms, no T.V., no hot water, and almost no heat, ut I got extra blankets. We went to bed at 9PM and got a good night¢s sleep, our first night without TV. It¢s funny how addicted one becomes to it. We played some chess in the lobby by the fire and talked with some hikers who came in later, Ranger, his wife, and Thumper. Thumper had just finished his hike of the entire AT. He did the biggest part of it in one season then finished it off with a few section hikes. Ranger had done some of them with him and his wife had mailed the drop boxes for them. They had also done trail building in Vermont as part of the Youth Conservation Corps before they got married. It was really nice talking with them. The trail gives hikers an instant connection when they meet. We did about 6 miles out of Harpers Ferry today. The start was a bit slow because we took time for a good breakfast, chatted with a couple of teachers from Philadelphia that we met during breakfast, mailed packages back home and stopped at the AT office to get our pictures taken and get weighed. Then we had hiked about a mile when we stopped to take a picture at Jefferson Rock and I realized the camera was back at the AT office. Gary watched the packs and I went back and got it. Thumper and friends were with Relentless when I came back so we took pictures of them at the Rock and they took one of us together. The hike was pretty easy and the sun was shining. It was windy and cold when we stopped but great for hiking. We are at a super nice shelter, Ed Garvey. There is an Explorers group above us in the loft. We had a fine and a pleasant time with them during supper.
Date: 2004-04-06
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Dahlgren Backpacker Camp
Miles today: 11.7

We had a restful night despite some campers about 14 mile from us who were making a lot of noise chanting and hollering. I have no idea what it was all about, but we were good for the Explorer troop upstairs in the loft. It made some interesting discussion while we packed up this morning as we tried to figure out what those guys were doing last night. The trail was really kind to us today. A few ups but some really nice walks on the ridges with some great views of the country side down below. We stopped at Gathland State Park for lunch. It isn¢t open yet, but the restrooms were and so was the soda machine. The only thing in it was juice, but that was ok with us. There were lots of butterflies on the trail, black ones with white on the edge of their wings and blue spots above that and little orange ones with black spots. They would land in front of me a few yards then when I came close they went a few yards up the trail and waited. It was almost as if they were leading mew down the trail or playing a game of catch me if you can.We got to the shelter 4.5 miles and decided to go on to the next one 5 miles away, then we decided we felt good enough to make it to the backpacker camp where there was suppose so be flush toilets and showers. We were a little disappointed that the shower house wasn¢t open yet, but were glad to have picnic tables, a fire ring, and a tent pad. We ate a good dinner and I went to get water. As I was filling my bottles a ranger came down the gravel road. He said he had come to turn the water on in the shower house and open it up. That really made it a perfect evening- I got a nice hot shower! We are proud of our mileage today, not bad for a second day out.
Date: 2004-04-07
From: Dahlgren Backpacker Camp

To: Pogo Campsite 
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: clear sky

We got a good start this morning with oatmeal and coffee. We passed a monument to George Washington to honor our first president. It was made by Marylanders in 1827 and is made of stones. We climbed up in it and looked at the great view of the Maryland country side. The day had a lot of ups and downs and my feet and legs were begging for mercy but the time we got to Pine Knob Shelter. We ate our lunch here then hiked on another 2.6 miles to Pogo Campsite. I have blisters on both feet and I ache everywhere. This is not a great campsite, no place is flat. We are sliding down hill. When I got here another hiker was here. He had gotten too much water and gave me a whole pot full for supper. I¢m glad not to have to walk to the spring and pump tonight. We ate our supper and are now in bed at 7:30. We are both done in and want an early start in the morning. It is supposed to rain tomorrow.
Date: 2004-04-08
From: Pogo Campsite 

To: Devils Race Course Campsite 
Miles today: 10.5

We slept 12 hours last night. Amazing! It was hard to get out of bed this morning. The day was gray and looked like rain. It was also a bit chilly. I filtered water and we packed up. We saw a lot of section hikers today. Some people with children, I guess they are on spring break. The trail was a bit harder today, lots of rocks and then a big up at the end. It drizzled off and on, but we finally made it here. We thought we would find a shelter .3 miles off the AT, but they didn¢t say it was down a steep rocky trail. So here we are camped a short way from the trail. It is cold. We had a quick supper and are again in bed at 7PM.
Date: 2004-04-09
From: Devils Race Course Campsite 

To: PA 16- Waynesboro, PA 
Miles today: 0.0

Another 12 hours of sleep! I woke up about 7:10, discovered it was chilly outside, put my hiking pants in my sleeping bad to warm then up, then fell back to sleep for 20 min. It had rained last night, but nothing bad. Things were a little damp packing up. We got going about 9:15 for a tough hike to PA16. The trail truly was the Devils Race Course! Lots of rocks, boulder fields, ups and downs. One bright spot was Pen Mar Park. It was closed, but provided a good view and a nice place to rest. PA 16 was pretty busy and we were thinking it might be hard to get a hitch, but a wonderful lady name Evelyn spotted for us and drove us all the way to the Best Western! After a nice hot shower a shrimp dinner, and 16oz beers we felt quite cozy. I did laundry, then we went for a great dinner at Gus and Ted¢s Restaurant. AH! The joy of town life. We also got to call home.
Date: 2004-04-10
From: PA 16- Waynesboro, PA 

To: Tumbling Run Shelters 
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a good breakfast at Wallace Kitchen Restaurant, then a nice elderly couple gave me a ride to the closest grocery store for re-supply and I walked back. We were a little concerned about a hitch back to the trail, but the owner of the motel, J. Patel gave us a ride. We really enjoyed our stay in Waynesboro! I forgot to mention in the previous day¢s journal that we pass© the Mason Dixon Line and now are officially in the north and in PA. The hike to this shelter was a breeze, mostly downhill. We stopped to talk to several people along the way. There was a member of PATC doing work at the shelter and we enjoyed talking to him too, Ken Lacy. What a neat guy! We owe so much to the people who maintain the trails and shelter!This place is fantastic, two nice shelter with fire rings, good spring, privy, tent site, just a lovely pine grove nestled in the woods. We got here about 3 and thought of doing more miles, but it is supposed to get colder and rain tomorrow. This is a good place to pack up from since we could sleep in the shelter. According to Ken and a hiker we met going south bound to Linden, VA there are rocks and ups to come tomorrow. I had 13 miles planned, but now think we may only do 6.5 if it is bad out.
Date: 2004-04-11
From: Tumbling Run Shelters 

To: Quarry Gap Shelter 
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: overcast clouds

We got packed up about 9:30, just before the snow, or maybe we should call it sleet came, not heavy, at first. Then it changed to flakes, then to drizzle. It is cold, not while hiking but when we stop, brrr. It wasn¢t hard to get almost 13 in today because we really just wanted to keep going to stay warm. Today is Easter. Our dinner was tuna, noodles, and cheese spread on a taco shell.We had company in the shelter tonight, Weather Carrot. He got his trail name because of his interest in weather and his red hair. He has done the AT ore than once and is going to the Pacific Crest trail. He¢s out here getting ready for it. It¢s supposed to rain again tomorrow, even more than today according to Weather Carrot. I hope he is wrong, but if correct I think we may do 14 miles to stay warm.
Date: 2004-04-12
From: Quarry Gap Shelter 

To: TomÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run Shelter 
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: light rain

We had breakfast of oatmeal and coffee at Quarry Gap then set off a little earlier than usual. It drizzled all day and then started to rain heavier about the time we got to this shelter. We were drenched; then rain had even gone through our rain gear to dampen the clothes below. Even the stuff sacks where our sleeping bags were are a little bit damp. The wind was kicking up too, and it was getting colder. We put the tent up in the shelter, got out of our wet clothes and into the few dry ones we have to sleep in and snuggles in our sleeping bags, the only place we can be warm. No supper, too cold to go out and fix it. Tomorrow we hike to Iron Master¢s Hostel to dry out-3.7 miles. We will have to put on our wet, cold clothes to hike. I¢m not looking forward to it. The trail was sweet today, mostly level or downhill, thank God.
Date: 2004-04-13
From: TomÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run Shelter 

To: Iron MasterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel Carlisle, Pa 
Miles today: 0.0

Brrr! It was warm in the sleeping bags, but putting on our wet clothes chilled to the bone. We did the fastest job of packing we¢ve ever done. The hike warmed us up, and we made it to Iron Master¢s Hostel about 11:30. Big problem, the hostel doesn¢t open until 5:00, they have no dryer, we are to allowed to hang our things inside to dry, and not allowed in the hostel until 5:00 according to the manager. He suggests we hitch to Carlisle to a motel. It¢s cold, raining, when we stop to hitch. We start to shiver. I spotted the visitor information center ranger station for Pine Grove Furnace State Park. It is open and warm. A super lady name Falice lets us come in, dry out, gives us pretzels and coffee and helps us get a ride to Carlisle with a fellow named Charlie Leeds. SO, now we are warm, dry, clean, and about to go get our first real food since yesterday¢s oatmeal. Wahoo!! P.S. Bernie and Rhoda 762- 7669 will do transportation from Best Western to trail.
Date: 2004-04-14
From: Iron MasterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Hostel Carlisle, Pa 

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Tag Run Shelter 
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a nice breakfast at the motel, then Charlie picked us up about 11:00. He had his little 9 month old granddaughter with him. She¢s a doll! After he dropped us off we had a pretty easy day. No rain, thank God! We made good progress, so we went a couple of miles extra and pitched the tent not far from the trail. Tonight we had rice with broccoli and chicken using Lipton¢s instant rice stuff and chicken from a foil packet. It¢s amazing what we eat out here for supper that we would never eat at home. It is also amazing that it seems to satisfy us for the evening after we walked 10 miles with 40 lb packs on our backs up and down mountains. Well, tomorrow is Boiling Springs. We will be able to eat well there and pick up our bounce box. Strange how a day and the kindness of strangers can make such a difference in one¢s outlook. Yesterday, coming into Pine Grove Furnace we were miserable and now we are happy and content again. Another early night in the tent, only 6:45. I brought my Native American Flute with me, so I guess I will play that a bit. We heard an owl earlier.
Date: 2004-04-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Tag Run Shelter 

To: Boiling Springs 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

1:30 AM- I just went out to check the packs because the wind was blowing and I was afraid the tarp might blow off. I was awe struck as I exited the tent. There before me was a full night sky off brilliant stars. I was expecting the dark overcast sky I¢ve been seeing most nights this trip. One thing I like about hiking in the mountains is that it puts me in my place. So often in every day life I have a feeling of power and importance that is out of proportion to my size and position in the universe.Standing on the mountain top, looking over the surrounding landscape it is much easier to see that I am just a tiny dot on the face of this planet looking at the night sky full of stars. I is easier to see that this planet is just a tiny dot in the universe. Humbling and amazing! I feel quite privileged being here as small as I am to behold all of this majesty, I feel very lonely at first, then I just allow myself to be part of it all, not a dot on the earth, but part of it, God¢s wondrous creation. Back to sleep, zzzzz.The trail into Boiling springs is very pretty and a lot of ups and rocks. From the top we can see the Cumberland Valley below, beautiful rich farm land. As we come down from the mountains we see these lonely fields and walk by them. When we exited at the road a farmer across the road notices we are confused, chats with us a bit from his pick- up truck and directs us to town. When I get to the bridge in town, he¢s there again to point me to the AT office and post office. In the center of Boiling Springs is a beautiful lake. People along our walk into town are very friendly and welcoming. I went to the post office to get our drop box and met a lady named Debbie. She gave us a lift to the local pizza shop,(best pizza I¢ve had from a restaurant!) When she found out we didn¢t have a place to stay fro the night, she and her husband, Frank, offered us the use of their motor home and best of all their company for the evening. They have a lovely home they built themselves up in the woods. All the wood work is hand finished by Frank and it has a great stone fireplace. It is such a reflection of who they are, cozy and full of nature that they love.We find we have a lot in common. We have children about the same age, were married the same year, and Debbie has an interest in Native American Flutes. We talk and listen to music. What a great way to spend an evening!
Date: 2004-04-16
From: Boiling Springs 

To: Darlington Shelter Campsite 
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: clear sky

Debbie drove us to the AT office and we said good-bye to her. She and her husband are really living their Christian faith inviting two strangers into their home and hearts and treating us as honored guests. We hope to keep in touch with them. At the AT office, we see a pack outside, another hiker! It turns out to be ¢Magic¢ who has hiked the AT last year and is doing it again this year. He has been a few days ahead of us but took 3 days off to visit his folks, fortunately during all the rain. We visit with him and the staff at the office for a bit, then start off. Magic goes off to run an errand in town. That turns out to be very lucky for us because we missed the trail when it turned coming out of town and would have walked a mile out of our way before we realized it if Magic hadn¢t seen us going the wrong way and yelled at us to come back. The day is lovely! Birds are singing, the sun is shining, and the trail is lovely. We were having a great time for about the first 8 miles, then it started to drain us of our energy. We stopped at Scott Farm to eat and get water leaving 4 miles to go. The last 3 are big ups! Beautiful view from the top, but a big up at the end of a 14.5 mile day is hard. My feet hurt, and just about every part of my body aches. The little black bugs come out to pester us as we make the climb and set up camp. It¢s been a long day!
Date: 2004-04-17
From: Darlington Shelter Campsite 

To: Riverfront Campground Duncannon 
Miles today: 12.6
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a great day for hiking, sunny and warm. We had a big up to start the day, then some rocky ridges and finally a fantastic view from the rocks high above the Susquehanna River. We were really tired and hungry by the time we got to Duncannon about 5PM. I stopped about the first place, a gas station and we bought large cokes, hot dogs, and a pint and a half of ice cream for each of us. Ah!! After checking out the old Doyle Hotel in town, we decided to hike on to the campground which is close to the truck stop. This worked out ok because we could eat again while we did the laundry at the truck stop. The campground was a bit noisy, but we got used to the trains going by on one side of us ad motorcycles and trucks on the road on the other side. We are both pretty beat up from the rocky trail, our feet sting and our legs ache. We may not do many miles today. We are going off to the truck stop for a big breakfast before we pack up and it is already 8:30. It is Sunday, though, so maybe we need a day of semi-rest.
Date: 2004-04-18
From: Riverfront Campground Duncannon 

To: Riverside campground- PeterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Mountain Shelter 
Miles today: 10.4

We ate at a good AYCE breakfast at the truck stop and didn¢t get going until noon. It was worth it though. We really enjoyed chowing down one last time before we left for the mountains. There was a big up out of town, but great views all day from the ridge, river on both sides. There were lots of rocks so we were a little slower than usual. We got here a little before dark. It was a long way down to get water, steep too. The water was from a super spring, I didn¢t even filter it because it came right out of the mountain from a metal pipe. There are a group of delinquent kids and their leaders camping here at the shelter. They left the shelter for us because they thought there the kids would make too much noise and keep us awake. This is a really nice shelter with a big loft and a porch. Six days until we come to a town again. We are both having problems staying psyched up to do this.