morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The biggest event of the day was 6 feet long. Kid rounded the corner and shamed herself by identifying it as a snake then hiding behind 2 old ladies....oh wait, that was us. I threw a rock near it which provoked it into picking up it's formidable head and hissing. It then paralleled the trail towards us as I rethought my impression that black Rat Snakes were harmless. Finally I bravely marched past it and Scaredy Murphy and Kid Rock (the snake charmer) scampered past also. It was not our proudest moment.We hiked to Cove Mountain Shelter where the Mountain Club of Maryland was building a composting privy to rival Taj Majal, the privy at Darlington. We went down the steep trail and refilled our water bottles, ate peanut butter and tortillas, and took a nap. GarageMan gave us the distinct impression that the trail was both easy and downhill today, but we would call it rocky and up and down, even steep at times. It was overcast and slihtly cooler than yesterday, and we made it into Duncannon in time for dinner. We beat the young thru-hikers to the washers, lying around in our long johns at the Doyle Hotel. We resupplied from our mailed boxes with leftovers so Vicky is mailing them back to GarageMan as punishment for understating. We appreciate his gravity water filter and cat stove though.Long day tomorrow....breakfast at Goodies and uphill.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: light rain

We walked a long steep uphill into Clark's Ferry shelter in a light rain. It was rocky and steep until the shelter, then 6 miles of perfect trail.Kid Rock layed out on the picnic table for a break, soaking up the heat, ironically like a snake. We ate our PB&J tortillas, then moved on. The trail was flat and dirt covered with just enough rocks to make it interesting,A group of mixed kids and adults scampered past us. The overlooks on this stretch were beautiful.When we got to the shelter, a wild-looking young man in camou clothing met us at the turn telling us that the shelter was full of kids who were giving him an aneurysm. We knew they weren't staying, so we continued on to the huge shelter with the sleeping loft. The kids were curious and wide-eyed when we told them we were sleeping there. They left. Kid Rock noticed the enormous buck knife which piqued her own attention.It turns out that our shelter-mate, Josie Wales did 2 tours in Iraq and was on his own discovery tour. He had a 60+ pound pack and carried such essentials as a Bible, 300 page leather journal, a blowgun, massive quantities of food, a saw, and other items too numerous to mention. He proceeded to entertain us with some of his trail adventures and philosophy. One of our favorites was the video taken at a shelter (of which he provided musical accompaniment) to black rat snakes mating. Apparently, a large male came out of the woods and broadcast a musky invitation. A female came out from under the shelter and the two performed an exotic mating dance. Another snake came out of the woods to make a menage a trois. When enough was enough (and the music ended), they all went back where they came from. Upon retrospection, I had a few questions- was it not disconcerting that there was a huge rat snake under the shelter, albeit sexually satisfied? How did he know the gender of the snakes? Maybe he was witnessing gay snake sex?
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: Rattling Run
Miles today: 10.6

We soaked our feet in a bubbly creek when we stopped for spring water on a hot day. We met Perry from the Susquehana Area Trail Club. Kid thought he might be firefighter bounding down the trail with brush cutters, and he took time to tell us about the mine seepage up ahead, a yellow residue in the creeks from rusting mining equipment. The maintainers rerouted the trail recently to be more woodsy, instead of walking on coal.The mountain laurel was in full bloom so we took lots of pics. We pitched the tent beside the first creek past the Horseshoe Trail endpoint. Natty B (Bumpo) and Commodore camped nearby and used our firepit. They knew a lot about camping and Pennsylvania and told us that they would be doing some exploring of the Yellow Springs townsite the next day. The Commodore showed us a new way to hang our foodbags and we showed them a new way to use a Bic lighter (they cooked over a wood stove and used flint, but the dampness and hunger drove them to borrowing).It was our first tent site and we learned the correct placement of the 11 stakes. Our Tyvek is getting less loud due to deliberate crinkling, and we are all extolling the virtues of our new NeoAirs. Our favorite gear continues to be our trekking poles though in the rocks of Rocksylvania.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Rattling Run

To: Horseshoe Creek
Miles today: 9.9

Kid Rock rocks. On our walk today she spotted the huge coiled Timber Rattler between the rocky steps. When her nerves settled back down, we gave it a wide berth cutting way around it through the woods. It didn't even move- it only looked up and stuck out it's tongue.We also spotted orange salamanders and a mountain lion footprint (identified and pointed out to us by Natty B).We took our real break, that is camp shoes on, packs off and horizontal, at Rausch Gap Shelter. We'd been walking through history in the old mining area. I saw GarageMan's log entry at Yellow Springs townsite for 6/29/09, shortly after I'd gone home. Murphy, Kid and I made several aborted forays along overgrown trails to find the townsite and later, the steam digger The General, but the heat, the weeds and uncertainty only allowed us to go down the blue blazes a short way.Which brings me to relative distance. When is 0.1 mile not 0.1 mile? Answer: on the AT. We've walked some very long and steep 0.1 mile blue blazed trails. I'm beginning to believe that the AT is a parallel universe that follows the geometry principles of topology- where objects can be distorted and stretched.We abandoned our first selection for a campsite due to excessive biting insects. The next site was perfect except for the unidentified howl during the night.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Horseshoe Creek

To: Before Penn Shelter
Miles today: 9.0

Gabby met us at Swatara Gap with our food, fuel, water and an entire roll of toilet paper Kid Rock. We field dressed it and began the long, hot trek steadily uphill with full packs including water in unseasonably, record heat, 91 degrees.We were alert for snakes and our vigilance paid off because we didn't see any. The flowers and ferns were good company but we were hot and tired and dare I say, cranky? when we found a comfy campsite about 2 miles from the next shelter, although we had no idea how far at the time.My ankle was bothering me and Murphy was dizzy and not feeling well so we looking ahead to the 501 and a short day tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Before Penn Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: scattered clouds

We broke camp about 6:30 am anticipating another hot day. We were in pursuit of the pipeline that was elusive yesterday and was supposedly 1.2 miles from the shelter and water. We never did find it. We got to the Wiliam Penn Shelter and gratefully cameled up and took on water for the last 4 miles into the famous 501 shelter.We spotted a turtle, fields of ferns and rocky overlooks but no more snakes in spite of record breaking high temps. Kid Rock, the trailblazer,was vigilant, but told us she was only looking directly on the trail- just off? too bad.Murphy was dizzy until she had the water fillup and we were all drowning in pools of our own sweat. My right leg was swollen and red and painful from my ankle up my shin about 4 inches. Every time I inadvertently kicked a rock, I had shooting pains up my leg.We were at the 501 by 11:30, taking a solar shower and languishing on the clean bunks. Gabby came and got us to go the 17 miles into the Priority Care clinic where I was diagnosed with cellulitis (not to be confused with cellulite Murphy and Kid!). It is inflamation of the skin so I was told to stay off it for a few days, take prescription antibiotics, and use an elastic bandage. Leslie drove us back to the 501 after a lavish meal at Friendly's. We hope Cathy and Al will keep us a few extra days and we expect to be on the trail again on Monday- 2 or 3 days from Pt. Clinton.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: 501 Shelter

To: Hertlein campsite
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: few clouds

I spent the last 3 days in Clark's Summit with Cathy, Al and Roy with Murphy. Kid Rock flew home to Fairbanks after 7 days and 66 miles of navigating snake infested trails. I took penicillin, kept off my feet and used a hot pad on my cellulitis. I found out that untreated it could become gangrenous- I coulda died!Early on Memorial Day, the Slavin/Johnsons drove us back to the 501and even hiked with us for 1/2 mile. One more day and we never would have left- it was too comfy.It was hot and humid but we only hiked 6 miles before pitching our tent in a clearing with a picnic table between 2 streams. Mr Eater camped across one of the streams and gave us some lively conversation.Some cousins walked passed us on the way to a chilly, dammed pond and we went down to watch them dive in and turn blue over and over. We were trying to outwait them to skinny dip but the roar of distant thunder sent us scurrying back to cover our tent.A highlight of the day was meeting up with Strider! He is generally going north but this stretch he reversed to meet up with family. We also met Willard and FlowEasy as well as some dayhikers.A great day back and a long sleep. Murphy built a fire and we enjoyed the adventure of hanging our bag.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Hertlein campsite

To: Eagle' Nest shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Trail magic today! Thanks Fiddler (09) for the root beer in Sand Springs. It wasn't quite as hot today, but somewhat hot- enough to soak our clothes. We stopped early at the shelter to swat mosquitoes and to pee in the woods (the privy is closed).We're in the shelter with Hobbit and Squeaks.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Eagle' Nest shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: light rain

We walked the final miles into Port Clinton, a beautiful little town on the Schuykill River (pronounced skoo-kill). It's another blazing hot day, but we're enjoying the air-conditioing at the historic Hotel Port Clinton (1874). The sign on the restaurant said "hikers, we appreciate your business but shower before coming into our dining room", which we were glad to do. For $62, we have a double bed, air conditioning and a shower and we just washed our clothes (while we laid around in our long johns). We had amazing Philly cheesesteaks that we couldn't finish even with our hiker appetites. StoCliff and Spirit Bear met is as we were checking in- he's a thru-hiker from '07 who volunteered to drive us to Hamburg tonight if we need to go.We saw our first deer today crossing the railroad tracks- someone told us they have been hunted out. The trail was rocky and steep, but not both at the same time. We met Cyren who was carrying his 4 year old iguana on his back (sobo from Massachusetts). Also we spotted Mr Eater and Squeaks around town. Deathmarch and Sugarbush passed us but planned on moving on to meet up with family on Thursday.Ye Olde Backpacker outfitter is now closed, but Cathy and Al left had left our resupply box next to the building. Yep, it was still there.Back to relaxing. Onward and upwards towards Palmerton, PA.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: broken clouds

We dragged ourselves into the shelter after 8 miles of grueling rocks and 7 miles of country road. We'd crossed the Pinnacle and the Pulpit, rocky ledges, and lived to tell about it. The steamy, steep uphill out of Pt Clinton negated our showers and clean clothes and our hair clung to our heads like ugly bathing caps.We met Nomad, an injured Norwegian hiker, and with our brisk "Dr Mom" certainty encouraged him to pack up and get into Hamburg to see a doctor. He packed up and was last seen moving on that direction. Salty Murphy enjoyed the tacky ambiance of the Windsor Furnace privy- complete with mouse poop and graffiti. The only reptile was a small garden snake but the views and woods were dark and deep with promises to keep.Hobbit and Mr Eater were last seen by us at this shelter and Anvil and Squeaks came in bearing homemade cookies and a new perkiness now that their diarhea was cured.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Eckville shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: few clouds

Today was exhausting and discouraging. I spent the whole day kicking rocks and catching gnats in my eyes. It was very rocky and we had to carry all our water for the whole day.2 miles before the campsite, we emerged onto Hwy309 to see the Blue Mountain Summit Restaurant oasis so we went in and enjoyed a good meal and cold drinks.We found the campsite with water next to a powerline and walked down the steep trail to fill our water bags. We trudged back up to camp closer to the trail in anticipation of morning in the first rain of the hike. My guide pages fell out of my pocket while hanging our food bags and we had a few discouraging moments dreading the long walk back down to the stream (past the dog and weekend revelers) but Murphy found it.Mage camped nearby, a "back to the lander" from Indiana.5 Things I Like About the AT in PA* friendly local people* beautiful vistas and overlooks* mostly clean, comfy shelters* historical context* wildflowers, berries and a wide variety of trees5 Things I Don't Like About the AT in PA* too many rocks* not enough water stops* snakes* biting insects inluding ticks* too hotI reserve the right to alter this list retrospectvely.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Palmerton

To: Danielsville Filbert B&B
Miles today: 5.0

 Duane picked up us and Nefas at the jail dropped us near the trailhead. After some false starts, we found the steep rocky trail up. The first hour of the day was spent clamoring over gigantic boulders. There was no vegetation due to zinc mining.The climb wasn't as easy as we'd hoped or as hard as we'd feared. The rocks didn't get any of our skin and no snakes emerged so I'd call it a success. We alternated between sitting down to find footholds, using our poles to give as stability and carefully stepping up to the next rock. Oh, and let's don't forget the ever popular breaks. At the top, we walked along the exposed ridge looking down at the storybook people and the closed zinc smelter. We met Wingnut and enjoyed a chat with intensive, invasive questioning that parents enjoy. We learned about his lawyer aspirations and his Canadian heritage.He eventually left us in the dust, but we were in Little Gap by 10:30. After Kathy and Sheri picked us up (with cold lemonades), we went to their historic inn and ate, slept, washed our undies, read, watched a hockey game and listened to the Derek Jeter bird. Oh yes, we're on vacation.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Palmerton

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The B&B totally spoiled us for the trail. Kathy gave us a driving tour of the area including Becky's drive in movie theater and her family farm. She even took us back into Palmerton to check the jail for my misplaced headlamp (which I later found in my pack). The breakfast she served was lavish-ham & cheese omelets, bacon, toast, fruit, juice and coffee. We tarnished the name of hiker by not finishing it.The hike out of Little Gap was relatively easy- 400 foot elevation gain, but we had to carry water for the whole day. It was much cooler so we didn't have to worry about getting upwind of ourselves. The ferns were doing their hula dancing and the wind died down every so often to dead silence. One large black rat snake, a scarlet tananger and hundreds of chipmunks were the entertainment until we got to the shelter. Again the trail was rocky with occasional flat spots to break the monotony.At the shelter we were greeted by The Old Ghost, a local hiker bringing up firewood. He entertained us with tales about the Army, the trail and his former girlfriend (who keyed his car).Mix-a-lot showed up and I heard the famous song about anatomy of enormous proportions. He hiked in from DWG for the day and pulled canned food out of his pack. He'd seen a bear sow with a cub so he and I hung the food bags away from the shelter. Two other old gals, Scout & Climber showed up so he wisely bivy'd away from the shelter. The rat snake under the shelter never came out and the cool evening made our most comfortable night out.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

Sitting here in the hotel, it's hard to remember the rocks and trail. We just polished off a huge meal at the Gap Diner which took a little off the edge of having to walk 2.6 road miles to Wind Gap after a beautiful, but painful 5 miles. In my usual tradition, I try to get foot contact with every rock and the pancake-sized blisters on the bottom of my feet were screaming. Murphy, trying to horn in on the footpain, has developed pain on the top of her foot- aggravated by flexing which happens with every step in Rocksylvania.We went past a clearing for a pipeline and saw a hiker's camp- gorgeous views in both directions. Hahn's Lookout was a flat-topped rock where we swung our legs and ate gorp. No snakes emerged, so we decided to stop in Wind Gap and enjoy more PA hospitality.Today was the first hiking day when we needed to wear full regalia- long pants and overshirt- it was cool with minimal elevation gain.Our charms didn't work on drivers and they sailed past us in their SUVs. All I can say to you, sister in the Chevy sedan, is get a life and throw your Mom out of the front seat. You know you wanted to stop for us!
Date: 2010-06-09
From: Wind Gap

To: Kittredge Shelter
Miles today: 9.5

We were determined not to have to walk the 2.5 miles from Wind Gap to the trailhead. We were at Dunkin Donuts by 6 am. Murphy made sure we gave drivers an out, but we asked prospective rides if they were going our way. One guy told me that if we were really hikers, we would prefer to hike it. What was he thinking?!!! He then insisted we take $5 for our coffee. Even though I told him I'd prefer a ride, we took it to assuage his guilt for denying us! The nice gal I'd met at Soapee Sudz the previous day gave us a lift in her PT Cruiser. Now we're talkin'!The sky was overcast and the temps were reasonable. Lobsterman told us the last 6 miles into Delaware Water Gap were easy and not rocky. Hurtin' Murphy's foot was bothering her and my blisters were now just feeling like I was wearing sandpaper socks. We made good time though and our bags were out in the shelter and ready by 12:30 when the rain started. I saw a large healthy black bear watched us pass by from a safe distance. Wolf Rocks were sharp and perilous, but by now we even made good time over that outcropping. Someone had taken time to evenly distribute sharp smaller rocks the length of the trail in such a way that our feet could never actually land flat on the ground.The logbook in the shelter (the last in PA) oozed feelings of dislike for the PA AT, but Murphy took a sickeningly moderate tone. I have to grudgingly agree with some of her saccharine sentiments, but draw the line at great.The rain and wind picked up into quite a storm which we viewed mainly from the comfort of our sleeping bags. We covered the bags with our Tyvek to keep out the blowing mist. Bloodhound joined us for the PJ party and we slept warm and well to the sound of the elements.
Date: 2010-06-10
From: Kittredge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.5
Weather: light rain

The rain had mostly stopped but the wet foliage drenched our pantlegs and hair. We were in DWG by mid-morning, seeing lots of salamanders and a few day hikers as we approached town.The Church of the Mountain has a clean, comfy hostel and the congregation provided a BBQ for hikers at 6 pm. (They do this every Thursday all summer long). We're going to the Big Apple tonight with Cathy.Watch for my July journal under Pound Hound when GarageMan and I go from Pinkham Notch to Katahdin.
Date: 2010-02-01
To: Physio
Miles today: 0.0

So, after hurting my left knee running in a half marathon back in November, I decided (yes, rather late) to see a physio after getting a reoccuring pain after running for a short time or walking for a day.Given that I'll be walking everyday for months rather soon, it seems like a good idea to see if there is anything that needs worrying about, or worked on.Physio results: Foam Roller and Stretches! I've been doing the stretches religiously and rolling whenever possible - the roller will be replaced with a tennis ball once state side.Thank you Isla and Ben for your valuable advice.
Date: 2010-03-02
To: Mini Hikes
Miles today: 0.0

After working 5 days a week up until the day I left for the states, it didn't give me a whole lot of time to prepare. Since being in the US, I've been trying to get out and walk here - if for nothing else, to get used to carrying a pack around for at least an hour.Water bottles and fuel canisters are filled with water and I have no problems carrying the weight (approx. 14kg, 31lb)and find the pack very comfortable, thanks Berghaus.
Date: 2010-03-03
To: Maps
Miles today: 0.0

My maps arrived this morning in Maryland where I am staying along with an AT patch - to be sewn onto my pack as a finishing reward and to avoid the unnecessary weight of course!Laid out they fill the basement from Springer to Harper's Ferry in three rows. On 1 inch mile maps, that's only pacing the basement 186,000 times. Lets go!2 days until flying to Georgia, only a few things to buy now.
Date: 2010-03-07
To: Calhoun, GA
Miles today: 0.0

Two internal flights later and I'm in GA. Baltimore Washington - Charlotte - AtlantaI'm pretty sure I watched the Appalachian Mountains passing by outside my window 15000 feet below. Spectacular views, I got chatting to the guy sitting beside me and said that I was planning on pretty much walking back to where we'd come from, he said I was crazy, I agreed.3 days until James arrives, figuring out starting out plans at the moment, very few things to sort now. I am incredibly exciting and incredibly nervous - I've never felt both so intensely at the same time before.
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Tray Mountain Shelter

To: Dicks Creek Gap, HIAWASSEE
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: few clouds

So, 6 days has passed and a lot has happened. Internet access being limited - I don't have a big chance to update on everything.We have met some really amazing people - Trail Magic (despite it's corny name) is very real, and there is a genuine care from one hiker to the next - especially past hikers taking care of 2010 hikers. I hope that I can return the favour one day. B-Man, Geek, Bruce, Jimmy, Grits, Pete, The Christian Missionaries - to name those so far, your efforts do not go unnoticed!So, average milage has been probably a little over 10 miles a day, not bad going for week 1 - especially considering some of the climbs. I roughly worked out that we climbed over 3300 feet on Thursday, with a descent of about 3000 feet. That's a lot of mountain.I'm keeping my journal as up to date as possible and am writing on the maps when interesting things happen and marking their location. I've also been taking loads of photos and hope to bring it all together in some sort of way once I get back with some time on my hands. Maybe print photos and string them to points along the AT - I'm not sure yet, it's a working plan.I've had no feet/knee/body problems so far which is great. I'm going to take it easy as I can still feel a slight twinge in my left knee, but it feels exactly the same as it did when I put my first step in front of the other off Springer Mountain. I've stopped wearing my othotics and have sent a pair away to avoid extra weight. I'm still carrying one set as a backup - but if another week passes and I'm fine without them - they will go too.As far as trail names go .. I still don't officially have one, Prime Minister may stick after this evenings card games in the Holiday Inn in Hiawasee and my 'proper posture' .. we'll see.