morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-07-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Did 24.5 today and am camping alone on an ascent away from Hwy 81 in Pennsylvania; I can hear the autos below. I have been reflecting a lot today over the Trail happenings for the past week or so. Going through Harpers Ferry was amazing. I want to bring those moments alive with loved ones someday and really experience it. As it was, I swept through, no zero. From there it was "croc" hiking in my Nothinz (I did about 100 miles or more in them!!!) because of blisters. The Halfway Point in Pine Grove Furnace State Park was a nice milestone. I did the 1/2 Gal in 21 minutes. Not bad, I could do better.
Date: 2005-07-12
From: Duncannon, PA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After spending a few days in Duncannon at the legendary Doyle Hotel, Domino set out again for more adventures on the trail. He had officially put 110 miles on his nothinz and there's just about nothing left of them. Thankfully the maildrop I sent with his Hi-Tech boots that he BEGAN the trail with was waiting for him in Duncannon to hopefully save his feet on the Pennsylvania rocks.While in Duncannon Domino met back up with some old hiker friends he hadn't seen in a while like Stilts and the Gypsy Sisters. On a sadder note, a hiker was unfortunately killed in a train accident while everyone was in town. Sadly, it seems as though the real world has touched the trail quite a bit this year.So, with the eerie knowledge of what had happend only steps from where he stayed at the Doyle, Domino's stay in Duncannon was fairly strange. Yet the trek goes on, and who knows what new adventures lay ahead?Deb, signing off for Dom...
Date: 2005-07-13
To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Hiked into Port Clinton on the most Crazy Downhill of the Trail. I couldn't believe they would deem this descent SAFE!! I mean, you have to be an Uber Hiker to have a chance, but I made it. Got in and went to Cabela's; I got a hitch from the guy who just happened to be updateing the ATC Hiker Companion. I told him he needs to put info about the Yuengling Brewery in there, since that is what MOST hikers want to do there.Cabela's is supposed to be this huge Super Outfitter/outdoors store, while it is huge, it has NOTHING on Outdoor World and Bass Pro Shops in Hollywood, FL. While there I ate dinner and shopped a bit. Then, I was stuck there as this huge thunder and lightning storm came through. Not to mention that the power was already out due to a semi hitting, taking out, (and keepin' on driving) a power line that rendered the store on generators. Crazy! After a hitch back in the rain, I went to a genuine, buzzer at the door, secret window, beer hall for the local fire fighters. Met a few, and drank the Coldest, and Best Beer, so far, on the trail. Thanks Sarge!!Then it was to the Port Clinton Hiker Pavillion where Toolman and I listened to music and the sound of trucks driving by on the highway - right to sleep.
Date: 2005-07-14
To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Breakfast at 3C's and then a hitch towards Yuengling Brewery. AFter a quick resupply stop, it was beer bound. A great time there. Even spoke to "Dick", the owner of the company. I had the Chesterfield and the rest were drinks of other people's samples. Great stuff!The out hitch "sucked" but I finally made it. Met up with the Honeymooners and others back at the PC Hotel & Pub and then slipped off to the "private" drinking again, where I was welcomed and beers were bought for me. Thanks, Sarge!
Date: 2005-07-15
From: Port Clinton

To: Blue Mountain B&B
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A long wet hike. Made it to the Blue Mountain B&B to camp out back and listen to Blues. It was great! Ken, you DO have the "best kept secret on the mountain!" Thanks to all their staff for being hiker friendly and just plaine nice. Ken let me use the house phone to call Mom, it was (sadly) her 10 year anniversary. I wanted her to know I was thinking of her, even if her "till death do us part" husband was not.
Date: 2005-07-16
To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Hiked over MORE ROCKS to Palmerton. Stayed in the so-called "jail" hostel. Had some food and drinks at the Paradise Inn and kicked off karaoke by singing the Honeymooners the song "Crazy Little Thing Called Love". Was thinking of my love, Debra, a lot - wish she was here too. It's hot, humid, rainy and the next section is some of the worst rocks on the entire AT: OUCH!! I'll be out by Tuesday. ON ON.www.bafound.org (help me help her)
Date: 2005-07-17
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: light rain

Domino called this morning and he was getting ready to hike out of Palmerton, PA in the rain. 16 miles today to get to the shelter, through an area that used to be zinc mines. The water sources in this area are a little iffy, not exactly a hike he is looking forward to. He said he is doing well and the boots are handling the rocks pretty well.I am posting Domino's mother's PO Box. Please write her a little note of encouragement if you have the time.Ms. Delania WebbRolling Hills Care CenterPO Box 958Catoosa, OK 74015Thanks all for reading! Please pass the word of Domino's hike on to everyone you know to help promote aneurysm awareness!-Deb
Date: 2005-07-18
From: DWG

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I message to myself: Wow, these are great people who read my entries. I am fortunate that people care to give me treasure advice. Thank you everyone. I wish I could get on here everyday and read what you have to offer. The AT, like life, is just a path. It's what you make of that path which really matters. The steps you choose; the rests, the pushes, weathering the storms, looking for the smiles, having things to look forward to, being apart of something that is bigger than you and always will be- nothings wrong with that. And, the end draws nearer and the days will soon grow shorter. Time to think about what's next while having a blast with what's now. -Domino"There it was before me, just like so many others.Above, below, around me,I've seen it's sisters and bothers.I thought of what you might do,of what I'd done before.Of missing out or longing too,would this be the last, or more...." From a poem THERE IT WAS I wrote in '96On On- Myself...Domino
Date: 2005-07-26
From: Vernon NJ

To: VA Medical Center- Castle Point NY
Miles today: 0.0

Short and not-so-sweet, heading to VA Hosp. Triage tomorrow...LYME DISEASE test and, hopefully, prescription for Antibiotics. Yes, I have a LARGE RED "Bullet" shaped and bruise-like (fist Sized)on my right calf and I HAVE pulled many ticks off recently...also starting to have other symptoms...gotta catch it now. My hike is NOT done though...will treat and keep on hiking as soon as possible. This is sad that I may not make it for my Birthday as has been my wish all along but, could take some pressure off as well. I am learning to look at the bright side of things, even as there is darkness.So, pray, send good Karma, keep smiling and give good chear. Plus, IT IS FREAKING HOT OUT HERE!!!On oN!Domino
Date: 2005-07-27
From: VA Medical Center- Castle Point NY

To: Church Hostel Vernon
Miles today: 0.0

First of all, I want to thank the Vernon VFW 8441, 'specially Ms. MARGE. These fine people there made it a point to take care of me and assist in getting me to NY to the VA Med. Center there...and Ms. Marge was the saving grace. She willingly took the time to meet me at 8AM and drive me 1.5 hours north and then waited 4 hours while I saw the Doc, had blood work and got my 'script filled and then dove me back. It was a nice adventure. On the bright side, I got to meet a fine lady that does alot for her community and more for the Vets of her area as well as drive(ride) thru towns I would have not otherwise seen. I actually got to go thru Florida, NY. Yep, never thought that would happen; it's usually the other way around in South Florida. Also, got to meet the nice folks of the Castle Point VA who took very good care of me in an extremely timely fashion. Hey, I am now in the VA system of NY. Thank you everyone involved with my temporary side-trail. On the down note, it looks like I have Lyme Disease. Starting to feel like a piece of citrus with people so casually refering to "...yep, you got Lyme..." So, it may become official in the next day or three once I can call in and get my Lab results. In the meantime, it's HOT and I am hiking out in the AM(Thursday7/28)and will, as the Eagles say "...take it...to the limit, one more time..." I've got my supply of Doxy Meds, got some gumption and I have a goal to fullfill. If it puts me down, well it wont be today and I'll go till it does; if it does.In the meantime, NO WORRIES! Ya hear me! Deb, Family, Friends...No Worries at all...ON ON I say, ON ON. 100 years from now, I'll definately be sleeping(so will you, by the way) but tommorrow, I hike.Hey Mass and anyone in the New England area that is affiliated and has had their life changed due to an aneurysm(the nasty),I'd love to hear from some of you, even meet you. There are many road crossings and towns on my journey north, maybe something can be arranged. I know that The Brain aneurysm Foundation (www.bafound.org) is home based out of New England. Come on, let me hear from you. Take care all, I'll do me best too.THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!
Date: 2005-07-28
From: Church Hostel Vernon

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Woa, just did some online reading up on lyme disease, this is some scary shit. Well, the cards of life are not always dealt from the fairest of hands.Anyway, journal number 100 is in. Please, if you are reading this, make sure you check the other entries for ones you have missed...it only takes you to the latest but I(or Deb) update old dates from journals I mail home and such.2 months left, really less. Time for reflection on what is next to come. I have rocks, roots, tree, ticks, grass, sun, rain, friendly faces and so much other stuff out here to keep me company during the 2 month reflection. On On.
Date: 2005-07-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I spoke with Domino today and he seems to be feeling much better. He found out that his Lyme test came back negative, so it is sort of a mystery what is ailing him. He continues to take the antibiotics, and the bull's eye "rash" is starting to dissipate and lymph nodes are not quite as sore, but still a bit swollen. He spent a few days in Harriman, NY to rest and got to do a lot of movie watching and talking on the phone to some people he hasn't spoken to in a while. He checked out of the hotel today to hike on, so hopefully he is on the mend.-Deb
Date: 2005-08-04
From: NY/CONN border

To: Kent, Conn
Miles today: 0.0

Oh my goodness...this day has kicked my ass!!!. Sorry for the language but this is exactly what the heat and Conneticutt Mtn #1 did to me. Ahh, CONN, it has all the characteristics of the other states all rapped up in the first mountain. To sum it up, it SUCKS! Imagine, you come across the border and there is this beautiful forest with rivers and such. You stroll along the river in fashion you have not yet done or have not experienced in quite awhile on the ole AT and then, BAM!!!! AT: "Hey, lets go up this 'hill' for no other reason then, well, becuase it's here...it'll be fun!" And away we went, AWAY from the nice Scenic river and up in to 6 or 7 miles of...well, IT SUCKED! I mean, Come oN, if the "scenic" portions of this trail are only gonna be reserved to the Whites, specific 'notorious' mountains and a few areas of the National Parks then just say that. It falls well short of APPALACHIAN NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL on this and many days like this. Just call it the damn Appalachian Mountain Trail and be done with it. I am gonna have to come back and travel most of the towns and areas just off the trail someday, just to see what it was really like. Hey, a rock looks, well, just like a rock. And you wont believe it but, dirt too; it looks the same. Of course, you cant see any of it with the amount of sweat and knats that are constantly in your eyes.Maybe some day I'll start the Dominachian Trail. Has a nice 'ring' to it. A well balanced trail with fun, friendship, solitude, outdoor experiences, nature, scenery, and, did I menation FUN!!!!!Still, I press on. Here I am in a great little town of KENT. My head is still spinning from the heat. There is a "festival" going on here SUMMER FESTIVAL. SO far all I have seen are garage sale type booths set up along the main road.I have been hiking now for 4 1/2 months. I thought I'd, again, put it in perspective:Longer than 3 SURVIVOR series WINNERS and their total combined days out.The Amazing Race started and finished.The Triple Crown was chased and denied.2 seasons of The Apprentice have been taped.How long has that winner of "Idol" been played on the radio?There are relationships out there that havent lasted this long.The Survivors, Amazing Racers, Idols, Horses and other reality show folks get Millions $$$$$. We, the Thru-Hikers (whom are in the REAL REALITY), well, we get a Patch. That patch will say '2000 Miler' Not even the 2174 miles we are really doing. 2000 miles? Oh, and we get to take a picture by a really old looking wooden sign. That sign, by the way, says something like '2162'.... ahhhh, perspective.And tomorrow I press on on on on on. Heat, snow, rain, cold, mosqituoes, Lyme, spiders, snakes, it dont matter...press on. I am off to try to not get ripped off for a place to sleep in this town tonight.I hope you have enjoyed my latest installment. PS I am still waiting on Jimmy Buffett to sign my guestbook.
Date: 2005-08-05
From: Kent, Conn

To: Cornwall
Miles today: 0.0

Well now, adventure around every tree, corner, village and such. Left the library yesterday and met up with my ole pal Not Guilty. Decided to split a room at the Fife and Drum with him here in Kent. We went and had burgers at Paisans and met Mrs. Boots who was treating her 25 13+ year olds to food there after their day hike of the same trail we did. When she found out we were thru-hikers she went nutts...she was very generous and it was cool hanging out with her...literally, she bought us Gelato's and told us that if family from out of town would not have been in this weekend, she would have had us over to their home. Wow, how completely nice this lady was. HELLO MRS. BOOTS! Thanks. Apparently she has a community that allthe kids are in a hiking club. A super cool idea. The older ones get to go hike places like The Whites and this year, The Adirondacks. You all be safe and remember the Bear Tip i told you about.More on Conn. people, while having our Gelatos, we met the owner of the ice cream shop AND the Outfitter...guess what? He is a HUGE Parrotthead. I notice Buffett (Hey Bubba!) playing as I stoled through the store earlier and then I could hear it coming from some speakiers outside the Outfitters. Upon further investigation, I rounded a corner and there his Truck was outfitted with a HUGE "FIN" and stereo system tuned into Sirus Satelite on Radio Margaritaville!!! Come ON! AND...ANd...AND....there Dave was at a grill outside th store flipping burgers because Thursday nights are ALWAYS...Cheeseburger in Paradise nights. Hear that Hikers coming into Kent on Thurs....FREE Burgers. Again...WOW. Some of the coolest stuff happens when you least expect it. I do believe I love the folks here in Conneticutt. Our guidebook says that "expect different people experiences", I thought this was a negative warning but have found that it is not. Oh, Dave sad he heard JB was on the trail last year or a few years ago down in the South for a few days or a week and had his pack guitar. I wonder how true this is?Went out for beverages across the steet and was attacked in my new shirt sent from NoBlow and Momma that was a commemoration to last year's England, Ireland, and Whales trip that Deb and I and 40 others went on. It has a map on the back that has the countries and the cities listed that we visited(all morphed from our names) and there happened to be a bunch of Camp workers in there; one from Glouester(sp). She attacked and had to show my shirt to everyone in the bar....with me in it. I felt so used. Anyway, it was neat to talk to her about the things I remember from the town over there.debra and I had done some walking around and the town was strange and quiet. In fact, that is where NoBlow and I discovered that we each were Geocachers. Very interesting.Anyway, it is suppose to cool tonight somewhat and maybe shower this afternoon. We are gonna make a hike for it and enjoy the day, looking ever forward to the next adventure.Thanks to all that are playing along on the last few journal challenges/games. As Jimmy says .... "follow the dancing life..."
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Kent

To: Cornwall Bridge
Miles today: 0.0

My second entry today (go back if you missed the other)...I am NOW sitting in the home of Clea and Isreal and Kit with Not Guilty. We hiked out of Kent and straight into a tremedous thunder storm which lasted about and hour. While walking, a tree just suddenly snapped right next to us and fell parallel to the road. We walked along the old AT because of the huge stom on the mountain. Once the storm cleared, we were walking along looking at the nice New England houses along the river...an hour later, we were siting in one eating ribs and drinking beers with Izzy and Clea. Strange how stuff happens. We had just gotten to the road in Cornwall Bidge anb Izzy pulled up in his truck while taking Kit for a "sleep' ride. We got in back and he told us about the FREE beer you get at the pachage store for hikers...Did he say FREE? Oh, and Clea..WORKED THERE! So, where do you thin we went? After signing the guest book and getting our pics with our FREE Fosters Lagers (yes, the OIL CANS..a huge tradition here) we were invited back to their home...which is where I sit now. i just read a fantastic book about Tree Houses. Right now, Izzy is reading to Kit about Snakes and Bugs. Pretty cool. Oh, Thanks Richard (the liquor store owner), we enjoyed the beverage. Ah, the Appalachian experience...ya just never now. Seems that everyone I have met in Conn has been super cool. So, sitting across from the Housatonic River near the old AT. (Clea just told me how to spell that Hous name). Tomorrow, we go to Falls Village. You walk and then......................................................................On On
Date: 2005-08-06
From: Cornwall Bridge

To: Salisbury
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: haze

And so goes the continued adventure. For those of you that have been following the last few days (or the whole time), here I sit in the internet cafe in Salisbury, I will cross the Mass border today. How did I get here? Well I'll tell you. Not Guilty and I left Cronwall Bridge with Serendipity and Reality of adventure on our minds. We ran into Blotter being taken back to the trail with Sundance Kid from their own magic experience. They were to slack pack today to Salisbury (why didnt we think of that?). ANyway, our first stop was West cronwall and the Covered Bridge. We held out for lunch at the The Wandering Moose and "toured" the town. Next stop, Falls Village for a frosty beverage at the Inn there. I Tell you this, Conn. is pretty amazing and definately has introduced me to New England. We hit Salsbury where we were told by Clea(last night's hostess) to look up someone at the Roast. Ironically, this lady was the person in town that was hosting Blotter and Sundance Kid. Well, her "house" was at least. Anyway, we called Clea and Izzy and told them we were up in Salisbury and were to see if they wanted to come up or knew of something fun to do. Clea said to call back so we went for dinner at the White Hart Inn. It was a beautiful evening, it felt as though fall was on the horizan. Internal Monologue joined us after we spotted her walking into town past the Inn. The next thing we knew, Clea had walked in and joined us. Izzy and Kit were tired and didn't come. She soon took us up and introduced us to her friend Katie where the other hikers were staying. I helped make pizza for the folks. Clea and I went back to the Inn where a Wedding was finishing up and the party had joined the Tap Room. I got to meet tons of people and drinks were bought for me. Thanks Chris!!! Chris is a friend of the wedding party that was in from Colorado. Very cool guy that Clea introduced me to before she headed back to home. I stuck around and drank and talked to locals and the wedding party guests. Conn is NOT as snobby as they think they are, in fact, it has easily been my favorite "people" place. Can't wait to see what Mass brings.Stay tooned or tuned! On On and smiles to all. The trail is suppose to get REALLY beautiful from here on (and HARD). www.bafound.org   please visit and read.
Date: 2005-08-15
From: Great Barrington, MA

To: Dalton, MA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Deb here with a quick update. Whew, well I just got back from a trip up to visit Domino and my sister. What a great time we all had. I met up with Domino on Wed. the 10th in Great Barrington and he quickly decided that he wasn't going to hike as planned while I was visiting...something about it being too HOT to HIKE!! Hmmm, I thought he was used to this tropical climate we have here in FLORIDA! I guess it's different when you can't just step out the heat into some frosty cool A/C.So we spend the night in Great Barrington after we watched "To Kill a Mockingbird" on the lawn of a church in town, and then hit the Les Trois Emme Winery a few miles away before heading back to CT to my sister's house. Great Barrington is a really cute little town, quite quaint, yet you can certainly feel the "ski resort" aire of the place as well.Back in CT we spent some time together and with my little sis. We went to NYC on Friday and had a great time pub hoppinig and having a great dinner/entertainment at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village. It was great, and I know that Domino and Lor got some zzz's on the train back to Stamford despite the guy singing behind us. What a long ride that was for me.Sunday was my departing day, and we rose early to drive Domino back to the trail with enough time for me to make my flight out of NY. IT was much more rushed of a goodbye than I would have liked, and I felt bad leaving Domino at the trailhead alone. It was definitely different from when I visited before, knowing that there would be many hikers on the trail for him to meet up with during the day. My sister and I drove back down and to the airport, had lunch, and then I got on the plane, only to be delayed an hour and a half by thunderstorms in the area.I didn't hear from Domino until this evening after I had read of the bad weather that reaped havoc on the New England area Sunday afternoon and evening. I had spoken to my sister Sunday night and she mentioned that it was still raining and there was a lot of lightning around. I was worried when I read in the news that over 50,000 people in the Northeast were without power due to the weather. I worried about Domino, not knowing if he had been effected. Well, had he ever. He said that hiking on Sunday felt like three days worth of hiking because of the storms. At one point the safest place for him was to crouch down on the ground because of the lightning. He managed to find a driveway and ask the people who lived in the house if he could stay on their porch until the worst cleared up. Thankfully they let him weather in their garage (they would have invited him in the house had he not been sopping wet). So now he has to hike on with everything soaking wet - it just doesn't sound like an enjoyable experience to me...Vermont is closing in and he should get to Manchester Center by the end of this week.
Date: 2005-09-01
To: WHITES
Miles today: 0.0

I spoke with Domino Wednesday night. He is doing well, and is expecting to get to Gorham early next week. He has been hiking with Stilts again, and it sounds like they are enjoying the hike.The remnants of Hurricane Katrina have been affecting the weather up there, making some of the climbs through the Whites rather treacherous. Domino said that the water was coming down on them like a waterfall at some points. Thankfully that has passed now and they should have much better weather.I'll post more as I get more.-Deb