morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-09-23
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncanon

To: Doyle Hotel - Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to sleep in today. Last night was my first real party night on the trail. Of course it was Saturday night at the Doyle, what was I expecting. There was live music and lots of cheep beer.Early on Emily and Whiskers cooked an awesome dish with Thai peanut sauce and fresh veggies up the street at Mary's house. Tortuga joined us. Mary is a local trail angel who lets hikers camp on her floor and just generally use her place. She sells Avon, drives an 84 Dodge Diplomat and collects hot sauce. We feasted and drank and were merry. As we were leaving for the Doyle, Treats, Castle, Two Step and a couple of section hikers showed up. Mary didn't have much floor space left this morning, I'm sure. Actually, Whiskers opted to sleep on the floor in my room.Everybody chain smokes here - indoors and outdoors. I woke up with a serious nicotine hangover this morning. Whiskers and I hung out after closing the bar down stairs and polished off the 12 pack from dinner. And he thought he'd get more sleep on my floor. Psyche.I admit though, he was up and out by 8. The last I heard however, they were still hanging out at Mary's - this was at 3 or so.Tea Leaf is in the house - or maybe now at Mary's. I may be in the hotel alone tonght - hopefully, a quiet night. The hotel by the way is one of those 100 year old beauties that fell into flop-house ruin for several decades. Frankly, it hasn't recovered much. My room has thread-bare carpet with an old hotplate burn in it, sticky plastic curtains and cobwebs everywhere. On the up side, the building is full of these gorgeous antique bureaus and dressers - and clearly no one realizes their value or they'd be better cared for.The town has good food and there's free internet in the hotel. As you see - I am now updated - it only took me four hours! I took pictures last night and emailed them to myself - but, for some reason, my email account at school is not working. It's always something. I'll keep trying.
Date: 2007-09-24
From: Doyle Hotel - Duncannon, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Well, I got a little sleep between the train whistles and the cold. The insomnia was surely aided by the enormous and yummy banana split that I had last night at 3Bs with Jumpy - a new "thru-hiker". We then stopped by trailangel mary's and drank a few with Nat, Regiie, Tea leaf (and Whiskers and Emily who were still in town). Reggie entertained us with some guitar and song - good stuff. Actually - here's a so-so picture.Had a leisurely breakfast and hit the PO as late as I could so that the clerk would have some dollars for a cash back on my debit card - no ATM fee at the PO. My pack was really full and so - as per usual on my first day after a town stop. I tried making falafel tonight using ingredients found in the hiker box. It ended up being an oily mush. I ate it though.At the shelter tonight with Jumpy and Captain Bly, a nobo section hiker.
Date: 2007-09-25
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

I pulled a pretty big day today; but, it was mostly through farmland and pastures in the valley...lovely and level. Had a late afternoon lunch at Boiling Springs Tavern and then took a nap on the Regional ATC Office's porch swing till the sun moved my way. Eventually, I pulled myself back into the heat and humidity and to the shelter...which of course was dry as a bone.Jumpy and Sockhed are here with me tonight. I'm still full from lunch, so no dinner. I'll probably wake up hungry at midnight.I hit the half way point tomorrow - and must undergo the half gallon challenge.
Date: 2007-09-26
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Iron Master's Hostel
Miles today: 15.8

Green flash showed up late at the shelter and woke us up with his headlamp. I eventually got up and had my midnight snack while he set up his hammock. It was good to see him again - after he recovered from his bout with poison ivy. He, Jumpy and I made it to the Green Mountain grocer today about the same time this morning to take on the challenge. Honestly, i doubt i would have put myself through this if there hadn't been others there to goad me on. And - guess who gets dropped off from a hitch right at the grocer - Woody! back on the trail after a stint with family.So, we ate. I had butter pecan, Jumpy and Green Flash had moose tracks. Mine was only 180 claories per serving theirs was 230...and there were 16 servings per half gallon. Mind you, though, it was also loaded with protein and calcium. It took me about an hour and a half to do this and I had to drink the last two cups or so. So, the remainder of the hike was not a lot of fun. I really slugged the last two miles to the hostel. It was beautiful though - the leaves are starting to change already - reds and yellows.The hostel is cool - and old mansion that was used as a stop on the underground railroad. The manager, Donna, is extremely accommodating. She hooked me up with a slack pack tomorrow...looks like I'll be here for two nights.So, the guys all ended up staying here too. They made a yummy apple stew from the fruit of a tree out back. And there is a beautiful baby grand here on which Woody is demonstrating his positively amazing talent - who'da thunk.
Date: 2007-09-27
From: Iron Master's Hostel

To: Iron Master's Hostel
Miles today: 19.6

I hit the actual halfway point today - YAY! I slacked North back to the hostel from Caldeonia - almost 20 miles. The gent, Robert, who slacked me today is supposed to drive me back tomorrow to pick up where I started today. He offered to slack me all the way to Harper's Ferry. I think I'm going to pass though. I'd rather take it easy for a while. This heat rash or whatever on my ankles isn't too keen on high mile days.Passed the guys headed South and said final good byes. There was quite a gathering at Birch Run Shelter at midday - Treats, Castle, Tom Scanlon (first meeting), Jumpy, Tortuga, Woody, Green Flash and me. That's the largest group of Sobos i've seensince the 100 mile wilderness in Maine. Later in the Day I passed Dreamer, who's been ahead of me the entire trip. She and her dog were returning after a few days off.Back at the hostel, I found Whiskers, who scored a work for stay. He finally made it out of Duncannon. Cracker Don (AKA Tejas) wrote in a shelter register that he had a nightmare that he was ten years older and living on the 4th floor of the Doyle (where the permanant residents stay) - he wan't able to drag himself away from the debauchery and had become a local.Awesome thunderstorm tonight - glad Whiskers is here to enjoy it with me. We found the secret room where the underground railroad folks were kept in hiding - I'll never tell.
Date: 2007-09-28
From: Iron Master's Hostel

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Got a late start as my ride didn't show up till 8:45. I wa so excited that he was there, I ran off without my map and smokes, which I keep in my shorts pockets. I have back up smokes, but I'll have to do without a map for a day and a half. That's tough. I'd say i glance at the map more than 20 times a day including morning and evening planning sessions. That may seem a little compulsive, but it is pretty typical.Very pleasant hike today. I should be racking up the miles with this terrain and weather. But, I've got a plan for the next week and i've already arranged meetings with folks. So, I'm sticking to my slow and easy schedule. I'm meeting Kristin on Wednesday at Bear's Den and I'm going to try to get Bob - my stepdad to pick us up at a road crossing 6 miles further along the following day. We'll drive her back to her car and I'll go home with Bob and spend a day a Mom's. Then, possibly borrow their car to hit the ALDHA gathering in Gettysburg for a couple of days.All this down time means finishing Virginia in October will be a real challenge. But, I'm up for a challenge. I'm really looking forward to visiting the folks. Life sure is good - even on the so so days.
Date: 2007-09-29
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Cowall Ensign Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: few clouds

The highlight of the day was passing through Pen Mar Park, just after the Pennsylvania-Maryland line. What a fantastic view of the valley below. I spent a couple of hours hanging out there. There was a little museum describing the park in its nineteenth century heyday as a resort destination. No more. However, there is a wedding here today. I ordered a hoagie and fries for delivery to the park from a local pizza joint and watched the women of the families fret over last minute wedding details while I ate. It was quite entertaining.I'd passed Tom Scanlon earlier on the trail. He was sound asleep at about 11 am. I practically had to step over him. It turns out that yesterday was his birthday and he celebrated in style...then tried to walk back to the trail by himself. He made it - but not too much farther.He's here tonight with me at the shelter along with a section hiker, Justin, and a couple of weekenders, 2 sticks and French Anne. A lovely evening with good conversation.According to the shlter register here, Woody's been running around naked.
Date: 2007-09-30
From: Cowall Ensign Shelter

To: Dalgren's Backpacker's Campground
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Another nice, mellow hike today...and once again, perfect weather. I'm starting to get a little worried that I'm using up all of my good weather days. What's it going to be like in november and December ???Stopped for a while at the original Washington Monument and Tom practiced his banjo. He's just learning how to play. He bought it about 600 miles ago on a whim. He's getting there.This campground has hot showers and fluffy green grass to sleep on - how luxurious. To top it all off, there's a sweet restaurant about a 1/4 mile back. We had an amazing dinner - beef wellington, poached pear salad, crab stuffed mushrooms, bottle of wine. And, we sort of crashed a wedding party - but only briefly in order to pocket a few creamers for our coffee in the morning.Back at camp we made a fire, then coffee - couldn't wait till morning. Dreamer and Willie Nelson showed up late. I'd met Willie Nelson a couple of days ago and he was lingering around waitingfor her to catch up. Seems these two are the newest couple on the trail. Batman, a section hiker, was also camping.
Date: 2007-10-01
From: Dalgren's Backpacker's Campground

To: Harper's Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 17.0

So, here I am, after midnight, finally caught up again on my journal. The hostel here is really sweet with a view of the Potomac. Carol, the manager is taking great care of us. Once again, I'm clean, my clothes are clean and my gear is clean. I've been eating the free food from the hiker fridge since I arrived. Made a pretty sweet stir fry with rice noodles earlier. Planning on cheese omlettes and french fries in the morning.Tom Scanlon is here with me as well as Gary, the volunteer at the ATC office. Whiskers showed up late. I haven't had much of an opportunity to chat since I finally have Internet access - with a full month's worth of email to read. There's still no charge on my school account for my health insurance - this is making me very uneasy.I'm planning to spend most of the day in Harper's Ferry tomorrow enjoying the sight and sounds of an historical village. I'll get my oficial thru-hiker photo taken by the ATC for their records. Apparently, there have been about 60 Sobos ahead of us. I'll report my actual number tomorrow.Again, thanks to everyone for signing my guest book - it really is great to hear from you - friends new and old.
Date: 2007-10-02
From: Harper's Ferry Hostel

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: broken clouds

Spent a long morning in Harper's Ferry and saw it with new eyes - tourist eyes - what a beautiful spot. Did you know that you can't drink in public view here in WV - so all beer and wine must be consumed on patios that are fenced up or out back of the restaurant.This little cabin is pretty nice and the caretakers have been friendly. I've been a little moody though since I tried to take a shower. There's a solar shower up the trail a bit. It was a little chilly out, but I figured clean and cold is better than dirty and cold. So, I'm all naked ready for my shower - and no water.   I fiddle with the plumbing inside the stall, then on the outside of the stall. After about 10 minutes I redress and head to the caretakers. Closed for the season - what ever happened to signs???So, I've been a little anti-social. This however, has given me time to finally finish my book - A boy's life - YAY!Treats, Catle, Tom, Dave, and Whiskers are sleeping on the Caretaker's screened in porch tonight.
Date: 2007-10-03
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: broken clouds

The walk today was rocky, but short. I took many breaks as per usual. Took a long break at the Horseshoe Curve for and hot roast beef sandwich and a couple of beers. Thank heavens the hostel was less than a mile away.This is a beautiful hostel - an old stone summer home in the mountains. AND there is tons of food left over in the kitchen from a boyscout group who just left. We will be feasting tonight. I've already had a piece of devel's food cake, bowl of choc chip ice cream, fruit salad, and there's veggie burgers, lasagna, chili, cheesecake and corn bread for later. I've broken out with some kind of seriously ugly rash - hives, I guess. I've never had any thing like this before. It's all over my neck and under my chin. It kind of looks like chicken pox and itches like mad. I've taken some Benadryl - hope that helps. Willie Nelson, Dave and Whiskers are here tonight.
Date: 2007-10-04
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Mom and Bob's
Miles today: 6.2

My old friend Kristin met me at the hostel this morning for a day hike. She conquered the first 6 miles of the rollercoaster with me - she did a great job for a non-hiker. I bet she sleeps well tonight. It was so great to spend a little time with her.We met my step dad, Bob at 605. He had cold cider at the ready - which Tom Scanlon and Dave were already enjoying. He was soon off to fetch the group a 6 pack and some smokes. So, we enjoyed a few brews by the trail - thanks Bob! You are an official trail angel.Spending the evening with the folks - NY strips on the grill and a little vino - can't beat that.
Date: 2007-10-05
From: Mom and Bob's

To: Mom and Bob's
Miles today: 0.0

Zero at the folk's place. Ran around Winchester today hunting down doctors to look at my outbreak. Found one - she didn't know what it was - not a bug bite, not an allergic reaction - she consulted another doctor - he didn't know either. So, many dollars later, I was scheduled to see a specialist on Monday. In the meantime, I'm taking Alavert.Bought all synthetic socks at the outfitter - hoping that this will cure my persistent ankle rash. Also bought a blaze orange bandana to alert hunters that I'm not potential food.Venison tenderloin for dinner tonight - mmmm.
Date: 2007-10-06
From: Mom and ob's

To: ALDHA Gathering
Miles today: 0.0

Picked up Tom and Dave at 55 in Linden this morning and we began out little road trip to Gettysburg. We got there and set up camp in the field that turned out to be the quiet section. We were looking for the party place - Billville - but no one was around to orient us. the camping space is several miles away from the conference space.Lot's of folks here and lot's to do and see.   I attended the debut of Lionking's movie about the Pacific Crest Trail - nice job! Ran into Dr. Doom, Tealeaf, Reggie, and trail angel Mary. Tom, Dave and I hit the Appalachian Brewing Company for dinner - couldn't pass that opportunity up. Then, we picked up a 5th of Makers for the bonfire tonight - should be fun :-]
Date: 2007-10-07
From: ALDHA Gathering

To: ALDHA Gathering
Miles today: 0.0

Ouch - bit hungover today. Tom is worse off though - so, I can take a little comfort in that. He doesn't remember much. I, however, recall the entire evening. It was a very late night with the storytelling competition running into the wee hours. Prizes were awarded at 3:30 a.m. Our very own SOBO Tealeaf wan 2nd place for his tale of hitching a ride with the scary perv who insisted on taking his van down crazy backroads for many hours. Good job Tealeaf.Ran into many Nobos that I'd passed early in the hike. Most of them have just recently summited Katahdin and are celebrating - shared a few brews with Marco Solo.We took off around noon after the group photo and stopped briefly for a civil war history lesson. Then, about midway hit the grocery store. We perched ourselves on the decorative haybales out front and scarfed down two whole rotisserie chickens with no utensils or napkins in typical hiker trash style.Having bear staeks with the folks tonight.
Date: 2007-10-08
From: ALDHA Gathering

To: Denton Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

I was supposed to go to the doc this morning - but, there was really nothing left of the rash to look at and I cancelled.Bob slacked me from 605 and I picked up my pack and hoofed it to the next shelter from 55. Long day, but made up some miles after 3 zeros. I've got some big days ahead if I'm going to get to Waynesboro for my birthday.
Date: 2007-10-09
From: Denton Shelter

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: scattered clouds

What a great hike - the trail in the park is fabulous! Smooth, wide, easy grades. Held over 2 mph with breaks all day even though it was a steady uphill to the ridge. I even had views for the first time in a long while. AND - I saw my first bear! Great big one, probably 300 pounds, ran in front of me up the trail and then up into the woods. I'm definitely hanging the food from here on out.The shelter here has this crazy device that looks like a cast iron maypole with hooks at the top. To get your food bags up there, you are supposed to use this 10 foot cast iron stick - not an easy task.It's raining - Ahhhh! Maybe the springs will start flowing again.
Date: 2007-10-10
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Got up late and hiked slow to elkwallow Gap so that I'd hit it at around lunch time. I learned a valuable lesson today. Drink your fill of waqter before you stuff your gut with food. I carried 4 liters out with me after lunch because the shelter was supposed to be dry. But, I was also dehydrated. By the time I had room in the tummy for water, I was a liter down. A miles later, I was down to 2 and a hoalf liters. I had already written off the evening sponge bath and morning coffee.Then, I got some very welcome trail magic. At the last road crossing before the shelter were several gallons of spring water - thanks trail angels! I got both bath and coffee after all.I'm here with Used To - aka Recluse Chris and Packless Jack - aka no pack Jack, his very lovable pooch. We were visited by volunteer maintainers and watched them maintain for a while. They gave us a very detailed water update - not as bad as I'd been anticipating. Thanks Dr. Dick and Skyline.
Date: 2007-10-11
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Big Meadows Campgound
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: few clouds

A fine day of hiking today. Fall has definitely arrived and in grand style. It is cold, cloudy and blustery. stopped at sky Mountain restaurant for an expensive burger and fries with a view. Then pushed on to the campground. Arrived around 4:30 after practically running the final three miles for fear of cold rain. Did laundry and took a coin-op shower - it is really not fun when your time is up and the water just turns off and leaves you looking at your breath and shivering.All better now though because there is a lodge up the hill from the campground - and it has a cozy little taproom. I'm in an overstuffed leather chair and listening to live music.Time is up in the library. will write more in a couple of weeks.
Date: 2007-10-12
From: Big Meadows Campgound

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I awoke to a beautiful morning - fusia and tangerine sunrise, drinking shade grown french roast. Six deer grazed at my campsite while I packed up. I hope they never venture out of the park or they will be someone's dinner for sure. I ran into Batman at the Wayside this morning at breakfast. He gave me the WOTT - word on the trail. There are three new SOBOs - female - YAY! Tom and Dave took a couple of days off in Luray to recover from their colds. It's cold again today - great for hiking. The trail paralleled the road for most of the day; so, I got off for a few miles and walked the road. The traffic wasn't so much fun - but, the views from the overlooks made it really worthwhile.There are lots of folks at the shelter tonight - I'm the only thru hiker.
Date: 2007-10-13
From: Hightop Hut

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

Another gorgeous day. Another leisurely walk in the park. Met up with Rotten Rodney and we walked the road into the Wayside for lunch. Then we hoofed it to the top of the mountain to see if there were any campsites available. All indications were no - but, official folks kept encouraging us to go up and check. Of course, they didn't have to walk up the mountain with packs. There was one site left - one that they normally don't use because it's really lousy - just a grassy patch between the road and the chainlink fence around the water tower. I took it since I promised the section hikers from Michigan I'd met at the shelter last night that I'd reserve something if it was available. I didn't feel like hiking all the way down to the bath house for a shower that would shut off and leave me shivering - washed up in the bathroom next door. The guys finally showed up. They had seen a sign at the campground trail head that there'd be a party here celebrating the cmpletion of a thru hike.The hiker finishing up is BP. He couldn't do the SNP last year because of an ice storm - but, now he's done! Congratulations, BP!!! We celebrated with his awesome family Olivia and Peter with lots of food and a great fire.
Date: 2007-10-14
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Calf Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: clear sky

I did not want to get up this morning - nose was stuffed - feeling sluggish. I made it to my destination however. I can tell that the walk in the park is over - literally and figuratively. The trail has been noticably steeper and rougher since I passed over the SNP boundary. I took many, many breaks today.Can't wait to get to Waynesboro. I never could get reception this week - so no reservation at the B and B. Guess I'll be camping at the YMCA.
Date: 2007-10-15
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: YMCA - Waynesboro
Miles today: 7.0

Happy Birthday to me! I was sung to three times today. Mom and Bob, Grandma, and Tom Scanlon. I have Tom's saved on my voicemail - hee hee - that should pay off in the future. My fist stop at Rockfish Gap was the Information Center, where they have a list of local trail angels and will call you a ride into town. That completely rocks! Thanks for the ride, Carol!The YMCA lets hikers tent at the riverside park next store. It is really lovely if you try not to notice the industrial park on the far banks. Castle and Treats were on their way back to the trail. Used To, aka Recluse Chris, and his dog Packless Jack, aka No Pack Jack were here to help me celebrate.Chris sprun for dinner and we hit a local grill for beers and huge, greasy burgers. I have a picture - but no reception for sending it. We then stopped at Krogers and raided the day old bakery shelf. Chocolate muffins, apple struedel, and cherry pie for desert. Thanks for a great evening, Chris!