morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-06-25
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: broken clouds

Why does Lady Cluck wish Pennsylvania had more cobbled streets?Is it because she enjoys the quaint feeling it gives to town centers?No it is because it would mean less rocks on the trail!Hehehehe- A good start to a beautiful morning in the glorious woods. I woke after a fun night visiting with Genkins, No Eyed Deer, Mud Bug and Bones. I love the multiple personalities I have met here on the trail. Some personalities are multiple from one source, that always adds some intrest.I got into the town of Port Clinton before noon and went straight to work loitering outside of the outfitter. Hard worker, always a hard worker. I waited for the sleepy heads to roll into town and we caught a ride to near-by Hamburg- home of Cabela's. Cabela's is a store unparalled in its amount of orange blaze and camo. It is a huge hunting and fishing outfitter, I feel like people travel great distances to visit this store, its gun library, and dead deer gallery. I enjoyed not being hunted, the air conditioning and the aquarium. I passed on the in-house resturant. I did score a wonderful salad----yuummmm veggies!We headed back out to the trail late and Sampson and I just made it before dark (Bondi and Super Chunk where less lucky). It was a hot day but tolerable, or maybe I have grown more accustomed to having great buckets of sweat poor down my face.Tomorrow more rocks, some climbs and perhaps laundry in a bag.
Date: 2008-06-26
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Ecksville Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: light rain

Why does Lady Cluck wish that Pennsylvania had more military strongholds?Is it because she is enthralled with American History?Nope- because it would mean less rocks in the trail!I am just getting started! They say the rocks are just starting too.... Duhn dunn dunn...Dangers of the trail:Beyond the snakes (because they could kill us all, at their whim, whenever they please, so there is nothing we can do but await their wrath!!!!) there are other dangers. People warn you about bears, lightning and even other people before you start the trail. These are some dangers that became apparent as the miles passed under our feet.DANGERS:an * indicated level of risk is increased by carrying hiking poles¢¢Backpacking through 14 states.¢¢Walking up hill (breathlessness leading to low oxygen and in turn hiker brain (ie not too bright))¢¢Walking downhill (you could fall- all the way to the bottom!)¢¢Picking your nose while hiking*¢¢Touching your eyes. At all but especially while hiking*¢¢Itching anything while hiking*(this is esp. problematic for those with rashes in the "under carriage" neck of the woods¢¢Over eating¢¢Sneezing while hiking¢¢Thinking you are alone just as you pull your trousers down to use the bathroom¢¢Setting your tent up with your head downhill¢¢Your own odor¢¢Coming up a square of TP shortThere are many dangers that I have forgotten, or rather left for you to discover. A new one entered my life today- The CoinSuperChunk and I had more than half our day finished when we reached Eckville shelter. We lunched and planned room for a small nap. When Sampson and Rocksteady arrived the nap turned into a full on siesta with a side of snacking. It was 4pm before we thought about moving vs staying. The shelter was nice, there was a toilet and a solar shower and water out of a tap. No one would decide. Enter The Coin.The Coin was flipped and it told us to stay. The Coin is clearly a genius! I showered, did laundry in a ziplock, and played SORRY with the boys. Also we were given magic by Bones' mom and brought pizza for dinner! We don't have big plans for tomorrow, more just hopes to make up the miles we lost.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Ecksville Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: broken clouds

Why does Lady Cluck wish that Pennsylvania had a stronger Egyptian heritage?Is it because she likes how dramatic eye makeup looks on some women?Well yes, that is true, but really it is that a strong Egyptian influence would increase the number of pyramids and in turn reduce the number of rocks on the trail.I will be here all week! I walk like a toddler on these rocks. It is not solely that it is slow, nor is it based on my tenuous approach, its the whole package. Short steps, high knees lifts with little forward swing, feet turned in and out and all akimbo, chaos. Step step, stumble, slow fast fast slow tipping, fast fast fast, chaos. Chubby white toddler thighs tearing up the mountain side.I saw a turtle and a rabbit today on the same section of trail. Both tried to escape my looming presence. The rabbit was gone in a flash, the turtle's movement was so slight it was immeasurable. Despite what popular children's literature has taught us if I was a betting Lady I put the purse on the rabbit to win it in a head to head race. I am however cheering for the turtle, any thing that carries their home is kin to me.A strong day mileage-wise today, and it was no accident. Alarm at five and a drive to catch up with ShutterBug and HotWheels. We made it, and arrived ready for bed.Goodnight.
Date: 2008-06-28
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: overcast clouds

No joke.Just look at those rocks! Dang!Today I climbed up and out of Leigh Gap. As the fog lifted the far off views proved to be pretty far out really. The climb was in away fun, out of the typical elevation change mode anyway. It was a straight up (both in slang and grade) rock scrabble. I had sheathed my hiking poles to free my hands up. I felt B.A. like Aragorn (LOTR) when it was time to retrieve my "blades" from my pack. At the top I realized I was not in Pennsylvania but suddenly on the moon. I am really not sure how that happened. (I am sending along some photos to the gallery to help illustrate.) I must be getting really powerful. There where no trees, certainly none with branches or leaves, and there where rocks as far as the eye could see. The rocks were as big as folding chairs and strewn about like a giant's game of tinker toys, or maybe almond slivers topping a massive chocolate cake. Ick. There was a forgiving trail that avoided many of the rocks. Kind hearted god that Katahdin can be.The day went smoothly, as a day can that is riddled with rocks, and soon I was only a stones throw (rock pun! Sweet!) from the shelter. Sampson was expecting some friends so I waited for them as I had correctly suspected that Sampson had slept in. As I waited a kind man brought me fresh water (a rarity in PA) and Gatorade! Kindness rocks (pun #2)The campsite was beautiful and chock full o'hikers. It was nice to rest my feet and listen as a lighting storm rolled in.I am a lucky girl. Thank you for so many encouraging words, everyone helps.Tomorrow I hope to see the beautiful Delaware Water Gap. Hope but not plan (just to be clear).
Date: 2008-06-29
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: moderate rain

Why does Lady Cluck wish geology followed political boundaries?Is it because she enjoys knowing just when she crosses state lines (being a bit of a type A stickler)? Although she has been accused of such (perhaps falsely) it is because New Jersey is just a day away.People say the rocks end in PA, I know better. I know because I talked to other people who said otherwise. Who would lie about persistent doom? Only the wosrt people and I don't think I have met them yet.Today was one of the hardest days yet. Super and I hiked together today and it was exceptionally long and slow going. It rained, adding a new element of challenge to the rocks- the power of slippery. I sat down involuntarily four times today sustaining only mild injuries. We were given a repreive by Focus and Mrs. Focus. They had their van set up at the gap and were cooking hot delicious trail magic up for us weary thru hikers. Big thank yous for your kind respite. They even had chairs.Otherwise the day ought to go mostly unmentioned because of its sheer heinousness. At one point I had to fall back on an episode of "This American Life". Luck would have it, or maybe Katahdin was feeling kind- it featured David Sedaris- my favorite! I was the only one laughing on the rocks.It felt great to get into DWG. It is a beautiful town with a handsome hostel. We were greeted warmly by our friends and busied ourselves with showers and "cleaner" clothing so we could all go for dinner and milkshakes! There was plenty of hot water and water pressure, even free towels. The soap was hit or miss (mostly miss) and without a washcloth I think most of my filth came off as I toweled off. In fact I know it did, I saw it rolling off in tiny cigars under the pummeling of my towel!Will I ever be clean again?Tomorrow errands (my favorite! Honest) and some diner coffee are on the agenda. I may even let my bruised feet heel a bit (heel, feet, almost punny!)Off to milkshake land.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiker Hobble and its tale.So Lady, now that you have hiked over 1300 miles do you feel confident in your ability to walk?Well Tammy, thanks for having me on the show by the way, I would unfortunately have to say no. My walk is weak. Take me out of my shoes- crippled. Let me rest for five minutes and I will limp for ten. Give me a good nights sleep- I need a mile to lube this locomotion back up.What happens if you take a day off? At this point isn't that really what your feet need?I don't know Tammy, I suppose it could go either way. After an entire state assualted my feet with rock after rock, bruising them, leaving them like some fleshy pulp in the gutter of the trail, a days rest may be good. Of course if logic proves to be true: P=length of rest and Q= duration of hobbleIncreasing P has a direct correlation with Q.We may find that I never hike again.How 'bout that Tammy?!Well it all seems a little boring to me but let's watch and see.I hobbled through my errands and glued my ear to a boom box playing NPR. I found that I did not hobble out of town (sleeping in a chair last night may not have helped, also knowing how great the coffee is at the diner wasn't exactly a deterrent for staying one more night (I had claimed a couch- big step up)Tomorrow- tune in for the effects of rest.Thanks for having me Tammy.No Lady, thank you for coming.
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Camp Rd (home sweet home)
Miles today: 12.9

On the trail and then on the road.I hit the road this morning and there was a quick agenda plan. My Mum was going to come and scoop me up, whisking my home with an end destination of Rhode Island. I was up early. My pack and heart felt heavy until I learned I was heading out in the next ten miles. Funny how out of 100+ days on the day the burden feels the biggest is the day my family is ready to rescue me. Love. Big love.I love my family.I hiked nicely with Butters along some lovely countryside. We did see four snakes- not lovely.My Mom brought food and drinks and smiles for all the hikers to follow. Good lady. It was a beautiful day to hike, and a more beautiful day to ride quietly in the car (mostly asleep- sorry for the lousy car companionship Mom).It is always nice to go home, even nicer to be able to go home.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Camp Rd (home sweet home)

To: Canajoharie, NY (home)
Miles today: 0.0

Getting into bed: How easy is it really?So easy. Today was the first day in a long time that all I had to do to go to (that was fun to type) bed was get into one. Even if I stay at a hostel I hike to get there, even in the shelter I have to get my sleeping bag out, not here at home. Nope. Yawn I am tired- and then bam! My wish no longer just a desire- I am in bed- in between the sheets- head on pillow! So good. (In truth it is more likely that I would mention repeatedly how tired I am, how I wish I was in bed, yadha yadha- anywho then I would go to bed).Some off trail trail maintenance was made possible by William and Carol McCarthy. I washed my clothing, showered and charged all my electronic accoutrements. I washed my pack out (my mother was so pleased and disgusted) and treated all my clothing and gear with Permetrin to reduce tick and other insects entering my life. Back to the pack- a little soap and warm water- add pack, squeeze= black water with leaves (where did the leaves come from?! Dead weight)Tomorrow we are off to Rhode Island (mom, dad, the cats and I) for the most love on the planet.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Canajoharie, NY (home)

To: Bristol, Rhode Island
Miles today: 0.0

7/3 Canajoharie to Bristol Rhode Island (tent) zeroWhat are the best kind of hugs? McCarthy hugs!My dad is one of 14 children. Seven boys, seven girls and a whole lot of love. Much of this family live in or near Rhode Island. Those that don't have the love and devotion that any distance is negligable for travel when it comes to family. The base camp is Bristol RI and the occasion is the Fourth. Bristol has the longest running parade in the USA. This gives us a great reason to visit and state into the street. I am always tickled to see all my cousins, their kids, and all the other new McCarthys that exsit. Always I wonder with amazement how much time has past since we last coaleced yet our exchanges would never suggest such a period of separation.As if a dream come true there was everything I could of dreamed of in RI (minus deviled eggs- I looooovvvve deviled eggs). Hugs and smiles, shared stories and tons off food!!! What more could a hiker ask for- well a pool and soft grass to tent on, plus a beautiful antique handmade dress to wear for an upcoming wedding.At one point I wondered off. My parents found me- they laughed. I had gone for a long walk, they were not surprised.Tonight I get to see my sister and Bill Wog and tomorrow the parade (ie more food)
Date: 2008-07-04
From: Bristol, Rhode Island

To: Rhode Island
Miles today: 0.0

7/4 Rhode Island (tent) ZeroHappy "Fort" of July!!I am not sure when it stopped being the Fourth and became the "fort" of July. It isnt questioned, and seems fairly universally applied- at least in the two block area I divide my time in. My sister Kate pointed out that if today was the fort of July then yesterday was the turd. I love her for so many reasons.With so many guests some manner of a tent city develops. I felt at once both at home and a little out of place. My tent looked suitable only for a dog next to the others. Chris and Kimberly's was dubbed "headquarters" and there was enough room for two queen size mattresses. And everyone had them, big blow up ones. I myself even rolled with an extra closed cell foam pad annnnnd a normal pillow.Just as big of a deal as the parade itself was claiming your viewing area. "From tree to shining tree" The city of Bristol notes that you cannot rope off areas or place unattended chairs or blankets until a few hours before the parade. How do we beat the rush and secure a choice spot for such a large group? Note the qualifier- UNATTENDED. Hence-blanket duty. Starting at midnight we sign up for shifts- guarding the blankets, protecting our acreage and being in attendance. Kate and I had the six to seven shift and were pleased to bring coffee along with us.The parade was fabulous and so was the food and company!!Happy Fort of July to everyone!
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Rhode Island

To: Mohican Camp Center
Miles today: 0.0

Back to life... Back to my unreality...My dad drove me back to the trail today after bidding my loved ones farewell. It was not hard to put on my shoes or close the car door. It was tough to shoulder my heavy resupplied pack, complete with a new book, and say goodbye to my dad. It was harder still returning to the rocks, a forest riddled with fluttering, menacing gypsy moths and impending rain....Change that to thunder storm. Quite shortly after getting dropped off the rain dropped in. Knowing I was headed for exposed ridge and noting the late hour, me, my heavy pack and my heavier heart all dropped our gear and set up camp.I will hike tomorrow. I promise.
Date: 2008-07-06
From: Mohican Camp Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: broken clouds

Why does Lady Cluck wish that New Jersey had no snakes?I know, I have got the hang of this now, no snakes would mean no habitat for them. We all know snakes love rocks ergo Lady Cluck wishes there were no snakes so it would mean no rocks!Well no, really it is because she just hates snakes.I had my work cut out for me. I was now 5.5 days behind the boys and ShutterBug. My only chance for company was if I beat Sampson back to the trail. I did not make any plans. I just got up and started walking. I figured I would stop when my body said so. I would walk out the daylight if I could.....I lasted for a few miles with this attitude and then started hoping that I would not have to keep this buisness up for too long.Well slap me and call me Sally. My wish came true. Times two!Sampson called saying they were going to get back on the trail and stay at Gren Anderson Shelter!! Perfect. I then recalled that my friends Brian and Ellon Dougan lived in this neck of the woods. I called them and shot in the dark this was their day off and they were free!They met me at a road crossing and took me out to dinner. I was so happy to see them. I returned to the trail, only three miles to go with a happy belly. I completed the mandatory climb out of town and came across a fire tower. I did not think much of climbing it until I noticed a coffee maker inside. You know what that means....electrcity and my baby iPhone (named magic) well she loves her juice. I climbed the tower, powercord in hand. Bravery for necessity. The door was locked, but the trip was worth it- great views.It will be good to see Super and Sampson again, it will be also good to sleep.Goodnight
Date: 2008-07-07
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville
Miles today: 20.1

Politics is for...Choose your own rhyming insult or perhaps sing song praise, today I have nothing but kind words to say about NY's mayor. Well at least the mayor of Unionville.It was a big day for us. Something got into Super Chunk, or maybe there was something in his tent but he was up and rolling before six. We all got an early start and flip flopped with new friends Mr. Bones and Stubbs. I felt good and was happy to be going north once again. The heat was kind and we took many breaks to make it even more tolerable.We passed through High Point NJ and noted from their observation stand, for the high point monument, that if they trimmed the trees out of the line of sight the tower may be more inspiring, or at least useful. Jersey! AnywhooooWe were headed for the town of Unionville where there where rumors of unparalleled kindness. We found it in Butch, Bill, and the Mayor, Dick. One phone call and Butch had us picked up and en route reviewed some rules.1. Treat the Mayor's house like your own, unless you break furniture at your house2. Jiggle the handle3. No words with greater than 3 syllablesEtc etc- not your standard rules. Just an outline for fun. We ate dinner, reunited with friends and even had Bones play for us a ukulele concert. Ah the Mayors.I want to see McCain or Obama take 11 dirty hikers into their homes and know just how to deal with them.Please?
Date: 2008-07-08
From: Unionville

To: Wayawanda Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: clear sky

All alone, in the woods and a crisis hits.What do you do? You can't panic, you want to but you cannot. You are alone, there will be no one to calm you, no one to slow your panicy acceleration. You need to be cool and deal with this on your own.You've seen it happen to friends, it may have even happened to someone you love, but now it is happening to you. Lady Cluck will help you through it, don't you worry.A bug gets stuck in your hair!The bug panics, so you cannot. You make a noise, creating a word that seems to be a mashup of no and manure. If you flip things will only get worse. Breathe1. Breathe2. Place your fingers (not hand- a hand will result in a smashed up bug in your hair) to your head3. Locate the offending insect4. Pinch and drag, one movement, no hesitation.5. Smash bug dead- they do not understand the creed about biting the hand that frees them.And there, crisis over. Move on- you are brave and bug free.Next week- slugs.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: Wayawanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: moderate rain

Town+ late start +creamery= great day/low miles.Sigh. Somedays it is hard to get going. And somedays that is okay. We hit town, did a quick resupply and moved on. Averaged out we were moving at a snails pace! So many breaks, so much sitting.... Then ice cream! Conveniently located just 0.1 miles off the trail. Home made, prime for me to eat! If you can imagine there was quite the cluster of hikers there. Even those who had planned to do more miles fell victim to the shelter two miles out.Some days are meant to be like this- lazy and uneventful. There were twelve thru hikers who fell into just this pattern. None of us felt a need to make excuses.This should not be atypical.The easiest job and the hardest vacation.
Date: 2008-07-10
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Middle of the woods
Miles today: 16.3

Magic, water, stealth camp, lakeI am out of shape.Wait how can I spin that better?Because of my fierce speed on the flat straight-aways, the speed I assume when going uphill seems relatively, wellllll slow.Really slow. And sweaty, and also out of breath. Frankly out of shape. It makes me nervous to think of what is next. You know mountains and not hills, ascents not small climbs, it is all coming. I think about it and worry but my friends reassure me that all will be okay.I guess I need reassurance even on my own abilities.
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Stealth Camp

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 14.4
Weather: scattered clouds

In May of 2002 a lot of things happened, a glorious unlinked chain of events. Unlinked to others that is- but as strong as a hair lariat to us McCarthys. The first weekend I participated in my first Bike Ny- a bike ride through all five boroughs of NYC! It was great fun but it yielded an unfortunate sunburn for myself.I mean who thinks about sunscreen at six in the morning on the first Sunday in May while in NY? Well, not me, and that became evident. Raised and red raw my arms were burnt save my gloved hands and t-shirt sleeves. On my face you could see the straps of my helmet.This was only an issue for two reasons (besides increased risk of skin cancer). One scrubbing in to the OR was wicked painful and two- our second link- my sisters wedding! (I also had a birthday that week.)I wore a red dress. It clashed the burn and it was spagetti strapped so I truly looked the fool. Kate never seemed to mind for a minute. Mothers day followed and then my college graduation.The point was the wedding. It was at Bear Mt. State park and today I walked through it again for the first time since the wedding. I even hiked over it this time, not to mention the HoBo bath/swim in the lake. I have to say the wedding was way more fun. I never sweat out of the back of my hands at the wedding.I enjoyed a sub the size of my calf (boars head brand) and dragged my full belly up and out of Bear Mountain to rest overlooking the Hudson.Life is good. Bike rides, birthdays, weddings, subs, and watching your friends bathe illegally in public places. (And not getting caught.) It feels good.Ps did I mention that we are in NY now!