morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-05-16
From: Pine Grove Furnace - PA

To: James Fry Shelter
Miles today: 7.2

Departed Pine Grove Fornace at approx 8am. Great day temps in the high 50s and low 60s. Trail was quite easy compared to what I had been walking on in the south when I had to get off the trail. Partly sunny all day, perfect hiking day. Feet and lower back a little sore but that was expected. Root and I will both have to suffer through that new hiker soreness again. Arrived at the James Fry shelter at Tag Run about 1:pm. Set up for the night and Lug was kind enough to fetch water for us all. We then gathered some fire wood and had a relaxing evening sitting around the fire. Zama also found some Pink Lady Slippers and also found some teaberries which I got to taste for the first time, minty flavor.
Date: 2006-05-17
From: James Fry Shelter

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 8.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Had another great day, left James Fry shelter at approx 8am and arrived Alec Kennedy shelter at approx 4pm. Had some great rock climbs today and the weather was again excellent in the mid 60s and partly cloudy. Feet are a litle sore but this is normal pain for just starting out again. Also met Blue Bird and Abandon who showed up at the shelter about 4:30. Full house at the shelter tonite. Going to try for a 12 mile day in the am so we will be in place to meet Root's significant other for a change of equipment. No sign of Darwin as yet. Hope, maybe he will catch us in a day or two.
Date: 2006-05-18
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Appalachain Motor Inn
Miles today: 12.1

Wow, what a day. We left Alec Kennedy shelter at 6:45am and arrived at the Appalachian Motor Inn at approx 2:30pm. Kind of a long hard day for a couple of newbies. The terrain was great mostly small ups and downs. We arrived in Boiling Springs about 9:30am and after checking in at the ATC office we proceeded to find a place we could get some breakfast. We found J.C.s Cafe which was a great place to eat and catch our breath. We were told that a rain front was moving in so we decided we had better get on the road, it was already about 10:30. After about an hour out we got our first rain shower luckily quite light and it only lasted a short time. We made it to the motel before we got anymore. Both Root and I are suffering from extremely sore feet but otherwise we faired pretty good. Mr Root showed up about 4pm and we plan to go out for a good meal and also to try to find the local outfitter in the area. So far we are planning a short day in the am only about a 6 mile day. We are also working on lightening our packs some more while at the motel tonite. Until later happy trails. Step by Step as Lug says.
Date: 2006-05-19
From: Appalachain Motor Inn

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: light rain

Prior to reaching our motel last night we ran into "RICKETY" a south bound section hiker who was going from North Adams to Harpers Ferry. After a brief chat we continued on to the motel. After having returned from the local country buffet where all was fed to the max, we found that "DARWIN" had done five 20 mile days to catch up to us and was patiently waiting so he could get into a room for a shower and some rest. He had developed a few blisters enroute and was glad to get off his feet. After having a large breakfast at the diner next door to the motel Mr. Root gave us a lift back to the trail. Lug and Zama had decided to finally push on and not hang out with the old folks anymore. After some sad good-byes they struck out in the lead aiming for Duncannon by days end a trip of approx. 18 miles, oh to be young again. After a great walk through some pasture land and open fields with some beautiful scenery. We had fairly easy hiking up to the last mile or so when it began to rain with small hail included. We finally arrived at Darlinton Shelter approx. 1:30, cold, wet and hungry. After drying out a litle and warming up we had a snack and rested for a period of time before we trudged off to get some water at the not so nearby spring. At approx. 4pm Rogue a north bound section hiker showed up to spend the night also. Sore feet issues are still plagueing us and will probably continue to do so our whole time on the trail. The Cumberland Valley trek the past two days were great after having hiked in nothing but mountains up to this time. Firestick, Feed Me and John and Michele also showed up to spend the night. We were able to get a great fire going in spite of the rain and sat around f2r several hours chatting. We ended up with seven in the shelter and two tenters, a great group.
Date: 2006-05-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Left the shelter at approx 7:45 after coffee and oatmeal for breakfast. Terrain today was some of the rockiest so far. Especially the decent down into Duncannon extremely hazardest to your health if you were not paying attention. Got an up close and personal look at some Pa. wild life today in the form of 2 rattle snakes out sunning themselves. They were not bothering anything and we tried not to bother them. After a short photo-op we were again on our way. We finally arived at the Doyal Hotel at approx 3:40pm and were warmly greeted by Darwin, Rogue, Firestick and Feed Me who had arrived earlier. They were all busy consuming the beverage of choice. After a large glass of ice water it was decided that food would be the next thing on our agenda. The selection turned out to be cheese steak hogies with a side of cheese fries, great choice I might add. Showers, laundry and some rest were next on our list. A special thanks to Mary and Peace Frog for the trail magic the drinks really hit the spot when we got down off the mountain. If we can stay awake long enough the Doyal has a lady who sings and plays the harmonica tonite for entertainment should be a good time. It looks like we might take a zero day on Sunday as it has been 5 days of steady hiking for us beginners and we have a 6 or 7 day stretch coming up when we leave Duncannon. So until later happy hiking to all and thanks for hanging in on my journals.
Date: 2006-05-21
From: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It was a wise choice to zero a day in Duncannon at the Doyle Hotel for a day. All though we missed the festivities Saturday night, its been a good stay. Root, Darwin and I all decided at about 9pm that a pizza and wings would taste real good so off we went to the pizza shop down the street a short distance. After eating none of us had the energy to do anything but go to bed. We finally got out this AM about 8 and went across the street to get breakfast. While there we ran into Sunshine and Lost and Found two nice older folks like ourselves. All agreed that Goodies was a fine place to get the morning started. After some fine chit chat we went back to our room and rested until it was time to eat again. The Black Angus bergers here at the Doyle are something to be tried, great. We also made arrangements to get a shuttle out to the supper market for resupply. At 3pm we were picked by Bob and quickly transported to our destination. While shopping we ran into Mango who had just arrived but had missed the ride out apparently Bob had returned and picked him up also. Plans are in the works to hook up some hot dogs and rolls for the hike to the first shelter to enjoy our first night back on the trail, should be a real treat. I must say thanks to Pat and Vickie at the Doyle for making our stop and rest at the hotel a great experience. They go far above and beyond to make your stay with them as pleasant as possible.
Date: 2006-05-22
From: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

WOW, Penn. is for mountain goats. Rocks, rocks and more rocks. Tough on the feet. Left the Doyle about 7:45am went to the post office for a quick mail out and finally left town about 8:15am. Long walk getting out of town and across the bridge. The trail was not too bad until we got to the top, then began a rock scramble and climb for what seemed like a long time. We survived this only to come upon more of the same. The shelter after 11.6 miles was a welcome sight. Peters Mountain Shelter is one of the better ones so far. Its  double decker with picnic table inside. When we arrived we found Sunshine and Lost and Found, Red Dog and Passing Through who is Sunshine's and Lost and Found's son. We invited all present to help us get rid of the couple of pounds of hot dogs that Darwin had transported out of town as a treat for our first night. We also had the rolls, slightly smashed and condiments to go along with them. On the way today we ran into Hansel and Gretel who are an older couple in their early 60s who have been coming over from Germany for the past 6 years. They do a section a day. While doing hot dogs Back Tracker showed up and was able to partake of the hot dog and marshmellow feast we were indulged in. Also, I saw my first big old black snake today, it was about 6 ft long and as big around as my lower arm. Thankfully it decided to go in the opposite dir ction and there was no confrontation. Darwin and Rogue had run into one coming down into Duncannon that was a bit more fiesty and would not let them pass on the trail without a minor standoff, no one got hurt neither snake nor man.
Date: 2006-05-23
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rattling Run Creek
Miles today: 10.1

Left Peters Mountain Shelter about 8:15 and arrived at our camp site at Rattling Run Creek about 5:30 we pitched our tents near the creek in the only space available. The trail today was moderate with only a couple of rock scrambles and a couple of long ups and downs. While setting up camp Hansel and Gretel again came by doing there daily section. Pictures were taken and after a brief conversation they were again on their way. Camp was set up and a meal of mashed potatoes, gravy, and dried beef was prepared, tasted pretty good. We also found out that Leprechaun, not sure of the spelling, was camped in the woods not far from where we were. Kind of a strange little guy who has apparently done the trail some 6 times. WOW. Going to be an early night tonite as we are both really beat. We seem to always end up hiking more miles then we intend.
Date: 2006-05-24
From: Rattling Run Creek

To: Rausch Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: broken clouds

We left Rattling Run Creek headed for Swatara Gap at about 7:50am. Trail today was mostly easy walking with a couple of long ups and downs. Had only planned a 7 plus mile day ending at Rausch Shelter, however, after getting there at noon we decided to go for another 2 or 3 miles which turned into over 6 miles. Real tired when we finally stopped for the night. I started coming down with a cold on Sunday night and its kicking my butt trying to hike. Energy level goes down in a hurry once I start hiking. A hiker by the name of 365 came by as we were breakimg camp and later on down the trail we ran into GI Jane who was a South bound section hiker. Not much else to say it's going to be an early to bed again tonite. Its only 6:20 and already in my tent waiting for it to get dark. I would like to say cudos to Spam Man and his trail buddies around Rausch Shelter, the trails were great.
Date: 2006-05-25
From: Rausch Shelter

To: William Penn. Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: overcast clouds

WOW again, let me tell you these Penn. rocks will eat you up and spit you out. The big boulders beat you up physically, the middle size rocks that move around work on your ankles, and then there are the little ones that lurk all over the trail that keep the bottoms of your feet nice and tender. Today we met Furious and Food Lion as they passed. We left camp this morning at 8am and arrived at William Penn. Shelter at approx. 3pm dog tired and feet weary. About 8:30 just before dark Sunshine and Lost and Found showed up for the night. Lost and Found will be getting off in Port Clinton to see a dentist for a cracked tooth. Good Night all.
Date: 2006-05-26
From: William Penn. Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Left William Penn. Shelter at about 7:45am after a real lousey night coughing with very little sleep and I'm sure those who were there with me got very little also. Most of the trail today was fairly easy except for the last half mile or so. A few rocks and some small ups and downs. Made it to the 501 Shelter at about 10:00am undecided as to what we wanted to do, go on or stop. We decided that we would try to order lunch from a near by pizza place. A call was placed and they said they would deliver at noon when the store opened. An order for a large pizza was made to include beverages. This all arrived about 12:15pm and was well received. We only had to walk out to the highway a couple hundred yards for the pick up. As we were finishing all we could eat in walked Sunshine and Lost and Found who gratefully finished what was left. Great timing on their part and we were more than willing to share with them. Root and I decided that we would spend the remainder of the day at the 501 however Sunshine and Lost and Found decided to head out to do another 6 miles. We should hook up with them again on Wednesday at the trail head. Root and I spent the the afternoon cleaning up the shelter and going over our equipment which was a good thing as she found a large brown spider nestled in her sleeping bag. Could have made for a bad night. Approx. 4pm Messenger who I'd started with back in February walked into the shelter. Reunions are great and it was good to talk with him for a while. We all ordered food once again and had our fill. So far there is only the three of us at the 501 shelter. We are looking ahead to Port Clinton for some creature comforts after 7 days on the trail. Good night for now.
Date: 2006-05-27
From: 501 Shelter

To: Tenting - no shelter
Miles today: 12.5

What a great layup day we had at the 501 shelter. It began to rain about 8pm and rained hard for about 3 hours straight. Glad we were inside for the night. Of all people to show up about 5pm, Messenger walked through the door, butt dragging just like every one else. We had first met back in February at the start. It was really great to see him again and get filled in on all the latest. He was off the trail for 9 days for graduation. Good job buddy. I even got to see a picture of his girl friend, WOW, way to to go. Root and I ordered Italian subs and messenger went for a large stromboli. This is one of the few shelters that you are able to order food from, which is a real treat. Messenger said that Braveheart had some serious foot problems going on that had put him off the trail. Those of us who are still on or have been on the trail understand completely. Earlier in the day Root and I had ordered a large pizza and two twenty four oz. drinks, hit the spot to be sure. Sunhine and Lost and Found came in just in time to help us finish our feast, we were more than glad to share. Root and I spent the afternoon cleaning the shelter and checking equipment. Cannot wait to get to Port Clinton, a shower will be greatly appriciated. What can I say ROCKS and MORE ROCKS today.
Date: 2006-05-28
From: Tent - No Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Penn. rocks enough said. Broke camp at 6:50am. The trail for the first part of the day wasn't too bad. As the day progressed it got a lot more challenging. At 8am we passed 3 hikers heading north bound one of which was Bean Sprout a bouncy young gal who had hiked in to provide trail magic for a couple of her friends. She offered and we accepted a large sticky bun that she had brought in and had gone un eaten. This we split with great delight. The day warmed to hot and we finally arrived in Port Clinton about 2pm. The decent off the mountain will be remembered for some time to come, extremely steep. After a brief rest we headed into town and soon found the Port Clinton Hotel which has one of the finest hiker burgers going, I highly recommend it as you pass through. Root settled for a quesadilla and we also had an order of fries that went unfinished. This all was washed down with large ice waters and sweet teas. We then wandered up to the church pavillian where hikers are allowed to stay or set up their tents. It was here we met Bag of Tricks who was tenting with the soul purpose of assisting thru hikers in need in anyway he c n. A character in his own right, and a nicer guy you could not find. He was a walking book of knowledge about the trail and had a million stories to tell. He later took us out for ice cream and some other items. Heillium showed up later with his dog Freckles and both were draging from the long day that they had had. He had decided to zero a couple of days also to recoup. That's about it for now got to get some sleep.
Date: 2006-05-29
From: Port Clinton

To: Port Clinton/Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up this morning and Bag of Tricks took us down the road to a restaurant and treated us to a fine breakfast. After, he transported us to our motel to be where we left our packs and went over to Cabelas and proceeded to spend money. After this to a drug store, and then back to our motel about 12:30. What can ya say, Tricks is the best and we felt really grateful for having been in his company, to say thanks just does not seem to be enough. We will meet again and maybe we can repay some of his trail magic.
Date: 2006-05-30
From: Port Clinton/Hamburg, PA

To: Port Clinton/Hamburg, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just to let all of my loyal followers know there's a movement under way to change my trail name from Peacemaker to Git-R-Done. Bag of Tricks is the driving force behind this movement so if we just ignore him it will probably pass. I can't see how a few broken bones, bronchitis, and what ever else might crop up could warrant a name change. Bag of Tricks wants to see me on the mountain in a sleeveless flannel shirt and a pair of bib overalls. Just a quick note also, the Medical Arts Building next to Cracker Barrel no longer will see walk-in emergencies without an appointment. However, I did get into the Lehigh Valley, Hamburg Family Practice located up behind the Rite Aid just past Cabelas at 700 Hawk Ridge Dr. Their toll free no. is 1-877-562-3066. They were some great people. Mr. Root showed up earlier than expected today so we kept him running most of the day. Post office twice, doctors, drug store, Cabelas and the list just seemed to keep going. Made some tweeks on equipment, we'll see how this works out. Also switched out of boots to trail runners. Tried to lighten the load a little more but it seems you only end up adding somewhere else. Well that's about it for now got to get some sleep for our AM departure. Might have to finish my chocolate chip cookies the girl at the front desk bakes in the evening. They're great. Good night all, it will be a few days again before I can get more journals back home. Good night.
Date: 2006-05-31
From: Port Clinton/Hamburg, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally got out of Port Clinton about 10am. Started North and arrived Windsor Furnace Shelter at 3PM (a 6.1 mile day). Sunshine and Lost and Found showed up about 4PM. South Bounder Jute showed up, a little strange in that he had no food and was in an extremely ragged condition. About 6PM 3 more arrived just to stop for dinner. Buree, Compass and a cousin by the name of John who had joined them for a section of their hike - all were going on to Eckville Shelter and would be doing a little night hiking. They departed a little after 7PM. At approx. 1AM a bear wondered through camp and it is still unknown why he did not take our food bags. We figured something spooked it away. We will be hanging our food from here on out.
Date: 2006-06-01
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Broke camp today at 6:30AM in an attempt to get some miles in before the heat sets in. Had several rock scrambles in the middle of our day and a long road walk at the end, on a forest road, HOT. Arrived at Eckville Shelter about 1PM, took a cool solar shower and rested. This place even has a flush toilet, real rare out here. Still expect Sunshine and Lost and Found to wander in later today. Cooked some Ramon for lunch and will have a Lipton side with tuna added for dinner, living large. We try to cook up our heaviest items first to lighten our packs as soon as possible. Looking for possible rain tonite and next few days. Thru-hiker, Freeze Out, arrived about 5:30PM, made a call to his girl friend for pickup and a few days in Philly for his B-day. Gotta love these roadside shelters.
Date: 2006-06-05
From: Blue Mountain Summit

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Just thought I'd jump on to say that I got down to see Root today. She was sporting a nice new cast the color of which amazed me. Something on the orange side of the spectrum. It seems that she also suffered some ligament damage in her attempt to plant herself in the middle of the trail. I also must say that the lady has a lot of spunk and that there has never been a tear shed over the incident todate, even at the most painful times. I will truely miss hiking with her and not having her there to keep me on the up and up. I said all along it was like having 2 wives, one at home spending my money and another with me on the trail telling me what to do and nagging as we plodded along. I love ya sweetheart and can only wish you all the best and a speedy recovery.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: Home Base

To: Harriman, NY
Miles today: 0.0

HERE WE GO AGAIN-----Left home by bus at approx.10am. After 5hrs and two bus changes I arrived near Harriman, N.Y. A quick cab ride had me at a motel shortly after 3pm. Rested and repacked my pack which I had broken down and put into a more suitable traveling bag. Had some strong storms roll through around 6:30pm, glad that I had not jumped right on the trail. Well another big day in the am, good night.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Harriman/Arden, NY

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: light rain

Had a cab sent to the motel by 8am. Made a quick stop at the post office and then on to the trail head. Was back on the trail by 8:30am. Found the hike to be quite interesting during the day - had a lot of serious ups and downs with several rock climbs. Let alone the lemon squeezer, it squeezed this fat old man pretty good. Had to remove my pack to get through it, but I guess I probably was not the first. Slow going but I made it without incident. A nearby deer seemed to be interested in just what I was trying to do. Probably has watched many in his day. Pushed through to the William Brien Memorial Shelter in part hoping it would be in better shape than the Fingerboard Shelter. Arrived about 3:30pm. New York needs to rethink their shelter situation, dinamite comes to mind. Even some renovation would be a big help. Calling for some strong storms again tonite but they never materialized. Normal pains back again and left knee bothering on decents, oh well. Ran into B.P. this morning said he was mapping the trail for Backpacker Magazine, great job. Long Haul stopped in for a short rest and some chit chat before continuing on his way. About dark the Maine Train arrived this group consisted of the following: Rocket Man, Mufafa, Lotus, Maverick, Hot Rod, and Granite,Blistah, Dudley. Quite A crew.