morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-08
From: The Doyle Hotel -Duncannon, PA

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

Well, many an unexpected zero day have been taken here in Duncannon, and you can add me to the list. The Doyle, as run down as it is, is a wonderful little hideout on the trail (anyone whose been here knows). Bow and I were only looking at doing 11 miles today, and wanted to get lunch before going. A late start led to not wanting to go at all. The food, the little ice cream shop up the street that serves hiker sized portions (a small is 3 scoops), and the beer at the Doyle were all calling my name. Bow wanted to figure out her sitch, too, trying to see how much longer she will be able to be out here. We thought it could end suddenly sooner than expected, but it looks like we'll make it to New York together. I am psyched it's not ending like, this weekend, like we thought it could be.My dad and step mom might be coming down this weekend! They want to visit and have some time off from work, and we're trying to work something out for this weekend. I'm excited, I haven't seen them in almost 3 months!Kick: An unexpected zero, but, what the hell, it's Duncannon!Kiss: A restful day for a beat up body, and the Yuengling!Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-09
From: The Doyle Hotel -Duncannon, PA

To: Peter's Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.3

Well we left the grasp of Duncannon and the Doyle today. We slept in again (in our much nicer room this time) and had lunch at a local pub up the street. We didn't get going until about 1, but it was a fairly easy day coming up. We crossed the Susquehanna River, one of the largest yet (I'd say bigger than the Potomac!) and started a 700 foot climb out of town. We saw an Amish family on the way up, all dressed in formal dress with loafers, dresses, bonnets, and beards, and they were drinking water from mason jars. We cruised on and my mood began to change. It was really hot again in the middle of the day, and I just feel so tired sometimes because every step in PA I feel like I'm either going to break an ankle or step on a rattlesnake. I am snake-paranoid right now and soon every rustle and every stick freaks you out, thinking it could be a copperhead under your feet. Your feet, which are twisting and jarring on every step over thousands of little rocks along the trail. I feel better now though, but it's cooler and I'm not moving. I'm just having a hard time, a lot of hikers get the "Virginia blues", but I think I'm getting the "Pennsylvania blues". It's the last really big state for awhile, it's hot and getting water is very difficult at times, the snakes are freakin me out, the rocks are killing my feet, and I can't believe sometimes that I still have 1000 miles to go. Well, ONLY 1000 miles to go, half glass full and all.At the shelter tonight with Fancypants and Gozer, who I haven't seen since before Damascus, a couple section hikers, and one guy who's kinda a weirdo. Oh, Firefly and his girlfriend just came in, I haven't seen them since Bland, before Pearisburg.Kick: Grumpy mood today.Kiss: Seeing some familiar faces, and finally getting out of the Doyle's grasp. Onward!Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-10
From: Peter's Mtn Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day, Bow and I have met some crazy people out here lately. We spent last night tenting outside of a really nice shelter, just to be sure that we were away from "Paul". Paul is a recovering heroin/coke addict from the inner city of Philly, druggie is one thing...but this guy was just extra weird. We got on the trail by 8:30 and made some miles, where we caught up to fancypants and gozer at the first spring. We chatted and took a nice break, and felt glad we only had 11 more miles for the day.We climbed Stony Mtn, at 1000' of gain it was Bow's biggest, but we cruised up it and it was over much quicker than we thought it would be. She's really starting to get her legs. Then we had some planes circle by us. At first it sounded like just a couple taking off, but it ended up being over a half hour of jets circling the mountain, so low that we were actually above them (I think) at 1600'! It was crazy. We ended the day with Bow kickin ass, we did 4.5 miles in under an hour and a half.Then we met the other crazy guy, a guy comes out of the woods and starts telling us stories about how he comes here all the time. He's native american and tells us about his ancestor's past in this area, both normal things. Then he starts preaching to everyone about legalizing marijuana and how the Constitution is all messed up. It keeps getting weirder, until finally we go to the tent. I was reading my book outloud to Bow (The Tao of Pooh, which she got me as a present) when we suddenly hear the native american guy, 300 yards away, yelling and chanting native american songs...at 10:30 at night. It was an interesting day.Kick: A tough climb, and some crazy (but harmless) people.Kiss: Reading The Tao of Pooh to Bow in our tent.
Date: 2009-07-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Comfort Inn -Pine Grove, PA
Miles today: 8.5
Weather: broken clouds

Well, today was a bit of a whirlwind! First of all, Bow and I saw the biggest black bear I've ever seen today! Bow saw it, about 100 feet off the trail to our right, a HUGE bear that must have been over 400 lbs! Twice as big as any that I saw in the Shennies, and it was Bow's first in the wild!So, my Dad and Stepmom were supposed to come down and visit this weekend, but I got a phone call from Dad yesterday saying they were canceling because he's sick. So, Bow and I had no rush to do the 17.5 miles to the 501 shelter...or so we thought! We get about 5 miles in and I check my messages and surprise, they are coming after all! Well, I thought, we gotta get moving to do these last 13, they're in CT already! Well, opportunity knocked, I wasn't looking forward to the climb and long ridge walk ahead of us, so I started looking for ways to ditch. As we cross through a state park I didn't even know we were in, a park ranger helps us out and shows us a shortcut to Lickdale, where there's food, and more importantly, a direct exit off I-81.I didn't find out until later, but Lickdale is literally not even on the map it's so small. But eventually, we were found by my Dad and Kim, and not a moment too soon! It started pouring out the minute we got in the car. We were whisked away to dinner and a hotel at the unbelievable speed of 65mph. Buddy's Log Cabin restaurant was a great find, with roasted chicken and a nice salad bar. The pool at the hotel was fun, and I got to stay up way past my bedtime. A zero day tomorrow, can't wait to take another!Kick: We didn't make the miles we were hoping for, I had a hard time mentally all day.Kiss: Dad and Kim are here! Zero day tomorrow! Hotel bed tonight! Maybe Hershey Park again tomorrow??Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Comfort Inn -Pine Grove, PA

To: The Hilton -Hershey, PA
Miles today: 0.0

How the heck did I get a room in the Hilton? Long story. Dad, Kim, Bow, and I had breakfast at the hotel and decided that going back down to Hershey would be fun. It had been awhile since they had seen the Dobbs, too (Dad and Sue are cousins, btw). So, we headed down, hung out with them for awile, and went back to Hershey Park! Bow and I went to all different rides this time and spent a lot of time in the water park. It was busy with lots of lines, but we still got do everything we wanted. After the park we all went back to Houlihan's where I made a fool out of myself eating almost everything in sight.Last night we got some bad news. Bow had a job all lined up back home before coming out for the trail, so she didn't have to worry about the job search process while she was gone. Well, the job has fallen through, thanks to a crappy boss and even worse communication. Now she has no job and only a short window of time to apply for the new ones for next year. Long story short, it looks like she will be going home with Dad and Kim while she has a free ride available to her. Nothing could make me so sad. I knew she would be leaving eventually, but for it to happen like this is so disappointing.So, in true Dobbs spirit, Sheldon went out of his way to do us a favor. Since this is our last night together, and he works at the Hilton in the kitchen, he hooked us up with a 300 something dollar a night hotel room - for free. Here we are, plush bedding, hot tub, and relaxation for our last night together. Thanks Sheldon, you da man.Kick: I can't believe Bow has to go home so soon, it's not the pain, or running out of cash, or hating the trail, this stupid job is taking her away from me. Solo again....Kiss: Sheldon's random act of kindness, and another fine day spent with family.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-13
From: The Hilton -Hershey, PA

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: broken clouds

Well, today sucked. We woke up from the dreamy hotel suite, said goodbye to the Dobbs (again), and headed back to the trail. With a stop for groceries and gas, we were off, back to Pine Grove. What a somber car ride. It was like I was being driven to a funeral, the car was quiet and everyone knew what was waiting at the end of the ride.They dropped me off, I said my goodbyes, and I walked slowly and reluctantly into the woods, with Bow waving goodbye from the roadside. Hiking solo once again, I cried like a little girl, and have never hated being on the trail so badly. Thank you Bow, for the best 3 weeks on the trail, thank you for being a part of my life, I love you so much, and I miss you already.I had 15 miles to do, and didn't get started until 2:30, but I got here at 7:45 despite the rocks, as I hiked on, fueled by a mixture of anger and sadness. Tenting tonight (it feels so empty in the 2 man tent), 15 more tomorrow. Here tonight with Clean Cut, Natty, and Wishbone. I hate this.Kick: Duh.Kiss: I don't know...I made 15 miles today.Happy Trails,The Bow-less Transition
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

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

Blah. What a shitty day. I hate not hiking with Bow. Three weeks was just enough time to get really used to her being there, now when I look back, she's gone. I slept in until 9:30 today, sad and lonely and unmotivated. I covered the 9 miles to Port Clinton in just over 3 hours, and stopped at the PC Hotel for lunch. I drank 3 Yuenglings with my Appalachian Trail sandwich, which was a steak and onions between two pieces of bread. Then I stopped at the Peanut Shop, which is really a candy shop, and bought fudge and chocolate covered pretzels. Then, with no segue, I thought it would be a good idea to hike the 1000' climb out of town. Guess what? Not such a good idea. I almost passed out, lightheaded and droopy from all the beer. I actually summited the mountain, then sat down on a rock on the side of the trail and took a 20 min nap, woke up and guzzled some water, and felt like shit. Oh well, only 3 more miles. I got to camp, and ran into Legs, or Rockscar as he's called now (one look at his forehead let's you know where that name came from). I haven't seen him since early Virginia. Oh well, dinner and bedtime. Lonely again in such a big tent.Kick: The stupidly planned hike out of Port Clinton.Kiss: Hey Terry, I finally passed Cabala's, and I even got a decent picture.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-15
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Another blah day, I slept in until 9:30 and didn't even get on the trail until 10:30. I talked with Bow on the phone and that helped, she motivated me to keep going, even though I've never felt so close to quitting before. I swear I would've been off the trail 10 times by now if it wasn't for all her support. I am determined, but I am weak sometimes too, and she helps put the pieces back together even though it must be just as hard for her to do so.I picked myself up and dusted myself off. I was sad and my mind was not in it, but I just made my mind blank and charged up on of the biggest hills in PA, the Pinnacle, in record time. The view from there was awesome, which made me miss Bow more because I used to always complain about there being no viewsin PA. So I turned around and charged back downhill, and made it to Eckville shelter for lunch. Eckville is a little enclosed shelter/shed down the street by the trail crossing behind some guy's house, with flush toilets and a solar shower. Very deluxe. I sat there and planned out my miles for the next few days and weeks, trying to figure out what's next. Did you know I'll still have 600 miles left when I cross the VT line from Massachusetts? Oh boy..I hiked the 7.5 more miles to the shelter here tonight, where I met Radio, a section hiker. That's when I realized I lost my Ipod. I think I left it back at Eckville, hopefully someone will pick it up, I left my number in the register. Dammit....oh well. Radio is telling me stories about how he'll never have the opportunity to thru hike, and about bills and his job back home, and suddenly I felt fortunate again.Kick: No more music? Blasphemy! I must fix this...Kiss: A little reminder that everything will be ok, and I'm very lucky to be able to do this. In two months it'll all be memories.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-16
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Borough Hall -Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 17.7

Today was good, today I am feeling better. I miss Bow, but talking to her again, and sending emails back and forth, has made me feel much stronger. I feel ready to take on Katahdin again, or well...at least New Jersey for now. I got up at 6:30 and hit the trail by 7:15. Oh, by the way, I have officially found the PA rocks. Everything since Port Clinton has been hellish, a real pain in the...feet. And ankles, and knees. I'm getting blisters, which I haven't done in like 700 miles. Something about it all just doesn't seem right.I was still able to make decent time, though, and did the 17-something miles to the road by 2 o'clock. It's a good thing, because I ended up having to walk the extra 2 miles into town. On Route 248, a highway, with about 2 feet of shoulder and cars whizzing by at 65mph. It was the sketchiest walk into town I've ever had. I know a better way to get out of town now, but that sucked.I am in jail tonight. The lovely town of Palmerton hosts hikers in the basement of their town hall, which used to be the town's jail. All the bars and stuff are gone now (which is actually a little disappointing), but all the hikers talk about it being the "jailhouse hostel". Whatever, it's free and I got a shower. And chinese food. And resupplied. It's all good now. I will be in Delaware Water Gap, on Saturday, and will finally leave this god forsaken state on Sunday. I will then be entering (if all goes to plan) New York on Wednesday, Conneticut the following Monday, and Massachusetts the following Wednesday. So, what's that, Mass. in 2 weeks? Sweet. Let's start crankin out the small states!Kick: Walking into town for two miles on the side of the highway in 95* heat.Kiss: A nice hostel to call home for the night. I'm feeling better, thanks to a special someone.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Borough Hall -Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Oh man, I'll remember this day on the trail for a long time. What a range of emotions, moods, sights, and people. I started out in Palmerton and had to walk the 2 miles back to the trail, luckily I got to walk on the railroad tracks instead of the highway. I felt like a drifter from the 20's, leaving town on the tracks with everything I own in a pack on my back. It was hot and getting hotter fast, the temp rose 10* in the 45 minutes it took me to get to the trail and there wouldn't be any water for 13 miles; I had to leave town with 4 liters to make sure I wouldn't run out.Today's hike was a LOT different than the norm, I did a steep rock scrambling hike out of Lehigh Gap and crossed into the EPA Superfund site. Years ago a zinc processing plant scorched the land around here and it's created this artificially bald mountain with 100's of acres of dead trees. It was very hot, very rocky, and didn't feel like the AT.I am so tired of the Pennsylvania rocks. I am in the middle of the worst part right now, and my feet have just been taking a beating. It's annoying, my eyes hurt from concentrating on every step, and I'm getting blisters on my heels for the first time in 1000 miles. But, I finally got to the shelter. It's a half mile downhill walk to the water, but it's cold and clean.Now, I will also remember this day for another reason. Pondscum and Whitefoot. A couple of guys came up from town (apparently there's a road a mile from here) with one of their girlfriends for the night. The three of them brought 2 handles of vodka, some soda, and a party waiting to happen. They were full of energy, friendly, and lots of fun, and we only ended up meeting them because it was raining out so bad. Long story short, we had drinks, strobe lights, and glow sticks going on in that shelter all night. It's the first time I've had a rave inside an AT shelter, what a trip. Good times, I got pretty drunk, but I'll be paying for it in the morning. They said it only cost $8 a handle, so you know it was the good stuff.Kick: Climbing out of Lehigh Gap in 80* heat with 8 lbs of water.Kiss: An unexpected awesome night at the shelter.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Did I say I was going to be paying for it in the morning? Oh boy, what a friggin headache. I haven't been that hungover in a long time. I woke up this morning and everyone was groggy, but I was really feelin it. I didn't end up leaving the shelter until 9-something, and that was pushing it. I stumbled the first 5 miles, and I kept saying to myself "just walk it out", but it wasn't going anywhere, it stuck with me all day. I took a nap about 2 miles in, I kept drinking a ton of water trying to rehydrate, nothing was working.The plan was to do 20 today into Deleware Water Gap, but things changed. One, the hangover and the rocks slowed me down all day. Two, there was supposed to be no water sources the last 16 miles, but when I got to this shelter there is actually a spigot that's working. And third, when I got here Flatlander and Flicka were here, Bow and I's hiking buddies. I didn't want to say hi for like 20 mins then run off to town, possibly not seeing them again for a long time. So, I stayed, and I'm glad I did. They are fun and I like being around them. Unfortunately, they have a package waiting in town and tomorrow is Sunday, so they won't be leaving DWG until Monday morning. I will probably push on either 11 or 18 miles past the gap tomorrow and will probably not see them again for awhile. Oh well, we had fun tonight.Ho hum, it's bedtime. I've pulled 5 ticks off of me the past two days, and my Dad is the one at home sick with Lyme Disease. Get well soon Dad, hope you're feeling better.Kick: Hungover hiking is not me idea of a good time.Kiss: At least I made it this far, and got to hang out with 'Slack'lander...oops I mean Flatlander... and Flicka.Happy Trails,Transition
Date: 2008-05-15
To: Planning phase
Miles today: 0.0

It is 10 months before I begin my thru-hike of the Applachian Trail.I have been backpacking for 6 years now in different areas of the USA e.g.California,Maine(above picture with some friends of mine that summitted Katahdin via the Knife Edge in Sept 2003),Michigan,Florida,Georgia,Tennessee,Arkansas,Nevada,Grand Canyon,AZ;Ohio,North/South Carolina Alabama,Virginia,just to name some. I REALLY do want to do this.It is all I think about.I backpack alot now and love every minute of it.It is odd because when I camped in campers and tents at campgrounds I hated it.Then I was introduced to backpacking and the backcountry.I fell in love.I get so intrigued on moving from one deserted place on the trail to another, night after night.I just fit in out there.I know you know what I am talking about. I have a job like you and no I can't afford to just quit and go out there,but a girl's got do what a girl's gotta do.I am not getting any younger you know.Did I say that?? So I will take a personal leave from my job to attempt to complete this wonderful journey.I put it like that because as a nurse I know things can go wrong.But having said that,I plan to go the distance barring an injury.That is why I plan to get in the best physical shape that I can before my hike begins. I may not be the fastest jet on the runway but I have endurance.And that's a good thing,yes? I had both knees replaced in 2006 and they haven't felt this good in years.So here I am and here I go.Planning phase has begun. Wish me luck!!
Date: 2008-08-08
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Hi guys I just got back from another awesome trip to the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.Great elevation gains and losses to prove my knees even futher.They did great.Also I am also getting my bills in order and setting up automatic payments on line as much as possible. I also bought my third pair of boots to break in.I have been backpacking every chance I get and I am feeling really good about staying out in the woods alone night after night...YAY for me. ..
Date: 2008-09-03
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Beginning to look at mail drops.I don't plan to have many.The less you have,I understand,the better off you will be.I also understand that a bouce box is more trouble than it's worth.So I am trying to sort all this out.Right now my gear I carry is pretty sufficient in providing my needs.Even on week long hikes.Resupply apparently is plentiful on the trail.So there...I'm good to go. I haven't broke the news to my employer as of yet.Still doing many weekend and weeklong hikes to try and prove myself.I think around the end of this year should be sufficient notice.I plan to leave in mid March.By then I will know more about my stamina.The reality is setting in though.And I am getting sooo excited.The trail journals here are a great resource of information as to what I have instore...Can't wait!!!Happy Trails!!!
Date: 2008-09-06
To: Planning Phase
Miles today: 0.0

Still trying to figure out how to post a photo from my Blackberry but til then I did download this one from an overnite hike on NYE/NYD 2007/2008..Great trail the approach..wouldn't have missed it but I may not do it again next March..depends on my ride to Ga..I am going on a week long backpack trip this week.Looks like I might have some RAIN!!!