morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-06-12
From: Duncannon

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at 7 am and took a nice hot shower...ate a lot of Cocoa Pebbles. We all watched the weather channel and surprise, surprise we have a lot of rain coming. The cool part about today is that before we started hiking-I found my wallet!!! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!!!!!!! So I have my id, and you can send us packages in my name still. Sorry for the confusion! I am so excited! Slickrock and I hiked today and both of us agree, today has been the most humid day since we have been out here. We have been sweating all day!! Grossness. BUt we made it to the shelter pretty quickly. There are at least 25 people here and there is enough room in this shelter! Again a big Yeah. AND Liteshoe, Crow and others have caught up with us. We met them the first four days of our hike...Pack 31. It's good to see all of you!song: "You are the light of the world" from the Mystery CD
Date: 2003-06-13
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: .7 mile past Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: mist

Good, good day. Easy terrain (cept for an increase in rocks) and good company. The weather is so HUMID though!!! I thought I left Florida. :) Paul (Slickrock's boyfriend) joined us around miles 6 today and he is going to be with us for the next 2 days. We couldn't stay at the shelter because all the people that were at Peters mtn shelter last night were try to get to the Rausch Gap Shelter. So we didn't even go up to the shelter. We had about six A-10 planes pass over us this afternoon, they passed over about 4 different times. It was kind of scary because they were dropping bombs just over the other ridge near us. We guess they are practicing...at least that's what we hope.Other than that...just another amazing day to think and pray.song: "Territory Folk" from OKLAHOMA!
Date: 2003-06-14
From: .7 mile past Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: broken clouds

Congratulations to Jonathan and Julie Mount!!! Sorry I missed the wedding. You two are in my prayers!It again was a great day, the weather is always good when it doesnt rain. Hiked most of the morning by myself...stopped for lunch at 11:45 to wait for the others. Ketchup got there at 12:00, Cire at 12:20...but then we sat there till 1:43...2 hours before anyone else showed up. Turns out Diesel and Oopu got lost. I would have had to throw down if they just decided to eat lunch before they got to me...cause otherwise why are we waiting for each other? Ketchup, Oopu, Diesel and I saw a rattlesnake today! We were crossing lots of loose rocks and there was one layed out AND it was HUGE!!! Pretty fun! Also, this 501 shelter is pretty nice. We have all been wanting a shower since our last shower because we all are sweating sooooo much...and this shelter has a very cold water shower. So I am clean! It sure was cold...reminds of swim team practice my freshman year of high school-outside, 5:30 am, no water heater in November.We also ordered a pizza and hot wings(Diesel and I split the wings) because there is a road right by here and they deliver. So I am full. Oh yeah.Still haven't seen my sister or Paul at all today. Hope they get to this shelter soon. I waited at the other shelter for another 1 1/2 for them...but its nice to rest my feet, while I wait. I am sure they are just taking their time and hanging out together....but it would be nice to know they are okay. Blessings to all!!song: "We are the knights of the Round Table" from Holy Grail
Date: 2003-06-15
From: 501 Shelter

To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.1

Happy Fathers Day Dad!!! Happy Birthday to Anne and Kresta!!!Fun day! Even though it took us awhile to find out where Slickrock is...she is safe. Just has some blister problems that she is going to try to heal tonight. And we will meet her in the morning!!!We were invited to Swift Sandals dad's house for breakfast this morning...it was sooo good. Thank you Barbara and John for your generosity-the shower, laundry, cell phone use(to call our dads) and of course the incredible pancakes and strawberries. We got back on the trail at 11 am, hoping to run into Slickrock and then head on to the shelter. We crossed a lot of rocks today, and saw a pretty big black snake. I also got to meet Jeff and Ben, who are hiking for a week out here. Hope you have another great 4 days!The mosquitos, black flies and bees are out. We walk with something swarming around us all the time. I almost fell a couple times trying to kill mosquitos and walk over rocks at the same time. We are actually camping at the shelter to get away from bugs. Nice fire, and now bed time.song:"Dixieland Delight" - Alabama
Date: 2003-06-16
From: Eagles Nest shelter

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: overcast clouds

BEAR SIGHTING!!! TONIGHT!!!Yeah!!! Slickrock is with us again! Started the day early, hoping to get to Port Clinton before lunch to meet Slickrock. The weather was incredible today!!! Upper 60's all morning, just beautiful. Hiking in this kind of weather makes me want to stay out here forever. Headed to the Post office in Port Clinton and found Slickrock and Paul was still with her. Turns out she had to go to the hospital too, so he stayed to take her there(read her entries to find out more of her adventure).We showered, laundered, and rested till about 4:30 this afternoon then we headed out to hike our 6.1 to this shelter. Nice hike. Slick and I found a campsite and I had to walk back down the trail to find the others because we werent sure they were going to find us. Diesel, Oopu and Ketchup made it but I didnt know where Cire was. Turns out he thought we were down another trail to a campsite...and I was about to go down there when I met a guy named Michael who didnt think there was a campsite down there. Now what am I supposed to do? After talking to Michael for awhile, I headed back to my campsite and Cire showed up 5 minutes after I did. So alls well that ends well. AND Michael came by our campsite to make sure Cire made it...and offered to take our trash or mail anything for us. Thank you! I am sure all of this info is confusing, but i wanted to try to give you an idea of 45 minutes of my evening. AND all of 5 Alive saw a bear tonight...song: "We can be heroes" from Moulin Rouge
Date: 2003-06-17
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 16.5

Man, today was such a pretty day! And we had two amazing views: The pulpit and the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle is supposedly the highest point in Pennsylvania-we could see forever!The rocks aren't as bad as everyone has been warning us about but they are supposed to get worse. Don't get me wrong...it is hard to walk on all these rocks but it was hard walking on them in GA, VA, TN and NC too. All our feet are hurting pretty badly though...Swift Sandals(had lunch at his dads cabin on Sunday) caught up with us while we were eating lunch today, so he may join us hiking for awhile. Should be fun...cept now the girls are outnumbered...song:"No turning back"
Date: 2003-06-18
From: Allentown Shelter

To: George W. Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: overcast clouds

All I have to say is that 5 Alive averaged 109.4 miles for the past seven days. That's really good for us!!! Especially in Pennsylvania with all the rocks!!! We crossed some pretty insane rocks today, again, not any different then any other state just longer. We were climbing boulders and sliding all over the place. It was harder today too because of the rain storm last night-everything was pretty slippery. We laughed a lot though. The boys of 5 Alive have gone into town for the night because they are still working on keeping their tent dry during rain storms. This has been a problem for about 2 months now and they have a tent/tarp thing that they are trying...so close but still got wet. So we will all meet up tomorrow night. Swift Sandals hiked with us though, its been fun for all of 5 Alive to get to know him better. We are still seeing Crow every night too. He started on March 1st with us and we ran into him again last thursday. Hope we are able to hang with !him. He may pass us though! song: Jennifer Lopez song about leaving and packing her bags...dont know all the words...but have sung ALLLLL DAY!!!
Date: 2003-06-19
From: George W. Outerbridge Shelter

To: Smith Shelter Campsite
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: light rain

really, really like Pennsylvania. Even everyone else dogs it and the rocks...but its not any worse then any other state. Yes, I have to hike 20 more miles tomorrow so it could get worse, we will see. Rainy day sort of but I have loved it!!! We crossed the dreaded rocks today...so fun. We had to crawl on our hands and knees and climb up boulders. But it was really fun. Then the rest of the day passed really quickly. The boys caught up with us by lunch time and so we all hiked most of the afternoon together.We are now sitting around a campfire with all 7 of us and Tim and Nathan, and just enjoying the evening. BUT there is huge thunder and we have heard warnings of flood watch. song: "Honey Bun" from South Pacific
Date: 2003-06-20
From: Smith Shelter Campsite

To: Deleware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: moderate rain

Have you ever done something that you really wish you hadn't and don't want to own up to but should? Well, mine isn't that big of a deal but would really rather it hadn't have happened. Today started off pretty well, even though it was raining again and we had to pack up in the rain. We had 20 miles planned so Ketchup left first then Slickrock and I left. We hiked 12 miles by 1:30 and were laughing and playing riddle games to distract ourselves from the constant rocks and rain. We ate lunch at 2:30 because we got to the 14 mile shelter and then the rest of 5 Alive(7 of us) caught up with us. Ketchup and I were hiking the last 6 miles together, talking about our group, and the group dynamics and whether or not we will all be able to finish together...WHEN we noticed there were NO white blazes. The entire AT is marked with white blazes on posts, trees and rocks at least every 50 feet or so...and sometimes you have to look for them or you might end up on the wrong trail. Which is what we did. oh yes, on a day that we were already hiking 20 miles we did an extra 2 miles--down and then back up a rocky, muddy, road with a river running through it. We even !decided to try to just cut throught the woods because we could hear the road but that only brought us to a dead end...so we finally turned around and headed back up the rocky road to find where we lost the trail. Which we did then we got to climb that mountain down again. Sigh. You would think I would learn to stay on the trail!!! I had my sister worried...the guys werent too upset they were already eating and taking showers. I have to say though...I wouldnt have wanted to get lost with anyone else. Ketchup and I had a blast the whole time...rain, rivers, blisters, bushwacking...we were on our very own "expotition". (Thats for you dad)song: 80's day: "Abra, abracadabra" and "Let's hear it for the boys" and others.
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Deleware Water Gap

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: moderate rain

Huge thank you to Cire's mom, Pat, for our breakfast and lunch today!!! We did laundry and organized packs before heading back out to the trail in the rain and it is COLD! On the first day of summer! I have decided to enjoy it though cause I would be miserable if it was really hot...but it is funny how much of the trail is under water. You don't need to worry about finding it to drink(that's good), but you do need to worry about falling in...(thats bad).Thought I lost my sister today...seeing how we lost her last week and I got lost yesterday...she was behind me and passed me when I was off the trail for some reason and I didnt know. So I waited for her for 20 minutes till Ketchup walked up and hadnt seen her...so I back tracked at least a mile to see if I could find her. I found the guys instead so I decided she must have passed me somehow...which she did. But I worried her and Sandals when I didnt show up to the Mohican center soon after they did. Maybe we wont lose anyone else this week.We are in a bunk house at this outdoor center...we had wanted a free campsite but everything is under water...so we are paying for another night. BUT showers and a dry bed. I will take it. Blessings to all.Also, today is naked hiker day...which we were all afraid of running into someone who would actually do that. But since it is so cold, I dont think anyone actually did...Yes, there really is a naked hiker day and people really do it. Blech...song:"I wanna dance with somebody" Whitney Houston
Date: 2003-06-22
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Still at the Mohican Outdoor Center. I got up this morning and started packing my bag because we were going to head out and hike 14 miles...but it was still raining and everyone else were their feet. We had a 5 Alive discussion to talk about some of the issues that had come up this past week and also about what each one of our priorities are for being out here. We talked for almost 2 hours and by that time most of the group wanted to stay for another night to dry out and hopefully hike out tomorrow(which is supposed to be sunny and 80 degrees). So we have relaxed and hung out...song: "New Town" Kasey Chambers
Date: 2003-06-23
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 20.9
Weather: clear sky

LONG but beautiful day! I had very little motivation to hike today ad my feet hurt and I have a heat rash(I know, I know start playing the fiddle for my background whiney music)...but I started at 7:30 am and just kept going till lunch. We did 12 miles before lunch which is SOO nice. We stopped at a bakery that is in Culvers Gap right on the AT for an afternoon snack(a little apple turnover for me...yum) and then headed on to the shelter. The views have been incredible AND I saw two, yes two, bear cubs playing today. They were so amazing! So over all a pretty good day...song:"Supermodels" Kendall Payne
Date: 2003-06-24
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: .2 mile past High Point Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I was slow again today! It was hot, hot, hot!!! We got going around 8 am and by 9 am were at a pavillion on top of a mountain. It was beautiful!!! Wish we could have known about it so we could have camped there!!! We stayed there for about 1 1/2 hours and then moved on to find water for lunch. I really like New Jersey...its been very pretty and simple...We also met Butch Cassidy, a man who has let a lot of trail magic out by trail heads, he gave us cokes and fruit. Thanks Butch!Tomorrow Slickrock and I are getting picked up by our parents to take our yearly trip to Vermont. Yeah!!! We will return to the trail on Sunday and pick back up with 5 Alive.song: "Blinded by the Light"
Date: 2003-06-25
From: .2 mile past High Point Shelter

To: NJ 284
Miles today: 7.9

I'm in Vermont, I'm in Vermont. NOT because I have hiked here yet...just taking a couple of days with my family. Mom and Dad picked Slickrock and me up at 12 from the NJ 284 and we picked up our maildrop and ate and started driving to Vermont. The airconditioning in the car isnt working so we drove most of the way without it AND it was 90 degrees!!! I guess they figure we have been hiking outdoors...we dont need air! hahaha...Suck it up kids...We are at Calvin Coolidge State Park which is where we come every year for a family vacation. Pretty awesome!It's weird not being with the rest of 5 Alive but we will catch back up with them on Sunday. Song: "Patience" Guns and Roses...I think this one is in my head once a month!!!
Date: 2003-06-28
From: Vermont

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I woke up this morning with a very weird rash all over my stomach and right leg...more on that in a minute. We left Vermont and before we did my mom, sister and I had a personal memorial in honor of my grandma at Calvin Coolidge State Park. It was such an amazing moment to share with my family. Then my parents decided to drive south on 7 which crosses the AT OFTEN...which was pretty cool because we ran into some hikers that we met the first month. Dean Machine, FlatLander, and Mama Lipton it was good to see you guys again! OH and we saw Poptart on Thursday at one of the trailheads...Poptart - you rock!Anyways, I thought the rash would go away but as the day went on it just spread all over my body and just got gross. So my family got to spend a couple of hours at the emergency room with me. Yeah!!! So I got a steroid shot - Ouch and lots of meds. It cleared up for awhile but its back right now...I dont know if I will be able to get back on the trail tomorrow like this...especially since it is all over my hands and feet...neck, hips and shoulders...okay everywhere. We will see. This is SO frusterating for me because noone knows what it is and it is horrible!song: "Papa don't preach" - Madonna
Date: 2003-06-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am in Fort Montgomery, NY. My parents dropped Slickrock off this morning with the rest of 5 Alive and I decided to wait one more day to get back on the trail. So I am .8 away from the trail and will join them tomorrow in Bear Mountain. BUT I am covered with a rash that wont stop AND I went to the Dr. which I hate to do and have done everything he told me and its not working. So what do I do? Hmmmm...sorry about all the complaining. Gonna to try to suck it up...guess you will find out tomorrow whether I got back on the trail or not!!!song: "Jesse's Girl" Rick Springfield
Date: 2003-06-30
From: Bear Mountain

To: Graymoor Monastery
Miles today: 6.0

Well, I woke up this morning and didnt have too much of a rash...I took my time getting ready...just enjoyed my morning by myself. But by the time I left at 10:30, I had it all over my arms and legs. I was supposed to meet the rest of 5 Alive around 11:30 at the Bear Mtn. Zoo(the AT goes right through the zoo)in front of the Bear exhibit. By the time they all got there the rash had cleared up!!!! There was a pool by the zoo that through hikers can use for free, so we put on our bathing suits and went swimming. So refreshing! Then we explored the zoo, hung out and started our hike to Graymoor Friary. And the rash is still under control...The hike was sooo pretty, like walking through gardens. We did have to cross the Bear Mtn. bridge-where they are doing construction...so I moved pretty quickly over that one. I was hiking with Slickrock and Sandals...when all of sudden something bit me and was flying around in my pants!!! I threw my backpack off and tried to get it out...Sandals turned around so I was able to drop my pants to get the bug out. I dont know what it was but it was weird sounding in my pants...and it burned when it bit me...but all is well. We are at the Graymoor Friary ballpark where they let hikers stay and is a sink, cold shower and a pavillion to stay dry if needed. Slickrock and I are camped out...right by the pavillion. There are some other hikers here too...Mule, Liteshoe, Mud, ReBob, and a few others plus all 7 of 5 Alive. Nice place! The rash is on me but much less than before..hopefully going away!!!song:"Cry" Faith Hill
Date: 2003-07-01
From: Graymoor Monastery

To: Shenandoah Campgrounds
Miles today: 17.8

TIRED!!! We started our day by touring the Graymoor spiritual Center...it was very, very,very nice. But then we started hiking around 9:30am...which puts me in the heat too much. So its official Slickrock and I are going to take a midday siesta every day from about 12-3 to get out of the heat. We took a nap today right on the trail...which means we got to the campground around 8:45 pm tonight...yikes. Good day though. I really like New York...its been so pretty!Anyways, Happy 1st day of June!song: "The Remedy" Jason Mraz
Date: 2003-07-02
From: Shenandoah Campgrounds

To: .5 mile past Nuclear Lake
Miles today: 15.3

Loved today!!! I only had a very small rash on my side this morning so it is going away!!! Yippee! Also, we all got up and going by 7:30 am...which is so nice because it is not too hot. Most of 5 Alive went .4 miles to a store but Ketchup and I went on to the first shelter we were passing. I got there(10.4 miles) at 12 and didnt leave till 3:00pm...oh yeah, took a three hour siesta! Very nice! And then only had about 5 miles to go...we went swimming/wading in Nuclear Lake(hopefully we wont start glowing)...it was so pretty. We had hoped to camp there but there are signs everywhere that say "No camping"...so we moved on from that area. Would have been nice. Hi to "Just Greg", who Slickrock and I met yesterday. Thank you for your encouragement!Big HUGE thank you to Bruce and Sue for my Ultimax Light Hiker Socks. I have been wearing them this week and they are great! song: "Hold me Jesus" Rich Mullins
Date: 2003-07-03
From: .5 mile past Nuclear Lake

To: 10 mile River Shelter Campground
Miles today: 15.6

What a great day! We woke up a little later than we have been, and were hiking by 8:15 am. 5 Alive split up a little bit last night, Cir and Swift Sandals hiked about 2 miles more to a shelter while the rest of us camped. So we were hiking to that shelter to find them. We got water, which has been hard to do in New York because a lot of the water is GROSS! Also, Ketchup lost her water filter last week so all 5 of us are using my water filter and we are going to need to replace it soon...I think we will be able to this Saturday.Anyways, we hiked to NY 22 and guess what?!!! There was a hot dog stand right by the trail(smart woman)!! So we all through our packs down and ordered at least 2 hotdogs, it was 11:30...and then we took our siesta there till 2 under a tree. Before the hotdog stand, we crossed some train tracks that actually go to NYC...and so while siesta-ing, Diesel and Oopu kept talking about going to NYC then they called...long story short...the two of them and Ketchup are going to NYC tomorrow and will find us in Cornwall Bridge, CT on Saturday. So its just me, Slickrock, Cire and Sandals tonight. We are camped by the most beautiful river tonight AND we got the best trail magic. A couple from CT, carried a cooler for a mile full of dry ice and ice cream and stuff for banana splits...YUMMY!!Thank you Cathy and Randy!!! You made our night!!! Good luck planning your thru hike!!!song: "Fame" from Fame
Date: 2003-07-04
From: 10 mile River Shelter Campground

To: Stewart Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Oy! I cried, I was sooo tired today...Slickrock and Sandals were so patient with me. Of course we had our first THREE 1000 foot climbs in a long time. We stopped at a viewpoint about 6:15 pm with 3.5 miles to go and decided to stay to watch fireworks and eat dinner. Slickrock decided not to stay because she wanted to hike alone...but Sandals and I stayed and enjoyed it. AND THEN our 3.5 mile hike in the dark. We do night hikes everyonce in a while but we probably shouldnt have here!!! We did a 1.5 mile climb down rocks(90 rock steps with a tree that fell today) that locals use for rock climbing instruction...(shrug). If we had known we wouldnt have done it but we made it...slowly...took us till 10:45 pm, then we had the most amazing hike by the Housatonic River...fireflys were EVERYWHERE!! He and I sat by the river for about 10 minutes. We finally found the shelter by 11:30 pm...glad to be there. Cire and Slickrock waited for us till 11:30 because they were a lit!tle worried about us climbing down the rocks. We made it!!! song: "My life is in your hands" forget who sings it but it was in my head while following Sandals down the 90 rock steps.