morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Rocky Run Shelter, MD

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Long day of nasty humdity, it's going to be a long summer! We hiked 2 miles to a campground that had free showers. Score! It was awesome to be clean, not awesome to put my soaking wet sweaty smelly clothes back on. The cleanliness lasted maybe an hour anyway. Next stop was another 2 miles to Washington Monument and lunch. Along the walk up, there were signs giving time line info on Washington and the coming of our independence. This whole area North of Harper's Ferry is so historic, so many things to see and so many signs to read, it makes it hard to hike! We also passed an old battlefield which was neat to see. All it is now is a green grassy pasture, but it is fun to imagine what it looked like during battle.Onward, to some nice trail magic. Once we crossed the footbridge over the interstate, we came upon some nice gentleman handing out cold sodas and fruit, just what I needed! One was a thru hiker from 07 named 357 Magnum. While crossing the bridge, I had the girls all jerking their arms up and down, signaling all the 18-wheeler trucks to blow their horns. I remember doing that as a kid, we were giggling so hard, I felt so young and silly again.Shoe/foot update: The balls of my feet feel like they were beaten with a hammer, then I walked on hot coals. It is so frustrating to be walking with such pain. No shoe ever feels good, I wish this wasn't such a tough battle to keep fighting my way through. It is really getting me down and making me nervous. But, I will keep doing what it takes to get to Maine, even if it means hiking on my hands. PA tomorrow, booyah!
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter, PA
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: mist

Attention, attention: we are in the north! Today we crossed the Mason Dixon line and into PA. A celebratory beer was had at the line, Keystone, since we are now in the Keystone state, how appropriate.6 states down.
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Deer Lick Shelter, PA

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 14.0

The luxury of state parks, flushing toilets, and running water will end soon, but for now, I will take full advantage.Awesome day and gorgeous weather. We reunited with the GA girls after not seeing them for over a month; it was incredible. The Condiments, GA girls, and us hung out in Caledonia State Park for a few hours and got some pizza for dinner to celebrate our reunion. Finally, good pizza! Southern pizza is the pits. I wolfed down 5 slices and could have kept going, but I would have felt horrible climbing mountains after that, so I stopped. It's so great to be back with all our ladies, we missed everyone's company dearly.The GA girls kept leaving notes in the registers that they had a surprise for us. We sat around the fire anxiously awaiting what was to come. Since they are now a band, they learned Shady Grove, an old folk song that the crazy pizza lady played for us at Woods Hole Hostel, it was amazing and made my day. They really did as a joke, but they sounded great, Little Dipper actually has a great singing voice! Thanks for the hilarious and amazing surprise!"I'm bound for shady grove."
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Stealth Camp

To: Pine Grove Furnace SP
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

We are badass, exactly 1/2 half of the Appalachian Trail is behind us. What!? Even more amazing was being at the exact halfway point with the GA girls and Condiments to celebrate and take photos. Life's good.The tradition of hiking to the half way point is to participate in the half gallon challenge, or eat a half gallon of ice cream to become part of the half gallon club. There was no way I wasn't going to give it my all, so I did, with vanilla. We did lots of trash talking, all 3 groups of women were making it a competition between us. I am sorry to say I couldn't eat that much, but I definitely ate more than 3/4 of it, so close. I started turning green according to Rocket, so I cut my losses when the ice cream turned soupy.Grommet champed it all down, but puked 3 times. Billy Hoot was the first to finish in 39 minutes, also puking shortly after, and Little Dipper came in just after her. Nutmeg and Katchup gave up shortly before. Not an easy challenge, but one worth taking on as part of the AT experience. I never want to eat that much ice cream in one sitting again, it was sickening. It was also 2,000 calories consumed, wow. How do people compete in eating contests, its horrifying to squeeze that much down your gullet!Very long day, time to rest my head and belly.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Pine Grove Furnace SP

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Exhaustion is hitting us hard. After hiking only 2 miles, we pulled over on the side of the trail and took a much needed 1 hour nap. I don't think any of us could have moved another step without more sleep. Luckily the weather was perfect and allowed us this amazing break. Onward and upward, to lunch!This state is making it difficult to hike, there are too many wonderful distractions, like delis .2 miles off the trail! I was craving a turkey and cheese sandwich and a cold soda, and man was it all I had been dreaming of. After eating almost an entire 1/2 gallon of ice cream yesterday and thinking I wouldn't want it for a long time, I dug in for more, just not 2,000 calories worth. Hey, dessert is important, right!?It's been a long and exhausting food filled day...and then there were 3
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Stealth Camp
Miles today: 18.2

Exhaustion is still the name of the game, none of us peeled our eyelids open until after 8. Crap! We caught up with everyone at the ATC Mid Atlantic Regional office in Boiling Springs, a super neat and quaint town. After spending some time sitting on their couches, we walked over to an Italian restaurant for lunch, more hiking distractions that I love. The food was much better than the sweaty oily cheese I have been carrying but not eating.Hiking out on a full belly is tough. We took our time and even night-hiked for a while. It was interesting but something I wouldn't want to do alone ever. We are stealth camped right next to an old abandoned overturned car that is completely rusted out. I have no idea what it even used to be, but it looks like it's been here 50 or so years. Totally cool.Made the most disgusting dinner ever; time to sleep it off.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Stealth Camp

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up and bolted to the legendary Doyle Hotel. This place is incredible and so historic. And coincidentally, I think we are in the same weird room Persistent stayed in 2 years ago. It is in a rounded corner and there are even curved windows. The building is over 100 years old and still has some of the original electrical switches and fixtures. It sort of reminds me a little of Elmers, both equally unique and wonderful. Downstairs is probably the most talked about bar on the trail. Vicky and Pat, the owners, are incredible folks. They photograph every hiker and take the time to remember everyone's name, so kind. And the food is out of control good; it's the little things. Also we reunited with Andy after probably 800 miles, the trail works in mysterious ways!We are here with the Condiments and GA girls, all our favorite buds. Beer and hours of playing Celebrity, what a fantastical way to end the day!
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Zero Day at the Doyle/Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A wise choice to zero, we are completely exhausted and it is storming out. Condiments and GA girls stayed as well. Little Dipper took Georgia to the vet to have her limpy paw examined, the vet said to give her a rest for a few days. Looks like we will lose them again for a while. It sucks but we will see them sooner or later. It was completely amazing to have all the ladies together again for a chunk of time. The Doyle was a fun experience, glad we got to spend more time here.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Zero Day at the Doyle/Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

A lovely day with the ladies, but unfortunately sans GA girls. I hope Georgia's paw heals up so she can get her 2,000 miler patch too! We will see them soon though, I told Billy Hoot to keep everyone in line and make them hike hard to catch up. The weather started out crappy, but cleared up making for a slippery but nice day. I really love PA despite the rocks that nag at my feet and ankles, it sure is a purdy state. The forest is beautiful and views are aplenty. We stood on top of Table Rock for a neat view of the valley below. What am I going to do when I no longer see such beauty every day?Lots to look forward to in the next week and a half. Rocket's mom and sister are coming to visit in Port Clinton. Then I'll get to see some friends from home and my mom again! It feels incredible to be so close to home; today I walked passed a sign for a highway that I live 2 minutes from. What!? Falling asleep to thoughts of home, I miss my friends and family so much, especially my little guy Poncho.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Creek Campsite
Miles today: 17.4

Dear PA,I love you and all your beauty. Thanks for letting us make awesome memories here.Love,StormAnother lovely day and lovely terrain. If this is as rocky as PA gets, it's no big deal, I am having fun with it.Brain is too tired to function any further at the moment.
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Rausch Creek Campsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Woke up to a downpour, decided to sleep until it was safe to pack down tents, good choice. A little extra sleep was much appreciated. It rained on and off all day until finally the sun came out at the very end of the day. Just our usual luck of pouring on us. The weather keeps testing my patience, it has been the rainiest spring and I hope for a rainless summer. Speaking of summer, tomorrow is the first day which means it's hike naked day. It is tradition on the first day of summer, but you can bet your naked butts I will not be participating! Imagine the chafing? I don't know if I am looking forward to seeing who will hike in the buff, but I am sure it will be funny. Nobody in this group is.The 501 Shelter is awesome, pizza delivery and a solar shower. Too bad it is probably freezing from raining all day, but the pizza rocks. I got a whole pizza so I can have a few slices for lunch tomorrow, mmm. Another reason why I love this state. Oh, and rhodo tunnels again, they are so pretty and feel rain foresty.Stay tuned for news on the naked hikers!
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

What a fantastic day. We got up early and cruised into town to meet Rocket's family. Rocket was too excited to stop for a break, so she was already with her mom and sister when Grom and I arrived at the outfitter. It was so great to finally meet the fam, what wonderful people. Rocket's mom drove all us smelly hikers to the hotel to check in and shower. Afterwards, she treated us all to lunch at the Cracker Barrel, which was so generous. We were carted all over town for resupply and a visit to Cabela's, the largest hunting and fishing outfitter ever. The place was full of dead stuffed animals, had an aquarium, restaurant, gun library and various other attractions, it was gigantic! A total hunter's dream. Later on was a beer or 2 and dinner with Mrs. Rocket and co at good ol Pappy T's. It was a nice way to end the visit with Rocket's family. We had a blast getting to know her mom and sister a little bit. Maybe they will come visit again soon, or hike with us!What a day.
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Port Clinton, NJ

To: Stealth Campsite (passed Eckville Shelter)
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

A lovely day, indeed. The Pinnacle and the Pulpit were awesome. I think these were the best views since Mcaffee Knob, and PA sure is beautiful. I am going to miss this state. We're outta here really soon; time is flying!
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was super cool, we hiked over Knife's Edge and Bake Oven Knob. The rocks are getting a little out of control now, though, but the big ones are fun. Knife's Edge really did feel like we were walking on a knife; it had a drop on either side and took some fancy foot planting and butt scooting to get across. It just hurt a lot since it was at the end of the day.It's been really fun lately. Life is good.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Stealth Campsite
Miles today: 11.6

Michael Jackson is dead I hear. How tragic. I remember dancing on the coffee table with my brother to "Beat It" as a little kid. Ahhh, the good ol days. It's been really nice being so disconnected from the news, it is all bad all the time.An unplanned siesta at a road side, 90 degrees, and a nasty climb out of Lehigh Gap makes for a short day. We hitched a ride into Palmerton for sandwiches and sat on the highway roadside for hours waiting out the heat. The climb was completely exposed and hiking in 90 degrees in the blazing sun sounded awful. Eventually we picked it up and got moving, taking advantage of any shady spot. After 20 minutes, we decided another 1 hour break was necessary. So, we waited some more. I was hoping that the longer we waited, the miles would just dissappear and a shelter would appear. For some crazy reason, the miles stayed, so we hiked on, dammit. It would have been midnight if we hiked the 19 miles we planned for, so we stopped short at a beautiful site overlooking the valley. My feet are happy, but tomorrow will be really long to make up part of today's miles. Oh well, sometimes it's fun not knowing where the day will take us.
Date: 2009-06-27
From: Stealth Campsite

To: Asbury, NJ (Tetzlaff Home)
Miles today: 12.7

Incredible day. We hiked into the Delaware Water Gap (DWG) today, home of where I spent almost all of my weekend hikes before thru hiking. It is so surreal to be here, I feel like I am home and it feels a little strange. I can't believe I have walked over 1,200 miles to a place I would drive to so easily. We stopped at the DWG bakery coming through town. Finally, I can shut my trap and nobody has to hear me rave about how great it is anymore, they have now experienced it for themselves. Grommet and I had a pie eating contest after I just told myself I would never do competitive eating again. I quickly forgot how awful it felt to eat 1/2 gallon of ice cream. I selected pumpkin, and she chose peach. We gave ourselves 20 minutes to eat a whole pie. It was the sorriest contest ever, I ate 3 pieces in 7 minutes and threw in the towel, she ate about the same and followed my lead. Competitive eating is just not for me. Oh well, the pie was awesome! I packed out a turkey pot pie for lunch tomorrow and off we were to meet Jonathan and Joan. Let the magic begin. They surprised us by meeting us unexpectedly on the PA side of the gap instead of NJ. Big hugs were exchanged. It was so exciting to see my day hiker buddies again; it's been over 4 months! They immediately welcomed all of my friends as their own. Off we were, right into the lap of luxury. All 5 of us were driven to Jonathan's humble abode (!), where a hot shower, washing machine and dryer, and a fabulous dinner cooked by his wife Linda and daughter Katya, and comfy beds were waiting. Does it get any better than this? We are all so happy to be here and be treated like royalty. Jonathan and Joan's family are amazing! Thanks so much for welcoming us 5 stink bombs and letting us take over your space! We had a super fun evening, lots of laughing with great people.Tomorrow the fun continues, Jonathan, Joan, and Emily (Joan's daughter) are going to hike with us. Looking forward to another day with friends. It's good to be in my home state.
Date: 2009-06-28
From: Asbury, NJ (Tetzlaff Home)

To: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Miles today: 8.9
Weather: scattered clouds

We were treated to the world's best coffee and homemade egg mcmuffins for breakfast. Thank you Linda for the gourmet eats!Off for another beautiful day in the woods, this time with Joan, Emily and Jonathan in our group. It was great to have hiker visitors come along. It forced me to take it a little slower than normal and smell the proverbial roses. Sunfish Pond (in Worthington State Forest) was as pretty as ever, with lots of frogs and tadpoles lurking about the waters. It was nice to be back to a place I have hiked so many times before. I look forward to returning after this hike with a day pack. Until then, there is a lot more trail to cover.At the end of the day, everyone went to the Mohican Outdoor Center for burgers and beer. A nice ending to a fun 2 days. A huge thank you to Joan's and Jonathan's families for taking such good care of us 5 ladies and being so generous. We had an amazing time and can't thank you enough. See you in a few months!
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ

To: Zero Day -- Mohican Outdoor Center, NJ
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

A special treat was awaiting this morning: sleep! I love when we don't have to go anywhere; staying cozy in my sleeping bag is pure luxury. I could have laid around all day, but good things were happening today. First was juice and pancakes, courtesy of Grommet. She added the blueberries we picked on the ridge yesterday, they were delicious. Good 'ol Jersey hand-picked berries! Afterwards was time to get ready for visitors. We all walked to the visitor center to wait on my guests. I was so excited when my mom pulled up. In the car were 2 of her best friends, and 3 of mine ( Kelly, Lucy and Brooke). I was so happy to see everyone, I have been missing my ladies so much! Later on was a ton of cousins and some babies; my day was complete. Good friends, good food, and my amazing family. I have so much to look forward to when I get back home, I think this makes the next leg of the journey a bit easier now, emotionally anyway. The last few days have been so wonderful, I am really lucky for the people that are in my life. Mom, thank you for bringing the party to me, you are the best mom of all!
Date: 2009-07-01
From: Creepy Abandoned YMCA Camp

To: Sunrise Mountain Pavilion
Miles today: 16.0

Shhh, we are illegally tenting in the pavilion on Sunrise Mountain. We decided to cut the day a little short to sleep here in hopes of avoiding rain and perhaps a nice sunrise. The rain sucks! Oh, and we just saw a bear that was 6 feet away.
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Sunrise Mountain Pavilion

To: Unionville, NY (Former Mayor's Home)
Miles today: 17.4

A lot of time out here is spent fantasizing about food and home comforts. During the morning as we traversed more rocks, roots and mud, that's all I could think of, and we listed all of our desires upon re-entry. I am really anxious to wear sweat pants again, shower every day, drink coffee in bed, watch some TV, read a book, wake up and not have to go anywhere (until I work again, of course), eat healthy and home-cooked food, and cuddle my dog Poncho. I spent a good 30 minutes thinking about my little guy and how cute and fuzzy he is, I miss him so much! There are tons more, but those are the immediate comforts I miss. We are staying at the home of the former mayor of Unionville. Two years ago, he began opening up his home to hikers, providing us with a shower, laundry, dinner and breakfast. This was his wife's dying wish, and so he continues to pay tribute to her through us. He is a wonderful man with a kind heart and a really funny sense of humor. The trail is truly amazing.
Date: 2009-07-03
From: Unionville, NY (Former Mayor's Home)

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: clear sky

Today I speed-hiked to Vernon to meet my good work buddies. I was so excited to see everyone; it was refreshing and a nice way to break up the day. They showed up with pizza and homemade cookies. Score! I had them hike only a mile or 2 up to the top, it was pretty steep so hopefully they don't hate me! I think they had fun, I hope. Anyway, it was great to catch up with everyone. I look forward to seeing everyone when I return.Back to business as usual.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Greenwood Lake, NY (Rocket's Uncle Jack's)
Miles today: 9.9

There are no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason.Today's 10 miles were exhausting. We hiked to 17A and right into Bellvale Creamery for some delicious ice cream. Originally we had planned to hike another 6 miles to an overlook of NYC in hopes of seeing fireworks, but we all knew we weren't moving another step. So plan B was to somehow get to the drive-in movie theater and watch a movie, sans car. Was it possible? We were determined to make this work! Some kind man offered to drive us, we accepted and he left to go back home and find out what movies were playing. In the meantime, I went back in to get more, yes MORE, ice cream. When I walked out, Rocket was talking to 2 men and it seemed like she knew them by the excitement in her voice. She did. It was her uncle and cousin that she hadn't seen in 10 years. Incredible. After some catching up, she asked her uncle if we could crash their 4th of July party and spend the night at their house on the lake. Screw the drive-in, this was an incredible moment that was meant to happen! It was way more than we had ever hoped for. We just wanted a beer and possible fireworks! The house is amazing, her family is so generous and made excellent spur-of-the-moment hosts. We had such a great time. Are we hiking the trail? I feel like I am on vacation. Tomorrow is tubing and water skiing on the lake. Does it get any sweeter? Happy 4th! Thanks Haegeles.
Date: 2009-07-05
From: Greenwood Lake, NY

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 2.1
Weather: clear sky

It gets even sweeter. A huge homemade breakfast, coffee, boating, tubing and water skiing. Seriously, are we hiking? This family and this experience is incredible; I still can't believe it is all happening. I am so excited that Rocket was reunited with so much of her family in a really unique way. Tubing and skiing was awesome, it was my first time for both. I bombed out on the skiing part, but it was fun to try anyway. We didn't want to leave this amazingness, but the trail awaits. Vacation is over, back to work! It was so great spending time with Rocket's family and having more off-trail fun. This was my favorite trail moment, hands down, I wonder if anything will ever top this? We'll see...
Date: 2009-07-06
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Harriman, NY
Miles today: 9.9

You know that motivation is at an all-time low when every 2 miles, an hour-long break happens. It is hot, the rocks suck, and nobody wants to move. Oh where oh where will the motivation come from? We are avoiding hiking at all costs, so we headed into town for real food and a hotel room. Back on the trail tomorrow. We should be seeing the GA girls, I hope they can bring some excitement back to us. We're hurtin.
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Moss's

To: Zero-Day Note
Miles today: 0.0

Just a quick entry from an actual computer to let you all know my Pocketmail is broken and I'm waiting on a new email device, called a Peek, so I can resume writing. I lost a handful of entries in the Pocketmail and have given up on handwriting. Sometimes, I can't even read my own chicken scratch, so there will be a few weeks with nothing to read! Mom, I know you are so disappointed, sorry. My next entry will sum up everything I have missed writing about in the last 2 or so weeks. Sorry to keep you all on the edge of your seats, but we're still moving along and will be in Maine hopefully in 4-6 weeks. I am currently in Massachusetts and will be in Vermont in another week. Three more states to go, wahoo! Thanks for all the support everyone, stay tuned.Oh, and my miles are not updated, something I am being lazy at, but we are at mile 1531.2, yay!