morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Pen-Mar border
Miles today: 17.5

Anonymous, who I presume wants to remain so, and therefore probably shouldn¢t be hiking with me, and I were walking down the trail today, talking, not paying much attention to our surrounds, when all of a sudden we were halted in our tracks by unmistakable hissing and rattling. Luckily the sounds were recognized instantaneously as ones which could cause us great harm, as we grabbed each other and jumped back before stepping on a rattlesnake lying across the trail, the first, and hopefully last, I¢ve seen along the way. Probably under three feet in length, although we like to exaggerate and say at least six when we retell the story, he was not happy to see us, coiling in front of the closest tree ready to strike. Instead of continuing on our merry way, we, and by we, I actually mean Anonymous and his trekking poles, poked the ground around the poor guy trying to rile him up even more, for the sake of a good picture, all which turned out blurry because I wasn¢t about to get any closer for a better shot. I¢ve had enough excitement for one day.
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Pen-Mar border

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 19.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Welcome to Pennsylvania, the physical midway point of the trail, my home state and the one seemingly most dreaded and smack-talked by thru-hikers. I expected a bigger fanfare at the border crossing the Mason-Dixon line, maybe trumpets announcing my arrival, or even a sign will do, but I honestly wasn¢t sure where Maryland ended and Pennsylvania began. So much for my grand entrance.Despite the lack of arrival hype, my first day in PA was actually pretty nice, easy terrain, good water sources, some of the best shelters I¢ve seen along the way. I don¢t know what everyone is complaining about, but I¢m sure I¢ll soon find out. Or hopefully not. Maybe it won¢t be so bad. Probably I will live to regret these words.I have so far noticed one distinct difference between the north and south in the amount of development as we walk closer towards our goal. Road crossings are more common, meaning we are definitely not in the wilderness any longer, as parts of the trail intersect interstate highways, meander through the main streets of towns, go directly through state parks. While at times it doesn¢t feel like I¢m on the AT, I am definitely enjoying and taking advantage of places to stop along the way, like today at the Caledonia State Park and their sparkling clean, first-day-open-for-business swimming pool. No hard feelings towards hikers here, even as we entered the blue waters covered in sweat and grime not wearing bathing suits although the signs prohibited swimming in street clothes. Laying on the grass in the warm sun to dry afterwards never felt so good. Throw in a shower and I no longer smell or look like a hiker. I¢m sure it won¢t last long. Happy days on the AT.
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: 1 mile past midway marker
Miles today: 19.4

Twenty miles and another state park beckons, just after the physical midway point of the trail at Pine Grove Furnace, known for its half-gallon challenge. To belong to this esteemed club of thru-hikers, you have to eat a half gallon of ice cream in one sitting to mark your halfway point, the reigning champion downing his in just over 4 minutes, but most attempts requiring anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour. Can anyone say belly ache? I decided against this $5 self-induced state of nausea and near-vomiting experience, tempting as it was, other thru-hikers calling me a weenie and various such nonsense names. If I am less of a hiker, even after walking half of the trail just like everyone seated around the tables of gluttonous lactose torture, then so be it. Opting instead for moderation and self-restraint, I chose a simple one-scoop cone, so that I can continue to enjoy ice cream in the weeks to come.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: 1 mile past midway marker

To: close to PA turnpike
Miles today: 23.6

Uh-oh. It seems I'm camping illegally again tonight. Not that I'm trying to break the regulations of the trail; it's just that I was tired before reaching the shelter, it got dark, my ankle began to hurt, just in case anyone asks what the heck I am doing setting up my tent so close to the PA turnpike, not that I can see it from the darkness inside my tent, but I can hear the traffic. I guess I'm not in the woods anymore, especially with a road crossing every mile or three. Welcome to the much more developed northeast. This area used to be 15 miles of road walk. Thank God it's no longer, but the trail now runs through a narrow corridor of people's backyards and farmlands, which is precisely why I'm not supposed to set up my tent here. I hope I don't get hit by a car hiking the Appalachian Trail. I fully expected to make it to the next shelter, thinking I could walk 31 miles today no sweat. I probably could have too, except the tavern in Boiling Springs was calling my name, and yet another one of my life's lessons is that when someone offers to buy a round of drinks, don't insult by refusing but instead accept graciously. After a few smiles and thanks, I could no longer stand the company of the pompous thru-hikers beside me at the bar, honestly the only 2 I've met that I would rather shoot than hike alongside of, uttering derogatory comments about women every other phrase - not about me mind you, for I'm just another hiker despite my feminine attributes because truth be told, women can't hike. Reason for hiking the trail is only to add it to the list of "cool things I've done in my life," trying to impress with stories of bar brawls and other displays of manliness. And so when the testosterone and macho bravado become too much to handle, it's time to hike, and show these men what strong women are made of. I wonder who will have the last laugh, being that I'm the one stuck camping illegally way too close to the PA turnpike. Eat my dust, for my list of cool things is just as long, yet I don't have to list them to be cool. Actions speak louder than words. And so I smile, grit my teeth, fight only the battles that are worth it, and hike on.
Date: 2007-05-31
From: close to PA turnpike

To: Duncannon, PA 
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: scattered clouds

For the love of God, stop the incessant buzzing around my head before it drives me completely insane! What is the purpose of gnats, besides to aggravate me silly? Are there really as many gnats in the woods as those flying around my face would lead me to believe? Do the same gnats follow me for miles along the trail, or does one posse pick up where the last left off, only to annoy the hiker following behind? I don¢t think I will ever comprehend their need to fly in and out of my ears, straight into my eyeballs, get stuck in my hair. I pulled more black bugs out of my eyelashes in a single day today than I have in all my other hiking days combined. It¢s actually not nearly as fun as it sounds. But even worse were the caterpillars, which made me feel as though something were crawling under every inch of my skin. Hiking the trail today was akin to caterpillar slalom to dodge the ones hanging on fine single threads from the trees above. Furry ones, green slimy ones, ones in colors I have never before seen, even albino ones, all vying to land somewhere on my body or backpack. The only sound I could hear seemed to be the pitter patter of rain drops, but oddly enough, I wasn¢t getting wet. I hope it¢s a lie, but I hear the sound in reality comes from caterpillars crapping as they hang from the trees. So although I¢m not getting wet, I am actually getting covered with caterpillar feces, which may explain why my head is so itchy today. My hair is filled with poop ¢ now there¢s an attractive thought.In part due to the bugs and feces, maybe because of the heat and rocks too, I wanted off the dang trail today. But I also had something to look forward to, my family picking me up in Duncannon this evening for a few days off in PA, mainly to attend my former students¢ high school graduation. I can¢t wait to see the surprised look on their faces¢¦¢Senorita, you walked from Georgia for this?¢ Heck yeah, I wouldn¢t miss it for anything in this world.Granted the kids may think I am a lunatic, but deep down inside, I hope they see a woman who goes after her dreams, who isn¢t afraid of a bit of risk for the rewards involved, who doesn¢t stop challenging herself even as others around her decide to remain firmly in their comfort zones, who makes her own decisions even if not in line with what society is saying she should be doing with her life. May I and my crazy ventures serve as an example and inspiration to these teen-agers. Just as soon as I wash my hair.
Date: 2007-06-04
From: Duncannon, PA 

To: home in PA
Miles today: 0.0

Friday 6/1 ¢ Monday 6/4Home sweet home. I hope I can get back on the trail after returning to my other life for a few days. True, it may be difficult, but the trail still beckons. Maine remains the goal, and while my journey continues, I am sure you will be cheering me all the way.
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Doyle Hotel, Duncannon, PA

To: woods somewhere in PA
Miles today: 23.3

Enough procrastinating, hee-hawing around, waiting until tomorrow for what I should be doing today, it felt good to be back on the trail, although I probably overdid it usual Stacy style. I definitely worked hard for today's miles, trying out giant hunks of plastic in my shoes and a new less comfortable, but lighter weight backpack. I think both will do as I become more accustomed to their feel. Although the orthodics are not all that the doctor predicted, I would estimate a 40% improvement, which I will take any day, hands down. I wish the esteemed doctor could do something about the rocky terrain, but I guess that is my job. No matter what, my feel are going to hurt in PA, as other hikers assure me the terrain is only going to get more difficult. Although the water was definitely flowing during the first part of PA, the latter part of the state is also notorious for dry and distant water sources. It is one reason the shelters can at times be located far apart, so some days, if you want to stay at shelters, your options for hiking are either 12 miles or 30, as was the case today. Another option is to carry enough water with you to be able to dry camp without a water source somewhere in between. I had hoped to do 30 miles today to reach the second shelter, which proved to be way too ambitious, over the top and extreme Stacy style, and probably just plain stupid, for I was whooped a number of miles before that point. Intersecting trails and campsites we passed were designated with fancy names such as Yellow Springs Village and Cold Spring Trail - silly me for thinking that a place with spring in the name may actually have a water source nearby. Now my options became continue hiking the 30 miles to the shelter or dry camp without only a few drops of water to make it to the next morning, neither a very enticing choice. Lucky for me I stumbled over a mud puddle in the trail, which soon became the evening's water source. Looks gross, but tastes good when you are tired and ready to call it a day.
Date: 2007-06-08
From: woods somewhere

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

Today was a day of extremes, and for once, I'm not referring to something outrageous I've done. It was hot today, and I'm not talking about a little bit of sweat dripping down my face. I'm talking to the point where I could barely continue to move, likely record-breaking heat, plus factor in the humidity and I honestly thought I was keeping Satan company in hell. Oh yeah, add a big uphill without much tree cover, poison ivy choking the trail to the point that I had to stop and put on my pants, which only made me hotter, but I guess is better than being covered with itchy red splotches. I usually can hike at least an hour or two without stopping to take a break, but today, I could make it about 20 minutes max before I had to sit on a rock, of which there are many, to rest and mop off my face with my bandanna before continuing for only a few minutes more. It was the longest 7 miles in the history of the Appalachian Trail, of that I am sure. If the temperature reached the high 90s today, which I'm pretty sure it did, that means since I've been on the trail, I have withstood temperature fluctuations of nearly ninety degrees, from the single digits way back in Georgia and North Carolina in March to the sweltering heat of today. Did I mention it was hot today? From one extreme to the next, this is not your grandfather's AT. Last night I set up my tent in the middle of the woods, drank water from a mud puddle, washed my pot with dirt and leaves, killed a wild grouse for dinner, OK the last one's a lie, although I almost got knocked off the trail by an irate mother flying right at me. To this evening at the 501 shelter, which is the trail's only fully enclosed bunkhouse, with room for 12, each on his or her own bed, skylight overhead. Hikers can order pizza and other such greasy sustenance from a local restaurant that delivers. The fire ring is surrounded by chairs instead of rock and log stools, chopped firewood stacked nearby. Actually, we didn't even have to make a fire for the caretaker who lives next door already had one going when we arrived. The privy is a porta-potty which is cleaned once a week and includes toilet paper in the servicing. And there's a solar shower, cold water coming out of a suspended garden hose washing away the day's sweaty grime never felt so good. I wondered after my shower if it still counts if I dry myself with the same bandanna I used to mop off my sweat earlier in the day, and decided that yes, the shower is still valid, because I'm still cleaner afterwards than those who hiked the trail during my grandfather's time. We have it so good.
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Blackburn Center

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I said I will hike every mile of the Appalachian Trail, no blue-blazing to shorten the journey, no yellow-blazing or hitching to skip sections via the road, and I meant it. And so today I hiked the 8 miles I deferred last time I was in northern Virginia, no more guilty conscience. It may not be clear why I skipped this section in the first place, so uncharacteristic of me, my personality, my stated desire to hike every inch of the Appalachian Trail. Last time I visited the Bears Den I had planned to hike this 8 miles to the next shelter along the way, during the evening hours the last day of my stay here. But the evening hours quickly vanished as we talked logistics of my planned return, waited to say good-bye to new friends heading south, procrastinated leaving such a warm and welcoming environment. Instead, the following day I got a ride to the next shelter, where I started hiking to make it to Harper's Ferry before everything closed for the day. Because I gave my word to help for a week at the hostel, I knew I would be returning to this area and could hike the miles then; if I knew I still had to hike these miles, I could not go back on my word, although I wouldn't dream of it anyways, but the deferred miles provided extra incentive. My promised one-week stay at the Bears Den now has turned into three weeks. Although I am enjoying my time at the Bears Den - even if running the cleanest hostel on the trail is hard work! - my legs are itching to be back on the trail. Three weeks off the trail doesn't necessarily mean I will get fat and lazy, but I know my conditioning will not be what I have become accustomed to. I long to be back on the trail, so I will do some hiking while I am here, the 8 miles today, likely a redo of the roller coaster - call me crazy - another. So again I got a ride to the next shelter north of the hostel, from where I hiked south back to Bears Den, the 8 miles I skipped a few weeks ago now checked off my list, meaning I have now hiked every inch of the AT from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Port Clinton in Pennsylvania, where I will get back on the trail on July 2. Boy did it feel good to be back on the trail! My feet still hurt, likely will for the months to come, but just being out was invigorating, reminded me of why I love to hike, proved that I made the right decision to undertake the trail, persuaded me that this isn't over yet. I realized something today, or I should say re-realized for it is something I already knew and just had to be reminded of once again. The trail, plus the opportunity to hike it, is a gift, which very few are given. I will not squander it.
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

First full day back on the trail, with decent mileage as a thru-hiker didn't feel too bad. I thought I would struggle more, be totally and hopelessly and frustratingly out of shape, having lost all my hard-earned conditioning after three fat and lazy weeks off the trail. I thought my legs would feel like jello, my knees wobbling with every step, my back and shoulders aching with the weight of the pack, my ankles and feet screaming over the reputed rocky terrain. But my various body parts held up surprisingly well. Glad to be back on the trail, my joints and muscles responded as a thru-hiker's should. And even the rocks didn't seem to faze me. For the first 15 miles anyways. And then I began to struggle. I thought I was almost to the shelter, praise be to God, when I saw blue blazes marking a side trail. I was proud to be maintaining the same pace as when I left the trail three weeks ago, realizing that I must not have lost too much of my conditioning, that I was definitely not fat and lazy during my time off. But my demeanor changed and I was seriously bummed when I discovered that the trail marked a point other than the shelter, still a mile and a half away. OK, so maybe I am a little fatter... I was tired and sick of rocks by the time I made it to the shelter, still happy to be back on the trail, but now knowing my physical stamina isn't what it used to be. Another half mile down a steep hill to the water source, then back up of course, carrying water for as many people as I could, and I was pooped.   Camper's midnight came none too soon, as I fell asleep in the cozy cocoon of my newly borrowed tent. Tomorrow is yet another day to work up my strength to my accustomed level. I'll get it back; it's just a matter of time and effort. miles remaining 948.5
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Slatington Fine Lodging
Miles today: 17.4

Back in January when I was furiously preparing for this hike, a photographer from the local paper emailed to ask if he could accompany me for a week once I arrived to PA. Sure, but planning to meet up with someone on the trail is a logistical challenge, as thru-hikers invariably change their plans at least six times a day, come up with outrageous schemes for adventures off the trail, and rarely show up at the designated time and place. On the other hand, I am a teacher at heart, and am therefore eager to educate, sharing my experiences in the hopes of inspiring and motivating others to follow their own personal dreams. Although I wasn't feeling well at the beginning of this week, I decided to stick with the original plan, no longer the original for it had already been changed a number of times, true thru-hiker style, and allow Camera Guy to photo document my journey during these couple of days. I, along with the thru-hikers around me, were impressed with Rob's desire to be part of the trail experience, the dedication he showed towards his job, the integrity with which he took photos of us. For interested local family and friends, the story will appear in the Friday, July 27 edition of the Morning Call. I sure hope the article doesn't put any local establishment out of business, or precipitate inquiries by the Department of Health, for tonight's Fine Lodging was anything but, an oxymoron in every sense of the term. Little did I know the hiker bunk was code for painter's quarters - "don't trip over that open can of paint" / emergency exit - "but don't worry; I can guarantee there won't be a fire tonight" / carpenter's storage - "careful with the nails and exposed wires." Surely inhaling paint fumes all night didn't help my already-troubled, now even-further-compromised respiratory tract. I slept surprisingly well on a stained - "I swear it's candle wax" - roll away bed mattress without sheets, all part of the life of a thru-hiker. miles remaining 931.1
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Slatington Fine Lodging

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: light rain

It's true what they say about PA - the rocks are rough and my ankles, although steel-reinforced, are taking a beating. Both were aching when I awoke this morning from being overturned and torqued, each step a precarious balancing act yesterday. In addition to holding my body parts together, the screws - 4 in one ankle and 5 in the other - also serve as my own personal weather predictor, with the incoming thunderstorms causing even more tenderness in my already tender joints. Today's terrain passes through a devastated area, the result of nearly a century of zinc smelting, now part of the EPA's Superfund clean-up initiative. Revegetation efforts are underway, but as of now, the area still looks like a deserted moon landscape. I hope the blueberries along the trail, which I just couldn't resist, don't cause me to glow this evening. Adding insult to injury, PA is notorious for its lack of decent water sources, many already run dry for the season, the ones still flowing down long, steep trails sometimes a half mile off the white-blazed AT. I try to conserve my two liters as long as possible to avoid these extra climbs, even going a whole day without refilling. But PA is not all bad. Although we thru-hikers love to complain about the rigors, better yet tortures, of my home state, PA has really stepped up to the plate with some trail magic extraordinaire over the past two days. Yesterday when we finished our miles for the day, happy 4th!, former thru-hikers were waiting to offer us beer, chips and pretzels, donuts, support and encouragement, plus a chance to reminisce and share good memories of their own hikes. This morning after the rocky scrambling climb out of Lehigh Gap, reputedly among the most challenging on the AT south of the Whites in New Hampshire, although I found it quite fun, I discovered Capri Suns left be some hardy soul who apparently enjoys the climb enough to do it time and again, offering sweet refreshment at a most opportune time. Another local offered me a Gatorade. Still others left gallon jugs of water at road crossings, realizing lack of water to be one of our biggest challenges during this section. Although my ankles ache and my body burns, it's the magic of the trail that continues to inspire.miles remaining 915