morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-07-04
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is for Tommie Heffernan, Josie Speed, Mary Lonergan and all my American friends. Still reeling from the events of yesterday, I wake early. For the first time ever I have breakfast and leave camp before 6. 17.4 miles to Pine Grove Furnace Park where John is waiting. I walk with a spring in my step, knowing that today I will cross the halfway mark. What a fitting way to celebrate Independence Day. I meet Bingo and Trucker (both studied at Maynooth) who are getting ready to leave their camp. I stop at a Cabin where a lovely couple welcome me with apple juice (why bother with water). It is hot but the going is not too difficult. I stop at Birch Run Shelter to eat and get some water. Again a lovely new Shelter where volunteers are painting. I stop for lunch around 11.30 and I am soon joined by Trucker and Bingo. We hike along together the remaining 6 miles. I surprise myself with my speed today. John is waiting with more meat and sausages (enough to feed an army). He has met a group who are finished cooking and soon our meat is sizzling on the hot coals. We feed Trucker and Bingo, 2 Dog Mother, Torch and Superman, then Stretch comes along and even though he has eaten half a gallon of ice cream, he still has room for food. Cheesecake and Spin bring up the rear and any fears that John might have had food remaining are soon dispelled. Hikers leave nothing behind. By now there is great chatting between the two groups, Hikers and those on some ¢Recovery Programme¢. John plays the pipes and one lad is overcome when he is ¢serenaded¢ with Happy Birthday. Stretch, John and I go back to the Motel for a wash and change. We later head for Gettysburg hoping to see the Fireworks. We visit some of the Historic Sights before returning to an early bed. A wee drop of Powers to help us get to sleep. A fantastic day, crossing the halfway mark. John could not have chosen a better time to come on the Trail.
Date: 2003-07-05
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Kearny, NJ
Miles today: 0.0

Today is for ¢Those who shall be Nameless¢ who sent John out here. Early rising, we wonder what to do on a Zero Day. Why not drive to New Jersey and visit Eddie Callaghan? A quick phone call and soon we are on our way. We do some ¢shopping¢ and drop Stretch back on the Trail at Pine Grove Furnace. Then we pick up Route 81, then 78 and soon we are heading for the Holland Tunnel. A little difficulty finding Kearny but we get there. Eddie is delighted. Kathleen and Tommie, Maureen and Dave come over and a great party and barbeque on the back lawn takes place. It is so good to meet up with ¢the kids¢ after all these years. A lovely night but John can fill you in on the details. He stayed later than I. Thank you, Tommy, for the beer and the food. Maureen¢s spaghetti salad was ¢awesome¢. Kathleen wants me back after the Trail to baptize their second child, due in August. Mary would have enjoyed the gathering, especially the pipes at a late hour.
Date: 2003-07-06
From: Kearny, NJ

To: Carlisle
Miles today: 0.0

Rising early as usual. A lovely night in Eddie¢s air-conditioned room. Eddie is already on the move. He has everything neat and tidy. Coffee and a chat. We make some phone calls to Australia. Great to speak with Seamus, Mary, Catherine and Jerry. 8.45, Mass in the nearby Church. I concelebrate with Fr. Michael in Portuguese. Today is for Mary and Eddie Callaghan and I offer Mass for Mary. After Mass, John, Eddie and I have a whopper of a breakfast at a nearby Diner. Pancakes, bacon and the rest. We leave New Jersey and head back towards the West. We eventually reach Carlisle where we buy a Big Pizza and take it to our room at the Econo Motel. We watch the ¢Tour de France¢, massive pile-up at the finish sprint ¢ sipping Powers and chatting, making lists and packing. I will use the Italian boots tomorrow and see how I manage. Some stuff I send home with John. Tomorrow I start Phase 2 of the Walk, which I dedicate to the memory of Len Cummins.
Date: 2003-07-07
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

Rising early we had a quick breakfast at the hotel around 6 before driving back along Route 81 and then on to Pine Grove Furnace. I am wearing the new boots and they seem to fit well ¢ strong but they weigh a ton. John takes some pictures and I walk through a lovely park with streams on all sides. Then the climb begins and after about 1 mile I see the ¢Official¢ halfway sign. Nobody knows for sure where the halfway stage is and nobody really cares. It says ¢1,069 done; 1,069 to go¢. God help my poor feet!! I move along at a steady pace and pass ¢Rover¢ who has camped nearby. I stop for a snack and consume some of the Motel¢s cakes. I am making good time and the boots are comfortable but heavy. I stop for lunch and that helps to lighten my pack. At 14.30 I come to Whiskey Spring and decide to fill up with water and bathe my feet. The cold mountain water works wonders. 6 miles to go and the first 2 miles are uphill to Alec Kennedy Shelter. I feel hungry and go for the ¢nose bag¢ again. Still I climb for nearly another mile and then it is easy. The last 2 miles are through open farmland; through meadows and maize fields I wind my way towards Boiling Springs when John appears out of nowhere. He is walking to meet me but I am early and we meet on the outskirts of town. We then drive back towards Carlisle and back again at the same Motel. We go for a meal at a Trucker¢s Diner and then it¢s back to bed. Another long day. Today was for Joe and Breda Fallon and all the Fallon/Nolan family.
Date: 2003-07-08
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Pa 850
Miles today: 16.6

Today is for Pat and Grace Heffernan, the twins Kelly and Brigid and all the Heffernan Family. John drove to Boiling Springs after a good breakfast of orange and apple juice and sweet cakes. I put more of those sweet cakes in my bag for a morning snack. Wearing the lighter running shoes today. In Boiling Springs a young girl wants to buy groceries for me. I must look really bad. I tell her I¢m fine but she insists I must take something. So I exit with 2 large snickers bars. I set off up the road and then entered some beautiful walking across open farmland. Sometimes walking around fields of corn, sometimes skirting acres of maize, other times through fields of new mown hay. It is the heart of rich Pennsylvania German/Dutch Dairy country. The day was warm so nature was at its very best. I stopped for a snack by the railway lines having crossed over the highway many times. I crossed Route 11, 181 and the Turnpike. Then I crossed a massive river, the Conodoguinet, and walked along its banks for over 1 mile. I stopped for lunch and was soon joined by a man hiking with his young grandson, Ryan. The young kid was fascinated meeting a ¢Thru-hiker¢. A nice climb up the Tuscarora Trail. I stopped at the Darlington Shelter to write my journal as I was slightly ahead of schedule. John was to meet me at the road crossing PA 850, but the bugs were savage and I decided to keep moving. The last mile or so was through fields where the hay was baled and the familiar scent reminded me of home. John arrived just as I hit the road and had a massive sandwich and drink, which was scoffed on the spot. We drove to Duncannon 15 miles away where we met up with a gang of hikers at the Doyle Hotel, a 2 star Hotel where we booked in for the night. Slightly less creature comforts than on previous nights but after a good meal, a few beers and good craic, who cares! John had spent the day visiting the Amish community in Lancaster County. This would be his last day on the Trail as he leaves tomorrow.
Date: 2003-07-09
From: Pa 850

To: Clarkes Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is for Mary Boilson and all the family. The beer must have been good last night ¢ no ill effects as we rise early. John is determined to work till the bitter end. He suggests I slack pack the remaining 8 miles into Duncannon. We drive out to PA 850 and I hit the road for the last time with John as ¢backup¢. Five miles to Cove Mt. Shelter where 2 young hikers were murdered a few years ago. Curiosity gets the better of me and I walk down the hill to visit the Shelter and say a wee prayer. Five more miles and the rocks are awesome. Trail Magic has hit the road. I decide to walk to De Doyle, order a beer and write a few postcards. John arrives and his time is precious ¢ I load my pack and he gets ready to leave. 13.30 he is on his way and I am left to contemplate what has been an unforgettable week. I walk slowly through the streets of the town and cross the Juniata River, then cross the Susquehanna River and look back and see where the former joins the latter. It is hot and humid and a storm is brewing. I walk as far as the first Shelter and call it a day. Clarkes Ferry Shelter is only 4.5 miles away but it is enough. ¢Hopeful¢ and ¢Charity¢ are there. Later ¢Rubber Band Man¢, Llama and another couple arrive. I am ready for sleep ¢ the events of the past few days keep re-playing in my mind. It will take a long time to sink in but the memory of John¢s visit will help over the Rocky Road ahead and make this whole walk worthwhile. Just knowing that so many people out there are interested and really care, keeps me going
Date: 2003-07-10
From: Clarkes Ferry Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 24.3
Weather: mist

Today is for Paddy and Nora Troy and all their family. Rained heavily during the night. The morning is dull, humid and overcast. I get on the road early but not as early as ¢Hopeful¢. I catch up with him and we walk together over some Rock Selection ¢ but then the terrain eases out. Charity joins us and I let the two of them go ahead. Sometimes too much talk spoils the walk. Am I getting more like Pake Morra, Seamus? 6.8 miles to the next Shelter where I stop for some food. Leaf is leaving. Hopeful and Charity are there. I eat a little and move on. The next shelter is over 17 miles away. I don¢t think I¢ll go that far. But the terrain is not bad and soon I am eating up the miles. I cross Clarkes Valley where there is Camping but it is early so I march on. I met a lovely South bounder, ¢Mmmm¢ and we chat for some time. She assures me the next Shelter is within reach. The weather becomes foggy and eerie as I walk through the dripping trees and through the remains of an abandoned coal-mining village of the 1870¢s. The weather gives a ghostly feeling to the place. The climb up Stony Mountain is long and tough but the last few miles are easy. Without extending I have done my biggest day, 24.3 miles. It is 19.00 when I reach the Shelter. There are three people there already in their sleeping bags. ¢Sheepstaff¢, a 59-year-old lady from Pennsylvania says, ¢You must be Tipperary. I hear you work for the church¢. Sometimes, says I. Word gets up and down the Trail fast. They all know that my brother had visited from Ireland. I cooked my meal in the drizzle without making too much noise. ¢Blink, Blink¢ was chatty while her companion was dumb. I later learned that he had joined Blink for a few days. Had done 17 miles and was ¢out for the count¢. I was soon ready for slumber land. I felt good and had worn the Brasher boots again today. There are still a few miles left in them but the rocks take their toll on any footwear.
Date: 2003-07-11
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: Pa. 501 Pine Grove (501 Shelter)
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

Today is for Mary (Maher) and Paddy Condren, Wicklow. Rising early, the morning is still misty but dry. I continue walking through ¢Ghost Towns¢, places that were abandoned when the coal production became unprofitable. I met 2 Dog Nite slack packing 35 miles from Swatara Gap back to Duncannon. Her dog is sick but she¢ll be sick if she walks 35 miles. I meet some hikers who have camped along the way. I was thinking of going into town at Swatara Gap to buy some food but when I mentioned it to Rubbberband Man¢, he says ¢take your pick, I¢m carrying an overload¢. That¢s the way it is on the A.T. So, I was spared a trip into town and continued on a very hot day. There was one tough climb and I realised I was running low on water. ¢Leaf¢ came to the rescue. I stopped for lunch and drank sparingly. The next shelter (with water) seemed like it would never come. ¢Strawbale¢ passed and gave me some water, so I was ok. Leaf and Strawbale were waiting on a pile of rocks to warn me of the presence of 2 rattlers sunning themselves on the hot stones. I gave them a glance and passed on. Reaching the Shelter, I filled up with water and ate some lunch on the Trail. Bingo and Trucker came out of the Shelter where they had lunch. Walking on I had a feast of raspberries as I walked the next 4 miles to the 501 Shelter. This is one of the better Shelters and I even had a shower. I cooked supper with ¢Sheepstaff¢, the Catholic lady, and a group of us played cards in the evening light. ¢Bearable¢ fell on the stones today and hurt his knee badly. He skips along at a mighty pace listening to his CDs. Awol arrived with his foot in a brace but said he was feeling fine. He was happy to be back with us but I¢m sure he¢ll be ahead in no time. Early to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
Date: 2003-07-12
From: Pa. 501 Pine Grove (501 Shelter)

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: few clouds

Rising early I try not to disturb a huge sleeping crowd. Some had gone to a nearby town and bought beer and had a party last night. The shelter was packed and many were sleeping outside. The weather is just beautiful. Today is in memory of Nana Jo and David Cussen and all the Cussen/Kiely/Aherne families. I leave around 6.30, as the road is long and rocky. I walk very slowly. Soon I am joined by ¢Sheepstaff¢ (they have a sheep farm in Northwest Pennsylvania). We walk together and chat. ¢Bull¢, a young 20 year old, passes by. He is back on the Trail after a week at home. He is flying. Awol and Strawbale pass, but Awol waits with us. Sheepstaff, Awol and I lunch together and share our ¢goodies¢. Sheepstaff is going to the next Shelter, 15.1 miles away. Awol is heading for Port Clinton, which is another 8.6 miles. I am undecided but deep down I know that if the weather holds good I will be Port Clinton bound as there is a big Hiker¢s Meal there tonight. 14.45 we reach Eagle¢s Nest and Sheepstaff and I say goodbye. It was a very interesting day with her. Her husband is arriving on Tuesday and will stay for 4 days but I will be up ahead. I walk the long 8.5 miles in lovely cool conditions and apart from one ¢sudden climb¢; the going is not too bad. But the rocks certainly slow you down as you try to ¢Rock hop¢ on the big ones and search for a safe place to put your foot on the smaller, sharper stones. The last mile is very steep downhill into the town. I walk cautiously but the backs of the legs and knees feel the strain. But a party beckons, so who cares. I arrive at the Pavilion around 19.00 just as the food is being served. Bearable, Leaf, Wildflower, Awol and a host of others are there. ¢Baltimore Jack¢ from Boston wants to meet me. He hands me a plate of food while ¢Jester¢ Shane O¢Donnell brings a cold beer. The party has been organised by the Red Blazes, a group of Thru-hikers from previous years. Mary (from the Doyle) takes us to the store to buy some food and the party continues. I sleep in the Pavilion where some 20 bodies are scattered. Chicken legs and CC are beside me. Many are still by the campfire as I lie down.   It has been a long day, but what a welcome here in Port Clinton. Many local volunteers help with the event. The place is covered with tents. I meet many new faces; people who have been ahead but I can¢t remember the names. Will surely meet them up the Trail.
Date: 2003-07-13
From: Port Clinton

To: Hawk Mountain Road, Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is for Paddy, Eileen and all the Bourke Family. Rising early as usual, I sort out my food and get things ready for another day. Slowly the place comes alive and the ¢team¢ has breakfast going ¢ orange juice, coffee, bacon, eggs and pancakes. ¢Jester¢ offers to slackpack a group to the next Shelter 15.2 miles away. First, though he gives ¢Tunnel Vision¢ (Bull¢s brother), Baltimore Jack, and I a haircut. I get a No. 2 but foolishly leave the beard. Jester, a real nice guy, whose parents are from Donegal and Derry, gives a nice ¢day pack¢ in which I carry my water and food, passport, ticket, money etc. I leave Port Clinton at 11 and enjoy the ¢freedom¢ of a lighter load. The day is just magnificent ¢ sunshine with a breeze, ideal for hiking. I came to Pocahontas Spring where ¢Wildflower¢ is eating. I join her for lunch and we walk along together. No big rush. The distance is easy and the pack is light. We meet Chicken legs and CC at the next Shelter where we stop for a break. Bull is there, hurting from yesterday¢s long walk. A good climb to Pulpit Rock and then on to ¢the Pinnacle¢ where the views are spectacular, looking down on the rich Pennsylvania farmland. We stay for a good 20 minutes at each view. Then there is an easy 5.6-mile walk to the road, which I cover in under 2 hours. When I reach the road I am surprised with more ¢Trail Magic¢. ¢Scuba man¢s¢ parents have come from Carolina and have set up a tent, beer and soda in the cooler and are cooking all kinds of meat. What a pleasant surprise. I go down to the Shelter to return Jester¢s pack. It is a nice ATC shelter with bunks and shower and caretaker. Jester arrives and we head back up to the Party. Leaf, Wildflower, Bull, Chicken Legs, CC, !Journey and Granite are already consuming the edibles. We eat, drink and then help the parents pack. They have a 5-hour drive back home. We carry the leftovers and bring them to the Shelter. The hospitality in Pennsylvania has just been wonderful. I am back using the Brasher boots. The rocks are too hard on the shoes. I will see how long the boots survive. If they last through the rocks that will be good. So far, I have been surprised with the Trail in Pennsylvania. From what we were told it was going to be ¢awesome¢, but while the rocks are hard on the feet, the terrain is mostly level. Still a little behind schedule but will post this when I get to New Jersey.
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Hawk Mountain Road, Eckville Shelter

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

Today is for Pat and Breda Ryan and Nonie. I rose early and had a cold shower at the Shelter. I had a good breakfast with some of the leftovers from last night¢s ¢Trail Magic¢. I was getting ready when I mentioned to ¢Arjuna¢, who has started walking yesterday but seemed to know everything about hiking, that I had a soreness in a certain part of my anatomy, ¢oh your Gluts¢, says he. ¢My what?¢ says I. ¢Your Gluteus Maximus¢, he replies. So now I know the correct name for ¢a pain in the arse¢.   He showed me some stretches to relieve the soreness but I figured it would be ok when I was walking. I hit the road but soon Arjuna passed me. I stopped for grub at Tri-County Corner and was joined by ¢Journey¢; a 50-year-old married lady from Pennsylvania. Her family name was McCluskey and she was anxious to talk about Ireland. A brave lady, whose feet were hurting badly but she was determined to reach Maine. I walked on to the Shelter and had to walk a long distance for water. Journey and I walked on with Arjuna catching up. The day was very hot and water was in great demand. Another long walk off the Trail for water at New Tripoli Campsite. The book says 0.2 miles but not for the first time was it wrong. Then we began the scary walking on the cliffs and here I had my first real fright. I lost my balance on some high rocks and with the rucksack pulling me this way and that I was sure I was a goner, but somehow I danced from foot to foot managing to stay in an upright position. Journey was watching helplessly. She called it the ¢Dance of the Rocks¢ and wondered how I kept my balance. I was extra cautious for the rest of the evening. And there was nothing but rocks till we reached Bake Oven Knob Shelter. Another long trek in search of water. I cooked up a good supper and slept in spite of the bugs. Bull and Krazy K arrived later and the five of us shared the small shelter. It was one of the smallest so far but after 17 miles on the rocks, it was a welcome haven and a place to rest weary limbs.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Little Gap
Miles today: 14.0

Today is for Ned and Anne Slattery and family, neighbours and friends. Journey, Arjuna and I left Bake Oven Knob Shelter together. Arjuna¢s knees were hurting badly and he asked to tag along with us for the day. The slower pace suited me fine over the rocks. The morning was bright and it promised to be a hot day. The water source was bad and way down the hill so I set off with little ¢ hoping to top up at the next Shelter. We were walking through areas where water was not only scarce but also badly protected from zinc used in the mining and iron works. We met Granite who was waiting for Scubaman and Journey. I got water and it looked fine to me. I had been carrying the remaining Powers in John¢s plastic bottle, so I decided now was as good a time as any to lighten my pack. Arjuna, Granite, Journey and I agreed that Powers was the best whiskey in the world!! On the strength of it we decided to have lunch in Palmerton. We were lucky and got a ride from a young man who was himself going to lunch. We had a lovely meal and I stocked up with Gatorade and our friend drove us back to the Trail at Lehigh Gap. Then began one of the toughest climbs so far, over sheer rock and out in the burning sun. Journey led the way ¢ she loved the climb ¢ I followed and while not afraid of heights, this was scary. One slip and there was no tomorrow. Arjuna was doing fine and his knees were holding up good. I think the meal gave us extra energy. It took us nearly 1 hour to climb and then we were walking for another 4 miles through this barren rocky landscape. Everything had been destroyed by the mining. When we got to Little Gap all the Gatorade was gone and water was running low. Arjuna wanted to stop; Journey and I in favour of going on a little. We tried ¢thumbing¢ into Danielsville but with no luck so we continued on for another 1.5 miles till we found a place to camp. We had no water for cooking and little for that night and next morning but we could manage. Granite, Krazy K and Bull passed and were going a few more miles. We walked about 14 miles today.