morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I am back in somewhat familiar territory. I have just entered the section that I hiked last summer where I met some thru hikers that helped open my eyes to culture of the trail. The bad news is this section I entered today is called the rollercoaster and it is just that. It goes up and down, up and down, and up and down. There is a sign that explains the extremes you will possibly encounter. And yes, death is one of them. So after climbing over the "hills" I came to a shelter in the middle where I stopped to check to see how far ahead people were. When I got to the shelter I noticed that the register was the same one as last year. I flipped through and saw the entry from last time I went through there. It was a sentimental moment for me. I saw where my cousin had written my name as River Rat. Then it was crossed out and replaced with Weasel. I considered it the birth place of The River Weasel. It was too hot to sit and get emotional so I pushed on towards Bears Den Hostel, one of the most famous hostels on the trail. It is an old stone mansion. When I got there I collapsed in the yard. I put my clothes on the line to dry. This is before I put them in the washer. For some reason I wanted the sweat to soak in before I washed them. Once I went inside I was hoping to see Queen Diva, the amazing lady who runs the hostel. When I found out she wasn¢t there I was upset. They said she would be back later that night and definitely for breakfast. The best thing about Bears Den was they have pizza and Ben and Jerry¢s. I hung out with Able Jack for a while before crashing in preparation for the last day of my life as a 23 year old.
Date: 2006-06-19
From: The River Weasel's in Pennsylvania

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After a crazy day of being on the go all day I got to learn about the wonderful life of waiting for a train. The train was coming from Chicago going to DC. I found that whenever you thought the train was coming it wasn¢t. Me and some others waited at the station for a while till we couldn¢t handle it anymore. We decided that since Harpers Ferry is such a small town we could just sit across the street at the pub and still hear the train coming. Luckily the train came shortly after this idea came about. Once on the train I felt like a little kid. Since this was my first train ride in a long time I made sure that I got the seat with a window looking out over the Potomac River. After a while I had to start exploring. I started walking around the different cars towards the front. When I came to a dining car that had larger windows to stare out. I had a nice conversation with 2 other guys on the train. When the train started pulling into the station I was about to encounter my first test of culture shock. When I got off the train I felt like livestock being rounded up to send into the butcher shop. The doors on the train opened and people started flying everywhere. It was quite the rush. Especially when there were people in suits and all I had was my dirty hiking clothes and backpack. I shuffled into Union Station and out into the streets of our nation¢s capitol. I soon met up with one of my old roommates Hart and went to his place. Through out the evening I ran into several other school mates and we picked up like old times.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: The River Weasel's in Pennsylvania

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Its funny how small the world is. While doing the walking tour of DC I was having a blast. Mainly cause I didn¢t have my pack on. As Hart and I were passing the Washington Monument I for some reason looked up. Don¢t ask me why out of all the thousands of people that I passed I looked at this one. He gave me some kind of strange vibe. We both stared at each other as we passed. It was just like a movie as if we were going to turn around and start firing at each other. After he passed I turned and said ¢Yankee¢. At this time Hart thought I was crazy, and the other guy just turned around. Sure enough it was Yankee who I had crossed the Tennessee/Virginia border into Damascus. That was the first time and the last time I had seen him. Neither of us had our packs and were in street clothes. We talked briefly still shocked that we ran into each other. We parted ways and continued our walking tour. After the walking tour we hoped on the metro and headed back to do one of the things I miss the most while being on the trail. Grilled some steaks and drank some beers. As we were cooking people were walking by staring at us like they have never seen a person grill. I started thinking I might have been in the woods too long.
Date: 2006-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Waking up to 4 walls and A/C everyday is something I had forgotten how much I missed. I had planned on taking the commuter train back to Harpers Ferry but it didn¢t leave till after the work day so I headed out to see more sites. Last time I was in DC was on my senior trip in high school and when they gave us time to tour the city we went looking for hookers. For picture purposes only. So this time I decided I should do the tourist thing. I went to the Smithsonian Air and Space, then the Natural History museums. They were very interesting. I didn¢t really feel like reading everything and there were too many people running around distracting me so I just did a walk through. Once I left the museum I had to go do the only thing a good relative would do and go see family. I headed towards the White House where I was stopped across the street and had to wait for a while. Everyone had their cameras out so I pulled mine out to fit in. All of a sudden about 15 motorcycle cops came out going in all directions then back towards the gate. Then the caravan of limos and Suburbans came rolling out. They flew by and were gone. About 10 seconds later everything was back to normal. I continued to the Treasury building next to the White House. That¢s where the statue of Albert Gallatin stands. He was second Secretary of Treasury for the United States and my 7th Great Grandfather. And in Gallatin Family tradition, after visiting Grandpa, you have to go to the Old Ebbitt Grill across the street and have a beer. And you know me, I can¢t break tradition. After a meal and a few drinks for the old family tradition I needed to head back to pick up my pack and catch the train. One thing that I learned is that trains always seem to be late. Once I finally got on the train it took a while to get to Harpers Ferry. In fact it took so long that the outfitter had closed and I still needed fuel. When I got back in town I ran into Cheese Whiz outside the 7-11. We talked for a while then parted ways. I figured that since I desperately needed fuel I could try and go without cooking for a few days. The only problem with that is the only place that has a decent selection of foods for hiking is the outfitter which is closed. So I figured I would stop at "The Pub" to make my decision. I started talking with an old local guy who lived around the corner and said I could crash on his couch. I took him up on that offer. We walked back to his place. There was a sign out front that said Chetoe Louie. We sat on the front porch drinking beers and talking like childhood friends till 3 in the morning when we realized we needed to crash.
Date: 2006-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s always hard to start hiking and get in your groove after taking time off. After I left Cheato de Louie I headed towards the trail. I stopped in the ATC headquarters again to procrastinate some more. I met a reporter from the Baltimore paper who was doing an article. She asked me some questions about the trail, but her main focus was about hygiene. She was not your hiker type. She looked like she had been hanging out with Vera and Tiffany too much and put on shorts and a t-shirt to go to the hills to talk to the mountain people about why they don¢t use 7 types of moisturizers and cleansers. When the other hiker (who tried to keep from giving her his real name) standing there told her he hadn¢t had a shower in 400 miles, she cringed. I admit I cringed a bit but not as bad as her. Still shocked that he hadn¢t showered in that long I went to the outfitter, then crossed the Potomac River into my 5th state.Once in Maryland the first two or so miles are along the C & O Canal tow path. It is a flat dirt road where people on bikes are whizzing past you continuously. After the tow path I made the short climb to the ridge. I was still having trouble getting motivated. One of the reasons that people get off the trail past Harpers Ferry is because they are bored. I am definitely seeing why now.
Date: 2006-06-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another mentally challenging day. After being woken up in the middle of the night to a horrible thunder and lightning storm, I got moving a little late. I only had to go a few miles before my first stop at a state park for a hot shower. I definitely took full advantage of it since I probably needed one. After the shower my motivation was gone. That¢s the hard thing out here when you have to find something to push you. I finally got moving again till I got to the Washington monument. (not the same one I saw in DC) It kind of looks the same but smaller and rounder. There were signs leading up to it that had highlights of G.W.'s (the original presidential W) life achievements. Interesting, but I decided to take a nap. The only shade I found was from a corkboard sign in a parking lot. I decided that would have to work. I put my head on my pack and slept right there on the side walk. After my nice nap I realized I needed to keep moving so I moseyed on down the trail. After a short bit I realized that no one was going to make me hike and I just started going. I got my old stride back and kept trucking. Maryland is really nice. No major climbs and the trail is about as wide as a wagon. It is still kind of hot and you sweat through your shirt in about 10 seconds. After your shirt is wet it starts soaking your shorts. And any male will tell you. Wet shorts are the last thing you want when walking long distances. I finally made it to the shelter and started cooking dinner. There was a note from Shasta and H-bomb that they were going to camp a little farther up the trail and to come meet them. The only problem is that the note was left yesterday when I had planned to be there. So that puts me just a day behind them. So I can hopefully make that up in the next few days. There was a couple who was on their first night of a section towards Harpers Ferry. They were asking tons of questions about hiking to me, Tattoo, and Pigeon. The girl apologized for asking so many questions. We told her we didn¢t mind. I actually like answering the questions and seeing the responses you get. After I was done eating and cleaning up, it was time to head for the hammock while watching the lightning and thunder start to roll in. Right when I got in the hammock and started writing it started. As I lay here perfectly still, as if the rain wouldn¢t hit me, I could feel the temperature drop around me. The trees started swaying and taking a beating. I could hear the rain start to pick up, hit the leaves, then start rumbling on the tin roof of the shelter. Finally after the rain broke the force field of leaves above, it started hitting my tarp. It was really coming down but has slowed to a hard drizzle. I hope the worst has passed and I don¢t get woken up by thunder bolts like last night cause I need the sleep after a long day physically but more mentally.
Date: 2006-06-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I knew that today was going to be one of the biggest days of my young life. A day where I had to make a decision on my own and go through with it no matter what. One that could change everything I have grown up believing. After about 10 miles I came to Penn-Mar Park. It was crawling with people. A perfect opportunity to "yogi" some food. I sat down under one of the pavilions with L-Rod who was set on getting free food. A guy from the family reunion next to us walked by and L-Rod said "got any extra food for 2 hungry thru hikers?" The guy told us to go up there and they would make us a plate. And did they ever make us a plate. I knew I couldn¢t finish it but L-Rod shamed me in to it. I really didn¢t plan on staying that long since I needed to have a big day. After I ate is when I had to make that big decision. I finally realized it would be ok as long as I was spreading the good word. I pulled myself together and made the first step across the line. I was shocked that there wasn¢t a fence with gun men to enforce the Mason-Dixon line. Right when I crossed the line I could tell a major difference in the scenery. It is nowhere near as pretty as the south. A few miles down the road I needed to hitch into town to get re-supplied. It went rather easy. The only problem was that I got rides from 2 normal people. No interesting stories to tell me or weird comments made during the trip into town. Once back on the trail I kept making good miles. I didn¢t feel like stopping so I continued to hike until the last possible moment of sunlight, then I went a little farther. When I got to the shelter I feel I might of scared some people by just walking up with no light to warn them. But that¢s just part of the Weasel in me.
Date: 2006-06-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Right now I am sitting on a cliff over looking the above flood stage Susquehanna drinking a Budweiser listening to the symphony of the flood horn of Duncannon. (better known as ¢Funcannon¢.) My idea to pack out a six pack needed a new game plan. When I order a six of bud she said "do you want the big guys or the little guys?" Well of course I am a man so I went with the big guys. 16oz.   Which I soon realized is a pound each so my pack is 6 pounds heavier. I made it to the shelter right at dusk to find Tex (from Australia), Fung Shie, Burner, Mule, and FDR hanging out. It was good to see a good crowd at the shelter. We talked about the crazy times in Funcannon and what lied ahead of us. There is a bridge crossing that had been under water that they said was impassible. We told everyone what we had seen in the video and everyone is excited/worried about fording the river tomorrow. None of us wanted to die on this trip but we did want some intense situations and this could be one of them.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: ???????????

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Everyone was buzzing this morning about the creek crossing coming up. We were hoping that we would be able to get across and not get swept away. After the big storm again last night we were thinking it was going to be higher. There was a certain vibe that had everyone excited. The weather had cleared and it was looking to be a good day. The trail was still soaked with lakes in the middle of the trail. We had all planned to cross together incase someone got swept away by the river the others could get pictures, and then get help. It was like Christmas morning waiting to open the presents. After several miles I came to the crossing. Let¢s just say it was a disappointment. The water was only about a little more than knee deep. I sat and waited for FDR and Mule to arrive and then cross. It still made for a good photo opportunity but not as intense as we hoped. After the disappointing creek crossing we headed up the trail which was like a river. When we got to the top we took a break. We had heard planes flying over off in the distance. Then all of a sudden one flies right over our head sideways. Then several more. One was almost completely upside down. We found out later there was an airbase close by so we weren¢t worried that the nation was under attack. We continued on while the weather stayed nice for the first time in a while but the trail was still soaked. I took a break with FDR and we talked about pushing past the shelter to camp. Right when we made the decision and started to pack up it started thundering. We got moving and within minutes the storm hit. One of the thunder bolts made me almost hit the ground it was so loud. There was a brief hail session. I was only about 2 miles from the shelter when it started. I made good time and of course when I got to the shelter it stopped raining. Typical. We all packed in the shelter with our wet gear and had a cramp and damp night but at least we were under cover.
Date: 2006-06-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Once again a nasty day on the trail. The rain kept coming and the rivers continued to rise. When we got to one road crossing it had a sign that said the river was impassable. It was dated a few days earlier so we decided to ignore it. As I walked farther on the trail I heard water rushing ahead. When I got to the river the rocks that you are supposed to cross on were washed out. I figured I could still walk across. Just to play it safe before I walked into the river I used my trekking pole to see how deep it was. Good thing I checked cause I couldn¢t feel the bottom. I didn¢t want to have to walk back to the road so I started to try and figure a way across. I bushwhacked up stream and found a log to cross. Trapped under the log was a lifejacket. I was wondering what happened to the person who was wearing it but was glad it was there incase I fell in and needed it. I made it across and carried the life jacket out with me to the road .1 mile down the trail. I saw FDR and Tex waiting there hoping the others made it across the river. When FDR saw the life jacket he knew which way I went cause he had done the same. Tex said he went down the road. Mule came out of the woods next soaked from crossing the river. He said he went down stream and it wasn¢t bad. As we lay on the side of the road trying to dry out Burner and Fungi Shum came walking up soaked. They crossed the river right where it was the deepest. They explained the whole process of how they were worried that Fungi Shum was to little to cross by her self so burner put her on his shoulders and carried her across. You have to know Burner and Fung Shue to imagine how funny this had to look.While we continued to tromp through puddles all day the weather wasn¢t too bad. We got to 501 Shelter towards the end of the day. We still wanted to press on a few miles but at 501 Shelter you can order pizza so we had to experience that. Tex and I split a large supreme pizza and cheese bread. After stuffing our selves we wanted to make it 4 more miles to the campsite since it wasn¢t raining. I left after FDR, Mule, and Tex and figured I would meet them at the campsite.   About a mile in it started rumbling. I hoped that it would hold off till I got to the campsite. About a mile later I saw the guys setting up camp on the side of the trail. They decided to get set up before it started raining. Once we were set up it started raining. I heard FDR and Mule talking kind of low but I couldn¢t hear what they were saying. I figured it was something I wanted to be in on. I soon realized that they weren¢t talking to each other, they were on their phones. I figured I should call home and asked Tex if he was going to make a call home to Australia. He said no he was just going to write a postcard. We all hunkered down for another stormy night.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Port Clinton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

After waking up with a slight hangover I got out early. 6:30 AM. I headed to the top of the first hill to wait for the rest of the crew and to try and recover. Once FDR got there he said he left a note for Mule at the bottom of the hill. It said ¢going to the top for a nap and possibly puke.¢ We sat around laughing about bad we felt and how crazy it was last night. It was a flash back to my college days. FDR and I figured we should keep moving instead of just sitting around feeling like crap. He was ahead of me for a while until I came around the corner and saw him standing in the middle of the trail frozen. He told me to get my camera out. That¢s when I realized there was a giant rattle snake in the middle of the trail. It was the largest one I have ever seen. Its body was as large as my forearm and about 5 feet long. I got a few pictures. FDR said he had heard it rattling but it wasn¢t rattling when I was there. It was then we decided that we needed some more dramatic pictures. So I took my trekking poll and started poking it. Nothing happened at first. Then I heard the rattle start. If you have never heard the rattle, it is a sound that you will never forget. The snake then curled up and started hissing at us. After a while of poking FDR said ¢is it true they can strike three times their length?¢ That¢s when we decided to get moving. After a while we ran into a lady who told us about a restaurant farther up the trail that had live music tonight. We decided to push on to get a meal, beers, and good music. While eating, it started raining, so we were trapped in the bar with the bikers.   Most people can just get in their car and head home. Hikers and bikers would have to get soaked. We started talking with a group of locals who were very nice. They offered to let us stay at their home. They even argued over whose house we should stay at. We would have loved to stay and take them up on their offer but I needed to get a package tomorrow farther up the trail. The rain passed and we hiked out a mile to set up camp and hoped the storm held off through the night.
Date: 2006-07-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

FDR did a good job of waking me up in the morning. We hit the trail a little after 6 am. Since FDR was getting off the trail to go home for the weekend he had to get some miles in early. Even though the rocks kept getting worse we made good time. When I got to the road I waited for him. He planed to be off for a short while then get back on. I knew that I wasn¢t far behind the "Peace Out Tribe"(Shasta, H-Bomb, Mouse, Baro, Jangles, Silverfoot, Donkey, and Hotsprings) so I figured I finally catch them today. Since I hadn¢t seen them in 700 miles I was kind of excited. For the last month and a half I had been trying to get closer and closer to catching them. I finally caught some of them at the shelter before Delaware Water Gap. We talked about the good old days then headed into town.The church in town has a hostel for hikers. We planned to stay there tonight then zero tomorrow and get a hotel room. We went down to the local Italian place for dinner. After dinner Shasta and H-Bomb came in with a birthday cake for me since they weren¢t with me on my b-day. I was shocked but I defiantly didn¢t turn them down. It made me realize what past thru hikers had told me about building friendships out here that will last a life time.