morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Darlington Shelter, Pa

To: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up again with the birds. I love it when I get on this schedule. The ladies woke up and were all talking about the animal that was digging through the rafters in the shelter roof. I slept so hard that all I remember asking if that was an animal making that noise because if it was a person(I was thinking); they needed to quite. I was the first one out or camp after a liesurely morning ritual. I am so dirty. I have not had a shower since the Dahlgren Campground in mid-Md and not washed my clothes since "Tamborines". I kept moving as I hiked. My feet did hurt a great deal. I used some Lido-caine patches on them yesterday. From the TMI department: I had an emergency run for the woods to take a dump. Very scarey how the body is in charge. I barely made it. I hope I didnt drink bad water. I had terrible gas for the next few hours. Sorry! Got into town, after a torturous rocky descent down to the outskirts of Duncannon, Pa. I got to town with a purpose: get some packages at The Doyle Hotel. They were there! Thanks chica and Kristi. I ate a whole package of bite size hershey candy bar singles in about 30 minutes. I then walked to Mutzabaughs Grocer and did some seriously frugal shopping that lead to me eating 5 30 cent bannanas. As I was packing up my food for my 80 mile jaunt to Port Clinton, PA: a lady said that she would give me a ride wherever I needed to go. Her and her husband took me back to town, where I did my luandry with nothing but my just sent Polo boxer underwear. I thought my legs looked good. I then went and drank 2 22 oz draft Pabst Blue Ribbon Beers at The Doyle. I met a thru hiker from Ponca City, OK. His name is not coming to me. He asked if I wanted to go to an all you can eat meal at "Trail Angel Mary's". I did and am still full. I ate so much. Beef Heart; pork chop's with cranberries; vegegetables. Several other tru hikers quit eating and I ate about another hour. Mary brought out the "top shelf" hot sauces which I love. The hotter but smoother; the better. It is really satisfying sensually; a feeling like nothing else, having the sinuses totally open and tingling. I then began updating my journal; which I just got up to date! I slept on Mary's living room floor at 12 midnight after a relaxing bath. I slept right under an air conditioner and slept hard and full. With some beers.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa

To: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A true zero today. I did not move; awesome. I eat like a king as well. 4 days to Port Clinton, Pa starting tomorrow. It will be a rocky run to there. I guess that I should talk about going over 1/2 to Katahdin. My trip is now 1/2 over and will now be a much different hike than the snow on Standing Indian back on Feb 1st. I will sweat all day; everyday for about 6 weeks now. I will be looking for places to swim most of the time. I also must talk about all the people that I have met through the TJ.com. I must have corresponded with over 100 people that I did not know when I started this site. Now these people give me strength when I hike. I know that they will end up knowing what went down with me each day; for the most part, anyway. I have also had delusions of going up into Canada on the International AT after I summit Kathadin. Follow the trail up thru the north Maine woods; then thru New Brunswick, Canada; up to Mt Carlton then over to Gaspe's Mt Jacque Cartier; then ending at Forillion Point at the very end of the Gaspe Pennisula, Quebec. And then take a ferry to NFLD; yes boy, the IAT follows an old railroad grade for 960 km's northeast to the capital, Saint John. Then go back to Springer; say hi to my truck and wear my boots; then hike south to the tip of Florida to Key West through GA & ALA. I wonder if I could keep writing about it for Colin? As you can tell; I burst thru a new threshold recently and I have alot of self confidence. I feel that I can hike 25 miles, fairly easily now. So the next 1000 miles should be done in less than 60 days; which would mean an end of August Summit on Katahdin. Mid sept=Gaspe; Mid oct=NFLD(snow); Mid nov=Ga; mid dec=N Fla; Jan 9, 2008=Key West; 1 year on the trail and the whole Eastern Continental Appalachian trail system(AT, IAT, Ga & Ala Pinhoti, ALA roadwalk, Fl Trail) completed. Now, that's a book!
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa

To: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Mountain Mike and I decided to stay one more day in Duncannon as the heat is already scorching at 8am. It ended up getting up around 100 degrees. I stayed in the air conditioning all day.I want to finally "put a lid" on the Fontana Shelter incident with "Hawk" back in June 2005. I guess the main reason the police got called was that my sleep got interupted, along with the other 12 people in the shelter; I felt that every thru hiker is an emissary for every town that he goes through; and the lewd cussing and taunting were offensive to the children and church group in the shelter. Again, I talked about how I could have handled the situation differently; but, being called out in front of all those innocent folks and being the only other male in the shelter: I felt I should do something.Also there is a story about the 2 other thru hikers who got drinking under age tickets; but, did not go to jail as Hawk did. It was "The Samsonite Twins". These were two 19 year old young men from Northern, Ga and they were twins. They were from a very strict home schooled environment that stressed, "spare the rod: spoil the child". They were the they were the third oldest of 13 siblings.They were being a little rebellious at home as they finished high school and their parents had the grand idea to have them hike the AT to have some time to ponder their rebellious ways. They gave each one of them a bible study book that was to be completed while on the trail. When the book was complete; they would be ready to come home and go to college. If they did not complete the book: they could not come home. They were woefully under geared and that's how they got their trail names. They had two Samsonite luggage bags that had straps to make them makeshift backpacks. When they got to Neels Gap; the outfitter let them work there to earn new packs and gear. They did this down the trail at several places. They were introduced to so many things that they had been sheltered from and were really enjoying life. They did not get much past Fontana. One twin finished his book and went to college; the other did not do his book and was disowned from his family. I felt terrible for this boy; there is a time for grace, not always judgment.
Date: 2007-06-28
From: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa

To: .5 miles before Table Rock, Pa
Miles today: 8.0

"Mountain Mike & Pumpkin(dog)" & I, woke up around 4 am with the coffee already brewing. "Trail Angel Mary" was ready for us to continue our hike and set her alarm to assist in our awakening. This lady did so much to help me continue my hike, that I felt a little guilty. It was a surreal walk down Market Street to the bridges out of town that cross two rivers(The Juniata & Susquehana). It was all foggy and the approaching dawn made for some nice views. The bridge crossings are long, around a mile and a half. The white blaze trail actually goes down High Street; but, I did that last year and I wanted this hike today to be different than that hike for reasons I will mention at a later date. I also did the blue blaze trail up to the first shelter out of town for the same reasons. It is the old AT and is not very easy. The new AT that I did up and down last year has better views and some tough rock hops with several switchbacks thrown in. Mike and I were soon up past the shelter where the ground was fairly level. It was a beautiful morning with the sun coming up through the trees devoid of leaves; thanks to the Gypsy moth caterpillars. I did not really stop until we got to the first road crossing that has a foot bridge that goes across. Cars were zipping by below us. Thanks for the bridge trail maintainers. This would have been a treacherous jaunt across the highway. We found alot of empty water containers here and where there used to be coolers with cokes and snacks. Last year when I hiked, these coolers were everywhere. Evidently, the local trail maintaining clubs do not like these coolers. It is said that they bring up animals. I wish they were still out because there is nothing like a nice cold carbonated beverage in the summer heat(politics). From this point it is 3 miles to The next shelter. I only made it about a mile and a half, until it began to rain and I put up my tent. It rained the rest of the day and I stayed in my tent until the next day. I could hear alot of hikers going by down below me. They could not see me, "Stealth Blue" would be proud of this spot. There were some strange noises this night. It sounded like several different gauges of shotguns; but, I deduced it to being rocks that were falling off of the cliff and hitting other rocks and popping; very unusual. I wondered what was making the rocks fall and then some animal came grumbling by my tent. I did not know what it was and I thought about getting out and seeing what it was; but, did not. I hope Mtn Mike doesnt worry about me.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: .5 miles before Table Rock, Pa

To: Earl Shaffer Shelter, PA
Miles today: 1.5

It rained until around noon and it was considerably cooler. I would say the mid 70's with 100 percent humidity. I took it real slow this morning; but, was soon on my way. I must tell you that Pennsylvania is a beautiful hike. I know that it is known for it's rocks. It has had a few so far; but, nothing like what is coming ahead(I hear). What I like about PA is that you have a pretty tough climb up about 1000 feet to a very long, flat ridge that you stay on for miles; then you descend down 1000 feet; then back up again. The ridges are filled with ferns of all types that flourish in the shade created by the canopy. There are not many views now with the leaves out(ones spared by the caterpillars); but, when you do get one, it is fantastic. You look down across 10-30 mile valleys followed by another ridge in the distance. Also, because the state is so old and the trail is so close to populous areas: there are many good places to camp with old roads; homesteads; etc. The drawback is that there is not much water along these dry ridges. Therefore, you have to carry alot of water or camp right by the water. I got to the shelter rather quickly as it was just 1.5 miles to it. When I got there; there were alot of other thru hikers; too many for me to remember all of their names. I did take note of "Rhode Island Red(female)". She hiked from Springer Mtn, Ga to Duncannon, Pa last year. This year, she will be hiking from here to Maine. She was hiking with a friend of hers, who was a fireman in Newport, RI. We talked for quite a bit and I decided to stay here. The thought of hiking around a female section hiker appealed to me a great deal. As I was "nodding out" alittle after daylight; in came "Shadow and NumbToe". I said hello and went to sleep. This is a very nice shelter by the way with a vintage shelter down the hill.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: 501 Shelter, Pa

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter, Pa
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Nearly everyone woke up late as it is such a nice shelter that you just wanted to keep sleeping. When we all woke up: we talked about Shadow and NumbToes adventure last night at the "cabin". We finally got going around 11am. I felt as if "Red"; kind of wanted to be a part of our group; but, for several reasons, making this explicit, did not come up. Today the rocks were becoming more prominent as the constant "rock hopping" was taking it's toll on all of our knees. Everything within and around the knees were fatigued(acl, pcl, maniscus, patella, etc). They were not necessarily hurting; but, just tired of mile long rock fields. I could tell that my body was moving into an area of conditioning where it had not been for awhile. I had recently added a few more isometric exercises and more repetitions and it was beginning to show in my abs, back, and chest. Shadow was getting on me about doing this; he felt like it was wasted energy and said that I would not be doing them long. He does not need to do such things because he has a different body type than I and has some really nice arms. Today as we walked; we played a game where we would go from A-Z in some category and each of us had to say something that started with A, without repeating what the other person(s) said. Food was one category and it was funny. Every now and then we would say a particular food like, "linguine with white clam sauce, and the other two, would go: Yum or ahhhh". We did this for most of the day. Water was starting to become an issue. The ridges are really dry this time of year and many of the springs in the guidebooks were dry; stagnant pools; or barely trickling. I had to get some water; it was getting near dusk; and the married couple were getting frisky and I was beginning to feel like a third wheel; so, they kept going to get closer to Port Clinton and I went down to the shelter to get some water and then catch up. When I went down to get water; I saw "Red's" hiking clothes hanging in the trees to dry and she was already in her tent. I went by the water source as it looked like a puddle in the dark. When I got to The Eagles Nest Shelter; there was "SilverCloud", snoring like a Banshee. To sleep I went and slept on the picnic table and went to sleep under the stars thinking of a special lady
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter, Pa

To: Microtel Inn, Hamburg, Pa
Miles today: 15.0

I woke up late and nearly could not get out of bed. I may not have risen if it was not for "mother nature calling" and needing to get to Port Clinton before the post office closes because tomorrow is Independence day. I got going around 10am, I believe, and found that if I walked up the water source; there was a nice spring with a good flow. I was happy about this as I was not looking forward to drinking still, stagnant water. I ate breakfast and was on my way. I was really moving; even over the rocks. After a couple of hours, I did slow down some. I also got lost right after Auburn Lookout when the trail darts out of the woods onto a dirt road with wheat fields next to it and then quickly darts back into the woods on the same side of the road. It is an unusual turn for the trail and I spent about 30 minutes walking up and down the road cussing; eating a very green apple from a tree; and worrying that I would not make it to Port Clinton before 4pm. I kept going and was getting a little tired. Then I saw a young couple and asked what time it was. They told me 2:00. Whew, I would make the PO because I was doing this terrible rocky descent into town. Now Port Clinton is a quaint little town; but, everything was closed except the Peanut Shop and the Post office(where I picked up my newspaper paycheck and a package of Goodies from Missy . I do recommend this old style candy store. I went in and drank two cokes and ate most of a big bag of popcorn, while I tried to get my "hiker goggles" off to keep from staring at the women in tight shorts in the store. With nothing open here and no sign of any of my hiking buddies; I walked all the way to the Microtel in Hamburg. I noticed a different accent than I had heard before. I think this is Penn Dutch country. When I talked with some of the local folks; we could barely carry on a conversation with my Dallas/Nashville twang and there unique sound. I got to the hotel and showered and laundered; walking around in a bed sheet, while my clothes were washing. I then went to a lounge adjacent to the Microtel called Paddy T's. I hit the internet jukebox and tried to talk with some of the locals; without much success and went to sleep. I wondered what happened to everyone that I had been hiking with for 3-4 days.
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Microtel Inn, Hamburg, Pa

To: Trail Angel Mary's House; Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up at the Microtel around 9am to take advantage of the continental breakfast. I did put a good dent in it. All I could thank about was The Billville feed coming up in Duncannon and if "Trail Angel Mary" had the help she needed to pull off the feast. The problem was that I did not have her #. As luck would have it; I looked in my thru-hiker's companion guide and her # was in the book! I called her and she said that she did not have any help cooking. She did have "Mathewski" there for cleaning. He even bought her a new air conditioner and bought all the fruit for the "Feed". He had also cleaned her entire apartment; but, as he espoused, he was no cook. Mary said that "Baltimore Jack" was coming into town to help her; but, she did not know when he would arrive and she really needed some help. She said that she was on the way to get me that second. She showed up and we talked on the way back about what all we needed to do in the next few days. I thought to myself, "how are we going to get all this done". Ok, I will try to explain "Billville". Now, I do not understand all of the details, but, basically, it is a group of Thru-hikers from 2000. They decided to put on a feast each year to help hikers as they were helped in 2000. There are several other thru-hikers which have become members since. It is an honor that is earned and no given. And from what I understand; each Billville member does what he/she can to pull the feast off. It could be a food donation; cash donation; or work donation. Now the name "Billville". I do not know where it came from. If my readers know more of this story of Billville, please sign my guest book and let us know more. When we got back, it seems that Mary was preparing her own feed for July 4th. She takes on so much for hikers; almost too much for her to sleep, actually. About 25 thru hikers showed up and ate in Mary's backyard. Everyone loved it. I also could not believe that there were this many thru hikers in one area. I met so many that to mention any would leave others out; so, I will not. Matthewski had alot of Knob Creek whiskey. There was alot that went on over at The Doyle Hotel, upstairs, but it is a little cloudy to me.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: The Park in Duncannon, Pa

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

The feast ending with out much problem. Mary went to the beach in Delaware. My ride to the AT in Port Clinton was postponed. I would like to write about last years hike; but, I have little time as I am writing in The Palmerton, PA Library and I have to get up to date.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Still trying to get out of town. Spent alot of time at The Doyle Hotel. Spent some time with a thru hiker named "White Crow". He is pretty cool. He is from Louisville, Ky. Getting real "antsy" and putting on weight.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Last day in Duncannon, I promise! I took a drive thru the countryside and was stunned at how beautiful Pa is. With it's long ridges and long valleys filled with old farms peaks my interest. It was hard to drive. I also noticed that their are alot of blondes with the German/Dutch influence. It is amazing the politics of the trail. In each town, if you stay long enough, you will hear a bad thing or two about everyone. People know that I am writing for a newspaper; but, they continue on. I just dont have the heart to repeat some of the stuff that I have heard. This leads me to believe that I am probably being talked about. I dont care.
Date: 2007-07-11
From: Duncannon, Pa

To: Lehigh Amateur Astronomical Society Observatory
Miles today: 6.9

I finally got out of town and to be honest; it was mentally difficult to climb up to Blue Mtn. I had a friend drop me off at PA 61. It is right next to the Schuylkill River. It was completely trashed. Alot of local folks go down to a swinging rope and jump in the river. As I climbed up towards the top of Blue Mtn; I was surprised how strong, I still was. I had lost a little stamina. I had to stop about every 40 minutes as opposed to every hour. Once up on Blue Mtn it began to rain and I put my raincover on my pack. The hike was relatively flat with several good water sources. I did not need the water as I was drinking some Coca-Cola's that I had brought along. My pack was very heavy. I guess around 45 pounds. It stopped raining after a short while; but, all the bushes and grasses were wet, so I was too. I got down to the Windsor Furnace Shelter and met 2 thru hikers "BlueDog & Radar(a different one)". They were friendly; but, I was "jacked up" on cokes and I made the climb up towards Pulpit Rock. Now this was rocky and what all the PA rocks were about. What the trail maintainers do is put a white blaze right in the middle of a rock pile. Then as a hiker; you hop, skip, and jump over to that rock and look for the next blaze. It is very confusing and laborious. While climbing up to the rock; I got lost. I ended up in the large open field up on the top of Blue Mtn(Blue MTn is a long continuous ridge that the trail goes up and down) with 3 large buildings. The type of buildings that hold large telescopes. This was a first for me. I set my pack down and walked around. I did not see any No Trespassing signs; there was a big water trailer(the kind the military uses); a privy; a very nice breeze; and it was nearly dark; so, I set my tent up. I spent the night enjoying the breeze and wondering why my left under eyelid kept twitching. As I am writing this, I just heard the George Strait song, "You'll always be a fire I cant put out...." This song always makes me pause and sing along.