morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-18
From: Terapin Station Hostel

To: Green Briar State Park, MD
Miles today: 22.4

Today is departure from Harpers Ferry and up to Interstate 70 where Lester will meet me on the trail.BLOODHOUND and I headed out of the hostel around 6:30 this morning. I'm headed for a HOT shower, home cookin' and friends in Hagerstown, MD - about 22 mile day.Today went really smoothly with a light pack for the 1 day. Along the trail we met up with BLACK SHEEP who is a Wilderness First Responder. Lots of interesting conversation with him. When I got to the George Washington Monument I called uncle Lester and we met at the trail head in perfect timing. I'm here at Lester and Esther's lovely home. I am ready to sleep now. All is well.FROST called me from uncle Lester and aunt Esther's home in Hagerstown, MD.Hooray, he made it safely 22.4 miles through all the dizzly rain and slippery rocks and trail today. He walked north out of Harpers Ferry, WV about 7:00 this morning and got to the meeting point at 6:00 tonight.Lester was at the trail head just 5 minutes before FROST walked off the AT there.Aunt Esther had a delicious meal prepared. It was 8:30 pm east coast time.FROST sounded tired and ready to get a good nights sleep.It looks like 1 more day of rain and then clearing by Thursday.
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Green Briar State Park, MD

To: Green Briar State Park, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Today Lester drove me into Hagerstown for food resupply and a hair cut and shave.Boy, did I need a cut! Feels good. Bushy beard is gone and hair good and short!Much cooler now and easy to clean and watch for ticks. Tick count to date=7.Had a great day with the relatives, visited the old farm homestead, got help withmy digital photos from Leon and the aunts gave me an early birthday party with chocolate cake and ice cream. YUM!! THANK YOU all!!I've not talked with FROST since he got back on the AT at Green Briar S.P.He's called but I've been at work. There are a few more previous journal entries posted for May 14-17.FROST is enjoying a zero day of R&R and visiting with the relatives in Hagerstown, Maryland. They surprised him with an early birthday celebration of Chocolate Chocolate cake -(his favorite) and ice cream. My cousin - an IT guy, worked at trying to get his 450+ photos onto this TJ web page, with no luck. So they put all his photos into PICASA photo album.The plan is to get back on the AT Thursday, May 20, where he got off Tuesday night near the Green Briar State Park and continue his hike north.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Green Briar State Park, MD

To: High Rock, PA
Miles today: 15.4

Started the day out at a restaurant with Clair and Lois. Then Clair got me back to the AT by 9:30 and walked a short section with me. It was very cool and smooth walking. I met up with a section hiker - STATESMAN. He was taking a break so I stopped to talk with him. Later on I met up with him again at High Rock which is a great lookout over PA and MD. High Rock is also a hang glider luanch site. We decided to camp here. I'm back in the woods under my tarp tonight. The weather has been cooler and the bugs are fewer. Today was about a 16 mile easy day. I'm going to go back to the hang glider launch site to watch the sunset. In the morning I will cross into PA.Had a great 36 hour stay with Silver Fox's relatives in Hagerstown, MD.After being treated to breakfast out at The Cracker Barrel Clair dropped me offat the trail head near Green Briar State Park where I got off the evening of May 18, TUESDAY..THANKS A MILLION to all the relatives who made my stay so memorable with ALL your generosity and kindness. Made it all the way up here to the Maryland/PA stateline near Pen-Mar State Park.Also the Mason-Dixon Line.I set up my tarp here near High Rock. Great views out across MD and PA.Met up with STATESMAN, sat here at High Rock and talked with him. He was appreciative. Said no one ever stops to talk with him. He's been section hiking the AT for 10 years; 70 years old; retired HS biology teacher.How appropriate to have my 1st night in PA be at High Rock, which is indicativeof these infamous PA rocks. The rocks on the trail in PA are certainly sharper - like cleavers! My trail shoes are really taking a beating! Wondering how long they will last on these PA rocks!?
Date: 2010-05-21
From: High Rock, PA

To: Rocky Mtn shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Woke early today. STATESMAN was up early too and said, "ALOHA".High Rock is very close to CAMP DAVID.There were lots of rocks to climb over today. This requires one to be very careful with each step. I do not want to twist or sprain an ankle!Set up my tarp near the Rocky Mountain Shelter. So - I'm through Maryland and into PA today!Tomorrow afternoon I will be in the area of the Half Gallon Challenge. I'm expecting rain and thunder storms for the next 3 days. I'm as ready as I can be for the weather. I'm seeing more and more section hikers today. Today I had a fun thing happen that I was looking forward to for several weeks. My wife's friends, Jim and Carolhad hidden a package of treats under a bridge on the AT just after crossing into PA. IT was like a treasure hunt. They hid it there about 3 weeks ago and I found the package still intact and untouched by any critters! I sat right down at the picnic table there and snacked on chocolate pretzels, craisins and a CLIF bar.Saved the rest for later. It was really a very nice and special treat. THANK YOU Jim and Carol!It's 8:30 PM and time for sleep.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: Rocky Mtn shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 22.9
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up with ice cream on my mind this morning as I walked into Pine Grove Furnace State Park with BONNIE BOY. It was about a 22 mile day for me. We both got to the store at about 5:00pm. BONNIE BOY chose Cookie Dough and I chose Cookies 'n Cream - 1/2 gallon ice cream. I really did not think that I would be able to eat the WHOLE 1/2 gallon. However, with about 10 onlookers and my huge appetite it was no problem to eat it ALL!After that I struck up a conversation with Jim and his wife, QUICK FIRE, from PA. They were very interested in out hike and asked us where we were going to be sleeping tonight...the plan was to hike about a mile or so farther north to a shelter. This is when the couple offered us some trail magic. Jim offered to put us up in a motel if we would tell them some more stories about our experiences on the AT. BONNIE BOY and I looked at each other and happily agreed to this offer. Next we were on our way to Mount Holly Springs, PA and a hot shower and bed. That is amazing way trail magic works! THANKS AGAIN Jim and QUICK FIRE for your amazing generosity!!Passed the official 1/2 way point today - WOW!! Did the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge with BONNIE BOY. Ate the WHOLE thing with no problem. My ice cream flavor choice was Cookies 'n Cream.A couple approached us there and asked if we were thu-hikers. When we told them "YES"the husband, Jim offered us this deal:If we would regale Jim and his wife(aka QUICK FIRE)with our trail tales and experiences they would put us up in the nearest motel in Mt. Holly Springs, PA. BONNIE BOY and I looked at each other and then back at them and said, "You've got a deal!"WOW!! How cool is that trail magic?!?
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light rain

BLOODHOUND and I were kindly returned to the trail and got going a bit late, about11:00 this morning. Today I walked with GENTLE BEN and BONNIE BOY for about 6 hours here to Alec Kennedy shelter. Thunderstorms and rain today. It's good to be in a shelter by the fire.There are 7 of us here tonight. It's only about 4 miles into Boiling Springs tomorrow. We plan to hit the town in the morning for breakfast then continue on into Duncannon, PA on the Susquehana River near Harrisburg, PA.Time to sleep.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter -PA
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

As it turned out Boiling Springs was not all that exciting. I was hoping to find a little mom and pop cafe. However, there was only a gas station place. The fresh brewed coffee was good though. It was great to meet up with COWBOY and BLOOD HOUNDas well as 2 PA hikers and GENTLE BEN. The Walking has been different and interesting through PA. We are going thoughfarm fields and easy ridges. It's neat to walk past the farm houses. I'm meeting up with hikers who went to trail days in Damascus. I;m still ok with having not gone to Trail days. It would have put me a week behind.My next resupply will be in Duncannon which is about 11 miles to there tomorrow.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Darlington Shelter -PA

To: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up early today-6AM- at the Darlington Shelter. It was an 11 mile hike intoDuncannon. I gave Ed and Deb a call. They are friends we made last summer while they were in Bellingham on vacation. Ed said he would be happy to pick me up tomorrow for a zero day at their home. I've got laundry to do, gear cleaning to be done and food resupply to buy for my next section which is up to Hamburg, PA near Port Clinton.I'm sitting here on a bench next to the Presbyterian Church for about and hour just relaxing. It's nice to just watch the people walk by. However, I'm noticing that people are more distracted and busy and do not stop to talk. It's all so different from many years ago when people would sit out on the stoop/their front porch and talk with their neighbors. All are inside watching TV, working or on the computer. Well, it time to find a bite to eat.BONNIE BOY and I got a room here at Doyle Hotel,an ancient hotel built by Anheuser Busch. We both agree, we've stayed in shelters that are nicer and cleaner then this place.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel

To: Ed and Deb's Home
Miles today: 0.0

Had a good nights sleep last night in the Doyle Hotel. But that room was SO DIRTY!I would have preferred camping on the trail then staying in that dirty room. OH well, I've said it before and I'll say it again, "You get what you pay for."Now for the fun part. Ed came to pick me up at the Doyle Hotel this morning. He got to meet STAMPS and BLOOD HOUND. We tried to invite BLOOD HOUND to come with us for a zero day but he declined.So here I am at Ed and Deb's beautiful home. I got my laundry done and had a nice lunch on the deck with Ed. Deb will be hone from work later. This sure is nice of Ed and Deb.. THANKS TO BOTH OF YOU AGAIN!Thanks for the neat "WELCOME to Harrisburg FROST" sign Deband for all your generosity and hospitality during my stay with you.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Duncannon, PA - Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

After breakfast Ed took me back to the trail in Duncannon this morning. Ed asked me if I wanted to drive his vehicle back. I told him I was not ready to do that.THANKS again ED and DEB for EVERYTHING!I was back on the AT about 9:00am. Thunderstorms are possible today. BLOODHOUND, ENOCH and I ended up with a relaxed day of only about 11 miles, stopping here at Peters Mountain Shelter. This is a really big shelter with 2 levels.Today I saw 3 Black Racer Snakes. They are about 5 feet long. When they suddenly slither across in front of me the give me a scare!!!The temperature today was 90F in the sun and about 80F in the shade.Lots of sticky humidity. Since the ice cream challenge back at the 1/2 wayit's been my goal to do sit ups each night. !My next section is 46.6 miles up to the 501 Shelter. Silver Fox has made arrangements for her mom and our friend Ginito meet me where the AT intersects with Route 501 north of Lancaster on May 29 - Saturday afternoon. I hope that works out and that my cell phone works to get in touch and give Gini my ETA at the 501 Shelter.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

AAAHHHH-cooler temps today. Got up this morning with the goal of getting to Rausch Gap Shelter today. This will put me closer to the 501 Shelter and a visit from a friend, Gini and Silver Fox's mom. It will be really good to see them both. The trail and ground has been rocky. However, if care and watchfulness is taken I've been ok. Staying here at the Rausch Gap shelter. There are a few micerunning around. I've set out 2 mouse traps. Lately, I have been listening more to books on tape. It's a great way to relax at the end of the day.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Rausch Gap Shelter, PA

To: 501 Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: light rain

I was up early this morning and on the trail by 6:30. It was a good hike of over 17 miles to 501 shelter. I've been thinking about meeting up with Gini and Silver Fox's mom and all you can eat buffet in Pine Grove.Had good reports from my mom and Gini about their time spent with FROST. A great time was had by all, except that the time together was too short.They said he was just walking out of the trail onto Rt. 501 intersect a few minutes after they arrived about 4:00PM. They took him into Pine Grove, PA a few miles away to eat dinner. Then FROST told Gini and my mom he wanted them to hike with him on the AT and go see the 501 Shelter and meet TWIGS, BLOODHOUND and ENOCH.FROST gave mom one of his walking sticks which she was happy to use as she made her way down that infamous ROCKY PA Appalachian Trail. Mom said the shelter was a bit fancier then most, sleeps 12, with 4 walls, windows, a door and sky light.Also a caretaker lives there. FROST walked them back to Rt 501. After hugs and goodbyes FROST headed back to 501 Shelter to spend the night.Earlier Post below.Just got a call from FROST. He's heading for 501 shelter today with ETA about4:00pm. My friend Gini and my mom will be meeting him there at 4pm. They'll drive FROST into Pine Grove for dinner and any resupply stuff he might need before returning him to the A.T.FROST said TWIGS & BLOODHOUND and he just now received some much appreciated trail magic from Cathy who is from Lancaster, PA. They were near where the AT goes under Interstate 81. She asked if they were thru-hikers and gave them sodas and candy bars.SWEET!!!The past several days have been pretty typical PA spring into summer weather with warm and muggy days and passing thunder storms.FROST said he'll get in touch with me again when he gets to PORT CLINTON, PA which is 24 miles from 501 shelter. Hard to believe FROST and I were in Port Clinton a year ago( end of APRIL 2009) planning and thinking about how his ATadventure would all unfold. And now he's past the 1/2 way mark and counting DOWN the miles to Mount Katahdin, Maine. He's 1/2 way home!!
Date: 2010-05-30
From: 501 Shelter, PA

To: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up and out of the shelter late today. There was a very loud thunder storm last night. The trail is rather wet and slippery so I did not think I should try for Port Clinton in one day since the trail is so uneven. I surely do not want to risk any injury from a fall or slip. I walked today with BLOODHOUND to this site just a bit north of Eagles Nest Shelter. So here we are at the end of another day of walking the AT, BLOODHOUND in his tent and I under my tarp. I am tired and my feet are sore and tired. Time to sleep....
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: few clouds

Got up this morning about 5:00AM!! Picture this-my tarp and BLOOD HOUNDS tent in a meadow on a grassy ridge with a few trees. We had planned to wake up early, to head into Port Clinton, but not that early! At about 5:00 AM a woodpecker began his day pecking on the tree which was right next to my tarp. It was as if an alarm clock was going off. I've renamed the woodpecker the Appalachian Trail "Alarm Clock".I do like the beautiful bird songs in the mornings as I get up and get going.Even though the trail is no longer as sweet as VA and is hard on the feet and slows me down I am really having the time of my life! The only part that make me a bit nervous are the snakes! They do make me jumpy. I have seen snakes but no rattlers or copperheads. But I've met other hikers who have seen both snakes.BLOODHOUND and me walked into Port Clinton and stopped at the candy store. I struck up a conversation with another customer, Cheryl, who was buying candy.She was heading towards Hamburg and gave us both a ride. BLOODHOUND likes to hunt so we went to Cabelas-the big box super store for people who like to hunt and camp.I was out of food, so I got restocked and then went across the street for pizzaat Pizza Hut. BLOODHOUND and I plan to meet up at 4:00pm, have dinner here in Hamburg, then hitch a ride back to Port Clinton. We'll stay at the thru-hiker only camp grounds there.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: light rain

Spent a fitful night of sleep in Port Clinton due to traffic noise from highway #61 that runs through town not far from the campgrounds. Also there last night was BLOODHOUND, PICKER, WAIT & SEE and WILDMAN.BLOODHOUND and I started out a bit late - 8:00am and hiked up a good steep hillfirst thing out of Port Clinton. Then we ran in to several rock fields which slowed our progress to about 2 miles per hour pace. Then as we were walking along BLOODHOUND heard a "pop" noise and felt a sharp pain in his knee.We made our way to the Eckville Shelter. We are sitting out front on an old bench seat from a car now. We had some rain and thunder today. Also lots of bugs in this PA section. I'll be sleeping with my bug netting tonight under my tarp. It's 8:45pm. Time to get some sleep.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent last night at the Eckville Shelter. BLOOD HOUND is nursing a sore right Knee. We were both really hoping that after a rest last night his knee would be ok. However, it looks like it will take more time to heal the soreness, so he has decided to rest up for a few more days.It's crazy how one second everything is fine and the next second a twist or a fall can change everything.I headed out solo this morning and did just over 17 miles. Camped out alone near the Bake Oven Knob Shelter. I found a level spot but the are still lots of sharp rocks so I did not want to use my mattress. A few weeks back a sharp rock poked a hole in my mattress. I got a patch kit at Harpers Ferry and the patch repair is still holding.
Date: 2010-06-03
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Lehigh Gap, Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 7.7

With 35 more miles remaining through PA I decided to hitch a ride at Lehigh Gap. I'm staying at the free Jailhouse Hostel. The city allows hikers on foot only a 1 night minimum stay in the basement of the borough hall.I understand there still is a good stretch of rocky trail to go. I've not found the rocks to be all that bad, but they do slow one down. I've been averagingabout 1.5 to 2 mph. I'm not complaining because this is all part of the AT experience. This stop in Palmerton is a nice break. I don't need food so the stop is mainly to rest my feet and legs for what I am told is a rocky stretch ahead.Time to take a hot shower and hand wash my clothes.After a lunch of pizza I took a walk in the local park. Palmerton has some of the small town feel and the locals are very friendly. I am sending my remaining warm weather clothes 500 miles north to Glencliff, NH. I hope this is a good idea and that the timing is right.
Date: 2010-06-04
From: Lehigh Gap, Palmerton, PA

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: few clouds

A really beautiful hike today out of Palmerton, PA along a rocky ridge. Later the trail follows along an EPA super fund area, a not so pretty site. Whatever they used to do here killed most of the trees on the mountain top. There are the remains of a zinc smelter or something below.The PA rocks did not seem all that bad today. However, I am still tired after only 15.9 miles today. Here at the Leroy A. Smith shelter tonight is ALPINE, FLYING TURTLE and a ridge runner-CALM WATER.
Date: 2010-06-05
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: broken clouds

Got an early 6:00 am start today. Last night a big thunderstorm dropped lots of rain. The high temp today was around 85F and humid. There has always been at least a small breeze to the temp and humidity has not bothered me. But that may change with the temps hit 100F. I walked into Delaware Water Gap alone today. It's a great feeling to have crossed PA and all its rocks.I found the Presbyterian Church hostel and met COWBOY. He is flying home for his sisters wedding and plans to return to the trail.Delaware Water Gap has the best pizza by far which I've had on the trail.It's Saturday night now. I now have my 2nd blister that started today on my right heel. It's in the same place as the 1st one, but it's not too bad - yet.The church hostel is full of trail friends tonight.
Date: 2010-06-06
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It's Sunday and I'm going to take a much needed zero day here. I'm waiting for a package from Silver Fox and me feet and body need a rest. I'm excited about getting into NJ and NY. My pack is lighter now by 3 pounds. I've been doingsit ups and they really help.The hostel is called Church of the Mountain. I attended the worship seervice this morning. It was really good. A great sermon and good music and harmony. The congregation was genuinely friendly. I bought some more food and checked my maps, getting ready to head north tomorrow.Update from short earlier Sunday morning phone call. FROST really enjoyed the worship service at the Presbyterian Church. He said the Congregational singing and music was beautiful.He also enjoyed Pastor Karen Nickels sermon. It was about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead and her stories from life that tied in with her sermon.In the evening FROST met a guy who is hiking with his guitar and he plays in a band. FROST pulled out his harmonica and the 2 of them enjoyed making music together.Got a short/quick call from FROST this morning. He was heading into the worship service at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain, in Delaware Water Gap. I could hear the church chimes or organ music in the background and Pastor Karen Nickels greeting him.Frost is staying in the basement of the church and was so thankful for a good HOT shower last night. He had not showered since May 26 Harrisburg, PA - 12 days ago.He arrived too late in Delaware Water Gap yesterday-SATto get a couple letters/packages on "HOLD" for him at the Post Office which closed at 3:00pm.This was all fine because he was ready for a zero day anyway.FROST will go to the PO Monday morning and then head off over the Delaware River into New Jersey.. He's glad though that this Monday is not a holiday.Otherwise the PO would still be closed.
Date: 2010-06-07
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Beaver Pond, NJ
Miles today: 14.3

Plan is to get to Brink Rd Shelter -a long day - close to 25 miles.Stop at the PO first when it opens at 8:30am to pick up a letter fromSilver Fox.I did not sleep real well last night. Got up early and went out for coffee. The post office opens at 8:30am, so I'll get my package and then head back to the trail. I got into NJ around 9:30am. I must say NJ is really beautiful. There has been a big change in the topography. I walked along a high ridge with some great views and a beautiful body of water called Sunfish Pond. That's wher I almost stepped on a 4 foot long black racer snake. It shook it's tail trying to mimic a rattle snake. I was quite surprised and thought it was a rattle snake!!Later, about an hour north I was taking a picture for 3 day hikers. That's when a big Timber Rattle snake about 5 feet away gave the real alarm!! Now that is a snake I would not want to be near or step on! I walked on until 5:30pm. FOund a spot at about 1,298.7 miles. I set up my tarp and was soon joined by a section hiker, ALABAMA BEAR. It's nearly 9pm and time to climb under my bug net and get some sleep.