morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-18
From: Harpers Ferry WV-the Hill Top House Hotel

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Hot weather--90's--greeted our way out of Harpers Ferry where we passed the Armory where John Brown attempted a slave revolt--the crime for which he was hanged in the town next to Harpers Ferry.Trail after leaving Harpers Ferry travels along the C&O CANAL tow path where it is flat for 2.6 miles. Along the way we saw lots of turtles, beavers and frogs as well as bikers--the last being a very unusual siteing on the AT--as the AT is restricted to foot travel only except where it runs along another path. Crossed into Maryland where lots of history is present surrounding the AT. Who ever heard of Gathland-estate of a corespondent for the Phila Inquirer and the NY Tribune during the 1800's and a writer--where there is a memorial to writers reporting on wars. Those who have died reporting from the front lines--even up to the war in Iraq are memorialized in stone.We ended the day in the shelter site where we tented and had a nice quiet night.
Date: 2006-06-20
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter 

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: clear sky

Rained hard during the night. A loud cracking sound pierced through the hard rain sound but only Enuff was disturbed from sleep--Too Much has a much clearer conscience and sleeps a lot better. The source of the crashing sound was not clear that night but the next morning we discovered its origin. A thru hiker named Expo had his Hammock strung onto two trees but it turned out one of the trees was dead. It had fallen within 4 inches of him and he came crashing down with it during the torrential rainstorm of last night. Another hiker named Gringo also had part of this tent anchored to the same tree but they were able to salvage a dry space to fitfully "rest" through the remainder of the night. The soaking wet sleeping bag and other belongings as well as the busted IpOD were not so easy to deal with the next day and this made Expo decide to leave the trail that day!!Onto to the trail--we met the Maryland ridge runner and went through Pen-Mar Park, only open on the weekend for food and music--we missed it by 1 day. Crossed over to PA--6 STATES DOWN AND 8 TO GO!!! Stayed at shelter with Sleep Ninja, Burro and Jangles with a fire and talks around the fire making it a nice end to our long day.
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Gyspy moth caterpillars out in droves and clearing the leaves--then dropping their left over on us--it sounds like rain.Stopped at Caledonia State Park with cold ice cream and sodas as our reward. Some of the other hikers went for a swim at the pool or for a shower--they reported feeling great. The climb out of Caledonia was steep but we came upon the best older shelter we have seen on the AT. Quarry Run Shelters-twin shelters with flowers planted around the place, a covered picnic table with food prep area--this shelter shows the loving touch of the "Innkeeper" who visits daily and keeps it up. There is a resident Rattle snake who lives in the spring in front of the shelter--apparently he thinks it it great place to hang out also!!!The trails after the shelter are beginning to indicate that Pennsylvania is known as "Rocksylvania" to most thru hikers for obvious reasons. Shelter we stopped at for the night was fairly new and we met Montreal--a hiker from Canada--he told us about a trail in Spain we would like to explore in the future. El Camino de Santiago is the name of this trial with old Roman bridges and lots of history and the best part--you get to stay in a Inn or house each night--no big backpack required--we're in!!!
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Tag Run Shelter
Miles today: 17.0

Woke to lots of rain--Montreal dressed and left to forge ahead despite the rain. We are onto Pine Grove Furnace State park and the official 1/2 way point for those of us attempting to get to Maine--mile 1,083 from Springer GA. The general store at the park is the home of the "half gallon challenge"--the contest to see who can eat a half gallon of ice cream in the fastest time. The current record of 4min and 35sec has now been broken by a thru hiker from this year named Mystic. The new record is now 2min and 37sec!!!!! We let the new record stay unchallenged by us and enjoyed a cup of ice cream and a hot dog instead!The park is great for other fun too--like a big beach at the lake and a nice hiker hostel--right in the park. We took the photo at the half way point and made our way to the tent site--tired but feeling quite satisfied with our progress!!
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Tag Run Shelter

To: Boiling Springs PA--Garman House B&B
Miles today: 12.0

Rained much of the day but stopped as we got closer to the town. The trails here are new for us--corn fields, pasture lands to cross--this is the AT here in this section of PA. Stopped by thr regional ATC office in town--this is much more for administrative duties and not quite so much for the hikers, unlike the office in Harpers Ferry. We stayed at the B&B where there were lots of "rules" of the house but overall a pleasant experience. A nice dinner at the local Italian restaurant and the cafe, JC'S-- made it nice. Soft mattress and good quality sleep rounded out the night. We "zero'd" the next day.
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Boiling Springs PA--Garman House B&B

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Late start after big breakfast and nice conversation with section hiker, Spyira who also stayed the nigth at the Garmon House. Met Bare Bear and also talked to Don Martin at the ATC office on our way out of town on this rainy day. The rain never stopped and led to some flooding and pretty harrowing stream crossings all day. One bright spot was a sweet trail magic awaiting us as we sloshed our way up more rocky hills and through much dark forest this day. How nice it is to taste a sweet banana and drink a cold apple juice from a kind, kind trail angel on this particularly challenging day!!!The shelter was super full that night as we all tried to stay out of the rain for the night. We met Stinky and Orangutang that night and also had Spyria as well as Sleep Ninja to keep us company out of the rain.
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter--PA
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: light rain

Rained all night and like the Randy Newman song says--the river rose all day, the river rose all night--trails flooded and crossings impassable. Spyria left the trail after her two weeks of summer vacation on the AT--WHICH SHE HAS DONE FOR THE PAST NINE YEARS!!! She taught us what Witch Hazel plants look like as her field is plant biology. It was fun to spend time with her on the trail.We arrived in Duncannon PA and met our trail mate from the early days--Baltimore Jack. We had a toast to "absent friends", as Jack put it, at Doyles Pub and enjoyed a great lunch. As usual Jack was very helpful in advising us about the things to expect as we make our way up the trail--good inside info from a seasoned thru hiker--priceless!!A walk through the town of Duncannon brought us to the crossing of the Susquehanna River and back to the rocks, hard climbs and wet trails we have come to know and love.Arrived at shelter site at 7:30P that night and set up the tent and guess what--it rained again!!!!!most of the night.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter--PA

To: Clarks Creek-premature departure
Miles today: 13.0

It rained much of the night.Very wet, but a brief let up in the rain allowed us to pack the tent in the Am. All day raining of and on .All day rocks. At Peters Mountain Shelter we ran into a group of Girl Scouts from the Hebion Church Camp. While talking to them we noticed a long Black Racer (snake) slowly moving up a tree. It took about 20 minutes but at roughly 30 feet up it went into a hole in the tree. Shortly after a small squirl came flying out of the hole. Only one though.Behind this shelter there is a smaller shelter built by Earl Schaffer.Very basic but historically interesting.We pressed on in constant rain. We were really wet. Going over Shikellimy Rocks Too Much narrowly missed stepping on a Copper Head snake. Not a great place to be bitten. We walked on and ran into Morning Fit and Outbreak. We arrived at Clarks Creek just before them to find water running way over the road.Unable to cross and while trying to figure out what to do a pickup truck drove up .The drivers name was Kirk. He was another trail angle. He took us (four of us)to his house,introduced us to his family, made lots of phone calls and eventually drove us about an hour to a motel in Lickdale. We finally got dry.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Swatera Gap

To: Heartlein campsite
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

FLood waters going down this morning. Forcast is for scattered Thundershowers.Trail magic early - maintainance man at Day Inn gave us a ride to the Iron Bridge crossing the Swatty. Trails show definite signs of flooding.Too Much still hampered by left knee pain. Most of the day uneventful.Got to the campsite and flooding was still present. Tenting with Bear, Little Bear and Jelly Bean - they were slacking back from Port Clinton.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Heartlein campsite

To: Port Clinton hikers pavillion
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: broken clouds

During the night we found out by the loud voices we heard that we were camped next to a boys camp, young high-pitched loud voices into the night.Rain finally stopped and it was clear and cool in the AM. The hike for the day was the usual PA rocks - flooding added to the fun. PA is the worst state so far! We ran into the Ausies, Mud Flap, Daisy - all going south.Another day without any wildlife - hunting has really done a job on the white tail deer here.Got to Port Clinton - very depressed area. Brief hitch to the pavillion - everyone there. "ER" gave us a ride to Wendy's. He will give us a ride tomorrow north 6 miles to the Windsor furnace area. We will slack pack back to Port Clinton and meet our friends Jim & Renee.Enuff, AKA Not Enuff, Just Enuff, Dr. Enuff, Nothing....
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Windsor Furnace

To: Port Clinton hikers pavillion (slack pack)
Miles today: 6.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slept in Pavillion (third world experience) - worst Privy so far (due to flooding).Lots of flood damage now evident in Port Clinton. Renee and Jim Visiting for a few days. Out to dinner and laundry. Late night trying to get journal up to date.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Eckville Shelter (slack pack)

To: Windsor Furnace
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: broken clouds

Slack packing today with Jim Overholtzer. Had a quiet night at hotel in Pottsville, PA. Clean and dry, but water in the town (?) contaminated and not drinkable.Got to trail at 9:00am - headed South - good weather. Passed lots of NOBO's (North Bound Hikers). Hazy but spectacular views from the Pinnacle. On the way to Pulpit rock came close to a rattlesnake - beautiful creature. Just about at the end of the hike we ran into our long lost friend Fung Shui. She is still hiking with Burner and except for a bunch of mosquito bites looked strong. It was great to see her again and get re-aquainted - perhaps we will see her again tomorrow. The rest of the day filled with eating and doing "stuff".
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Hawk Mountain road

To: Bake Oven knob campsite
Miles today: 17.0

Breakfast at the Quality Inn with Jim and Too Much. Renee (AKA Sleepy head) still in bed. Packed up and out the door. Renee being a good trail magician stopped for ice for the cooler at Hawk Mountain road. Yesterday's Trail Magic was long gone. We said goodbye to very good friends and started the hike anticipating a long day. Hot and humid weather - but at least no rain today.Brief stop at the Allentown Hiking club shelter (good condition) for water (5 minute walk to spring and back). Long stretches of rocks, but some forest roads. Overall going somewhat slow. One stretch called the "knifes edge" particulary difficult. Very narrow ledges and angled rocks would have been easier in the AM (instead of at the end of the day - we were tired). Got through it just the same. One snake today - Black Racer - longest one yet - 7-8'.Tent set up just North of the Knob. Tuna and Renee's Chocolate pieces - bedtime...
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Bake Oven knob campsite

To: Blue Mountain
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

While I am writing this up on a ridge I can here the fireworks goin off, but can't see them - sounds like a great show.Quiet start this AM, but immediately climbing boulders. Went to Outerbridge shelter to get water. Ran into Iron Wolf. He spotted a 7' Black Racer which he proceeded to catch and place around his neck. Left the shelter for the descent to Lehigh Gap and dinner. Started to storm just about then, wet but then with this heat its not a bad thing!Sundance - We suggest you get Rob to slack pack you through Pennsylvania. The heat and rocks are awful....Up the other side of the gap for another hard climb. At the top is a vast wasteland - actually a Superfund site - a result of Zinc smelting - not much growing up there at campsite.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Stealth campsite - Weathering knob

To: Wind Gap motel
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: light rain

Rain started during the night - we tried to wait it out (and sleep later). Decided to bite the bullet @9:30. Taking down the tent in the rain is still a mess. Despite all of the rain water, drinking will be a problem today. The AT runs along the top of a ridge - not much water - could be up to a mile to a spring and back.We found our phone out of prepaid time - trying to get back online. Sleepwalker let us use his phone again - thanks SW.The rocks continue to torture us and now they are wet! We decided to go for a dry spot in Wind Gap as the clouds and rain continue. Too Much spotted another sbnake today, getting to be an everyday event - Rattler - beautiful snake.Made it to the Motel, owner (Pete) gave us a ride into town for ice cream.Getting dry - will start early in the AM so we can keep our schedule to meet my sister Pauline by 3:00pm.Sleep!
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Wind Gap motel

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Out of PA - Whoopi yeha! (we thought). Due to closure of the Delaware Water Gap info center, ou rpickup had to be in PA. - will need to do one more mile to get to NJ.The last day started ealry - up and out by 6:15 AM. Cloudy and cool - good hiking weather if it doesn't rain. Too Much having problems with skin breakdown on her feet due to the last few days of rain and resultant wet socks.the rocks continue early in the day. Water again scarce, but today we have plenty. Stopped at "lunch rocks" for lunch. The air is clear and views of the valley are spectacular. Blue berries, black raspberries and balckberries all close to peak ripeness - desert! Pushing onto Delaware Water gap Too Much saw our first deer in PA. Also keeping her record - saw another snake today - 10" garter snake - but it counts. Overall the hike today ie. the trail was not to bad.Hello again to Ork and Bean! Good to see them back on the trail.Sleep!
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Delaware Water Gap, PA

To: Mohican outdoor center tentsite
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a great time with Pauline and Ron. We talked most of the morning away so we only got started on the trail around 1:00pm. Many day hikers out this AM. Passed alot of flood damage along the Delaware river - hope there is no repeat of that.Sunfish pond was beautiful - a glacial pond - very clear - no swimming or camping in the area. Walking along the ridge again - some very spectacular views - skies clear. Must be near a glider port - lots of gliders being towed up and released. Talked to Brian for a while - great reception! then pushed on.Keeping her record intact Too Much spotted another rattler - yellowish skin and BIG.Got to the conference center - trail magic - peanut butter cookies. 5 or 6 other thru hikers in the area, but most happy to spend some time with Feng shui and Burner while making dinner catching up on info.Could be a long night tonight - Whipperwill in the area.Goodnight
Date: 2006-07-09
From: Mohican outdoor center tentsite

To: Kittatinny Mountain
Miles today: 16.5

Beautiful day - skies clear, not too warm either. Trails somewhat better, but rocks still killing our feet. Too Much is thinking about going back to boots. Mosquitos starting to be a problem. DEET coming out more regularly. Gypsy moths are everywhere - never seen so many - seems to be a mating frenzie - these trees are going to be hit hard.Tried to make Culvers Gap but feet too sore. No burger and beer tonight.Setup tent on ridge - all alone - sun setting- stars tonight. Hope it doesn't rain.
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Kittatinny Mountain

To: High Point shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: moderate rain

Joe to go (AKA Larry the grump) the owner started our day. Actually it was great. Larry can make a sub the right way.Ran into Burner and Feng Shei off and on all day. At the top of Sunrise mountain we came across a pavillion - great views, cool breeze - no bugs. Great place to stop and meditate. Pressed on and on - about a 1/2 mile from High Point State Park the mosquitos got organized and jumped us from all sides. DEET running low- had to resort to swatting them with a branch. They were drilling through clothing and riding on the packs to conserve fuel. Feng Shui and Burner made a quick trip to town for Pizza and Deet (deet used seperately) although burner has used it on his tooth brush.Into the State Park. Brief visit to the observation deck (on clear days you can see NYC).Onto shelter - ate subs form AM.Sleep
Date: 2006-07-11
From: High Point shelter (tenting)

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter (tenting)
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: haze

Planning an early day, so we slept late. I had a great nights sleep - finally. Feng Shui woke with a swollen right eye, probably Deet in the eye. She has more insect stings than you can count - even with the Deet. Trails getting better, fewer rocks, but to replace that torment, the mosquitos arrive just in time. Swarms of them so that even walking you can hear that awful buzzing sound the squadron makes. Deet helps but only for a while. They coat the packs. We need to remember this will pass. We stopped by the "secret shelter" - Jim, a 1989 thru hiker has a farm about .1 mile from the trail - cool water and a small but great bunkhouse with a shower. Also 2 jackasses on the farm for sound effects..Pushed on and thru lowland areas - what else but swamp and more mosquitos. Even a 600 foot climb to the shelter doesn't shake them....Grrrr....
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Pochuck Mountain Shelter (tenting)

To: Prspect Rock area (tenting)
Miles today: 16.3

Rough night - not much sleep for any of us. Poor old Awrie and & his son Windchime had no mosuito deterrent. The mosquitos were so numerous the sounds of hundreds in the area was a constant hum/buzz all night. Going to the bathroom was only at the moment before bladder rupture and you could count on 15-20 stings in that time.We broke camp in a hurry and were chased up the trail by swarms of these pests - Deet only briefly helpful - damn you NJ!The trail passed though large areas of swamp/stagnant water over the next 6-8 miles. Stoppped at 6 miles at the Heaven Hill Farm - very nice people - good baked goods. They let us sit on their lawn furniture (under awning) - apple crumb cake and coffee. Leaving "heaven" we started lots of climbs - unfortunately in the rain - heavy thunderstorm type rain. We got soaked - but fortunately the mosquitos decreased. Trade off wet/Prune feet instead of bites. We crossed into NY at about 5:00pm - one more state down. We are stealth camping on a ridge just below Prospect rock. A few mosquitos but not bad...
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Prspect Rock area (tenting)

To: Little Dam Lake area (tenting)
Miles today: 16.0

Rained hard most of the night - the tent laughed at the lightning and thunder - we stayed dry. We heard that a tornado touched down in the area? Fortunately the rain stopped about 6:00am - we got going around 7:30. No rain but overcast.Trail in this part of NY leads over rocky ridges - alot of scrambling and the rocks being wet contributed to several falls - no injuries. Major rock climbs were the Eastern Pinnacle and Cat Rocks, also Mombasha High Point.We stopped at Rt 17A - dried the tent and got some Ice Cream. The day weas unusually long (approx 11 hours) due to the hard climbs. We met a few thru hikers today- Little Wing/Bama and Tec. Tec and Cool Hand may be going into NYC to sightsee. We are looking forward to seeing Lisa/David and Alonzo tomorrow. we will be staying with them for 1 1/2 days to resupply and relax.
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Little Dam Lake area (tenting)

To: Arden Vally Rd (Lisa/David)
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

An almost perfect night - tenting on the side of AT, Quiet except for distant road sounds and occasional animal activity. Moon was almost full. Cool and good for sleeping. Started 7:30am . NY is full of short-moderate up and down climbs. Somewhat hard on the knees but not impassible. Fewer thru hikers on our pace now - we did see Trickster and What. They like us tend to tent. we visited areas we were familiar with for a change and ended at Lake Tioratti circle where my niece picked us up. We did get thru the lemon squeezer without damage.Had a great dinner and great conversation with Lisa, David and Alonzo.
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Aarden Valley Rd (Lisa/David)

To: West Mtn
Miles today: 8.0

Spent much of the night socializing with family.Then stayed up till 2am on the internet and computer.We're trying to get this travel journal up to date.We enjoyed some great food at Lisa and David's place. We gained some much needed weight back.After breakfast we packed up abd drove back to the trail.Alonzo walked with us briefly.The trail was filled with day and weekend hikers.But we did meet "FDR" and his girlfriend slow packing south.Trail rough as ussual but overall feeling better.Hot day and the temperature could reach 104 degrees tomorrow.Couscous for dinner.Camped on the summit of West Mtn..Hope the weather holds.
Date: 2006-07-17
From: West Mtn.-Tent site

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 6.0

Beautiful night! We camped on a Ridge and enjoyed a cool breeze, and a beautiful sunset and sunrise.We took a short walk into Fort Montgomery for some much needed R&R.We passed the Perkins Observatory which was closed for repair.Met Expo on the Final Hill.Trying to get back on the trail.It must be as hard to let go as it is to continue.We're now near the Hudson and went through the zoo.Best bargain so far!So many things to see -many explanations for things we have seen on the trail.It should be a great afternoon.
Date: 2006-07-20
From: South Highland Rd Area

To: Fort Montgomery
Miles today: 11.8

Another filling Hoilday Inn Express breakfast.After a great nights sleep we are ready to go. If you are wondering about the missed day, we tool a couple of zero days.So What!Now...Back to the trail.More ups and downs but they're brief and the trail is smoother overall.Oh!Before I forget...Over the last few days we have gotten to know Chuck.(The other hikers have known him as the Unknown Hiker).He is a really great guy with lots of interesting anecdotes.Here is a request for someone.We are in New York. Not too far from the Hudson River and near Peekskill. Will someone tell me why there are all of these stone walls scattered throughout the landscape.Territorial division?Livestock?...What's their purpose? (See picture)
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Hosner Mtn

To: South Highland Rd Area
Miles today: 17.0

The oak trees in the area are shedding acorns most of the nights. They made it more difficult to sleep.That plus the heat and humidity.But luckily no rain.Lots of ups and downs.The trails are getting better but still lots of rocks remain.We've encountered fewer through hikers on the trail. I guess the heard is thinning.We met cornbread and Bruiser @ the RPH shelter. We stopped for water/food then continued on. Still tenting on a mountain.