morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2004-05-09
From: Johns Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn AT Center Hostel
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: few clouds

A bit of a toughie today. We had course of 10 PUDS in a row called the rollercoaster which was tiring. There were a few views that I stopped to enjoy: Bears Den and Crescent Rock. Nothing spectacular but now with all the leaves coming out, I'm experiencing that green tunnel effect.OK peace, outMello
Date: 2004-05-10
From: Blackburn AT Center Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry , West, VA
Miles today: 12.0

Did only the 12 miles and no more. Time for a good 2 zero's. It's about time, too because I'm starting to really feel worn out. Even with these next 2 zeros, I'll only have taken 4. That'll on average be a zero every 250 miles or so. I don't intend on taking many more. This will be the last for awhile. Probably not until somewhere in the Whites or just before it. Gonna try to blow right through the next 500 miles. This is great. Finally made it. Got my pic taken and sat down to eat some "Ben and Jerry's ice cream" while waiting on my cousin Jerry to come pick me up. I have a few things lined up on what I want to do in D.C., but not too much. I would rather be lazy around than walk 10 miles on my off day to see everything. Well time for some R&R.Mello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-05-11
From: Harper's Ferry , West, VA

To: D>C>
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Didn't do much today. Went into D.C. for a bit. Saw a few of the sights. The Metro was a bit confusing. Wouldn't have been able to navigate that without Jerry. He's a lifesaver when it comes down to navigating D.C.. He's lived there a long time, so he knows the ropes.Just layed around the rest of the day, did nothing much.Don't think I mentioned it in yesterday's journal, but we went over to Lara and Seth's place. Talked and hung out for a bit and Seth ended up giving me one of their rather new Thermosrest Pro-lites. I tried to tell Seth, iit was alright that I didn't need it, but it seemed like I wasn't gonna get out of there without it. Well, seems like I might be sleeping better now with a new pad and better one at that. All I have is a cheapo blue foam pad. Great for insulation, but just about nothing else. Just to let Seth know, I have every intention of getting it back to him once I finish. Well, thanks a lot. I owe you one. Well, nothing else, time for some shuteye.MelloPeace out.
Date: 2004-05-12
From: D>C>

To: D.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today, I didn't do anything at all. Just hung out at the house and went out to eat when it was time. A GREAT LAZY DAY. The sun has really started to turn my hair blonde again like it was when I was younger. Time for bed.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-13
From: D.C.

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 1.6
Weather: clear sky

Had every intention of getting back on the trail today. But I ran into Sunshine, Captain Hook, Red Dog, Heald, Walk on, and Han. It was great to finally see Hook and Sunshine again. I was finally able to get Hook's bandana back to him. Glad to get that out of my hands.Sunshine finally decided on going to Yale.   He said it was a bit smaller and the teacher to stude3nt rations was something like 7:1 with Harvard's being 11:1. He seemed satisfied with his selection. I don't think it would have mattered though because they both are prestigious schools. Han is new to me. He is from Germany. Doesn't seem like he hikes fast but he gets up early and hikes all day so that'll pile on the mileage. He seems to be an amiable fellow. Now to why I took another zero. Everybody was staying at the hostel, so I deceided to stay too and catch up with my friends. Another Zero will not hurt me. Well, time for some sleep.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-14
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Rocky run shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

Nice, easy walk today from the hostel to Rocky Run Shelter. Stopped at several places and didn't get in till about 6:30 pm. Timed just about right for leaving the hostel at 10:30 am. Wasn't in any kind of a hurry until I saw dark clouds and heard thunder rolling over the hills. Didn't really quicken my pace, I just didn't stop anymore. It6 didn't rain though and that was fine by me. We are gonna be needing rain soon. Met DiDi today. She has skipped the Virginia section, but will come back and finish it. she was just tired of all the people. I can imagine that if what I have heard is true. Well, I am with Han, Walk on , DiDi and another section hiker. All good company.Well, time for sleep.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-15
From: Rocky run shelter

To: Devil's Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Went from Rocky Run to Devil's Racecourse Shelter. not a bad walk today. Just Felt really lazy and still a bit sore. I don't know what it is. Probably the 3 days off the trail. Took it real easy today. Stopped a lot. Best place was Annapolis Rocks. Great view from there. Sat down to eat lunch and talked to some of the groups day hiking up there. A lot of Scout troops. This girl from a Pathfinder group alked for my autograph and of course I gave it. never given ANYBODY my autograph. Mainly because nobody would have wanted it. Not much else just kinda walked and walked. Oh.....almost forgot. Went by a monument dedicated to George Washington. Pretty cool. A tower with an observation deck on top. Good view from up there. Well that's abouty it.Just Scooting along as Alan Clemons would put it. Well time to hit the sack.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-16
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Rocky Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Not a bad hike. Had a few steep climbs today but nothing substantial. Still a bit easy. Don't have maps now, so I can't tell elevations gained or lost. I actually kinda like it without maps. Kinda makes te hike a little more adventurous than it is because of the surprise up or downs.Met a new hiker tody. His name is Soto from Tokyo, Japasn. Doesn't speak English very well, but he reads well enough if it's in proper English. Good guy, gave some of his green tea to Walk On. Well not much exlse to write.Mello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-05-17
From: Rocky Mtn Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.3
Weather: light rain

Very easy day, doing 12 miles by 1pm and layed around until almost 4pm and then did the next 6 or so by 5:30. almost too easy. Just about got up to do 10 more miles to the next shelter, but refrained. Sat tere in the shelter with Foggy Bottom and decided to stay the night. Deja and Waldo took up the other shelter. this is like the third place with two shelters. Some even designated for people who snore and who don't . Kinda funny.Went through Caledonia State Park today and I was expecting a little campstore to be open. Wanted to get some Ice Cream or something, but it was closed. I guess it's open only on the weekends when everybody gets out. I was really disappointed. I was really psyched about getting some ice cream. Oh well.Just gotta find another way to enjoy the day.Well,time for sleep.Mello Peace, out
Date: 2004-05-18
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

Another easy day, but didn't see the reason to move on with thunder rolling over the hills. Also, I was feeling really sluggish from eating 2 cheeseburgers, a bag of chips, a pint of icecream, and drank a quart of low fat chocolate milk. I used to thing low fat was alright, but now I'm starting to think about the reasons why I would need whole chocolate milk. I can now count all my ribs. I haven't been able to do that since I was a freshman in high school. Funny and scary at the same time. I'm probably below 180 pounds which is nice, but I think I'm losing too much weight. I'll be rail thin if this keeps up. Gonna have to stop and eat more when I'm in towns or at little stores close to the trail. Ok, all that food I ate was at Green Mountain General Merchandise on Pa 34.Fell and busted my shin today. Left a gash about an inch long, not deep though with very little bleeding. Just gonna keep it covered and medicated. thank God I didn't but anything else up because I was basically in a rock field. I landed on the only patch of dirt with my shoulder leading. Could've been a broken arm, too. Thankfully nothing else though. Nothing hurting too bad.Well time to sleep.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-19
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: moderate rain

Went into Boiling Springs today. Nice town, I liked it. Went in, ate, called my folks. Ran into mousetrap and two other hikers whose names I can't remember. Easy hiking. All very flat except when I came down from the shelter and went up to the shelter. Did a lot of walking across fields. Pretty cool except that they were all wet. The water soaked my boots. Met some flip-floppers at Darlington. No names remembered again.   This is repetitive. Anyhow, got there and they had a fire going. Nice of them to do that. Set my socks up in front to dry, but instead they burned--one pair short now. Gonna have to get some when I get to Port Clinton. Well, time for some shut-eye.MelloPeace Out.
Date: 2004-05-20
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Not feeling my best today. Got a headache, maybe a fever, diarrhea. The walking was easyexcept I just didn't feel good and it really slowed me down. Seems like everything I ate starting last night just passed right through my system. I have got the shivers sometimes whn I've been sitting still for too long. This just ain't the way I operate. Hopefully, tomorrow I will be alright.Walked through a lot of fields again today. I enjoy that. Walked through grass that was above my waist. The way it looks, it is probably used for hay. Jeffrey would really like that grass. I went by a field that had been cut and raked and boy were those rows raked up high with that grass. I've got a pic of Foggy walking through one of the fields. You will wee what I mean.Got a good burger at the Pub. Semms like these bar/restaurant type places always have some good food; this ticket was $4.69. Very good price.Eating that burger didn't help my stomach. Made a couple of runs for the privy when I got to the shelter. Man, I hop I feel better tomorrow.Met the local trail angel, Mary. Very helpful and nice lady. Gave me and Foggy some more trailmagic and a ride to the grocery store. She also offered for me to stay at her place. I really didn't feel like going on. I thanked her for all she had done. Great lady. Well, time for some Tyleno and the sackMello, ppeace out.
Date: 2004-05-21
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: overcast clouds

thought I would take it easy today and wait out the ran. Felt alright after lunch, better than I did when I woke up. Felt kinda queezy with a bad headache. Just sat thee and read my Bible until about 11am when Sato came in. got moving about 12 noon. Felt alright, still below par, but better than when I left Duncannon. Easy hike, nothing spectacular except that the rocks are getting more common. Sat down at an overlook for about 2 hrs. before I headed the extra mile to the shelter. Early Bird caught me. He must have really busted out some big miler days to catch me. Soo's Goose came in as did Sato. Wandering Bear and pretty Bird were in also. They are flip-flopping from Harper's Ferry. They'll be around us for the next 2 days doing 17 miles each day. Not bad for them only having been on the trail for 12 days now. Better than whast I was doing when I started. Well time to hit the sackMelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-22
From: Peter's Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Not much challenge today. Mostly flat, one uphill. Nothting bad, just rocks that are slipper because of the rain that fell just before I headed out. Lasted from 7 till 8:30am. That kinda set how the day was going to be, very humid. Sweating the whole way. No overlooks. They are getting few and far between. I don't like that because it doesn't make me want to stop. Now I just hike and keep on hiking because of no good spots to stop and the bugs are really bad, especially the mosquitos. these really aren't aggressive, it is just that there are so many of them. You think you have killed the ones in the general area and here comes 10 more. there are a lot of gnats too, but they're manageable. Well, need my sleepMello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-05-23
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

Easy hike, but rocks are steadily getting worse. Not as basd as I thought they would be. Everybody always said that the state of Pennsylvania was very rocky. Sure, I've seen some spots, but that's same with every other state. Maybe it'll be true to its name later. But now it's easy sailing over waht rocks we have now. There were a few overlooks today. Finally, and good ones too. Nice and wide open. One was even kinda like a grassy knoll on the side of the hill. that was nice. the 501 shelter was really nice too. Enclosed, bunks, table with chairs, tap water, solar showers. It was great basically like a hostel. Had a caretaker to keep an eye on things. Very nice and this will be my first whower since Harpers Ferry. It has been like 8 or so days now and I still smell like roses.!!! Smell the air- Don't know why I took a shower? They do feel good every once in a while; if ya know what I mean.Went into town with Wandering Bear and Pretty Bird. Thought I would eat some town food. Got me a quart of chocolate milk at the supermarket and some pizza at the local pizzaria.   Excellent day.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-24
From: 501 shelter

To: Port Clinton, Pa
Miles today: 23.4
Weather: light rain

Nothing to see because I din't stop. Did it from 8am to 5:30pm. It was really cloudy most of the day. It rained on me some and a little ways out of Port Clinton. I me very few people on the trail, Must've been the clouds.OK, I will have to admit that PA is more rocky than any other state. I really started to notice that today getting into town. My ankles are really hurting too.got to Port Clinton in record time and my ride was waiting on me. Early Bird knew a guy from earlier on the trail, Lawn mower man. He told Early Bird to call him when he got up to Port Clinton as well as any other hiker and they would have a place to stay for the night. Well, thankfully, he was there--thanks for everything you did for us. shower, clothes and food. Also went down to a local bar for food and beer. Tomorrow, will buy food and hit the trail late tomorrow to make a short day.Time for the sackMellloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-25
From: Port Clinton, Pa

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Just slept in and got out late. Went to Cabelas . Great place. Wish I could've stayed in there alll day with half the day at the gunrack. that place was huge.Got into the trail about 6pm. Just really took my time that day. It took me a whole 2 hrs to get theree. the rocks were hard. Really slowed me down.well, time to sack up.Mellopeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-26
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up and it was raining this morning. dind't even get out until 10am. When I got going, I din't see anything else. Just kept going and didn't look up It was also cloudy and seemed like it was threatening rain all day. 26 miles and I am not gonna be doing that again for a while. Got to the shelter and no one there. Figured somebody might be there. Lots of people ahead of me and nobody there. Expected somebody. Oh well. Didn't really see anybody either. Must've been the cloouds. It did rain on me a bit getting to the shelter but it didn't soak me. Time to sack upMelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-05-27
From: Bake Oven Knob

To: Leroy A. Smith Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: few clouds

Very good hike today even though a little warm. Bright and sunny. Got moving a little later than usual at about 8:30. I was in no hurry. After doing a 26 yesterday, I was in no hurry to get moving very fast. Just kinda lack-sa-da-si-cal even though I'm doing another large mileage day. Got to Lehigh Gap at about 11:00 pm and then went up a 1,000 ft climb. A lot of it was in the open and over rocks. Quite a bit of rock scrambling too. The sight at the top was quite different and interesting. Kinda looked like the savannahs in Africa or something of the like. Lots of grass and rocks w/ short, stunted trees spread out. I heard it was mainly b/c of the zinc deposits in the area. Seemed like a whole different world up there. Lots of constant views too. Made it to the shelter and there were quite a few hikers too. Walk On, First Light, Mousetrap, Foggy Bottom, Rocky, Fozzy, Hoss, Jaywalker, and Brickhouse. Most were camping out so I got a place in the shelter. Yahoo!! Gonna be heading into Delaware Water Gap tommorrow and share a room w/ Walk On, Mousetrap, and First Light. It'll be good to get a shower since I haven't had one in over a week. Funny that I can't smell myself. It's also good b/c I didn't want to walk in and walk out tommorrow. There's no place in DWG that has cheap rates. Well, time for some shuteye. MelloPeace, Out.
Date: 2004-05-28
From: Leroy A. Smith Shelter

To: Delware Water Gap
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: light rain

Easy and fast hike today. Got done about 3:00 pm. Just another one of those "get 'er done" days. There were a few other overlooks today but I just blew right on by them so I can get on into town today. I've got too much food left also and it's weighing me down. I've gotten to where I hike and don't stop so I can get done w/ the day and relax at the shelter. Just about ate a whole 16 inch pizza but I gave up on the last piece. As of yet, I haven't eaten one that size all by myself yet. I will soon enough. That's a lot of pizza. Well, I'm shacked up for the night w/ Walk On, First Light, and Mousetrap. Splitting this 70 bucks between us makes it not all that bad and its 12 pm and time for sleep. MelloPeace, Out
Date: 2004-05-29
From: Delware Water Gap

To: Catfish Fire Tower
Miles today: 12.9

Just kinda' lazied around today and ate at the breakfast bar at the Ramada until about 11 am. Ate 4 bowls of cereal, 4 little toaster waffles, 6 donuts, 6 danishs, and at least 10 cups of orange juice. All that food really slowed me down getting outta town. Just kinda waddled today from all the food but I still passed a lot of day hikers going up the hill out of DWG. Sat down quite a bit today also. Sat down at Sunfish Pond which is a 41 acre glacial lake. The water was really clear. Beautiful lake. Sat down at several overlooks and logs and the sort. Ate a deli sandwich at the Mohican Outdoor Center. Sat down at a few more overlooks and logs and then finally made it to the Catfish Firetower. Probably built back in the 50's. They still use it in the summers. Also just about got walked on by a bear. I was laying out in the grass writing my journal and all the sudden Early Bird who was in the tower starts yelling at me that a bear was right behind. Of course I think he's trying to pull my leg but he kept on insisting. So I flipped over and stuck my head up over the grass and sure enough I see the tail end of a bear not 15 yds from me taking off through the woods.My heart rate jumped through the roof when I saw it. I was scared and excited at the same time. Ithink more scarry though that one got that close. Unfortunately, Early Bird didn't get a pic of it because he was too worried about warning me. That was good of him. the pic would've been cool, but I think the warning was better. Whew, That's my closest encounter so far. It probably couldn't smell me b/c when i turned around the wind was hiting me in the face. Kinda scary. I will now hang my bage up. This is my second bear encounter. Well the excitement is over and i'm gonna turn in. Mello Peace, Out.
Date: 2004-05-30
From: Catfish Fire Tower

To: Gren Anderson Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: clear sky

Cowboy'd out last night. That's where I slept out under the stars with no shelter of any kind over me. It was great waking up to stars during the night. Stopped quite a few times at overlooks, partially to check out the views and the other to check for ticks. Found about 5-6 today. None were dug in though. Got a good burger in Culver's Gap. thought about getting steaks, but I relented. Got to the shelter and settled in. Foggy Bottom, Red Beard and Early Bird all came in. Great to catch back up with them again. Well,Peace out.Mello
Date: 2004-05-31
From: Gren Anderson Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 20.0

Cloudy and threatening rain all day. Kinda miserable. It wasn't a hard 20. Finished by a little after three that afternoon. Went through some nice grassy gields with a bunch of flowers. That was just about the only real highlight of the day. Also, my glasses broke, well, sort of. A screw that holds my lenses in popped out so I was also walking around squinting the rest of the day. Hopefully, there is an Optometry place in Vernon. Well, had a burger, fries, big plate of nachos and a couple of big glasses of water at the Back Track Inn. Basically a bar/restaurant type place and I'm coming to find out these places have good food at a really good price. I also just about jumped into a game of pool, but it was getting late and I needed some sleep. Time to sack upMello,Peace, out.
Date: 2004-06-01
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon, N.J.
Miles today: 12.0

Short day. Nice to do one on a good part of the trail. Went through a waterfowl sanctuary. Basically,a bi open area of wetlands. Excellent place for birdwathers. There was also a boardwalk through some more wetlands. I took that really slow. Just enjoyed myself. Tell you the truth, I went through a lot of wetlands today. My boots were really muddy in the end. Got into town about 2pm and I'm glad I did because about wo minuted later a thunderstorm blew through and dropped a lot of hail in town. It was like that for almost ten minutes. there had to be at least 2 inches of it on the ground, but it melted away quickly. So no lasting effects except for the people who had left their cars out. It woul've left plenty of little dings on them. Also met trail ange Desperado at the St Thomas Episcopal Church Hostel. Cool guy, He could talk your ear off too, but then again he wasn't the only one talking either. Great guy. Had a lot of trail magic at qauite a few of the shelters. He also took me to an eye doctor to get my glasses fixed and then bought me dinner. What a guy. The hostel was great. shower, laundry, TV, internet, and most hiker services nearby. It was a hiker's dream. Had a Burger King about 100 feeet away and a Dunkin Doughtnut a little farther. Heaven!!!Don't wanna leave tomorrow, but I must. Well time for shuteye.MelloPeace, out.
Date: 2004-06-02
From: Vernon, N.J.

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: few clouds

Got out of town late. Somewhere around 11am or so. Had lots of great overlooks and got rained on at one. I also sat at another overlook and watched another thunderstorm go by a few miles north of me. That was cool watching all the lightning. Got pretty close a couple of times, too. Unfortunately, the rain made all the rocks wet and slick so it was some slow going. I fell at least once. I just about took a side trip to an ice cream stand, but I wanted to go on into the shelter. Ran back into Walk On, First Light, Rocky, Fozzy, Hoss and 2 Russian guys section hiking. I opted out to sleep in my hammock to let everyone else sleep in the shelter. That would equal up to 8 guys in the shelter. Cramped!!!Well, time for some Shut eye.Mello,Peace, out.