morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It sure was a good night to be in a shelter. It thunderstormed much of the night, with hard rain. I slept very well knowing Ill stay dry where I was. It stopped by the time we all started packing up, around 8am.This was the second time this whole trip that I had to put on wet socks and then slide in to wet shoes. Last time was at thomas knob shelter in southern VA. Im glad its not 40 degrees like it was then.Parts of the trail in the morning were like a river. No way to avoid stepping in water, so you just walk right through. A couple times it was over ankle deep, fully soaking my trailrunners.Luckily the snack bar at caledonia state park opened at 11am. The park was flooded pretty good, so the pool was closed. Im glad they opened the snack bar though, as I consumed a chocolate shake, large fries, and a large rootbeer. The sun fought to come out, and we were all able to dry our tents and packs. Not our shoes and socks though, its going to take a drier to do that.The first shelter north of caledonia is the nicest one Ive seen on the trail. Partnership shelter back in VA doesnt count, since you can drive to it. This was a twin shelter, with one roof covering them both along with the picinic table between them. Wish we were here last night in the rain. Plus, they had candle lanters outside the shelter entrances, a game of checkers/backgammon/chess, and a nice stream directly in front.After a short break there, I went straight for the next shelter with no breaks. I was afraid it was going to start raining again, so I went 7.4 miles into birch run shelter. This one isnt as nice as the last, but it is nice. Im tenting under some trees, hoping for no torrential downpours. There is a stream 20 yards away, flowing strong from all the rain. I dont want to be washed away thats for sure.Tomorrow Ill cross the halfway point, tackle the 1/2 gallon ice cream challenge, and head on. I was going to stay at the hostel there, but if it doesnt rain Im moving on.
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace / Mt Holly Springs, PA
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: moderate rain

Well it rained overnight, but not as hard as last night. I was packed up and under the shelter by 830am to eat breakfast. I wanted to be really hungry for the half gallon ice cream challenge, which was 10 miles away, so I ate just enough to last about 3 hours.The weather turned to rain by the time I left around 920am. At times it was really heavy, and the trail was really sloppy. I was soaked to the bone, from head to toe. As crazy as it sounds, I actually loved it. Even though the wet socks and shoes seems tough to handle, it wasnt. Plus, Id rather be soaked from a nice rain instead of hot sweat.I made great time to toms run shelter, doing 6.2 miles in an hour and forty minutes. I wasnt going to stop, but since I got there so fast I did. I checked my mileage to pine grove furnace state park, and read the shelter journal. No sign of mule. Where are you?I cruised to the general store in pine grove furnace. This is the home of the 1/2 gallon challenge, and I was ready. Pepperoni and jambalaya had just arrived also, although just pepperoni was going to attempt the challenge. We both selected our flavor, mine being green mint chocolate chip.I was really hungry when I arrived, so confidence was high. Ive polished off almost the same amount before, and thats when I had my normal appetite. It took me 22 minutes to finish it all, and I was happy with my time. Pepperoni was a couple minutes behind me, but still put in a strong showing.Bud, jukebox and brighteyes showed up while I was finishing. Brighteyes wasnt taking part since she is a vegan, but bud and jukebox were game. They both failed miserably, only finishing about half the container.Pillbox and dancer showed up next, and both were game to the challenge. It was still pouring outside, not letting up at all, and it was close to 2pm. I wasnt totally against hiking, but it seemed like everyone else was. Pillbox and dancer took 2 hours to finish, and they looked sick afterwards. I called home while they were finishing, and had my mother look up taxi possibilities.Six of us were looking to get to higher ground since the rain just wasnt letting up. A local who posts his phone number at the store came to get us and take us to mt holly springs. When I went to give hime $10 for the effort, he demanded $20. At no time before this did he mention money, so we all felt a little used. Atleast we were under a roof now.The holly inn and resturant in mt holly springs is great, nice rooms and a nice resturant/bar that is very hiker friendly. It wasnt listed in anyones guidebooks, so Im glad the guy at the general store told us about it. Its still pouring, and great to be off the trail.
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Pine Grove Furnace / Mt Holly Springs, PA

To: Mt Holly Springs, PA
Miles today: 0.0

The rain ended overnight, and the sun was shining when we all got up. We all decided early that today would be a zero, to let the trail dry out and to do laundry. All of my clothes smell like milldew from the rains, and my socks were especially rancid.The day was spent doing laundry, and watching the phillies drop both games of a double header against baltimore. Bud was trying to get me to go to baltimore early in the day to go watch the games, and Im glad I didnt.It showered briefly in the afternoon, like we need the rain. Tomorrow we will start doing good mileage into duncannon.
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Mt Holly Springs, PA

To: Boiling Springs Backpacker Campsite
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got a ride back to the trail around 10am from a guy that met brighteyes and jukebox the night before at the hotel bar. He was nice enough to leave his contruction job and drive the us back to pine grove furnace state park. The sun was out, but we knew the trail wouldnt be dry after all the rain we've had. Pillbox did a 10 mile slackpack yesterday putting her a little infront of us, and dancer has gone home to get ready for her teaching career.Hiking out with me today was bud, jukebox, and brighteyes. We took our first break near the bridge over tagg run, right near the shelter. I felt like I got there in no time, having travelled 7.2 miles in less than 2 hours. The trail was wet, but the terrain was easy so making good time wasnt an issue. Our next stop was the green mountain general store. I had myself a mixed cheese sub, a starbucks frappucino, and an ice cream cone.There was a short easy uphill after the store, and then we reached the 1100 mile mark for the trip. Soon we will have under 1000 miles to go till the Big K, Mt. Katahdin. It will be exciting to start knocking off 100 mile sections, counting down to Maine and the Big K.The destination for the day was Boiling Springs, PA. The downhill into Boiling Springs takes us off the Blue Ridge Mountains for the last time, with Center Point Knob being the northern-most extention of the mountain chain. Since Georgia we have been following these ridges, and it felt real nice looking back to them when I reached the farmlands at the bottom.One last look back as I hiked through the cornfields, and it was on to the backpacker campsite just outside Boiling Springs. The four of us set up camp, stashed our packs inside our tents, and went to check out the food and drink situation in town. The Boiling Springs Tavern was the spot, and it was a very nice establishment. I felt very under-dressed, and surprised that they allow dirty smelly thruhikers in the bar even. I had a very nice meal, a couple drinks, and made my way back to the campsite to try to get a good rest before tomorrows big day into Duncannon.
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Boiling Springs Backpacker Campsite

To: Duncannon, PA / Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: few clouds

Well, I dont think I mentioned that there are train tracks next to the backpacker campsite in Boiling Springs. This was worse than the campground in Hot Springs, NC. I stopped counting how many times the train went by overnight after the 5th pass. My tent was about 50 yards from the tracks, and it sounded even closer. Because of this, no one got a good night sleep and everyone made it to town by 830am.I stopped at the ATC mid-atlantic headquarters first. I stashed my pack there, and headed up to the Cafe in town for some breakfast and coffee. It was very pricey, so I just had an egg&cheese on a bagel with a coffee. For dessert I had a fruit smoothie which really hit the spot.It was after 10am by the time I was back on the trail. Jukebox had left town first followed by Bud and I. Brighteyes was dealing with the post office for an important package. She had lost her wallet back near Harpers Ferry, WV and this was the place her passport and credit card was being mailed to her. Fortunately it all arrived okay, although the bank in town wouldnt cash the money order her parents had sent her so she is still without cash.The start of our 26 mile day began with a 16 mile stretch of flat farmlands. The only thing that slowed me down was the abundance of mullberry trees and blackberry bushes. If i had a big tupperware container on me, I would have filled it for sure. The berries were ripe and delicious, so much so that it was tough for me to not stop to pick some. Bud and I went down to a diner for lunch about halfway through the flatlands. My hunger pulls me off trail whenever the oppurtunity exists, as long as its under a couple miles off trail. The diner was less than a half mile down the highway, and they had very fast service. We both ended up having another breakfast, and made it back to the trail in about an hour.The evidence of how bad the floodwaters were up in this section was incredible. Along the Conodoguinet creek the mudstains were waist-chest high on the vegetation along the banks. I cant imagine that being fun walking through. The trail was slick with mud, making it very tough to keep your footing. The end of the farmlands was upon us, and it was time to climb, one of 2 last climbs before Duncannon, PA. On the uphill, I almost stepped on a black snack that wasnt too happy with me. Glad I missed him by about a foot.I took a quick break near darlington shelter, and then pressed on to a nice stream before the last uphill of the day. We had 7.6 miles to go till town from there, and saw old school and b-rad camping there.Bud, Jukebox and I made it to Hawk Rock overlook just before town by sunset. Brighteyes decided to stop at cove mtn shelter. Two hikers were murdered there in the 80s by a guy who was harrassing them in town. Evidently he followed them up there, and it was pretty gruesome. We made it to the doyle hotel/bar by 9pm. Already there was pillbox, puffy, cheeto, and baltimore jack. Needless to say it was a fun night for all.
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Duncannon, PA / Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon, PA / Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Baltimore Jack invited us to breakfast this morning in the bar last night. Luckily Puffy came to our room to wake up the 3 of us, cause we werent moving on our own. We had a great breakfast at trail angel mary's apartment, and then made our way to the post office. Brighteyes was coming into town while we were at the post office, and saw that we didnt look too motivated to get going anytime soon.Puffy and Cheeto were waiting on the arrival of Cheeto's family who were coming out to visit them. Pillbox was hurting the worst out of all of us, and she went back up to her room to recover some more. Cheeto broke out her hair clippers, and started giving mohawks to the hikers in The Doyle. Twelve of us fell victim to the idea, including bud and jukebox. Next thing we know, we all decided to zero.Carnivore surprised us late in the afternoon, having hiked 38 miles to catch us. I was outside on the phone when I saw him stumbling down the street. He left at 430am to get to Duncannon by 6pm. I remember doing my 36 mile day, and I felt for him. I cant see putting myself through that ever again.Everyone but carnivore and I had an early night. Im definitely leaving tomorrow, but Im not sure how far Ill go. Everyone gets sucked into the Doyle Hotel/Bar, so I dont feel bad taking a zero here today. Im switching over to heavy boots for the rest of PA, since the rocks will start to get bad from here. Im glad I know what to expect, having hiked the worst part of the PA rocks some 10 years ago. I may do less miles the first few days out, since my boots arent really broken in for the trail. We will see.
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Duncannon, PA / Doyle Hotel

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was leaving day for sure. My pack was ready to go, I just wanted to grab one more lunch from the Doyle hotel and then we were all going to split. I noticed my 2 Liter water bladder was leaking, which isnt good. It slides inside my pack, so the leak gets water all over my sleeping bag. I wrapped duct tape around the area with the hole, and slid it inside a ziplock before placing it back in my pack. Hopefully it will hold. Carnivore was on the fence, since he had done 39 miles the day before. Bud, Jukebox, Brighteyes and myself all were heading out though. It was hot out, and the walk out of town was very warm. We were all sweating bad during the roadwalk through town to where the trail re-enters the woods past the susquehanna river crossing.Someone had built an amazing teepee halfway up the mountain, and left their tent under it. We stopped for a quick break to admire it, and then continued on. It was hot still, and the bugs were slightly bad. Once we reached clarks ferry shelter, the thunder started. Bud and Jukebox wanted to keep going, but I was beat so I decided to stay. Brighteyes also stayed, and we had the shelter to ourselves till the local ridgerunner showed up for the night. We ended up tenting by the water source since the thunder never amounted to any rains. The new boots feel okay for not being broken in, no signs of any hot spots on my feet yet. Hopefully I wont blister. No signs of Carnivore, which must mean he zeroed. Im sure he will catch us tomorrow.
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Clarks Ferry Shelter

To: Clarks Creek Tentsite
Miles today: 12.6

No rain overnight, and it was to be another warm day. I know the heat and humidity will get worse in the next few weeks, along with the bugs, so I try not to let this heat bother me. The frequency in which I'd find water today was slim, with only one spring listed in the guidebook for the next 11 miles. The water source at the next shelter, 7 miles north, is straight downhill. There are 297 rock steps leading down to the water, and then you have to climb back up. Because of this, I planned to just drink a lot in the morning before leaving Clarks Ferry Shelter, and then carry 3 liters to drink out of for the next 11 miles.I took a short break at Table Rock, and at Peters Mtn Shelter to drink all my water. The sweat factor was high, and bugs were just a nuissance. Turns out Wingfoot's handbook had the next water source misprinted, it was another mile further than I thought. The good thing was that the spring was flowing well, after all the rains of the past few weeks, and the water was freezing cold. The bad thing was that my water bladder was leaking through the duct tape, so my 2 liter bladder was useless, excpet while at camp for the night. I definitely didnt want to use it while hiking anymore because it gets my down sleeping bag all wet.I got down to Clarks creek, a very nice river that people were trout fishing in. There were nice swimming holes, and looked like a perfect place to eat a late lunch. As I was eating brighteyes showed up, and talked me into camping out near a nice swimming hole on the creek. About an hour later, Carnivore arrived looking surprised to see us stopped for the day. After going for a quick swim, he realized why. It was a very nice campsite and I took a few dips in the river to cool off. Lone Wolf (rk) showed up next and camped with us also.My right foot started developing hot spots in the afternoon coming downhill to the spring and Clarks creek. The cool creek water helped make them feel better, but they will probably develop into blisters. Perhaps one more short mileage day tomorrow?
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Clarks Creek Tentsite

To: Rausch Creek Tentsite
Miles today: 11.7

Woke up to a light drizzle, nothing to get alarmed about though. Lone Wolf (rk) left early, trying to make it to The Wanderers fourth of july party. The rest of us left around 930am, not sure where we were heading. Its very liberating to not set daily mileage goals, it feels a lot less like work. I wanted to stay at a shelter 29 miles north because you can order pizza/italian food, but I didnt feel like doing a 29 mile day. So I pretty much figured I'd walk till I saw a nice spot 10-15 miles away, and leave myself 15-20 miles to do tomorrow.We all stopped for water at rattling run, a nice stream that flowed through rhododendrons on top of Stony Mtn. It was too early for lunch, so we pressed on till we reached Yellow Springs Village. I took a long break there, cooked a lunch, and drank all my water. We heard rumbles of thunder, but the rain never showed up thankfully.Carnivore left before me, heading towards haystack creek 6 miles away. I still wasnt sure where I wanted to camp. My right foot developed 2 blisters over the last 2 days, so I wasnt too motivated to do more miles. I pulled up to Rausch Creek, and loved the setting. On the way I saw another black snake making his way down to the water. I set up camp, and enjoyed the sounds of the rushing water on the river while eating and setting up my campsite. Should be a good night sleep tonight.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Rausch Creek Tentsite

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: light rain

The heavy rains began around 530am, and didnt let up till almost noon. I was dry in my tent, and wanted to get to the 501 shelter by the days end so I could order a pizza. Having to hike 17 miles, albeit across friendly terrain, shouldnt take me more than 6-8 hours. Because of this, I didnt leave till just after noon. Because it was damp and cooler, I wasnt concerned about taking long breaks and I knew I could make it by dark.The hiking to start the day was nice and easy. I found some nice berries to eat along the way while hiking between PA443 and Swatara Gap. I had to stop to pump some water from a spring after Swatara Gap, before the only uphill of the day. The blisters on my right foot are very bothersome, and all the moleskin and duct tape I apply doesnt last too long.The uphill leading up to Blue Mtn was a little steeper than what we have had lately. The worst part was how overgrown the trail was with thorns. My legs got scraped up pretty good, and I was really frustrated. Are there maintainers for this section?? Not only were there thorns growing across the trail, but also lots and lots of poison ivy. I was using my trekking poles to slash all the vegetation on the trail, hopeing it would make it better for those behind me.I took a short break for a snack and some water on an old woods road before William Penn Shelter. Then I pused on to the shelter for a glance at the shelter log. Carnivore spent the night here last night, so he has probably caught Bud and Jukebox today, about 1 day ahead of me. I then ran practically to the 501 shelter, ordered my pizza, and enjoyed listening to Banjoman play and sing. I havent seen him in a long time, and he is one of the nicer people Ive met on this trail. Tomorrow its on to Eagles Nest shelter. E-A-G-L-E-S Eagles! God I cant wait for football season...
Date: 2006-07-06
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Another downpour overnight. The rain was so hard, and loud against the tin roof of the 501 shelter that I had to sleep with my MP3 player on. I had some clothes hanging on a dry line outside, and needless to say they didnt dry overnight. I was up early around 630am, and was ready to leave around 830am. I took my time in the morning, figuring Id just make it to Eagles Nest Shelter sometime in the late afternoon.Took a nice break at the Shower Steps trail. I called home to see if some friends were coming up to see me and play golf, and also had some voicemails to check. Banjoman and Rocked On were infront, leaving before me while Lone Wolf(rk) and Brighteyes trailed behind me. I moved on to Hertlian campsite to drink lots of water and have a snack, where I met Spitball for the first time. Lone Wolf(rk) and Brighteyes caught up and took a break also as I was getting ready to head to PA 183 roadcrossing for lunch.While at the road, Brighteyes came up and wasnt feeling too well. She talked a family of day hikers into driving her down into town, and I told her Id watch her pack. She took a little while to get back, but she brought me a cold soda. From there, I hiked on to Eagles Nest Shelter where I tented near the spring. Got a small fire going, and enjoyed a very cool dry night. Perfect sleeping weather. Tomorrow Ill cross over 1200 miles and reach Port Clinton, PA.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA / Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

No rain last night, and it was a comfortable night sleep with the humidity lower than it has been. I got off to a good start, around 815. I hiked with Spitball and Rocked On for the first 6 miles, up until the 1200 mile mark. I took a short break there for some pictures and refreshments. It was only a little more than 3 miles to town, and I was in the mood for a meal. My new wrap over the blisters was doing better than it has the previous 2 days.When I reached town, I saw Carnivore. He said Bud and Jukebox had left earlier this morning. Good to know I can still catch up to people. Seems like so many have passed me as of late. Banjoman, Spitball, Rocked On, Brighteyes, and myself all went to the Port Clinton Hotel for lunch and a couple beers. The food was amazing, and the Yuenglings were cheap.Carnivore learned that he has Lyme disease. Having gone through it before, I feel for him. But its good that he caught it early. He had a little trouble finding a doctor who would see him, but eventually one gave in. He received the antibiotics, and decided to take the day off. Most hikers stay at the Pavilion in town, a free stay. I decided to get an air conditioned room at the hotel, away from all the noise of the highway out front that is very busy and loud.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Port Clinton, PA / Port Clinton Hotel

To: Port Clinton, PA / Port Clinton Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Decided to give the feet and blisters a rest today. Ill spend most of the day enjoying the air conditioning inside the bar/resturant at the hotel. I decided this after walking down to 3C's resturant for breakfast. Carnivore is leaving, and a whole bunch of others are getting a ride from 42's parents back down to Duncannon for the annual Hiker feed.Today I decided to alter me hike a little. Not just because Ive taken more zero days than I thought, but because it actually makes sense to me. When I get to the Delaware Water Gap, Im taking time off with my girlfriend. When I get back on, Im going to skip about 70 miles ahead and leave that for the end. Since that is the first section of the AT that I ever hiked, and that NJ is my home state the idea just works for me. After I get back on, I plan on seeing my friend Mike in NY near Bear Mountain which means another day off. So when I get passed there, all my contacts are going to be to the south of me and Im going to kick it into high gear to VT, NH and ME. When I return, Ill finish my AT thruhike in my state where I first stepped on the trail over 10 years ago.