morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Damascus, Virginia

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Jeff spent Saturday, Sunday and Monday resting in Damascus, Virginia. Damascus is a 'trail town' - everything in this town is for the benefit and comfort of trail hikers. Everyone is friendly and accomodating. This is a great picture of Jeff and his friends who have been hiking with him for the last few days.   Jeff's girlfriend, Cathleen, came down to visit and bring him re-supplies for the next leg of his trip. He carefully purchased another pair of hiking shoes - hopefully these will ease the pain and blisters on his feet! The weather has turned warm (record setting warm), so Jeff has shed his cold-weather sleeping bag and cold weather clothes. After a few days of rest, Jeff left town on Tuesday morning to resume his AT hike. He has lost a total of 25 pounds so far!! We have been able to post some new photos on the photos site as well, so be sure to check them out!
Date: 2007-05-03
To: Mt Rogers National Rec Headquarters
Miles today: 24.0

Jeff called tonight from the Mt Rogers National Recreation Headquarters. There has been no cell service for the last 3 days.   The last 3 days have taken him over Mt. Rogers, which is the highest peak in Virginia @ 5729 feet. Today the rain started about 1 pm and by the time he stopped, the skies had opened up - everything was soaking wet. But he is at a shelter near the recreation headquarters, and there is local pizza delivery there - pizza for dinner! His new shoes seem to be much better than his boots - no new blisters!
Date: 2007-05-06
To: Helveys Mill 
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff hiked over 47 miles in the last 2 days. yesterday was damp and foggy - there are pictures of the fog rolling in on the photo journal.Today he is at mile marker 581.5 He is between Bland and Bastian, Virginia.This is west of I-81, about 15 miles from the West Virginia border.
Date: 2007-05-08
To: Pearisburg, Virginia
Miles today: 16.0

Jeff arrived today in Pearisburg, VA. He got an early start, so he was able to get to town around 1pm. He had a supply package waiting for him at the post office, with food, slim jims and M&Ms! This is basically considered the first part of the Central Virginia section of the trail. Here he has been able to catch up on his email and his guestbook signings - if you go to 'view' guestbook, you can see where he has left a message. He had a steak dinner tonight after a week of tuna fish and zatarain's rice dishes on the trail! Even some ice cream - took a shower, got clothes cleaned, etc.After a good half day of rest and a good night sleep, he will be back on the trail in the morning - -
Date: 2007-05-11
To: Catawba, VA
Miles today: 30.0

Cell phone service has been almost impossible in the last couple of days. Jeff hiked 29.9 miles today - very hot and humid the last couple of days, so it has a tough hike. Some very steep rocks in this area along the trail - so that the trail consisted of some metal steps impedded in them - This has been a challenging part of the trail because of the heat and humidity, as well as the inclines. Friday there were two mountains to go over - both from about 1000'in the valleys to about 3200' The rocks have made for some unsteady footing as well, so he is recovering from some bumps and bruises from a couple of falls.   He is just west of Roanake, Virginia. Tomorrow should be a big day - the 700 mile mark, which is 1/3 of the way completed!
Date: 2007-05-13
From: US 200 interchange/I-81

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Jeff took only 1/2 day today, doing 11 miles and stopping early and sleeping early. Swollen feet this morning helped him make this decision for the day.He passed a grove of some type of wild azaleas which is the picture he sent today.   He is basically at the southern point of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Trail will parallel the Blue Ridge Parkway (and later Skyline Drive) for about 200 miles. He will be up early tomorrow and looking forward to another good day's hike!
Date: 2007-05-14
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Cormelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff had 2 encounters with helpful locals today - both at crossroads. One guy stopped his car to talk with him and offered him a bottle of water. The next crossroad he met an old local who told him about a vending machine about 1 1/2 miles down the road. That soda sounded too good to pass up, so the guy offered to take him down the road. 2 sodas and a couple of Reese's cups later, the guy drove him back and jeff was back on the trail - all fueled up for the next climb!
Date: 2007-05-17
To: Montebello, Virginia
Miles today: 11.0

Jeff has had limited cell service; today he is at a B&B, Dutch Huas, in Montebello, Virginia. They had gone into Waynesboro and picked up his mail drop for him, so his 'supplies' were waiting for him. (Dozens and dozens of mayonnaise packets - the one thing he can't eat his tuna without and can't seem to find along the trail!) Mostly his meals are a nutrigrain bar for breakfast, maybe some tuna fish for lunch, and he's been enjoying Zatarain's rice packets for dinner. Snacks of Butterfingers, Peanut M&Ms, Slim Jims....As of today, he is down to 164 pounds (yes, 164!) Has lost 35 pounds since he started the hike on March 30.His is almost to the southernpoint of the Shenendoah National Forest and Skyline Drive.
Date: 2007-05-19
To: Waynesboro, Virginia
Miles today: 20.0

JEFF IS GETTING CLOSE TO HOME! He wanted me to let everyone know if you want to meet up with him, he will be within 3 hour drive of Dover probably by next Saturday. From there until Allentown, PA, he'll be close enough to meet. He'd love to have some company on the trail.However, he has lost his cell phone - so at this time, you can't really call him or leave him a message. You can call Cathleen @ 242-5421 and she'll give him a message for you (he calls with his calling card/pay phone).He should have a new phone by Friday.He is feeling pretty good, his feet are holding up okay. He decided to stay at the Quality Inn, so a hot shower, steak dinner and a television are on the agenda for tonight (and well deserved)!
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Waynesboro, Virginia

To: Blackrock Hut
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff took a day off yesterday (Sunday) and stayed in Waynesboro. Just rested, ate some good meals, got his clothes washed and dried.   Today was beautiful weather, but he was feeling rather sluggish so completed approximately 16 miles. He is now officially hiking in the Shenendoah National Park. Due to his cell phone being out of commission, probably till he gets his new one delivered to him Friday or Saturday, no pictures this week!   I'm hoping the next ones we see will be of him - long hair and skinny!!
Date: 2007-05-24
To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff has kept up a steady pace for the last few daysm, doing 28 miles yesterday. Today he was able to visit Elkwallow Grill for a hefty luncyh - burger, hot dog, fries, ice cream...   He is feeling goo, but missing his cell phone - we should finally see some new pictures next week, as he will be getting a new one by mail on Tuesday.He passed by Luray, Virginia and is near the northern end of Skyline Drive.
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: broken clouds

Jeff has passed the 1000 mile mark today! He is in Harper's Ferry WV and would love company on the next section of the trail. He should have his cell phone back on Tuesday, so call if you'd like to meet up with him.Yesterday he hiked a section called "the Roller Coaster". a 13.5 mile section with 10 ascents and descents. Spent last night at a Hostel, and will probably spend 2 days in Harpers Ferry. (Check the guestbook, he left a message for everbody)
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Jeff stayed today in Harper's Ferry to give his shin splints a chance to heal. Lots of ice on them. Also bought a new pair of shoes, which he mailed to himself to be picked up at the end of the trail in PA. The PA rocks have a reputation of completely beating your shoes, so he will definitely need a new pair by then!He has his cell phone back up and working (as many of you know by now). Hopefully some new photos on the way as well.
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Hagerstown, MD
Miles today: 8.0

Jeff's right shin is quite sore, so he is coming back to Dover tomorrow (Thursday) for a long weekend of rest. He is seeing his orthopedic doctor on Friday, so he knows (we hope) for sure what is going on. So, he will be in Dover by Thursday late afternoon, and is hoping to be back on the trail first thing Monday morning!
Date: 2007-06-01
To: A few day's rest
Miles today: 0.0

Hi to all. I am sorry to say that I have injured my Left shin and need a little rest. I am hoping to be back by Monday if all goes good. The swelling and pain was just a little to much after 3-days of walking on it. So I am hoping rest is all I need. I will let you all know when I am back on the trail. Until then . Hartly Hound Dog
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Back on the trail!

To: Mason-Dixon Line
Miles today: 15.0

Jeff is back on the trail - he got a ride from his buddy Bill, left Dover @ 3:30 am, and was back hiking on the trail by 7:30 am. He called at lunchtime today from Pen Mar County Park, at mile marker 1050. His leg is feeling much better after being 'rested' (if you know how Jeff is you know what I mean) for 5 days in Dover.   He was very glad to see everyone that he was able to catch up with while he was in town; your support and interest in his adventure means alot to him!
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Halfway Point, then Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff passed the mid point marker today - a true milestone (all downhere from here?)   He also became a member of the "half-gallon club" - a tradition for hikers to stop and eat a half gallon of ice cream to mark the half way point of the trail. Pretty interesting thing along this part of the trail - alot of the shelters actually have 2 shelters at the same place - one marked for 'snorers' and the other for 'non-snorers'!
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

This picture looks different than any landscape we've seen so far! The trail takes on a new look in this section, as the trail is long and straight in many sections here. The 30 miles Jeff did today were easy compared to the ascents and descents up to this point. There are several new pictures today if you check the photo section on the left side! Today he is in Duncannon, PA, about 16 miles west of Harrisburg. The trail goes directly through this town and crosses the Susquehanna River here.
Date: 2007-06-11
To: Pine Grove PA
Miles today: 30.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi to all. I am sorry I did not get to see everybody when I was home. But forthe ones I did get to see it was good seeing you all. As you can see I am backand now on a mission. I did 30 miles today and am hoping to be in Danielsville,Pa by Friday. Then out the next day and on to NJ. Hartly Hound Dog
Date: 2007-06-14
To: Danielsville, PA
Miles today: 15.0

Jeff is in Danielsville - for those of you who know the PA mountains, he is close to Blue Mountain Ski Resort. He is staying in a very interesting place tonight (ironic, really) - the old Municipal Building basement (ie, the old JAIL CELL!) Hikers stay for free - they just need to contact the local police dept for entry. The picture is of one of the boulder fields that are found in this area - some parts of the trail go right over these - very tough walking, especially in the middle of a nasty thunderstorm (that was yesterday).
Date: 2007-06-16
To: New Jersey
Miles today: 20.0

Thank you for all the messages. They help me keep going every day. Things are good I am getting ready to go into N.J. . So I will be done with Pa. As always I am looking forward to another state. Can't wait to see what N.J. has for me next. Take care all and keep the messages comming. Hartly Hound Dog
Date: 2007-06-17
From: New Jersey

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 28.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff is on his way through New Jersey. For the first time in a few days, there was no rain, so he was able to keep dry today. This area is where there are the most bears on the whole trail. (1 bear for each square mile of each county in this area, it is estimated) Care must be taken everytime you stop to keep your food up and out of the way. Care must be taken in this area with your water as well, as it becomes more scarce.
Date: 2007-06-18
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: Wayawanda Mountain
Miles today: 26.0

Bears sighted today - actually a bear and her cubs yesterday evening and a large bear alone today - just standing upon a rock, approx 30 feet off the trail watching Jeff as he walked along.Today Jeff picked up his new hiking shoes, which were shipped to him from Virginia and kept on walking! He came upon a nice lady named Gwendolyn Gettemy and her daughters, Taralynn and Margaret, who graciously provided him with some fruit salad, water and chips. (Trail angels again!)Tonight he is camping in a tent - called me while watching a beautiful sunset across a field where he was camping, with the Wayawanda Mountain behind him. A beautiful, cool evening along the trail...
Date: 2007-06-19
From: Wayawanda Mountain

To: ??
Miles today: 22.0

Jeff saw 2 bears and a wild turkey today (lots of wild turkeys spotted along the AT).   He came upon some 'trail magic' today - a big cooler of bottled water and a note with a phone # if anyone wanted a good place to stay. Turns out it was a local police officer who opens his house to hikers. So tonight, Jeff is staying at a private residence in lower New York. Which is good timing, because the weather is turning rough with lots of lightning and rain. Water is scarce along the trail right now, so the water in the cooler was definitely a welcome sight!
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Shenandoah Tenting Area
Miles today: 24.0

Jeff has made steady progress. The weather today was beautiful. Today he saw a couple of snakes, including a cooperhead, as well as this deer he photographed.   He crossed the Hudson River near West Point. He hs 762 miles to go and is now focusing completely on getting to Maine my mid-August.If you have logged in to check his progress, take a moment to sign the guest book to the left - he asks me everyday if anyone has signed in, and the messages mean a great deal to him! Thanks!
Date: 2007-06-23
To: Connecticut!
Miles today: 20.0

Jeff crossed into yet a new state today - Connecticut. The AT runs through Connecticut for approximately 52 miles, so at his pace, he won't be there long!He met up yesterday with his friends Road Runner and Wile E Coyote, as they had not been hiking together since Virginia. He was happy to see them and hike with them a while again!Weather has been beautiful--
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Connecticut!

To: Salisbury CT
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: clear sky

Hi you all. I am in Salisbury CT today. I just did 25 miles and feeling good. I will be out of CT by tomorrow and onto Mass. Thank you for all the messages they are good to read when I get in town. Talk to you all later. Hartly Hound Dog
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Massachusetts

To: Upper Goose Pond
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: clear sky

Jeff spent last night taking care of some very very sore feet. They felt much better today. Today saw a tough hike - coming back on some steep climbs and the weather has been quite warm (hence, a very welcome swim today!)He now has less than 650 miles to go. Tomorrow he will be in Dalton, MA, where a care package is waiting from him at the post office (with a hefty supply of Butterfingers, which he always has a good supply of.)
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Dalton MA

To: Mt. Greylock, MA
Miles today: 22.0

Jeff took a zero day on June 28th to try to give his feet a chance to rest up. He stayed at a good place in Dalton, MA. Thanks to Tom L. in Dalton.Today Jeff, Wile E Coyote and Road Runner set out, at 950 ft, and climbed to the top of Mt Greylock @ 3491 feet. This memorial is atop the highest peak in Massachusetts. It was originally built to be a lighthouse, and a light atop is still lit at night. Less than 10 miles to the Vermont state line! BTW - Thanks to Wile E and Road Runner, who bought some nice hair accessories for him, Jeff is now offically got his hair into a ponytail. We are still waiting for a picture of that!!
Date: 2007-07-01
To: Vermont
Miles today: 25.0

Cell phone service has been very hard to come by, so no new pictures this weekend. Jeff crossed into Vermont yesterday and is working his way through the Green Mountains. He needs some warmer clothes - down to 40 degrees tonight!He will be passing through Rutland and Killington tomorrow or the next day - for those of you who know Jeff's son, Lewis -- this is his back yard, as he is a student at Castleton College, right in this neighborhood.
Date: 2007-07-09
To: Glencliffe, NH
Miles today: 20.0

My computer has been down since last Tuesday, so sorry for the interruption in the postings. But I have a new computer, I've uploaded new pictures in the photo section so check them out too.Jeff has been hiking in the rain -- day after day after day (today is the 5th straight day of rain - and it is pouring down rain, not just summer showers). He enjoyed a nice visit at the home of Craig Deary and his fiance, Julie and their daughters, Natalie and Hannah - and a home cooked steak dinner. He was really appreciative of their hospitality. He met a waitress in a small Vermont restaurant who grew up on State Street in Dover (next to Holy Cross) - her parents still live there.Jeff's feet are still quite sore, but the last several days he has not been pushing himself - 15 to 20 miles a day. He is excited that today he reached the "Less than 400 miles" mark.   The mosquitos have become a force to be reckoned with as well.   He received a shipment of warm clothes because the nights are getting quite chilly. The next couple hundred miles will be quite tough - the White Mountains of New Hampshire will provide lots of steep ascents and descents.Sorry for the interruption in his progress, but should be able to keep up with him from here on out.
Date: 2007-07-11
To: Woodstock NH
Miles today: 9.0

This was probably the toughest day so far for Jeff, because after 5 of the last 6 days of pouring down rain, he has finally succumbed to some nasty bug. Fever, chills, bad headache, etc. He managed to get to Woodstock where he will spend at least one night, but he is one sick dude today.   Hopefully a day of rest will do him good and he'll be back out on the trail by Friday (which if course, is supposed to be raining again!) His day today started in a fog and mist that was so thick it was almost impossible to see where he was going. The White Mountains are very very tough hiking. The ascents and descents are quite steep and , in spite of having 1800 miles of hiking, his knees are really feeling it - especially the downhills.So, if you are reading this, say a little prayer that he will be healthy and hiking again as soon as possible!
Date: 2007-07-14
From: Woodstock NH

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Jeff thanks everyone for their thoughts while he's been sick. Two visits to the doctor and a couple of prescriptions later, he has decided to hit the trail again. He left Woodstock this morning, planning on a light day to get back into it. His strength was pretty well sapped during the last several days, and this is the hardest part of the trail coming up, so he will be taking it easy (yea, right!)
Date: 2007-07-15
To: Presidential Range, NH
Miles today: 20.0

Jeff hiked close to 20 miles today. He found a good place to stay where he can get cleaned up and take a nice hot shower. Strength is slowly coming back. Weather is till cool and rainy, and hiking is very tough. Mt. Washington NH is the highest point in the NE (6288') and he should be there tomorrow. Average summer temp on Mt Washington is 53 degrees. Believe it or not, it is also the sight of the strongest on-land wind speed ever recorded (231 mph) So not really a place to plan on spending a whole lot of time!
Date: 2007-07-16
From: Presidential Range, NH

To: Lake of the Clouds Hut
Miles today: 4.0
Weather: fog

Jeff put in a short day today, and took some time to enjoy the sites @ Mt Washington. He hiked up to the top (without backpack!) While there, he was able to see the beautiful sunset. There is a very nice, large, historic lodge @ Mt Washington and it is also home of some of the most extreme and challenging skiing - many of the guests here come from Europe to ski. There is a old-time passenger train to take guests to the summit.Jeff will be back full force hiking tomorrow, on track to get some mileage back under his feet.
Date: 2007-07-18
From: Carter Notch Hut

To: Trident Col Tentsite
Miles today: 23.0

Today Jeff hiked 23 miles to Mile Marker 1883 (less than 300 miles to go!) He will be in Maine tomorrow.Yesterday, Jeff hiked 20 miles to Carter Notch Hut. He gives a huge thanks to John Bluer who gave up a reserved spot for Jeff - which included a good meal of lasagna! Jeff mentioned that some places he has stayed offer a 'work for stay' option. So, a couple of times he has basically washed an hour's worth of dishes in exchange for a good meal and place to sleep!Tonight, however, is a different story - another day of pouring down rain, and shelters being few and far between puts Jeff trying to stay dry in his tent. Everything is wet (again) - gear, clothes, everything! Mildew, wet shoes, socks and feet are all a problem. The rain in New England has become quite an issue and he is frustrated that the rain, mist and fog have hidden almost all of the beautiful veiws that he was hoping to enjoy.
Date: 2007-07-23
To: Rangley, ME
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Jeff has had to purchase some new boots. Apparently, his feet were so bad, they were described as 'the worst they've seen this year'. The blisters and constant wet conditions have added to the problem. Today was his 2nd day with his new boots, and although his feet are uncomfortable, they are not sore in the same spots, so he is plugging along!He has been unable to send any pictures in the last week; the service is not strong in Maine. He has less than 250 miles to go and can see the light at the end of the tunnel. He is ready to be finished and come home! He is down to 153 pounds.   He doesn't plan on stopping for long anywhere on the trail until he reaches the final marker.
Date: 2007-07-25
To: Stratton
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Less than 200 miles to go! Jeff has arrived at Stratton, Maine, and is staying tonight at the White Wolf Inn. Had a great dinner of cheeseburger and fries, and got his laundry done.He has been on the lookout for moose, as some of his companions have seen some, but so far he has not. His new boots are treating his feet well and they are starting to feel better.
Date: 2007-07-27
From: Stratton

To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.0

Hi you all !! I have passed the 2,000 mile mark yesterday and only have 151miles to go. It feels good to be so close to the end. Thank you for all thesupport. It has ment alot to me. Yes I saw my first moose 2-days ago it wasabout 20 feet away. But it did not stick around for a photo. It look to be in ahurry. Talk to you all soon. I am looking to be done on the 4 or 5 of Aug. Thank you all Hartly Hound Dog
Date: 2007-07-28
To: 100 Mile Wilderness
Miles today: 22.0

Jeff has passed the "less than 100 mile" mark! He is very excited (more excited than usual!) He has entered the '100 mile wilderness' which is legendary. It is a large area that is very remote, with no supply available. It also marks the beginning of the end of the trail for northbound hikers.Cell phone service is very intermittent, so it is lucky for him to get through to be able to give me an update.He expects to be atop Mt Katahdin by the weekend. Hopefully a picture will be available for everyone to share in that accomplishment!