morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-06-12
From: Bryant Ridge Shelter

To: Matts Creek Shelter
Miles today: 22.6
Weather: overcast clouds

I Was last out of the shelter. I meet Achilles at the next shelter after the climb. We decide to take a side trail to Apple Orchard Falls to see the waterfalls and get a shower. We hike the extra 1 mile downhill (and then another mile back up after) just to break up the heat on the trail. The falls were worth it and I used a bar of soap I had from the B&B to get a full shower in the 200 ft falls. I have a picture that will go with this! I spent some time down there ordering new shoes. My current ones are collapsing in the soles and my left ankle is rolling over the heel at an odd angle. I'll be getting them in Waynesboro... I'm trying to keep my ankle in one piece till then.So Achilles and I get out of there and end up hiking into the night to find Yoga Boy who passed the campsite we were supposed to stay at. We stop at the next shelter sometime around 10:30pm.
Date: 2011-06-14
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: N Fork of Piney River
Miles today: 23.4

Probably Got started around 11am the next morning. Found some nasty pond water because I missed the spring.We did maybe 9 miles before 5pm. We took our time at a river crossing, then spent 2 hours at some trail magic from 'The Milage Assassins', a couple doing trail magic for 20 years. We traded stories and ate eggs and drank cokes for far too long.Again we found ourselves at a shelter at dusk 'amping up' for another night hike.Big payoff again. Huge miles overnight and got into camp at 1am. More hilarious than last night, brighter moon, even more dreamlike. At the end of the night none of us could keep from laughing. We had no idea where we were going or why we were doing it, but we got 'there'. Our hiking mantra payed off. Ended up waking up some campers at midnight when I ran a half mile down to a water source to grab two more liters of water to keep hiking. It was midnight, I was running down the trail, a half mile, for more water to hike farther. We ate our dinner there. When would I ever be okay with running a half mile off trail for water? Let alone midnight? Good decisions.Got into camp late, stayed up till 2am updating and eating. The Pod is starting to become a thing.
Date: 2011-06-15
From: N Fork of Piney River

To: The Priest Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: broken clouds

Mileage Fail!Didn't work out for our third night. Achilles fell behind the game plan we were preparing for.We got up at noon, made it 5 miles by 3pm. Walked down a road into a ' Town' which was a camp store and a post office. Sat outside the store eating till 6pm. We talked with the families fishing there, ate too much, I wrote a letter, and finally we packed up and left. Achilles made it one mile up the road back to the trail and then .5 up the AT before he decided to setup camp. He couldn't hold on another night. Yoga Boy and I did 5 more miles till dusk and hit this shelter. Started amping up for big miles but lots of food and Achilles behind damped our plans. They're calling for rain tonight but it hasn't happened yet. At least this way we'll be together for tomorrow, them with 3 more hours sleep than me.As you can tell, posting has fallen to the wayside due to the strange form of hiking we've been doing. I killed my phone in one shot here, but I'll be in Waynesboro on the 17th with a new pair of shoes and a zero waiting for me on the 18th. Till then... Stay safe
Date: 2011-07-15
From: The Priest Shelter

To: Eagle's Nest Shelter
Miles today: 380.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Huge miles today...But seriously, I have been through plenty since the last time I posted. There is no possible way for me to remember all that happened. Over time the memories I have of those miles will fade away and all I'll be left with is one or two stories and a general idea of how I was feeling through that section of the trail. So that's all I have to offer to you.I have been having a difficult time physically, mentally, and financially. I am beginning to understand what it means to commit to something and to follow through regardless of the difficulty. I will be finishing this trail as it was intended to be finished, by walking from Georgia to Maine. There have been a few times when I have tried to cut corners, walk on roads, hitch hike, or blue blaze. This will not be happening any more, and I intend to hike the sections I've missed after summiting. My end date at Katahdin will be Sept. 25th. After that I will be taking one or two weeks to complete some sections missed in Virginia.I don't always have a chance to post what I've been doing, and frankly it has come in the way of me hiking. Given the choice, I will be hiking. I will post when I can. This is also the only record I have of the trip and I do want to remember as much of it as I can, but I also want to enjoy my evenings in camp and the friends I've made. If you don't hear from me, I'll be heading north.
Date: 2011-07-16
From: Fort Dietrich

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I didn't make it as far as I would have liked yesterday. I got started at 4pm and didn't feel like hiking into the night. I setup early next to a spring, built a fire, and cooked my first meal on the trail in 2 months. I decided to start carrying my stove again. Bad night of sleep but it was my first night back in two weeks.Got out of bed around 830. Late start because my camelpack decided to start leaking. Not sure if the problem is fixed now. Ran into Honey bee and Chickadee on the trail and hiked with them for most of the morning. Great company to have and they kept a good pace. I left them after lunch to push ahead.Found out the spring was dry so only had a cup of water to last me 5 miles. Dropped into Port Clinton pretty dehydrated. Not my fault the water source was dry! I drank 2 liters of water, 2gateraids, and a coke in Port Clinton. I was proud of myself for only spending 4 dollars and 1 hour in town. I kicked a stick earlier today and I think it bruised my ankle. It feels like the same muscle as my last injury... I'm hoping it'll be better by morning. At least it's the right ankle this time.Also saw my first rattler today! I was with Honeybee and Chickadee when it started making noise, about 10ft off the trail. Got some good pictures.Another 20+ day tomorrow. I'll be pushing these miles till I catch up with the rest of the group. Already passed a few, but the big bubble is two days ahead. Lets hope the ankle is better tomorrow, the rest of me feels ready to do another 20.
Date: 2011-07-17
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 22.4

Very tired. I'm waiting for my dinner to cool down before I start eating... I hate burning my tongue.Plenty of rocks today. My feet hurt but my legs are fine. I think I can keep up with the current pace. Luckily my akle isn't hurt... Just a bruise that will go away soon. The Pinnacle was a decent view today, but I didn't take too much time there. It wasn't much fun in the heat and there's a parking lot there if I want to revisit it.This new level of commitment to hiking is proving to be a challenge, but i'm still going. Into town tomorrow for a mail drop and Subway!I need to eat my mac and cheese... Till tomorrow then
Date: 2011-07-18
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Delps Trail
Miles today: 21.6

PA has too many rocks, and I found them all today. Between Knifes Edge, Bear Rocks, Bake Oven Knob, and the rock climb out of Palmerton... I just had a terrible day. It would have been great if the spring i'm camping at tonight was running, but it's not. The spring is dry so I can't eat dinner tonight after pushing hard miles, which means I won't be recovering much strength overnight. On the plus side it's raining! Other than that the view from Bake Oven was great. The spring just south of town was an amazing piped spring with ice cold water. I took a hobo bath there. Got a nice hitch into town right next to the post office. Got my mail drop and hung out in Subway for two hours. Made friends with a girl on staff there who's nother invited me to spend the night. In hindsight, I wish I was there and not here starving and dehydrating myself. At least I got my miles done? Sigh....The hike out of town was 1,000ft up a rock cliff. Not kidding, it was a mountain of boulders one thousandfeet high. Didn't help that I hit it at 4 in the afternoon in full 90 degree heat for five exposed miles on the edge of the ridge. Someone needs to warn me about these things. I ran the next 5 miles in hopes of beating the rain storm which was supposed to hale. I almost made it. Stayed mostly dry and arrived to find the water source stayed dry as well. I'm unable to hike more. It's dark now. I'm hungry.At least OWF and Keeper are here with their newly acquired dog. it was some good news after an afternoon of bad choices. Also found out the rest of the group is 10 miles ahead. Hopefully I'll see everyone again soon.I'll explain later how we were separated. I took some time off at home and had some hikers over for my birthday. it's a longer story than that. I need to sleep before my stomach eats me. Happy Times!
Date: 2011-07-19
From: Delps Trail

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 0.0

So everything didn't go as planned.The plan was to get water at the next spring .6 off the trail. Then take lunch at Wind Gap. Then end up another 10miles down the trail... I got as far as Wind GapNot eating last night plus my right ankle still giving me trouble led me to come into the town of Wind Gap in search of real food. After making it a mile into the turkey hill, the heat and the fact that there was a movie theater in town made me think an afternoon movie might be a good way to get out of the heat.After checking the movie showtime I found the only showing to be at 6:45. The showing was to be of Harry Potter 7 Part 2. This was good and bad. It's the movie I wanted to see, but it's a late showing making me unable to hike more miles today. At least I had the commitment to check the guidbook for another theatre soon. There wasn't one till at least New Hampshire. So it was decided... I got a hotel room with OWF and Keeper, went to Subway, and went to the movies. Win!
Date: 2011-07-20
From: Wind Gap

To: Sunfish Pond
Miles today: 21.6

So I ended up getting a16 mile slack pack from Keepers mom today.We went to Dunkin Doughnuts for breakfast and got to the trailhead by 9. Keepers cousin joined us for the day. The day was hot, but the miles went by quickly with company to hike with. We finished by 3:30.Guess who I find in Delaware Water Gap? Yoga Boy and Achilles!!So I get to the outfitter and the gas station and head with them to the hostel. They have been there two days and are night hiking out tonight 10 more miles to the next campsite. Why not, me too!I eat dinner and we get moving around 8pm. We cross into New Jersey! The rocks are instantly better and the trail is graded at a slight uphill. We make 6 miles up to Sunfish Pond. Yoga Boy decides to swim. We all decided to swim. At 9:45pm tonight I swam in a glacial pond. We are now camped under the stars next to Sunfish Lake. There's a cool breeze off the water and tomorrow we get to watch the sun rise. Good things happened today.
Date: 2019-03-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I had the opportunity yesterday with the nice weather to get a 9 mile prep hike in with two friends around the Gettysburg battlefields. My pack was loaded with about 30 lbs which is close to what I plan on carrying in May.Even with all the road walking and exposed paths it was an enjoyable day with the company I had. My Solomon XAComps are not going to make the cut as my trail shoe, they are causing the same aggravation in my ankles I experienced in 2011, and I would be silly to remain loyal to the shoe even though I have immense respect for it's construction. I will try the next hike (two weeks) with the Merrell's I have been using for work. I'm hopeful the shoe is the issue and not my ankles. I have decided to use Superfeet (blue) inserts this time instead of the green. It hits my arch more correctly than the green and even with it's lower profile it still provided enough support that my arches didn't collapse over the 9 miles.  The only part that's sore is my hips, which are out of alignment due to hypertension. I am looking forward to stretching out everyday on my hike, but I'm aware of how much the first few weeks are going to hurt. I'll keep ibuprofen in my pack along with topical cbd ointment for muscle aches. I wore a new pair of running shorts which worked out fine but I will still carry Glide with me to reduce friction. Darn Tuff lightweight socks were actually a bit heavy (even for the 70 degree day) and I might consider a thinner pair. I recommend the brand as they have a lifetime replacement warranty (or at least they did back in 2011 when I exchanged a worn out pair for brand new ones).Other than that I'm thankful for the practice and greatly enjoyed the distillery/brewery we ate at after the hike. I'm going to miss warm showers and a comfortable bed. 30 days left!
Date: 2019-04-29
From: Culvers Gap US 206

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: clear sky

First day! I had a great sendoff with a Bon fire at the house, then with a family friend last night in northeast PA before hitting the trail at 10ish this morning. Weather was clear and 60 with no wind which made for some quiet hiking (which was good because I got a little emotional with the reality of what I started). I never thought I would have this opportunity or the follow through to finish. I'm feeling thankful to my friends and family, the trail, and the loving community of people of this community who have made today a wonderful time. I ran into two local bird watchers at Sunrise Mountain picnic shelter who reminded me why I love this trail and that there are good people everywhere. Had some trail magic in the form of a clementine and gained some new information about the area and local birds as well! Spent two hours in conversation and admired the view. At the shelter now with Stripes who also got off the trail due to injury last year (and is also a drummer). It's nice to not be alone on my first night back and connect over getting back out here.Hope I can stay warm tonight and have another day like this tomorrow.P.S. The gentlemen at the pavilion said he thinks I should keep Levi as my trail name. Considering he technically gave it back to me to use, I believe I will continue under the name for this 2019 season.Much Love,Levi
Date: 2019-04-30
From: Mashipacong Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: moderate rain

It was a foggy, damp, morning after the rain last night. Temps are still cold overnight so I stayed at the shelter till around 10 waiting for the day to warm up and the drops to shake off the trees. I got some good stretching in and finished the book I was reading. Overcast most of the day, but the sun came out during my morning break overlooking High Point Lake. Comfortable 60 degrees has been a blessing. Great hiking weather! The trail was covered with orange colored newts and I was having a hard time not stepping on them the first few miles. Ran into a section hiker named Connor from RI who was hitching out from High Point Park HQ after blowing out his knee. Between his heavy pack and boots, plus all the rocks through this section, it looked like the right thing to do. Passed some time there before his ride came then took advantage of the public restrooms before hiking out.Pretty quick hop to the shelter so I got in before 4pm. It gave me time to do laundry and heat up water for a warm hobo bath before dinner which is cooking now (4 cheese risotto with salmon!!).Tomorrow is a 12 mile cruise down to the next shelter so I'm resting up tonight. Definitely glad for the shorter day as i get my legs under me. The Merrel shoes I'm wearing might not be long for this world if I can't figure out how to get them tight enough. The downhill is causing too much sliding and these heavier socks are not breathing either. Blisters might be in my future tomorrow. So far so good! Little sore but that's expected. Wish there were more hikers out here. Tonight it looks like I'm on my own. Good thing I'm surrounded by water on three sides and have a bridge to protect me! It's beautiful here. Adventure is out there! Levi
Date: 2019-05-01
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I ended up having company last night from Jamen and Poop Sack. Jamen started in GA in February so we had a great time talking about the difference the seasons make. I still can't believe he started so early! He had negative temperatures in the smokies and has been battling high winds recently. Many nights and days he spent alone and I think he was glad for the company (so was I).Really late start getting out of camp at 11am. I made good time with the easy downhill, but the trail is still really muddy. Had to tiptoe around on rocks early in the day to avoid getting stuck in the mud (and I lost one of my rubber trekking pole tips!)Stopped at Jim Murray's place for water and lunch. Solved the world's problems with him and his donkey while we watched the grass grow. Lots of boardwalks after that through swamp land filled with skunk cabbage, ferns, and little yellow flowers. Very pretty walk. Some nice folks gave me a dollar in quarters so I could fill up my water before climbing up to the shelter. Met Stripes again, along with Mosey (Strider), Pilgram, and Wolf from Germany. Turns out Mosey grew up in the next town over from me and now lives in Harrisburg and Pilgram lives maybe an hour away from there. Small world and PA is representing tonight. Looks like I'll be running into this crowd again. The shelters are spaced out pretty far and there aren't too many other options. They're all in their 60s, but are doing more miles than me at the moment. I hope to see them again.Saw 5 swans, 4 squirrels, 3 deer, 2 cranes, but missed the partridge in the pear tree. Levi
Date: 2019-05-02
From: High Point Shelter

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: mist

Early start in the morning. I was out of camp by 830 and passed Stripes at the water source. Found a good pace today because of the easy terrain.The mile of catwalks over the marsh was nice. Saw plenty of turtles and birds. Ran into a hot dog stand before Wawayanda Mountain and also found two donuts at a local shop before hitching into town to resupply. I was able to get in and out of town in an hour and had good conversation with my rides. I was worried about the climb up the Stairway to Heaven (up Wawayanda Mountain) but my ride told me his 3 year old son did it, so I relaxed.It was a climb, but I took a good pace and only stopped once. I passed a few couples but ended up at the outlook alone. Aired out my feet, ate salami from the store, watched a hawk circle the mountain, and took way too many pictures. Found some trail magic on the way to the shelter (white cheddar cheez its!) and got in just as the rain was starting.Lively conversation at the shelter kept me from posting. Wolf is here with Stripes and now Achin' rolled in just before dark. We're all section hikers at this point, started in Springer and made it up till here over various years. I'm still the youngest heading to Maine, everyone seems to be retired and 'avoiding the crowds'. No surprise there. I knew it would be a different hike, and honestly it's been great with the weather. I've missed the rain which has come every night, and its sitting in the 60/70s during the day. The bugs haven't really kicked in yet and the nights aren't too cold. My body is holding up but the shoes and socks need to be replaced. I've held off the blisters so far, but I've been taping my toes and airing out my feet 4-5 times a day. It's slowing me down and not providing great support. My right Achilles tendon is stretching out too far and the tendon in front is starting to hurt like last time. I've got 3 days to the next outfitter, and a motel night in two days. I'll be okay but I wish these shelters were closer together. Pushing longer days than I want right now. Levi
Date: 2019-05-03
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I had a really long rant prepared (it was developed over the course of the morning) but I decided to tone it down. New York is incredibly dangerous. 3 people slipped today and one got off the trail. The path runs across the ridge on slightly concave rocks covered in lichen. When these get wet there is zero traction and the rocks are shaped in such a way to slide you. This is insane and a huge hazard when it's wet. I slipped 5 times but didn't fall. Others did. I'm sure the views from the top are great, but it was foggy so I saw nothing all day but rocks. They marched you up the rocks, then back down, only to find the next clump of slippery rocks to march you back up again with no apparent advantage.Pretty swampy trail again, but we had a lot of rain last night. After the rocks the rest of the trail was okay (too bad the rocks were over half the day).Went to the creamery and got some ice cream with Wolf and Achin. Charged my phone and camera for a bit before leaving.Easy trail for awhile then more rocks. At least they were somewhat dry.I took it slow. My ankle is swollen and I need to rest it. I have 10 miles to a motel tomorrow and then another 10 the next day to a shelter where I might take a zero on the trail. As long as I take it slow I can keep going, but I know I need to rest it or it'll get in trouble like last hike. Too many people in the shelter. I can't get a moment of thought without getting interrupted.I'll try to post more tomorrow.Levi
Date: 2019-05-04
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Tuxedo Motel
Miles today: 9.9

More rocks.Made it to the motel by 1pm. I'm taking a zero tomorrow because of the rain forecast and my ankle. Iced it for most of the day and relaxed. I'll post more tomorrow, but I wanted to remind myself of the hike today in case I forgot. ... rocksLevi
Date: 2019-05-05
From: Tuxedo Motel

To: Tuxedo Motel
Miles today: 0.0

The zero day worked out well. It's been raining all day and I haven't left the room. Yesterday was some hard up and down over more rocks. The Fitzgerald Falls was a pretty section and close to the road if you head north. I wouldn't recommend any other section of yesterday's hike unless you're a mountain goat.Ran into a lot of company for the day which made it go by quickly. I left camp around 730 and passed/ hiked with everyone from the shelter; Achin', Captain, Lightfoot, Popeye, Wolf, Stripes, and a day hiker named Scott with his young dog Moana.Wolf and I got to the road by 1 and immediately caught a ride to the motel. Sal (the owner) is a really nice guy and made us feel at home. We got showers and he washed our laundry! We had pizza delivered and been eating it for the last three meals. Tonight is Chinese food. I ordered my resupply from Walmart and Stripes picked it up for me (which is awesome 1st world magic compared to 2011). I got an ankle brace and athletic tape so we'll see if that helps. Not sure if it's really better today than it was yesterday, but I'm going to have to hike tomorrow anyways. I'm giving myself a few more days before I decide if I can keep going or if I need to rest it longer at home. It really is frustrating to have the same injuries time after time. I want to keep hiking!Levi