morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-20
From: ATC Side Trail

To: Ivy Creek Overlook
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

Okay, let me explain this picture. No, I'm not riding my bicycle on the AT. Today was pretty much a day of R & R. We had a scrumptious breakfast this morning at the B & B in Harpers Ferry. We then drove about an hour down to Luray and will be staying the next 3 nights at the Mimslyn Inn. Bean decided to take a well deserved break after driving by herself 10+ hours yesterday to get here. So this afternoon I jumped in the Suburban and drove an hour or so to the Shenandoah National Park (SNP). I found a location where the AT crossed the Skyline Drive that was 10 trail miles from where I had ended my hike last Monday afternoon. I hid the bicycle out of sight and chained it to a tree. I then drove to my starting location, parked the car, grabbed my pack, and took off. It was 4:00 when I started and I hoped to cover 10 miles before dark. The trail was real easy and I was moving at top speed (or at least my top speed). I covered the 10 miles in less than 3 hours, climbed on the bicycle, and pedaled back to the car. It was about 7:30 when I loaded the bike in the car and headed back to the hotel. Funny, I think the bike ride was harder than the hike. Glad I don't have to do that everyday. A high light of the day occurred as I was leaving the park. Three small bear cubs ran across the road in front of me. I imagine the mamma bear was in front of the cubs, but I never saw her, just the cubs. They were real cute. Those were the first bears I had ever seen in the wild except in Canada while hunting. There are a lot of bears in SNP and I had seen a lot of sign today, but those were the first I have seen. Fun, fun!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Ivy Creek Overlook

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 22.0

Today was hiking euphoria! This morning we slept in a little and then went to downtown Luray (not to hard to find) and had breakfast at Uncle Buck's. I had pancakes with chip beef gravy, and yes I like that. Then we drove to the SNP where Bean dropped me off on the AT. It was about 9:30 and I did 7 miles before she picked me up at noon for lunch. We drove to a diner they have there in the park and spent an hour eating a leisurely lunch. Bean then drove me back to the AT before leaving to go back to the hotel for the afternoon. I hiked until 6:30 and got in 15 more miles for a total of 22 today. Bean picked me up, brought me back to the hotel where I got cleaned up and then we had supper together at the hotel restaurant. If I'm dreaming, please don't wake me up! Like I said, hiking euphoria!I also saw some interesting things today while hiking. Two black creatures! One left in a hurry. One wouldn't leave at all! This morning while hiking, I was nearing the top of a small ridge when suddenly I heard something breaking brush about 50 yards away. I looked and there ran a black bear straight away from me as fast as it could go. It was an adult bear, but small. That makes two days in a row I've seen black bears, but this is the first one I've seen while hiking. I also saw another black creature! A 5' black snake. It laid right in the AT, and was not the least frightened by me. I just kind of stepped around him, bid him adieu, and went on. He didn't have much to say, so I didn't say anything either. Later on. . .Sent from my iPhone
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Lewis Mountain Campground

To: Skyland Resort
Miles today: 16.0

Today was another great day! This morning Bean and I grabbed a McDonald's biscuit and headed back to SNP and the AT. The great thing about today was that Bean and I hiked together. It was so much fun having her to hike with and talk with as we walked along. I shuttled with the bicycle again so I not only got some hiking miles, I got some biking miles! At noonish we finished up a section and went to a wayside diner in the park. We had a great lunch of fried chicken and fixin's and then finished with blackberry cobbler with ice cream. Oowee! That was sure enough good!! I could hardly walk back to the car, but Bean drove me back to the AT and I did 10 more miles this afternoon before we drove back to Luray for our last evening here. We have had a great time here together, and it will be tough to see her leave in the morning. I'm reminded again that for me, the hardest part of this hike is the emotional. This afternoon just before ending, I caught up with another hiker heading north. As I walked up behind him, I noticed a cloth Spiderman doll hanging out of his pack and immediately knew who he was. It was Spiderman! I had hiked with him a couple weeks ago before going to Florida. He was one of the nicest fellows I've met on the trail and it was great to see him again. He was doing great and we walked into the Skyland Resort together. Bean got to meet him and they had a good time talking about the trail. Spiderman is a physical therapist in his non-hiking life and Bean got to talk with him about a foot problem she had. He was unbelievably interested and gave her an on the spot exam. Great guy! Another wonderful AT thru hiker!!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Skyland Resort

To: Hogback Parking Area
Miles today: 21.0
Weather: light rain

It is always hard to say good bye to Bean! This time I really tried to be stoic, but it didn't help much. Knowing she had a 10 hour drive home didn't help any. What probably did help was that as soon as I got on the trail I started hiking with a young man named Spice, and then shortly thereafter we caught up with Spiderman. The three of us hiked together for several hours and had great conversation. Spiderman is a strong Christian, and we talked for a couple of hours about how one can know God's will in their life. Around 1:00 PM we crossed a road where I could get phone reception, and I told them to go ahead that I wanted to check on Bean. As I was finishing up my call to her, two familiar faces emerged from the trail. It was Queen and Columbus, a couple I hadn't seen in 3 weeks. We renewed acquaintances and then hiked together for an hour or so. Eventually I moved on, but the young guys were way too far ahead for me to catch them. I eventually met up with them at Elkwallow Wayside where they had stopped for a meal. I got a drink but then moved on because Justin Kuhlers was almost to the campground which was 2 miles ahead. When I got to the campground area, I decided rather than take the 3/4 mile side trail to the campground, I would hike on past it to the Skyline Drive and then just walk back the short distance to the campground to meet Justin. Big mistake! When I got to the road, I turned the wrong way and proceed to walk 1 1/2 miles in the wrong direction. I'm telling you, I have no sense of direction and I've proved it on this hike! After realizing my mistake, I hitchhiked back to the campground and met Justin. The campground was full due to Memorial Day Weekend. We drove to the Wayside, got a sandwich, and then drove to the parking area where I had finished my hike. We found a suitable tenting area and I set up my tent while Justin hung his hammock. As the sun went down, I thanked The Lord for watching over this crazy hiker another day!By the way, today the mileage went to four figures! Yep! 1000 miles! Kinda hard to believe, and that first step seems soooo long ago, but it's a fact. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Hogback Parking Area

To: US 522 Front Royal
Miles today: 17.0

Last evening Justin Kuhlers from Murfreesboro, TN, met me here in the SNP. He drove 10 hours to get here, and will drive back 10 hours on Monday. Wow! What a friend to do that just to hike with me and encourage me. He has never hiked on the AT until today, so it was real special to share this time. We headed out this morning and made great time. For not being a hiker, Justin was right on my heels and we had a fabulous time together. We made the 17 miles by 2:00, and that kind of messed up our shuttle driver. He was expecting us later, and when I couldn't reach him I called another shuttle. Then he called later and wondered where we were. Oops! Today was a milestone day! I have finished the AT in Virginia! That is a major accomplishment.More thru hikers quit in VA than in any other state. One fourth of the AT is in VA, and it's behind me! Thank you Lord!
Date: 2014-05-25
From: ATC Side Trail

To:  Dahlgren Campground
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: clear sky

This morning Justin and I were sitting on the steps of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) waiting for it to open at 9:00AM. As soon as they opened, I had my picture made and entered in the log book. I am the 231st thru hiker to register at the ATC in 2014. I was able to see several of the people I had met along the trail who were ahead of me, some by days and others by weeks. For a thru hiker, it is a milestone event to make it to Harpers Ferry and the ATC. I'm very thankful to have come this far, and again I am thankful to everyone who has texted, emailed, or made a journal entry to encourage me. I wouldn't have made it this far without your prayers and support!After finishing at the ATC, we got a shuttle for Justin so he could leave his car at the campground where we are tenting tonight. It really worked out well for us to tent here tonight because Justin can leave early in the morning to head back to TN, and I can hit the AT. The shuttle brought Justin back to Harpers Ferry and I met him after I had hiked a few miles. We then hiked a pretty much uneventful 17 mile day to the campground. The really neat thing about this campground is that there is a really good restaurant about 1/4 mile from here. The restaurant is a big contrast to the campground! It is white linen and the campground is primitive camping only. And thus, the wide spectrum of the AT!A little humor, I have a 2 man backpack tent that Justin brought with him from TN. I have not set it up for quite some time, and this evening when we went to pitch the tent, I forgot how the poles fit the tent. There were several other hikers who already were at the campground with their tents up and we were very aware that we looked like novices that didn't know what they were doing. Finally, Justin had to go online to the manufacturers website to figure out how to put up the tent. A little embarrassing!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-26
From:  Dahlgren Campground

To: Pen Mar County Park
Miles today: 24.0

This morning Justin and I broke camp early so he could head back to TN and I could get on the trail. He was so kind and carried my gear to the B&B that I was planning to stay at so I could slack pack for the day. The trail was mostly very walkable and only the last few miles were real rocky so I made good time. I'm a little apprehensive as to what tomorrow may bring as far as rocks. PA has a bad reputation regarding rocks, but it is what it is!This morning the trail went through Washington Monument State Park. The first monument dedicated to George Washington was erected there. It is pretty impressive!This being a holiday and with the beautiful weather, there were a lot of day hikers on the trail today. This afternoon I met a group of thru hikers and there were two, Cupcake and Mary Poppins, who I had met weeks before. Then, when I got to the park where I was meeting Dave (the B&B owner), I ran into Legs and Sunbear who I hadn't seen since Damascus which was 5 weeks ago. That's the way the AT rolls!This evening I am spending the night at a Bed & Breakfast in Waynesboro, PA. I did not realize until today after talking to my mother, that my brother Rodney (who died as an infant before I was born) was actually born here in 1949. It's amazing how we learn facts which were hidden for so long!Later on. . .
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: US 30
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

The AT enters into Franklin County, PA from Maryland. The county just to the west of Franklin is Fulton County. All of my kin on both sides, mom's and dad's, are from Fulton Co. I have 2nd and 3rd cousins all over the county. Some I've never met! So, I had decided before starting this hike that when I got to this place in my trek, I would try to drive over to Fulton Co. Today after hiking 18 miles to Hwy US 30, I called Enterprise in Chambersburg, and yes, they do, "Pick You Up!" I then drove the rental car some 35 miles to Sidling Hill Christian Church Cemetary where my dad was buried some 27 years ago. Across the road in a little white church, a grateful son conducted a tear-choked funeral service before that burial. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done! My Dad was a good father who proved in 100 ways that he loved me, but never said it! I still miss him. Another important milestone was reached today. I crossed the Mason-Dixon Line. For those of you who aren't still fighting the Civil War, that line separated the South and the North. Now I must make a confession that might come as a shock to some of you. I was born a Yankee! Yep! Fort Wayne, Indiana. I wasn't born in the south, but I got there as soon as I could. One thing I guarantee (as Festis used to tell Matt), my heart's in Dixie!! Anyway, I put the state of Maryland behind me as I had done the state of West Virginia two days ago. That makes 6 states down with 8 to go. You know, Pennsylvania to Maine doesn't sound near as far as Georgia to Maine!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-28
From: US 30

To: Shippensburg rd
Miles today: 11.0

(Since I didn't include Mason-Dixon picture yesterday, I did today). Today was a Nero. That's a near zero day. Actually 11 miles isn't really a Nero, but kinda! My legs probably didn't think it was a Nero. Really, the trail this morning was pretty gentle. Actually the trail thus far in PA has been gentle. I got a message today from Iceman (a PA hiker) who told me I had several fairly smooth days before I hit the rocks. Sounds good, but we'll just take what comes! Today I came off the trail and back to the B&B early so I could be part of a board meeting at MidSouth Bank via conference call. I very much appreciate the support and understanding of so many back in my hometown of Murfreesboro, TN. Not only at the bank but also Horton Haven Christian Camp, Special Kids, my church and fellow elders at New Heights Chapel,my business partner Wayne Belt, my employees and staff, and most of all my sweet wife and family. I would never be able to stay out here without the support I've been given by everyone. Tomorrow morning I will start a new phase of my hike, and I look forward to it!Later on. . .
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Shippensburg rd

To: PA 94
Miles today: 19.0

There was a scream in the woods this morning! It was a 60 year old hiker who had just reached the half-way point of an AT thru hike. Woohoo! I was some kinda happy! I'm not sure exactly why, but the first step I took after the 1/2 way sign felt different! Just knowing that step was taking me closer to the finish point than I was to the starting point was special. The old discourager ( and we know who that is) could not use the line, ". . . and you're not even half way there yet!" Oh yes I am, Sucker! I am so half way there yet! All morning long I'd smile every time I thought about it! Later in the morning I crossed the 1100 mile mark. Seems like those century miles are getting closer together. Hope so! Today around noon I came to Pine Grove Furnace State Park where the Pine Grove General Store is located along with the AT Museum. One of the thru hiker traditions is that at the General Store you get a 1/2 gallon of ice cream and try to eat it all in under an hour. If you do, they give you a wooden souvenir spoon and put your name in a log book. I was the only hiker there (in fact I was the only thru hiker I saw today hiking), so I was a little disappointed that no one was going to witness my attempt. I got a 1/2 gallon of Hershey's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough and sat down at a table under the front porch. I had just started eating when a group of high schoolers that I had seen on the trail came in. They were just ending a 3 day camp out that was part of a school project. They immediately got into the ice cream eating thing and started encouraging me. It was fun! The first third was good. The second third was tolerable. The last third was definitely forced, but it was ALL GONE ! I met the challenge, got the spoon, and signed the book. I even ate a hot dog after I finished! I had hoped to get in a few more miles today, but it rained most of the day and I doggone sure didn't want to camp in the rain. I don't mind hiking in the rain(unlike a lot of hikers who stay in the shelter or hostel), but I hate camping in the rain. It's hard to set up camp, hard to cook, hard to sleep, it's just hard! So I stopped when I had an opportunity to get a room. It's a hiker motel, but very nice and priced right. I'm thankful to be dry and warm!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-30
From: PA 94

To: PA Hwy 850
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was nothing like yesterday. The weather was perfect and the trail was unique! After being dropped off this morning just outside Mt Holly Springs, I hiked in a wet forest because of the overnight rains. Eventually the sun popped out and things dried out. Mid morning, the trail turned flat and stayed that way for nearly all day. It was down on the valley floor and ran along side and between fields of newly planted corn. It was so different from the ridges filled with trees and vegetation. Then the trail went right through the town of Boiling Springs. I stopped at a little cafe and got a sandwich and ice cream cone before heading on. This afternoon I walked for quite some time beside Conodoquinet Creek which was wider than some rivers. I saw cranes, ducks, and turtles. One of the turtles was tiny saw I picked him up and got his picture. I don't think he minded!The afternoon ended back in the woods, but a great day!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-05-31
From: PA Hwy 850

To: Ridgeline Tentsite
Miles today: 22.0

What a difference a day makes! Yesterday the trail was flat and gentle. Today was rock city! I had hoped to make it about 4 miles farther than I did, but between lack of water sources and the rocks, I was pretty slow today! As I said previously, PA is known for it's rocky trail, and today it lived up to I t's reputation! The highlight of the day was a Trail Angel in the person of David Martin. David had sent me a message on my guest book welcoming me to PA, but I never expected him to deliver that message personally! This morning as I was nearing Duncannon, I met a hiker heading south. We said hello and then he asked if I was Dan. I was shocked! David had driven an hour and a half to meet me and some other hikers whose journals he was following. He then followed me into Duncannon where we met at the fabled Doyle Inn for lunch. Although David didn't eat anything, we had a good time discussing my hike and getting acquainted. Tomorrow he is planning on meeting me in the morning and taking my gear to Jonestown (where I'm staying tomorrow night) so I can slack pack tomorrow. How great is that?! It is such an encouragement to have a fellow hiker and fellow Christ-follower to lend a hand! Only on the AT!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Ridgeline Tentsite

To: PA Hwy 72 Lickdale
Miles today: 22.0

This morning I broke camp early and was on the trail by 6:15. I needed to make 5 miles by 8:00 to meet David Martin. He was going to get my gear so I could slack pack today into Lickdale. I met David just at 8:00, and "Lo and Behold", he had coffee, milk, muffins, doughnuts, and a smile to boot! What a guy! He took my gear and I was off (lighter by 20+ pounds). I had just left David when I realized I didn't have my trail guide. I took off my pack, threw down my poles, and took off running back down the trail. He was already gone! I had no phone reception! The only thing I could do was hike with no guide and hope David had it in his truck. Later in the morning I took off my pack to get something from inside and there was my trail guide inside. I had inadvertently put it inside instead of in the outside pocket I normally carry it in. The experience caused me to think of how I sometimes act as a follower of Jesus Christ. In John 15 Jesus tells us we can bear much fruit if we abide (stay in right relation) with Him. He also says we can do nothing without Him. In Philippians we read that if we are in a right relation with Jesus, we can do all things through His strength. Sometimes I try to handle a situation on my own and don't trust God as I should. I try to arrange things and cause them to happen. I run around needlessly when the strength and answer are already inside me in the Spirit that God has given me. Just like the trail guide, I already have it! I simply need to look inside and trust Jesus!After arriving in Lickdale, David met me and drove me to the hotel. We said goodbye and he headed home with this appreciative hiker's blessings. Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-02
From: PA Hwy 72 Lickdale

To: PA183
Miles today: 21.0

Today was tough! Maybe I've forgotten the steep mountains of GA, or maybe I've forgotten the long ascents of TN, or maybe I've forgotten the ups and downs of VA, but in my mind today was harder than any of them. There were some good stretches of trail, but the rocky ones went on and on. It was not for the faint hearted, and I say without apology, I'm glad to be sitting in a hotel! I hadn't planned on it, but I'm thankful it turned out this way. I was trying to hitchhike to a road crossing, and the driver (Tom, a true a Trail Angel) said, " Hey, why don't I just carry you down to Hamburg. I know they got hotels there." I gave no argument, and here I am. The trail today was a real test on my new boots. I just got them yesterday from REI. They are replacing the ones I bought two months ago. The news is good and bad. The boots were easy on my feet. I was concerned that with no "break in period" they could cause problems! None! Bad news is, after only one day the toe guards are already showing signs of coming loose. The rocks are murder on feet and boots! More bad news. I talked today to a southbound hiker, and he said the trail does not get better for several days. Oh well. One step at a time!Later on . . .
Date: 2014-06-03
From: PA183

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 14.0

It is hard to believe that I've walked 1200 miles. I certainly wanted to reach that mark (and beyond), but when I think about 1200 miles it's pretty staggering. As I walked by the mileage marker someone had laid out, I was again humbled at this amazing opportunity I have this summer and how many people are sacrificing so I can be here. Thanks to all!Today was a relatively short day just going 14 miles. I started at 8:30 and was done by 2:00. Not having a full pack makes a huge difference, and knowing I only had 14 miles with a shower at the end gave me incentive to hustle. Today I also had cell coverage all day and was able to make some phone calls while I hiked. Kinda fun, although I can only talk on the level or downhills. I need all my breath on the uphills, of which I only had one significant one today. What I did have was a real steep downhill coming into Port Clinton. I mean steep!I saw a Mr. No-shoulders (snake) again today. It may have been the longest black snake I've ever seen. I'm guessing it was 7' long. Really! I'm just glad it was a black snake!Tomorrow it's back to the rocks and a long day. I am going down early tonight. Later on . . .