morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-26
From: Pogo Campground

To: Pen Mar Park
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain continued all night long and my champion tent kept me cozy and dry. I love the sound of rain on the tent. It never fails to lull me to sleep. I have to give Maryland an A plus for tent sites. It is a short state to go through, but there are lots of nice campsites. It is nice to sleep on a flat spot and not roll off the mattress pad. The trail was alterately smooth and easy and rocky and difficult. There were some big scrambles that were very slippery with my new boots. I must admit- I miss my Salomans. They had much better grip. I took one nasty fall and fortunately landed on a rock that was smooth and not jagged. Still, I am going to sport some nice ass bruises. I wonder if others are also oddly proud of their injuries. I do have to remind myself to take the rocks slow.The woods were beautiful today. It was overcast and misty and that gave the colors more clarity. The greens were intense, the rocks a sharp contrast. The overall feel was mystical and magical. Bright orange mushrooms and fungal growth accented the earthy background and I was completely enchanted. Today was a day to revel in the natural beauty that surrounded me. I decided to listen to A Walk in the Woods today on Audible. I listened to it over a year ago, but it was so much more relevant today. I hiked and laughed out loud at Bill Bryson's funny take on the trail. It occurred to me that I have hiked further than he did, and also further than Cheryl Strayed. But I also understand how hiking less than the whole way can get you what you need. I felt a profound sense of accomplishment 500 miles ago, but I want more.I am thrilled to be communicating with Katwalk. She is bringing my husband what is left of her dehydrated meals. I am really excited about that. She had amazing gourmet meals that she made and dehydrated herself. We are talking about meeting up in Maine. There could be no better end to this hike than to see her at the end. If I had not started with her the way we did, I'm not sure I would have made it out of Georgia. I need fun and she is fun!D.No and C.Shell are also right behind me. They will catch me while I visit my daughter and brother and Sis in law in PA, so we can hike together again. I am looking forward to that. I like having hiking partners. Even though we hike alone, it is so much more fun to camp at the end of the day with friends. I would never make it as a hermit.At Pen Mar Park, I caught a ride to Applebee's and ate a burger then caught a ride to the days inn. Forecast is for rainy night and day.
Date: 2015-06-27
From: Pen Mar Park

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

A huge weather front sat over the region last night. The rain started around midnight and continued relentlessly all day long. When I woke up and looked out the window, it was bleak, coming down hard, and cold. I am glad I made the decision to come in to town last night. I packed up and thought I would hike out. I was meeting friends in Fayetteville, 18 miles North. I saw Boston and other hikers in the breakfast area and none of them were planning to hike on this miserable day. I called my friend and she told me that their ETA was around 1pm, so that settled it. They picked me up here, we drove to Chambersburg and I got a room at the HI Express, right next door to their hotel. Thanks to my bro-hotel room trail angel. I communicated with D.No and C.Shell. They were stuck in their tent 10 miles south of Harpers Ferry. They told me it was raining sideways, and cold and foggy- like another world. They zeroed in their tent.We enjoyed the day, eating sushi, swimming in the pool. I loved hanging out with her kids, I have known them since they were babies, and I enjoyed the jacuzzi in my room- a special treat. The feet like the jets.At this point, unplanned zeros are a concern. I have a schedule now if I am to make it to K by Sept. 15. I am starting to add up and distribute miles lost to zero days and I have to make up that mileage by putting in longer days.Basically, 3 20 mile days makes up for a zero. And I don't do 20 mile days very often. I am taking 2 or 3 days off next week to vist my 14 year old, Zoe, and after that, I will have to become extremely focused. I have the opportunity for the next couple of weeks to get some big miles in, and after that the terrain gets difficult again. One foot in front of the other. My friends are picking me up this morning and dropping me off at Pen Mar Park, where I got off yesterday. I cant wait to see my Zoe!So...I didn't hike in the rain yesterday, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express.yuk yuk yuk.
Date: 2015-06-28
From: Pen Mar Park

To: stealth camp
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: light rain

My friends picked me up this morning at my hotel and drove me back to Pen Mar Park.I had such a wonderful time hanging out with my god children and it made me miss my kids even more! We said goodbye in the parking lot and I headed to the trail. I saw Dora the Explorer and Clown Car at the park. Everyone looked a little water logged! It rained 3 inches here yesterday and the evidence of the rainfall was all over the trail today. Several fresh blow downs, mud, mud, more mud, torrents of water running down the trails. The creeks I passed were swollen and fast, one even flooding its banks and rushing into another stream. It slowed me down some and I did not make the 20 I wanted. I got close though, so considering my late start I'll be happy. The shelters in this leg of the path are doubles. Two shelters . Wonder why. One Shelter I passed was not accessible unless you wanted to get wet. The creek had risen enough to make it a ford. Lots of rocks today. Big rocks, little rocks, rock scrambles using my hands. Yesterday at the laundromat a guy told me that this section of the trail has so many rattle snakes and copperheads that there used to be a rattlesnake rodeo every year. Then it was deemed inhumane. So I was on the lookout for the snakes during the big Rock climbs. I'm glad the sun was hiding today so the rocks never got warm enough for snakes to lounge on them.I passed the MD/PA state line early in the hike (and the mason Dixon line) so I am in PA now. Il like the passing state lines. Makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. I saw one of the two remaining Choirboys on the hike today. They are the guys that took our picture at Springer. They were 4, now they are two. Tomorrow I'll pass the 2015 halfway point. I plan to do 20 and end up at the half gallon challenge!
Date: 2015-06-29
From: stealth camp

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.8

I got a text from a friend just before I zonked out last night- she and her kids saw my trail journal post from last night and were road tripping to NY. They were only a few hours south of me and wanted to meet up somewhere. I told them to go to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 19.8 trail miles ahead for me. I said I would be there by 5. Putting pressure on myself! I started early (for me), before 7am. I was not sure what the terrain would be like- it looked easy-but the rock scrambles really slow me down, what with slipping, falling down, and looking for rattlesnakes.It turned out to be a pretty easy day. The rocks were minimal, the hills were easy, and I made good time. I was so happy that I did not miss the official 2015 halfway point sign. I tend to look at my feet a lot to avoid tripping and sometimes miss signs I want to take pictures of. The halfway point sign would have been easy to miss, it was off the trail 10 feet or so and not nearly as impressive as the old halfway point sign I would see a few miles further. When I saw the sign, I was flooded with two strong emotions immediately. First, it was elation-WOW! I AM HALFWAY! then, it was something else- less than elation-closer to dread-holy shit. I'm only halfway. I let those conflicting feelings fight it out while I hiked. If I have learned nothing else on this trip, I have learned how to get out of my own way. Anyway, I got pictures at the signs so I could look at them later without all the commotion in my head. (see pics)I hiked on and after the second sign came to a stretch of forest that was so quiet, so peaceful, so beautiful, so what I needed right at that very moment. I stopped and looked all around and felt grateful.I made it to the Park at 4:45. I did 2mph including two shoes off breaks and lunch. I'll take it! I saw the Wild Boys and Tumbles and Scout at the park. They were in the process of- or celebrating -their half gallon challenge victories. I love the people I meet on this trail! They are happy souls!Soon, Erin and her two kids Ellison and Ben showed up. They had been swimming at the lake while waiting for me. We ate lots of food and then Ellison and Ben helped me take on the half gallon challenge! We did not finish our almost half gallon or eat the extra cup you have to buy to be official, but the young lady at the counter gave us our victory spoons anyway and made two kids and one kid at heart very happy.We went back to the lake and enjoyed the end of the day sitting on the sand and watching the kids play. They decided to stay at the hostel there with me, an old mansion with incredible history. We had a bunk room to ourselves and it was really fun. Crisp clean sheets, fluffy towels, waffles for breakfast.My daughter is flying in to my brothers house tomorrow, and the plan is to hike to Boiling Springs, 20 miles north, for a pickup. Going to see my baby for a few days!
Date: 2015-06-30
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Tom and Meg's house
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

We woke up early and tried to keep two excited and lively children in a room full of tempting trapeze inspiring bunk-beds quiet until 7am. That was the toughest part of the day! When I walked out on to the big sprawling front porch, I saw that it was raining. I planned to hike, but thinking of my daughter only 2 hours away was too much for me. I had not seen her in 3 months and suddenly, I could not wait any longer. Erin agreed to drop me in Carlisle. I called my brother and told him and he left immediately to get me. Two hours later, he and my daughter pulled in to the Cracker Barrel parking lot and I finally got to wrap my baby up in a very emotional embrace. God, I missed her so much.We drove back to Tom and Meg's house and I plan to stay until Friday or even Saturday. Zoe flies home on Sunday. Tom went back to work and Zoe and I sat out a tornado warning and lots of rain. Glad I wasn't hiking!Tomorrow I will hammer out the hike part deux plan to make it to Mount Katahdin by Sept. 15. Meanwhile, I am on Zoe time!
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Tom and Meg's house

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

14.89. That is the number I need to hit, as an average everyday to make it to Katadhin in time to make it to the Big Big World Gala on Sept 19. I have two zeros in the padding- strictly for weather related zeros. Everyday I hike I hope to put miles in the bank- at least through this and the next state. I will not be able to hike big days in NH, so banking miles has to happen now.I hope I can bank enough to create a weeks worth of short days and a couple more zeros. We will see!I bought some more permitheon to treat my stuff again. I have done this twice already and so glad I did. I have yet to find a tick on my body or my gear, but I will remain diligent! The salesperson in the store asked me when I was planning to hike and how far when I asked for the spray. When I told her I was halfway through a thru hike, she did not attempt to sell me anything else. I bought everything that was suggested when I was green, but now I have street cred! I eyed the ultra light gear with longing and sadness. Next long distance hike- I am going ultra light, for sure.My brother and his wife have been spoiling me. First night: steak. Next night: crab cakes. Tonight: lamb chops. I want to stay forever. Zoe and I are having some great bonding time and we have missed each other a lot. She wants me to finish this hike though and it moves me to tears knowing that she is proud of her Mom.Some friends from my hometown were up here on a road trip and treated me and Zoe for breakfast. I seem to have a more active social life on the trail than I do at home! Thanks Cheryl, Victoria, and Dick!When I get back on the trail I am going to have to focus and be disciplined. The two things I have never been good at.
Date: 2015-07-04
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: stealth spot
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: overcast clouds

After 4 restful days, my visit with Zoe is over. My brother and his wife spoiled us both and it will be hard to eat hiking food again! They drove me back to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, and amazingly, there were hikers I knew there attempting the half gallon challenge. Most of my bubble is far ahead now. We checked out the AT museum , took a few more pictures , then it was time for goodbye. I knew I would cry and I could feel it coming on, but I saved it for the trail. We waved and blew kisses and then my sweet girl was gone. It was a late start, just after 2.As I usually do- when I leave the trail for a few days- I talk to it when I get back. "I'm back" I said to the trail. "I don't care" said the trail. FU I said. Then I hiked and cried for a while. It helps that Zoe wants me to finish. It helps that SHE didn't cry. It helps that I want to finish- but it is still hard and I still miss my family. That's part of it I guess. Part of what makes this extraordinary. It isn't just a physical challenge, it is a multi layered challenge and I can understand why only a small percentage of people complete the hike. In spite of my emotions- I feel strong today. It was drizzling on and off and the trail was pretty muddy. The path was wide and smooth and then it got rutted and rocky. Somehow I twisted my ankle (I miss my boots!) and I went down hard on a downhill. My hand broke the fall, followed by a knee, and the I twisted to avoid a face plant and my shoulder took the rest of it. I was lying on my back headfirst and going down hill and when I tried to get up, I flailed- like a turtle on its back. I unclipped my pack and was able to get up without its weight holding me to the ground. I inspected my body and found a cut on the pad of my right hand under the pinkie. It was short, but deep and fat blobs were poking out. Gross and very bloody. I forgot to replenish my band aides so I rinsed it, put ointment on it and wrapped my bandana around it cowboy style. The hike was uneventful after that. I listened to The Last Of the Mohicans on audible and navigated the easy terrain. Everybody complains about PA, but I have found it easy, pretty, lots of opportunities to buy food, and good camping. Maybe the upcoming dreaded rocks will knock all of the positive experiences right out of my head.. We shall see.And speaking of rocks- the trail went through what the book calls rock mazes. Gigantic boulders that the trail weaves through were very beautiful but slowed me down so I am a mile short of the shelter. I pitched my tent in a stealth spot in quickly fading light. I am now in my tent listening to the 4th of July fireworks all around me. Can't see them because of the clouds, but I am enjoying the noise.I should catch up with D.No and C.Shell tomorrow. I'm a mile or two behind them. They caught up while I was visiting my family. Happy 4th y'all!
Date: 2015-07-06
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.3

It rained all night long and was raining this morning I made oatmeal and tea in my vestibule and we were up and ready to hike by 7:30 or so. We were all excited to hike into Duncannon PA today, home of the famous Doyle Hotel. The Doyle is legend on the trail, for its marvelous cheeseburgers, cold beer and memorable accommodations. We planned to do laundry and a resupply and maybe find a shower, eat a burger, then hike another 5 miles.The first 5 miles of the trail today was very pleasant. The trail was relatively smooth and rock free. We did, however, have a climb! After a couple of weeks of easy coasting it was a rude awakening. We remembered that we were actually on a journey to climb mountains today, and while this was no Georgia, I did work up a sweat and a little leg burn. The trail went over some pretty footbridges and wooden planks maintained by a Boy Scout troop.The book called for a very rocky 6 mile stretch into Duncannon and I felt a little dread. We have been over so many treacherous rocky areas that were not even mentioned in the book- so how bad was this going to be? It started out not too rocky. In fact, we scoffed at the designation for a half mile or so. Rocks? We laugh at your rocks! Then it started getting steeper, and rockier, and then muddy and slick. C.Shell had two falls, one nasty. I took it slow. I still have a swollen sprained ankle, a bruised right arm and shoulder and a puncture wound in my hand and I don't want to fall! (Why is this fun again?) the last two miles were straight down big rock steps and scrambles but finally we reached the bottom. We were rewarded with plump raspberries begging to be picked in bushes lining the road all the way into town.First stop was the laundromat. C.Shell and I got undressed in the back area and were observed on video camera, according to the many threatening signs all over the place. I think we will look good in our birthday suits when they review the film. We put all of our stinky clothes in a machine and headed up to the Doyle- finally- for our cheeseburger. We had been warned by Dexter that the bartender was mean, but she was very nice to us. We enjoyed a most superior burger and fresh cut fries as well as a cold coke, then a beer.Clouds were blowing in when C.Shell and I caught the free shuttle to the grocery store for resupply and by the time our town chores were done it was after 5. With the big storm coming, we decided to sTay at the Doyle. Our room is a masterpiece of flop house perfection, with cobwebs on the ceilings, our trash can holding up the window, and all of the wonders of a building over 100 years old and not really updated. It is the coolest place I have stayed at on this journey. The sheets are clean, the towels are fluffy, the shower is hot and with good water pressure. I would call a night at the Doyle a MUST DO!I gotta give props to hiker Airlock, many miles ahead of me. She did 25 miles into this town-in the rain. When I read that, I thought the descent must not have been too difficult, but after having done those rocks today- we three take our hats off to her!
Date: 2015-07-08
From: clarks Creek

To: stealth site on the mounatin
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

Woke up to the sounds of birds talking to each other and the water flowing down the stream. It rained just for a second but did not threaten any longer than that. The hike today started with a real climb-again-not a Georgia climb, but one that warmed us up and got our legs pumping. The trail was smooth then rocky, off and on all day. It is putting a hurting on our feet! We put our feet in an icy spring to make them feel better and that really helps. I thought a lot about a young woman I met the other day while hiking. She was hiking the AT, attempting a thru like we are. We were dangling our feet off of a rock, looking at the view and eating snacks. She shared her cancer journey with us which started when she was 19. Now about 23, the cancer still lives in her, too small to treat again yet. She spoke about her radiation, her surgery, all happening while she was in college. She told is proudly that she finished on time and graduated with honors with her class. The she said she was grateful for the gifts she received during her cancer journey( which isn't over yet). D.No was incredulous after hearing of her lengthy treatment and continued struggle. "Like what"? He asked. She lifted her chin, threw back her shoulders, and she smiled a smile of pure joy and triumph. "I can do anything" she said. "I can do this," I literally got chills at that moment and knew I was in the presence of the magnificence of the human spirit- in its purest form. To have that depth at such a young age is amazing. I wish I could bring her to Vietnam with me this year to talk to the kids we care for- to show them that they can overcome the cruelty life has dealt them. I will never forget that young woman or what she said- and how she said it.Today- we hiked on and on. The scenery changes a little, woods, a field, lots of steams and foot bridges. We passed the remains of an old coal town.When we got to the road crossing that could take us To Lickdale, we decided to hitch into town for pizza. Nobody picked us up. Probably because D.No was sitting on the ground picking and eating wild carrots right behind us. He looked a little crazy......We sat under a bridge like Hobos and fired up our cook stoves. This is the life! We hiked on another 3 or so miles after we ate, up up up- making C.Shell not happy. She dislikes the climbs more than I do.Pitched our tents on a flat spot on the ridge, a guy named Milkman hiked in and joined us. He started in February! We are not the slowest out here, as we thought we were!
Date: 2015-07-12
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: clear sky

JoAnn arrived at the shelter around 7:30 this morning. She and Neil were heading to Lowes for home improvement supplies and stopped to pick up the contents of our pack. We had eaten the delicious poundcake and shared it with other hikers too. What a treat! This particular shelter has a solar shower and a flush toilet. It also had a caretaker and it is situated on a road. Very unusual but very nice!Our third slack pack day started with a pretty walk through serene woods. We passed a bridge that ran over a gently flowing a crystal clear stream. C.Shell and I stopped on the bridge and mused about how we thought we would be doing more swimming. The water always seems too cold, and we usually end up at possible swim places late, so we have to get our tents set up and eat. I hope we can find a fun lake or two and swim though- it was part of my AT fantasy before I started.The trail went up, gaining over 800 feet in a mile and a half or so, so not too steep- but it went on for a while. We worked up a sweat.Then it happened. The dreaded rocks. They were persistent and went on for longer stretches with shorter breaks between them. For several miles this continued. We had a couple of nice views, but if we had to hike off trail to see them we skipped them. We were trying to get to a restaurant by lunch time to meet JoAnn, and our feet rebelled against non trail miles.I got a text from JoAnn- she was coming to hike with us! About 2.2 miles from the road crossing to the restaurant, we saw her . She had packed out cokes and snickers for us. We are really getting spoiled! She set a good pace back, we had a 2 mile hike without rocks, and before we knew it we were ordering cheeseburgers and IPAs. Amazing cheeseburger. Epic.After lunch, JoAnn watched, amused , as we stuffed all of our crap back in our packs. We hefted them on to our backs and groaned. After 3 days of slack packing, it felt like we were carrying dead bodies on our backs. Our food bags are too heavy and I think my pack is close to 40 pounds today. Ug.The trail went slightly up and soon we were walking in gigantic boulder fields. We carefully navigated from one rock to the next- looking for level spots to place our feet. It became more and more treacherous so we packed up our poles so we could use our hands. We passed a spot called Knifes Edge, where you hike along a rocky ridge. The views are spectacular. These rocks went on and on and on and my ankles both got twisted a little. Make it stop- dear god make it stop! And we have the next 40 miles of more of the same. We keep reminding ourselves that PA has been really lovely and we can't let the last little bit ruin our memory of it. But that's going to be hard because these rocks are awful.We made it to Bake Oven Knob shelter and found a nice campsite up in a hill. We drank some tea and filtered water and now I'm in my tent with throbbing feel. Yeah, I'm whining. But I'm still here!