morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-19
From: Big Meadows Campground

To: Pass Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 18.2

Well, it rained last night, but much lighter than previous nights. How's that for postive thinking? :-)Actually, it was not raining this morning and it began to clear up today, finally. I was up and out of the campground shortly after 8am and I covered the 7 miles to the Skyland Resort by 10:30am, just in time for my morning break. I had a huge piece of chocolate poundcake and a soda along with my normal Snickers bar so I was fueled for the day. Leaving Skyland, I went up Stony Man and the Pinnacle to arrive at the Byrd's Nest #3 hut early this afternoon. Altough it was still cloudy, it was a nice walk and the trail was in great shape. Actually, the trail is in great shape throughout the park. I stayed at the hut about an hour as it looked as though the sun would peek through and I could dry my tent from last night's rain. Get this... the sun actually came out! Yep, I'm not kidding. I immediately layed out my wet tent and rainfly hoping it would dry before the clouds returned. Timing was tight. The sunshine lasted about 20 minutes and the tent was very close to dry when it disappeared again. From Byrd's Nest, I hiked to Mary's Rock, one of our favorite places to hike when the children were younger. I've always enjoyed it so I stopped for a while at the top. The clouds had returned so there was no view, but I enjoyed it just the same. From Mary's Rock, I descended to Thornton Gap crossing US RT 211 and hiked up to the Pass Mountain Shelter where I'm staying this evening. After 3 straight nights of rain, I've decided to sleep in the shelter tonight. I'm tired of carrying a wet tent :-). There are about 8 people here tonight, most are tenting so there are only 3 in the shelter. Everyone is excited about the possibility of sun tomorrow! Ironic, it just started raining again 5 minutes ago, but we're optimistic. It was a good day and the hiking was easy.
Date: 2010-05-20
From: Pass Mountain Shelter

To: Jenkins Gap
Miles today: 18.9

I was thrilled to look up and see blue sky when I stepped out of the shelter at 6 this morning. I was the only one stirring so I sat quietly on the outdoor fire hearth drinking my coffee and watching the sun clear the treetops. After the weather we¢ve had, it was both sweet and beautiful. A great way to start the day. I started hiking shortly after 7am which is early for me. The miles really flew by this morning as I walked along rolling terrain in the cool morning. I arrived at Elkwallow Wayside around 10:30 after hiking 7 12 miles. I had planned to stop there for a snack. However, when I saw Slim there waiting for a full meal, I decided to do the same. I had a cheeseburger, fries, and a large soda at 10:30 in the morning. It was delicious. What¢s for lunch? :-)While Slim and I ate our ¢morning snack¢, an elderly gentleman approached and introduced himself. His trailname was ¢Slowpoke¢ and he thru-hiked in 1981. He is currently considering a second attempt once he is fully recovered from knee surgery. He truly cherished the adventure and he is itching to get back out there. He is a very nice gentleman and I really enjoyed talking with him. I hope he gets to go a second time.Leaving Elkwallow, Slim and I hiked together for the rest of the day. He was planning to reach the Front Royal Hostel this evening so we kept a good pace. I had arranged to meet Donna at Hogwallow Gap which had a parking lot according to the A. T. Guide. Unfortunately, there is no Hogwalllow Gap parking area so I ended at Jenkins Gap 2 miles north on the trail. Unfortunately, Donna was parked at a trail crossing south of Hogwallow Flats which I had crossed an hour ago. Confusing, isn¢t it. That¢s why it took us an hour to connect. There was no cell phone coverage so I started walking Skyline Drive south thinking that¢s where she would be. Good news¢¦ I was heading the right direction, it was a beautiful day with no rain, I was walking along one of the most beautiful roads in the country, and we connected at last. Tonight, I am home in Winchester. Tomorrow, I plan to finish the trail in Shenandoah National Park with my son, Andrew. It¢s supposed to be another beautiful day.NOTE: I've added updates for the past several days. Sorry for the delay... terrible cell coverage so the email service wasn't working.
Date: 2010-05-21
From: Jenkins Gap

To: US 522, Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 7.7
Weather: broken clouds

Andrew and I left home shortly after 8 am for the drive to Shenandoah National Park for today¢s hike. We planned a light hiking day today from Jenkins Gap to Front Royal, VA. As forecast, it was a beautiful morning and the trail was in great shape so it was a very nice walk. We covered the five miles to the Tom Floyd Wayside shelter in a few hours and stopped for our morning break. There, we met a thru-hiker named Beefstick who started in Springer 3 days after I did. I was surprised we¢d never met over the past 10 weeks as we talked about places we¢ve stayed and some of the people we both knew. We spent a while there before continuing on toward Front Royal. I really enjoyed the walk and the time with Andrew this morning. It was a rather easy walk so we had time to talk and enjoy the experience. I¢ve always loved Shenandoah National Park and I feel it is a special place as part of my AT hike. I feel blessed that Kim joined me as I entered the park in Waynesboro last Saturday and Andrew was with me as I finished today. Tonight, I¢m enjoying another night at home in Winchester. A guy could get spoiled like this.
Date: 2010-05-22
From: US 522, Front Royal, VA

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Ashby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 20.2

I got an early start this morning starting at 7:30 am. I crossed RT 522 east of Front Royal heading north toward Linden. Within a few minutes I crossed Bear Hollow Creek and began a short climb adjacent to the Zoological Research Farm to the west. Within a few minutes, I was getting lost in thought and stepping out when, all of a sudden, there was a loud noise in the woods to my right. I was shocked back to reality when I looked to see a rather large bear scampering by me no more than about 30 away. It disappeared into the undergrowth in about 5 seconds. About 5 seconds after that, I thought about reaching for my camera¢¦ I¢ve always been quick on the take :-). Throughout the Smokys, Tennessee, and Shenandoah National Park, I¢ve been expecting to see a bear. Today, a mile from a busy highway and near a residential neighborhood, I see one. Perhaps, crossing Bear Hollow Creek should have given me a heads up. The weather forecast called for rain, but it was a nice morning and the hiking was easy. I stopped briefly at the Denton Shelter for a break, and then continued to Linden crossing RT 55. Being Saturday, there were a number of hikers on the trail including 2 groups of Cub Scouts. Interestingly, I didn¢t see any thru-hikers today. Where is everybody?I made great time today stopping for lunch at Dicks Dome Shelter. A few miles north, I walked through Sky Meadows State Park, an old favorite and a place our family used to hike when our kids were¢¦ well, kids. From there, I came down to Ashby Gap and stopped at the parking lot just north of RT 50 off RT 601. Tonight, I¢m back home once again eating well and happy to be dry while it¢s raining this evening. Tomorrow, I will be taking a zero at home.
Date: 2010-05-23
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Ashby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Today was a zero day at home. I really needed the rest so it was a very quiet day. Unfortunately, I didn¢t feel well most of the day feeling exhausted and experiencing chills. I¢m hopeful it is nothing and will pass overnight. I¢m planning to hike with an old friend tomorrow morning so I¢m hopeful I¢ll be ready to go.
Date: 2010-05-24
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Off the trail for the week :-(After feeling really lousy yesterday, I awoke this morning feeling worse with a fever, chills, and severe flue like symptoms. I was planning to hike 14 miles today with a friend, but I was just unable to go. I went to the doctor this afternoon and learned I have prostatitis, an infection of the prostate.It's not real serious, but I'll be taking antibiotics for the next 21 days and the doctor says to stay off the trail at least 5 days, then as soon as I feel able. Today, I'm not able... hopefully I can go by this weekend. There's really nothing good about being sick, but I do feel blessed that I came down with this at home where I'm comfortable and able to see my normal doctor. I've walked from Georgia to the final miles in Virginia with no real issues. When I think of getting this in the Smokys or other remote location, I feel rather fortunate... it could have been a lot worse.I'll keep you posted. Meanwhile, I'm trying to eat and rest. Believe it or not, I don't have an appetite which is a sure sign something is wrong.
Date: 2010-05-25
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

I spent the day on the sofa still struggling with chills and a high fever. The doctor said it would take a day of two for the antibiotics to begin kicking this thing so hopefuly tomorrow will be better. I'm still hopeful I can get back on the trail this weekend.
Date: 2010-05-26
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Wednesday.I'm beginnning to feel better today. The chills and fever have subsided and I'm actually walking around:-). I continue to take the antibiotics for the infection and Advil for some lower back pain. I think I'll be in great shape in another day or so.Thank you all for your support and your prayers.
Date: 2010-05-27
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Thursday.I must be nearing full recovery as I'm starting to get the gear organized and ready to go. I actually cleaned my backpack today. It's looks like the one I bought last fall:-). Donna washed my sleeping bag the other day so that's clean and I'm cleaning / resealing the tent. I will continue to wait a few more days per the Doctor's advice, but I'm confident I will be ready to go after the 5 days. Donna and I are driving down to Smith Mountain Lake this afternoon for the next two days. We plan to return on Saturday so I can get back on the trail sometime Sunday. I'll be ready.
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

Friday.We spent the day at the lake enjoying a beautiful day. One thing I knew I would really miss this summer is time at the lake. This unplanned break gave us the opportunity to get a few days here which is great. Good things come unexpectedly sometimes.We will be returning home tomorrow and I'm still planning to hit the trail again Sunday. I'm feeling fine now and getting anxious about being off the trail for a week. I haven't hiked since last Saturday so it's time to go!I thought I was in good shape in terms of schedule, but now I'm starting to worry. I originally planned a week break for vacation with the family in late June and I still plan to do that so I'm hopeful I can remain healthy for the second half. All is well, again.
Date: 2010-05-29
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)
Miles today: 0.0

We drove home from the lake this afternoon and I spent the evening repacking everything for the trail. Man, it sure feels heavy. I think I've gotten lazy over the break. Good news, I gained six pounds over the past week despite being ill. I feel good this morning and I'm ready to get back out there. I'm starting back in the morning. I'll keep you posted.
Date: 2010-05-30
From: Side trail to parking lot N of Asby Gap (Rt 50)

To: Wilson Gap
Miles today: 20.0

Today was my first day hiking in over a week. I was worried that I would still feel weak, but I actually felt really well despite the heat. Donna dropped me off just north of Ashby Gap where I ended last Saturday. I got an early start and was walking by 7:15am.I had been on the trail for a few minutes when a hiker came from behind heading up the first hill. I stopped to see if he wanted to pass and we chatted for a minute. He asked my name and, when told, he was totally up to date with my infection and my hike from following this journal. His trail name is "Juma"; I think. (I fear I don't have this correct). He is a section hiker from Fairfax, VA. He has suffered the same ailment repeatedly and is very knowledgeable. We ended up hiking together for several hours today. I enjoyed chatting with him. Today's hike was a little strenuous. It traversed the area called the "Roller Coaster" which is a 13 mile stretch of multiple ascents and descents; one right after the other the entire distance. The terrain, coupled with the heat, made for a long day. It felt good to be back on the trail, but I'm tired tonight.Headline...I left VA this afternoon and entered West Virginia. I plan to get to Harpers Ferry tomorrow be in Maryland tomorrow evening.
Date: 2010-05-31
From: Wilson Gap

To: Keep Tryst Road
Miles today: 16.6

Today was a cooker! A very hot, humid day. I got an early start hoping to beat the heat. I started hiking before 7am and covered the 13 miles to Harpers Ferry by 12:30pm. I went to the ATC headquarters, signed in, and had my picture taken in front of the sign as is the custom. I was #155 to pass northbound this year. I stayed at the headquarters a few hours chatting with a few other hikers and, like several others, I sat around in air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.I left Harpers Ferry around 2:30pm and headed north. The AT follows the C & O tow path for about 3 miles leaving town.I got off the trail at the Keep Tryst Road crossing and walked to the Hillside Hotel here in Knoxville, MD where I'm staying tonight. Tomorrow is supposed to be another hot day so I will be heading out early.
Date: 2010-06-01
From: Keep Tryst Road

To: Annapolis Rocks Campsite, MD
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: few clouds

Today was a little cooler than yesterday and, despite a few sprinkles, a better day for hiking. I left the hotel before 7 and started on the trail around 7:15. The hike up Weaverton Cliffs was rather tame and it was cool so it was an enjoyable walk; albeit I felt a little tired after yesterday¢s heat. I stopped briefly at the Ed Garvy Shelter to rest a bit, see the shelter, and sign the register. It is a very nice shelter and a fitting tribute to one of the ¢Pioneers¢ and a true advocate for the AT. His book inspired me 20 years ago and I continue to browse it occasionally. I continued on to Gathland State Park where I stopped again for a break and a snack. Unfortunately, the vending machine took my 2 bucks and did not give me the coke I paid for!! It was like being in Vegas; put your money in a machine and get nothing. I had lunch and another long break at Dalhlgren Backpack Campground just south of Rt 40. This is a great place for hikers with campsites, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms, showers, etc. All for free. I was feeling really tired this afternoon and considered staying there, but it was very early in the day so I decided to continue on. This afternoon I passed through the Washington Monument State Park and hiked up to the monument. It sits upon a knoll with a great view to the west. From there, I descended to Boonesboro Mountain Road and crossed the I-70 footbridge. Tonight, I am camped at Annapolis Rocks. There are beautiful views to the west and I enjoyed a very nice sunset this evening. Unfortunately, I found myself extremely tired again today and I am totally exhausted tonight. I may need to take a shorter day tomorrow. I should make to Pennsylvania tomorrow afternoon. Maryland is a very hiker friendly section with a number of amenities for backpackers using the AT. I¢ve enjoyed the short trek through the area.
Date: 2010-06-02
From: Annapolis Rocks Campsite, MD

To: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Miles today: 19.0

After a mostly sleepless night, I started packing at 5:30 and hit the trail by 6:30 in an effort to beat the heat. I had planned to reach Antietam or Tumbling Run shelter today, but the heat and fatigue began to wear me down early on. The terrain today was very tame and it should have been an easy walk¢¦it wasn¢t. I began to struggle after about 8 miles and stopped for quite a while at the Foxville Road crossing near Smithsburg, MD. I ate and rested about an hour before pushing on another 8 miles over High Rock and into Pen-Mar County Park at the Pennsylvania state line. I was totally exhausted at this point so I rested another hour or so and enjoyed a few cold sodas from the vending machines there¢¦ the high point of the day :-) And, the machine didn¢t rip me off¢¦ good deal. I called Donna at home to schedule a place to meet in the next day or so in order to sign some documents we need for some investments. At that point, I felt so bad I suggested we meet this evening and I would come home for another day or so to rest. We agreed to meet in a few hours so I hiked on north to the Rt 16 crossing near Blue Ridge Summit, PA. Donna arrived about 5pm and we headed south to Winchester. Tonight, I¢m at home again. I need some rest and I was shocked to discover I¢ve lost another 7 lbs. in the past four days on the trail. I¢m not sure, but I think this is due, in large part, to the antibiotics I¢m taking for the infection along with the extreme heat. I¢m convinced, however, that I need some rest and some time off to recover properly. I¢m now down to 146 lbs¢¦a shadow of my former self, and I am exhausted. For the first time, I¢m concerned that the hike may be in jeopardy. For now, I¢m home and I plan to rest until I complete the antibiotics at the least and hopefully regain some weight. I¢ll keep you posted.
Date: 2010-06-08
From: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA

To: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Miles today: 0.0

It¢s been several days since I¢ve provided an update. I¢ve been taking it easy at home, continuing to take the antibiotics, and gaining back some weight¢¦ which is all good. I¢m now feeling stronger and have begun getting some exercise the past few days. As for the hike, right now it is suspended. I¢m not sure whether I¢m going to resume later this month or not. I¢m scheduled to finish the medication on the 15th. I¢ve had a vacation planned with my family for several months. It is scheduled to start the 18th and runs through the 26th so I will not be going back for at least a few more weeks. Given the amount of time lost, I¢m debating whether to skip Pennsylvania and make it up at the end, go to Maine in late July and convert to a flip-flop, or begin section hiking in shorter segments. Section hiking would mean I would not finish in 2010 which is disappointing in some respects, but it may be a more enjoyable trek. To be totally honest with myself, I have to admit the last few weeks on the trail were not enjoyable due to the heat and obviously, my physical condition. As a good friend recently reminded me, I¢ve said many times I would do this only as long as it was fun. So, the headline is¢¦ I¢m not sure what I¢m doing yet. In the interim, I¢m enjoying the time off and I¢m feeling much better. I¢ll keep you posted.
Date: 2010-07-19
From: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA

To: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Miles today: 0.0

OK, I know it's been a long while and you may be wondering whatever happened to ol' QP. Is he still kickin'.. Is he ever going to let us know what he's doing?.. Is he going to finish this thing or not?What can I say?... I've been slacking off. I'm now fully recovered from my minor health issues, I've gained back all the weight I lost, and I have absolutely no excuse for not being on the trail at this point... I'm just being lazy! I'm admitting it. Here's the thing... I now know that I don't like hiking in brutally hot weather. And, we've had brutally hot weather for about a month with no end in sight. So, I'm considering the options and thinking "flip-flop" in early August. The weather should be cooler in Maine in August and I would still be ahead of the cold weather in the White Mountains if I got through them in September. I think it's too late now to continue northbound from southern PA and summmit before mid October so the flip is the best option if I'm to complete the trail in 2010. So, to answer the questions... I'm still kickin', I'm considering the options, and I'm almost decided. How's that for commitment? :-)Seriously, I'll update soon.
Date: 2010-07-20
From: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA

To: Rt 16, Blue Ridge Summit, PA
Miles today: 0.0

After two months of rest, recuperation, and laziness, I'm going back on the trail in a few weeks. I will be "flip-flopping"... meaning I will travel to Mt. Katahdin, Maine and hike south to Blue Ridge Summit, PA where I stopped in June. I'm feeling well and ready to give it another try. I've booked my flights, hotel, etc. and I plan to be on the summit of Katahdin on August 12. Here we go again!
Date: 2010-08-07
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Five days and counting before I climb Katahdin to begin the Southbound trek¢¦ the ¢flip-flop¢. I have been off the trail since June 2nd when I left due to exhaustion and Illness. Fortunately, I have now fully recovered, excited, and looking forward to resuming the journey.I remember the anticipation, excitement, and anxiety I experienced back in the Spring as I counted down the days to start atop Springer Mountain. As Yogi would say¢¦ ¢It¢s d©j vu all over again¢. I¢m just as excited as I was then. My plan to hike straight through from Georgia to Maine is no longer an option as I can¢t hike the remaining 1100 miles in 60 days in order to finish by October 15th, the closing date for Baxter State Park in Maine. Even if I could, I wouldn¢t want to¢¦ my walk has never been about speed. So, the ¢flip¢ begins next Thursday, the 12th from the summit of Katahdin¢¦ five months to the day since I began from Springer. I¢ve heard from several hikers nearing the end in Maine and I¢m looking forward to meeting them as I begin the southbound route. They will be celebrating as they near the finish and I will celebrate with them. I¢m hopeful my completion and celebration will come in about 90 days.In the interim, I will again be¢¦
Date: 2010-08-10
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0

Bound for Maine tomorrow morning !!Everything is packed. I've checked it and re-checked it too many times. I'm still certain I've forgotton something. I know, I'm compulsive.I'm also really looking forward to getting back out there. I'm scheduled on an 8:30 flight from Dulles and I have a 3 hour lay over in Philadelphia so I'm not scheduled to arrive in Bangor until around 3 PM. Then, I take the bus to Medway and the shuttle to Millinocket. I should arrive there tomorrow evening where I'll be staying at the Appalachian Trail Lodge. I'm leaving Millinocket around 6 AM on Thursday and plan to start hiking up Mt. Kadahdin around 8 o'clock. After that, there is no schedule.I am thrilled that I will be hiking up the mountain with my friend, COB, whom I hiked with for several hundred miles in NC and Virginia. He will be finishing the trail at the summit of Katahdin, an awesome accomplishment. We will definitely celebrate his completion... and the beginning of my second half :-) Cell coverage and thus, my journal updates may be unpredictable for a while as I will be entering the 100 mile Wilderness on Friday. I will update as I get service. That's it for now.