morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-31
From: VA 55

To: Compton Gap
Miles today: 13.8

In spite of today being a shorter day it seems that today was harder than yesterday. We dropped Symbol off at Compton Gap and drove north to the trailhead on U.S. 55 and parked the van. The first climb was a fairly long one with LOTS of weeds and in one open area on the mountain there was grass as tall as us. It was hard to even see the trail. As we walked the seed heads on the grass burst open and pollen was everywhere. We had it on our arms, socks, boots, etc. In with the weeds in other spots was LOTS of poison ivy so we had no choice but to brush against it. We are washing our clothes now after taking showers and putting on clean clothes. Once we got about 3 miles in, the trail was better as someone had cut the weeds from the side of the trail. But later on the weeds and high grass were back and then later when the weeds and grass were not a problem the rocks were the obstacle, along with the last long steeper climb to the parking area at Compton Gap. It was very hot and humid all day with only a breeze felt only about twice during the day. Oh yes, the bugs were as bad as yesterday, too.We came back to the same campground since it is still close to where we hiked and tomorrow we may stay here again depending on whether it is closer than anything else. It definitely will be cheaper, most likely. The couple that has this campground said they are willing to take hikers to the trail and to pick them up if they come here. The only disadvantage to coming here is that it is not close to the P.O. or the grocery store. The people are great!We stopped at the store today after hiking and bought hamburger, a tomato, an onion, chips, cokes, cheese, and charcoal so we could have a cookout. It was so tasty! Now Toto is going to the little store to buy some ice cream bars for our dessert. The store has a supply of food for short term but most things are geared more for car camping or RV's.Tomorrow Symbol is not hiking. He is starting out slowly since he is just getting out to hike. It can't be easy with part of one lung gone. Toto and I will hike just 13 miles again and then the next day Symbol will hike and we will stay at the Bears Den Hostel, a great place to stop after a long day of hiking. I am anxious to stay there again and for Toto to experience it.Toto and Symbol have been in the pool and the hot tub this evening. They are the ones that cooked the burgers and prepared everything for our dinner tonight so are taking a well-deserved time for relaxing. Symbol is fixing pancakes in the morning and even coffee. Well, it is almost 9PM and I have some work to do on our itinerary. We need to see what date we will be in Carlisle, PA as our youngest daughter is planning to go there to see us when we pass through the area.   Life is Great!Dorothy & Toto
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: ATC Side Trail
Miles today: 19.9

We are now out of Virginia and in WV as of today. When we hike again we will leave WV and enter Maryland, our 6th state to hike through. Only 8 more to go. We were up before 5:30AM and on the trail at 6:00. We had 3 bumps of the "roller coaster" left to hike today at the beginning and then the rest of the day was really pretty level, although rocky in many places. After hiking about 3 miles it started to rain lightly and continued to rain lightly until it quit about 6 miles later when we were at the David Lesser Shelter for a much needed break. But before we left the shelter the sky got darker and soon after we started hiking it started raining again, only this time it rained harder. By the time we got to the ATC in Harpers Ferry we were soaked and soon we started chilling. Our friend, Steve, and his family arrived at the ATC at about 4:45. The ATC had closed at 4 so we were sitting out front waiting for them in our dripping clothes. Our other clothes were in the van back at the Bears Den Hostel. Steve took us to get the van and our dry clothes. Then we went to Purceyville to an Italian restaurant to eat. Afterward, Steve and his family went on their way home and we came to Charles Town to a motel. It is still raining and we have already decided to take a zero tomorrow. We hear it is supposed to still be raining then. We were chilled most of the evening even after we changed our clothes. The restaurant had the air conditioning on and it may have felt good to everyone else but for me it was cold. The only wildlife we saw today was a turtle and a black snake that was at least 3-4 feet long across the trail. That's about it for today. Hopefully this rain will not last more than another day and we can have dryer and milder temperatures.   Life is Great!Dorothy & Toto
Date: 2007-06-05
From: Harpers Ferry

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

Today is my first day without Dorothy. A long drive back over here to Harpers Ferry with a lot of apprehension. It will sure be different walking without my "master"! She will be missed not only by me, but by many of her friends on the trail. She has accumulated 2850 miles on the AT and I am so proud of her. I only hope I will come close to doing as well.Symbol was able to pick me up at the car rental agency and we then went into Harpers Ferry to purchase some items at the Outfitter. I got some very nice Vasque Breeze boots that really feel nice. I'll test them tomorrow. Also got my picture taken at the ATC.Tomorrow we will do short miles to Crampton Gap as we will get a late start. I will need to pick up my pack at the Outfitters. There was a tension strap that pulled loose from the body of the pack and Laura (outfitters owner) kindly offered to sew it back on for me. She has been so helpful!While visiting the ATC I saw Yorkshire Pudding, Mystery Chicken, Pooch and Tom Dooley and Roxie. There have been around 200 hikers through the center.Ok, this is, I know, not the same type of journal entry that Dorothy has offered, but I promise to try and do better. Please keep Dorothy and I in your thoughts. She is a trooper! Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Crampton Gap
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Out of Harpers Ferry around 11:30 this morning after picking up my pack.I started from Harper Ferry and Symbol from Crampton Gap. The trail was very, very nice to go along with wonderful, low humidity, mild temps, and partly cloudy(sunny) weather. I did not even take a break today for the 10.7 miles. Just a nice easy walk in the woods.Rather uneventful. No animals, just a green canopy heading North for me. The only hikers I passed was Symbol at around the half way point and a young lad name Lucas heading to the Pa. line. Very quiet out there, except for highway 67 that ran beside the trail the length of todays hike.When I started the trail this morning I was part of a survey about conditions of the AT in this area. Two women were sitting down from the ATC at the intersection of the blue-blaze and the AT. I was able to tell them about the weeds and poison ivy problems we saw. I also told them that as a whole the trail looked very nice and that the volunteers were doing a fantastic job in most areas. Wow! What a big job it is to maintain this wonderful trail.Tomorrow we are doing twenty plus miles to MD 17 and Wolfsville rd. There is a hostel there that we intend to stay at.Enough for now! More tomorrow!! Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Crampton Gap

To: MD 17, Wolfsville RD 
Miles today: 20.9

Very nice, very long, very hot, somewhat rocky hiking day. I actually went from north to south today starting around 8:45 this morning. Wanted an earlier start, but had a hard time finding this Hostel. It was my turn to drive the van north while dropping Symbol off at Crampton Gap. I finished up at 5:45 P.M.Trail started with a good up and then stayed fairly flat for around 8 miles. BUT there were sections that were very, very rocky! So what's new, huh?Interesting day though as I passed numerous civil war historical sites. I would like to return someday and visit just those sites and become more familiar with the sites of this bloody war. I could not help but think of all those men and women who suffered and died in this war as I walked over many of the same areas that they fought upon! How truly tragic that war was. From Washington Monument you could overlook the Antietam battlefield area. One of the bloodiest battles in the war. If you like civil war history, this is the place to visit.Passed many people on the trail today by going south. Yorkshire Pudding who sends his regards to Dorothy, Waffle, Beatbox, Yardsale, Dude, Bonnie Carolyn, Pooch and Tom Dooley and Roxie, Stretch, and saw Scottie and Gator Gump here at the hostel this morning.The hostel is wonderful, called the Free State Hostel. Operated by a 2006 thru-hiker who walked the trail for a wonderful cause-to provide funding for a medical clinic for uninsured people. He raised around 23000 dollars for his cause.Oh yes, Just down from the Washington Monument was a park area and they had a coke machine there!!!!!! Wowie!! God certainly does answer prayers!!Ok, it is late and I am very tired so to all of you, goodnight!!!!   Life is Great!Dorothy & Toto
Date: 2007-06-08
From: MD 17, Wolfsville RD 

To: PA 16
Miles today: 12.6

A wonderful day of hiking. Started at around 7:45 A.M. and finished a litle after 1 P.M. A very quiet day of hiking meeting only two or three section hikers and Stretch.I did see a very small fawn which could not have been over a day or two old, a very large black snake, around 5 feet, a couple of raccoons, and two deer. So it was a good day for wildlife.Big news!!! I am into Pennsylvania!!!Land of the rocks! I just cannot wait!Today there were a few but they really were not two bad. Come on Pa. don't you dare disappoint me!Another highlight of the day was my break for lunch. I stopped by a nice stream, rinsed my face and head, then soaked my feet in the very cold water while I ate my peanut butter, pepperoni, and cheese wrap. Ymmmm! It was so refreshing! Especially on this high temperature (90+), high humidity day. A wet hanky wrapped around your head sure cools you down.Tomorrow we will hike around 15 miles into Caledonia State Park. Should be a nice walk and nice camping area. And it will be cooler by 10 degrees.Til' tomorrow!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-09
From: PA 16

To: U.S. 30, Caledonia St Park
Miles today: 15.3

We were up and on the trail today by 6:00 A.M. in order to beat the heat. I was finished by a little after noon, so it was a successful venture. Temperature reached 88 today but not until after we finished. Forecast is for cooler temperatures the rest of the week. Thank you God!!!Again the trail was rather uneventful. No animals and not a lot of views. Intresting rock formations though. Lots of granite blocks with quartz mixed in it. Very white and really quite beautiful.Trail was very nice with some rocks to go over, but not in great abundance.Not too many hikers out there today. Most are probably ahead of this ole slow dog by now. That's ok though, cause I know I will make it all the way by doing the miles I am doing currently.Tomorrow is Pine Furnace State Park, about 19 miles. Loking forward to it!!!Til next time goodnight!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace St. Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day! I started at Pine Furnace State Park and walked to Caledonia State Park. Not a lot of boulders or rocks and not a lot of climbs. I started around 7 A.M and finished around 3 P.M. We are staying at the Ironmasters Mansion in the park. It is a hostel and very very beautiful. It was used as one of the stations for the underground railroad. We were shown the "secret room", the room where people were hidden on their path to freedom. Actually there were three rooms around five feet tall and very dark without lights.All the walls in the mansion are stone walls covered by plaster. Three stories high with a beautiful balcony in the back. Quite a building!Stretch, Chase, Mystery Chicken, Spunky, Bionic Man who has two new knees and one new shoulder and is 74 years old, and Dragon Fly who is a 74 year old great gtandmother, are all here with us.Shelters along the trail today were unbelievable! Quarry Gap Shelter even had flowers, (hanging baskets), two separate rooms, a picnic table, just a cadillac shelter.The trail passed through meadows, pine plantations, and hardwood stands. Interesting that the hardwood forests at times sounds like it is raining when it really isn't. Instead it is literally Gypsy Moth poop. They are defoliating the trees. The leaves go in and the leaves go out. The oaks have really been affected.Well it is late and I guess I will close on that Gypsy Moth thought.Goodnight to all!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Pine Grove Furnace St. Park

To: Pine Furnace State Park
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a zero day, but a busy day as we planned a different approach to our slack-packing. There are some other section hikers we have met, who have vehicles wo are interested in slacking with us. They hope to get up to the Delaware Water Gap by July 1st. Two vehicles would enable us to have one parked at both ends and would save on gas and other expenses. We'll see how it works out. Today we drove them to Duncannon to pick up their vehicle. I guess I kind of feel like Dorothy did. Sometimes I feel like it would be better to just put on my pack and go. You seem to get caught up in somebody elses' hike instead of your own. We'll see how it all works out.While in Duncannon I was able to pick up boxes from the P.O. and got a Father's Day card from Dorothy. My debit card is back! Emily thanks for the care package! Kirtland staff, again thanks! And Dorothy thanks so much for the card!!!We are at the Ironmaster's Hostel again this evening. Stubble is here and sends regards to you Dorothy, Mike (smiley), and Frito. Both Mike and Stubble did the half gallon ice cream challenge. Both finished with Stubble done in a little over a half hour and Mike finishing in just over an hour. Stubble hung in there with just plain old chocolate, but Mike had the really rich Moose tracks! He was not feeling to well afterwards. I had a couple of scoops of moose tracks, but did not even want to attempt the challenge. I know what ice cream does to my system!!!Tomorrow we will do around 20 miles again and then find a campsite near Boiling Springs. Wish me luck!!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Pine Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

On the trail by 6 A.M. hiking from Boiling Springs to the Ironmaster's Mansion. Completed this leg by around 3:15 P.M.It was a very nice trail once again. The day began walking through Boiling Springs and observing the spring that was flowing so rapidly. The water was so clear. The trail went through several beautiful farm fields prior to going over several small ups and downs at the beginning of the trail. Once on top it flattened out almost all the way to Pine Grove Furnace.Pooch and Tom Dooley were at the store just finishing the ice cream challenge as I arrived back there. I was so thirsty upon arriving that I bought 3 green teas and chugged them. Just extremely hot and humid.We stayed in a motel and split the cost four ways. Soon after we got into the motel there was a big thunderstorm. Lightning and thunder, wind and rain all over the place. Sure hope tomorrow is better than this evening. Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: PA 850
Miles today: 16.6

Started in Boiling Springs at 7:30 this morning. The thunderstorm last night was intense and there were numerous new blowdowns on the flat terrain for the first 10 or so miles. But everything was fresh and beautiful. Even the spider webs were glistening from the moisture and sunshine. The trail was a little weedy, but very nice and flat taking you through numerous farm fields with hay, soybeans, wheat, and corn in them. All the crops seem very stressed due to the heat and lack of water except for the wheat. Looks to be a very good yield for the wheat. I am guessing the farmers are very thankful for the rain last night.I arrived in Duncannon around 2:30 P.M., getting here just ahead of another big thunderstorm. Again, God must be smiling upon me as I am again dry and sheltered from the fierceness of this storm. I really have been blessed, not only from the weather, but also health wise. My toes are doing great and I am feeling very strong. Thanks for all of your prayers and concerns.I talked to the staff at Kirtland Temple today and Barb informed me that pledges for the new visitors center are approaching 4000 dollars! This is wonderful but hopefully it will grow substantially as the miles continue. I want so much for this to be a successful venture for the V.C.Tomorrow is another 17 + mile day! Realy enjoying the hiking!Until then, again, thanks for all your support!!!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-14
From: PA 850

To: PA 225 (Footbridge)
Miles today: 17.5

Started hiking this morning around 8 A.M. It had rained the night before and we waited until the clouds lifted a little before we started. We hiked southbound climbing down into Duncannon and then back out of the gap on our way to 850. The trail was not to bad, but as usual, had some rocks to contend with.I finished around 4 P.M. with Symbol, Spunky, and Dragonfly arriving between 4:30 and 5. We were all hungry so we went to the Doyle and ate with our fellow hikers. It was a great time!Lucky and Packrat, Bonnie Carolyn, Stubble, Mike, No toes one and two, Dude, Stretch, Mystery Chicken, Terrapin, and many others were there, and we all shared and laughed and had a great time.Other than that the trail was rather uneventful. Not a bad walk. Saw two deer.Tomorrow we will go from 225 footbridge north until we get tired. Loks like rocks are just ahead!Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-15
From: PA 225 (Footbridge, North)

To: PA 325, Clarks Valley
Miles today: 7.4

Wow! A really short day but one very memorable day. My legs were just tired and I think everyone else's were also. And that is ok, a little break is a necessity. But whoa, this should be called rattler day!We were going over some rocks (imagine that), when I saw a piece of paper saying "Stop, rattler ahead, go downhill." Paper should have read rattlers ahead. My gosh, I spied the one rattler on the trail and started downhill. As I started to step over a rock another snake rattled-all ten of its rattles! He or she (they, them) were big 'uns!! So I backed off again and went back to the trail and started to progress very slowly past these two. As I was eyeing these two another one rattled to my left, and yet one more! Two were coiled up just off of the trail! I just backed way up and pondered what to do and how to get past without getting bit. Felt I also had to wait and warn my hiking partners. Took some great pictures! They were such beautiful creatures! We gently eased past them by climbing slowly above them and then coming back down to the trail.A little further up the trail, Symbol acted as though he was Spiderman! By that I mean that he made a giant leap to a rock that was otherwise unreachable! Spunky was just behind him and yelled in her Southern twang, "Oh my God, Symbol, you just stepped over another snake." Yep, another rattler was on the trail! Incredible! All total there were six rattlesnakes seen today. It was an experience I will never forget! I hiked with Castanets for a while today. He had a tree just about take his head off. He was looking down at the trail and did not see a blow down that crossed the trail. Knocked him down and stunned him for a while, but he was ok.Passed one of the first shelters built by Earl Schaeffer (sp). A little tiny shelter that kind of paved the way for the shelter system we have today.Seen Yorkshire Pudding, Beatbox, Yardsale, Waffle, England (has a new name now), and Jazznuts, also, today. We all had a group picture taken down at the parking area on 325.Ok, enough for today, We will do around 18 miles tomorrow. Hope we do not get snakebit.Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-16
From: PA 325, Clarks Valley

To: PA 72 Swatara Gap 
Miles today: 19.0

Got started around 7:30 this morning from Pa.325. It was a long climb to the top of the ridge to begin the day but once on top it leveled off and I was able to make good time for an old man! There were rocks but they really were not too bad at all. Still expecting the worse but Pa. is still surprising me.I have determined Pa. to be the snakiest state I have ever been in though! Six rattlers yesterday and another one today. The one today was right on the trail, but was nice enough to give me a warning rattle so I could stop before I stepped on it. It was probably 3 foot long and as I backed away it slowly moved enough off the trail so that I could get around it. Again it was really beautiful, and was a lighter brown color than the ones yesterday. Gosh, I wonder how many more I will see when I get into the real rocks of Pa.There was not a soul on the trail today except for two day hikers from around this immediate area.I passed an old coal tipple today and the site of an old late 1800's village whose main industry was coal mining and train repair. The village went bust as the coal mining did not do well. Also interesting was the acid mine water treatment. They had a lime pile they pumped water through to help raise the pH along this area. Water still looked very yellow and acidy.Also there was an old cemetary I suppose from people in this old village with tombstones going back to that time frame. Just a very interesting area and I am really enjoying reading and seeing some of this old history.Last night at the campgrounds, we enjoyed hamburgers cooked over a grill, potato salad, baked beans, tomatoes, and even a vidalia onion-compliments of Symbol. It was so good. He even brought me a large cup of coffee from the campstore with hazelnut creamer. Nice guy, that Symbol.Tomorrow we will head north of here. Not sure of the miles yet. Sure hope the snakes stay put.Life is Great!Toto
Date: 2007-06-17
From: PA 72 Swatara Gap 

To: PA 183, Rentschler Marker
Miles today: 20.7

Words for today: Brutal, hot, rocky, poison ivy, snakes, long, unmaintained.The 20.7 we did today were very difficult as the PA rocks began to take its toll. Rock after rock after rock of every shape and size and in every configuration you can possibly think of. It was very difficult to find a place to put your foot without twisting an ankle or bruising the bottoms of your feet. I am so glad that I purchased the Vasque boots that I have. They are thick soled and have great ankle support. From what I have heard the rocks only get worse from here and I know what it is like at Lehigh Gap. I'll make it though. Another week and I will be out of PA.The trail also allowed us the extraordinary privilege of seeing another rattlesnake today-our 10th siting in 3 days. Funny, I talked to a day hiker from Pa. who said he had ben hiking Pa. for years and had never seen a rattlesnake! Oh, and the poison ivy!!!!!!!!! Never have I seen it so bad on both sides of the trail for several miles. Utterly ridiculously maintained!! You literally had to wade right through the nasty stuff! Stretch has a really nasty outbreak of poison ivy or oak behind her knee on the back side of her leg. It is all blistered and ugly. I took my time going through the very narrow trail channel so hope I don't get it.Oh again! As we entered this area there was a sign saying "Warning, High deer tick infestation area." Then it went on to say that the deer tick is the major carrier of the Lyme desease. So upon reading this I took my pack off and got my 100% Deet out and plastered myself with it. So far no ticks!Anyway, I made it to the van around 4 P.M. making it a very long day. Tomorow is Port Clinton, about 14 miles. Profile looks good, but I bet there will be some serious rocks to go over.Need some rest so gotta go! Happy Father's Day to all dads! Especially to Eric and Andy!!Life is Great!Toto