morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-13
From: Calf Mountain Shelter

To: Loft Mountain Campground
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a wonderful Day. The morning was a very nice stroll on what I call the "Virgina roll"... mild ups/downs... Saw several deer and had a great view at Sawmill Run Overlook. [By the way... I am taking numerous pictures, but... will not be able to upload them to my journal until I get home... stay tuned!] The AT intersects with the BRP numerous times in SNP. Often we are hiking adjacent to it. Narrow, high park... filled with bears. I have not seen any yet but the bear scatt is abundant! Saw several great views today and the afternoon was as mild a walk as in the morning. Had trail magic [Dr. Pepper] at Skylinje Drive marker 81.9 and made it to Loft Mountain Campground by 3:30 pm. Tater Chip caught up and we got a tent site fo the evening [restroom with flush toilet close by]. We went to the camp store, bought two ham/cheese sandwiches, fruit, cold drinks and we were full and happy campers. This is a very nice campground. I recommend it highly. Hung our food bags.. evidence of bears are everywhere... and settled into out tents for the night. Later...
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Loft Mountain Campground

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Tater Chip and I have agreed to stay together to Harpers Ferry. It's great to have a hiking partner like him. We walked to the camp store again. Got some resupply items and headed for breakfast at the Loft Mountain Wayside! Waysides serve B-L-D from 9:00 am 'til 9:00 pm. We ate a great breakfast and headed out at 10:10 am. I am beginning to adore SNP! Good terrain, great views, fantastice food availability... what could be better for a hungry hiker! We got water at Pinefield Hut [shelters in the SNP are called Huts]. Took some great pictures. Tater Chip had a close call with a rattlesnake. They are out here and we must be aware at all times. No damage done! Got trail magic again from Kit-Kat [Dr. Rock's wife] at Powell Gap. Headed up to Hightop Hut for the night. Several hikers came in... Stucco, Mike and Aaron [two of her friends joining her for a few days], City Squirrel, Paul Bunyon, Spike [section hiker from VA]Serenatina, Stick Walker [with Belle, of course] and Tatu. The day had been very hot, with a long climb just before the shelter. Then a potentially dangerous situation occurred! Mike [Stucco's friend] experienced heat exhaustion symptons... even passed out for a few minutes at the picnic table. Spike, Tatu and I recognized the issue immediately. Aaron, Mike's girl friend, was successful in helping Mike regain awareness, and we all "poured" electolyte fluids into him for about 90 minutes. He was not very far from heat stroke. Fortunately he continued to sweat and he was able to walk to his tent for the night. Aaron was asdvised by Serenatina and Spike to watch him carefully during the night. The day ended with a restful sleep for us all.
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.9

Tater Chip and I left the Hut at 6:20 am. We had our sights set on aroom at the Big Meadows Lodge. Time would tell! The morning included some tough climbs. Theb South River Picnic area was very nice though. We stopped for 40 minutes for water, RR and ate lunch. We passed the Lewis Mountain Campgroud area. It looked quite nice and the we stopped for another "food break" at Bearfence Mountain Hut. During the afternoon we saw several deer [they are quite "tame" so to speak] and much bear scatt. We arrived t the Big Meadows Lodge @ 4:45 pm and checked in... hiker heaven. Room... shower... FOOD! It had rained on us for two hours today and we had hiked almost 21 miles, so we were happy to be at the Lodge. We ate a fantastic meal... I had a pasta dish, and two desserts... blackberry icecream pie [superb] AND blackberry cobbler, better than I have ever tasted! Blackberries are my favorite berry dish. We relaxed for about an hour after dinner... the we got more to eat at the pub on the lower floor... Tater Chip had a big hotdog dish [he had already consumed a big meal of Mountaineer Chicken at dinner] and I ate a giant cheeseburger! Hopefully I will stop losing weight in SNP. Food is abundant and I've already lost 27 lbs. Tomorrow, we will be back on the AT. Looking forward to a great night's rest in a real bed! Later...
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 3.5
Weather: overcast clouds

It was raining this morning, so... Tater Chip and I decided to eat a big breakfast, wait until 11:00 am to check out, eat lunch and then leave about 1:oo pm. Got to eat when you are able! That plan worked. Rain stopped and we headed out for a short 3.5 mile day to the Rock Spring Hut. It was hot and humid but we arrived at the Hut at 2:40 pm. We were joined at the Hut by Tastu, Hoofit, and Thorny [a local section hiker]. Saw my first bear near the Hut at about 4:00 pm. It was a small one and did everything it could to avoid our camp. Too quick to get a picture. Likely a yearling that had been recently "turned loose" by its mother. Bears are definitely here in SNP, but typically do NOT presnt a problem. We went to bed as it got dark. During the nnight Powder [with his dog, Russell] joined us as did Papa Smurf [recently returned from a side trip to NY]. It was really great to see Powder and Russell again. Had not seen them since Pearisburg. Slept well! Another great day on the AT! Later...
Date: 2010-06-17
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Today was another great day! Tater Chip and I left the Hut at 6:00 am and headed North. We hiked until 8:00 am [saw several deer] and met Thorny at the Skyland Resort Resturant for breakfast! Where else but in the SNP can you hike for two hours and the sit down for a wonderful breakfast before contiuing to hike! I am continuing to love SNP!!! It was a very nice walk-in-the-woods for the balance of the morning, with great views. We got water at the Pinnacles Picnic area at Noon. The afternoon was a bit tougher with a tough and very rocky downhill. Feet were hurting! Got to the Pass Mountain Hut at 3:40 pm. It was quite nice. Papa Smurf, Tatu, Hoofit, Tobaggon [who I helped give a trailname] Powder [with Russell... a great dog] and a new hiker [name unknown] joined us at the shelter. It was a good night with good friends and conversation was lively and interesting. [Except for the unknown hiker who seemed to be distant and not very happy... oh well, to each his own hike.] we even got to see a box turtle laying its eggs... unusual to experience that! Got in bed a dark. Overall, another great day on the AT. I am looking so very forward to seeing my wife Kristi in Harpers Ferry soon [hopefully by June 22]. She continues to be my supporter and advocate. I could not be experiencing all this without her help. I am a blessed man and I am thankful to be married to such a beautiful lady! Later...
Date: 2010-06-18
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: clear sky

Left the Hut today at 6:00 am. We are looking forward to a big breakfast at the Elkwallow Wayside; has agreat reputation for its blackberry milkshake and it's the last opportunity for real food in the SNP. Had a great view at Jeremys Run Overllook. Took some good pictures. Saw deer again and it was a fairly easy walk in the morning. Got to Elkwallow Wayside at 9:00 am. I ate three "egg mcmuffin style" sandwiches and a blackberry milkshake. The reputation is well-deserved! Tater Chip and I decided to stay for luch as well. We were there for three hours. Hamburger and fries [and a seconnd milkshake] were very good! We were joined by Tatu, Powder [Russell] Papa Smurf and even caught up with Stucco again [she had tent camped near the Wayside. Got to see Power Pack and Deetz again as well, who were there joined by Power Pack's brother and friend. They asked me to dry the back about 6 miles onn the Skyline Drive and then bring back their car to the Wayside so they could hike a section they had skipped. Trusting souls in that I had not driven a car in 7+ weeks. It worked out fine; didn't drive over 35 mph, though uit seemed like I was doing 100. Cars move faster that hikers! Left the Wayside at Noon and took more pictures. Got to Gravel Springs Hut at 3:30 pm. There were problem bear warnings posted, but no bear issues occurred at all. Tatu, Tater Chip and I were joined by several other hikers and the night went well. Another very good day. Even called Kristi during the day who told me we have reservations in Harpers Ferry for June 22... a true act of faith for her to make them for us... hopefully I will walk into HF that afternoon! Time will tell!
Date: 2010-06-19
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Hostel- Chester Gap, VA
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: broken clouds

Tater Chip is nursing a nasty spider bit [likely Brown Recluse] Looks bad an not getting better. It's not stopping him from hiking. He will have to watch it closely. We sited a bear today, up close and person... 20 yards away. No problem. He ignored us. We walked on by. We had left the Hut at 6:00 am and had plabnned tyo go to the Tom Floyd Hut forr tonight, but changed our mibnd when we knew we could hike to VA 522 and the hostel owner would pick us up and return us to tah location tomorrow. We ate fresh blackberries on the bush during the day... afirst for us on the AT. Shared conversation with some Scout leaders taking a crew of Scouts out on the AT or a few days in prep for their upcoming trip to Arizona. Got to VA 522 by 1:10 pm. Mike [hostel owner] picked us up as scheduled and Tatu and a new face [Doc] joined us. The hostel was a good one. Mike drove us all to dinner in Front Royal. Food and conversation were great!. Met Swift, Nails, Bayou and Tiger Lily. Good people. Showered [a must], washed clothes and had a good night's sleep on an air mattress in a nice bunk. I highly recommend this hostel for future hikers. Mike is a great host and very knowledgeable about the AT. You will benefit by staying at his place! Tune in for more news from Roadrunner as I get closer to my journey's end for 2010! I am blessed far beyond what I deserve! Later
Date: 2010-06-20
From: Front Royal Hostel- Chester Gap, VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

I forgot to mention yesterday that we have left the SNP. What a great place for hiking the AT. I will have fond memories of SNP for many years! Mike took Tater Chip, Doc and me back to VA 522. We headed North for a long but important day at 7:05 am. We wanted to get to Rod Hollow Shelter by 7;00 pm to make up for the 5 miles we had "lost" by staying at the hostel. It turned out to be a very tough day, but one we are glad to have chosen to do. It was very hot and humid today. We did get great trail magic [fruit and cold drinks] from two local hikers at Jimm & Molly7 Denton Shelter. Pepole have been wonderful this who 700+ mile section. Hats off to all the trail angels and especially the trail clubs that maintain this trail. Your work is essential and appreciated. After VA 55, the trail became a bit "boring"... few views, many rolls thru thick woods. One exception was Sky Meadows State Park! Truly a beautiful place. It's worth a visit if you're in this area! After that, the walk became harer, with many ups and downs. We got to the shelter @ 6:40 pm. Tater Chip had hiked his longest day to date and we were both very tired after that 23.5 mile day. The shelter was nice though, and we got to see Stick Walker [with Belle] and Serenatina again after missing them for several days. Swift anf Tiger Lily joined us later. Chief [Walt from Lakeland, FL] was there as well. Ate "dinner" and got into "bed" at 8:30 pm. I am really looking forward to tomorrow's hike to the Bears Den Hostel. It has a great reputation and is a "castle-like" building that is said to be among the cleanest hostels on the AT. I am will be only two days away from seeing my wife in Harpers Ferry and spending some much needed "vacation" time with her as we drive slowly back to Florida. I can't wait! Later...
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Hello Again... Today was a tough day but a good day just the same. Tater Chip and I left the Rod Hollow Shelter @ 5:50 am. We were trying to best the heat that is present in VA as the day progresses. This was critical today as we entered the infamous Virginia Rollercoaster, described by the locals as 13.5 miles of tightly packed ups and downs. It was "bad" thus far [we have 3.5 miles to do in the AM before we get back to the lovely "Virginia Roll"] but I believe the rollercoaster-like terrain in Georgia was worse as I hiked it last year. I would change the name of the VA Rollercoaster to the "Rock-a-Coaster" if left to me. While the ups/downs are "troubling" it was the rocks, rocks, rocks on those ups/downs that caused the greatest issue. I could not get a rythum going at all. Tater Chip and I arrived at the Bears Den Hostel at 12: 05 pm, about 6 hours and 15 minutes after beginning this morning. What a fantastic place this is! Super clean, well-equiped to meet any hiker's needs. Tater Chip was finally taken to a doctor to evaluate his spider bite. A local trail angel visiting the Hostel for a picnic took him to the local clinic and pharmacy. This is another example of Virginia hospitality and the hiker-friendly people in this state! He should likely be OK... after getting a Tetnus shot and prescription. That's great news as he plans his "flip-flop to Katahdin and a SOBO hike back to Harpers Ferry. We are both very excited about seeing our wives tomorrow, late afternoon if all goes well. I called Kristi earlier today and everything is set. I really, really miss her and look so forward to being back with her as I close this year's section hike of 735 miles. Hiking the AT is a great experience, but there is northing more important to me right now than returning with Kristi to Florida [though hopefully at a relatively slow paced drive] and seeing my family and friends again. It has been a challenging and rewarding trek. When I get back to Lakeland, I will upload all my 100's of pictures and provide a summary narrative capturing the essence of my experience. I have "created" many, many new friends and hope to see them again as the serendipitus nature of life may allow. Right now my eyes and heart are focused on Harpers Ferry, WV and everything that means to me and Kristi. May God hold each you, hiker and non-hiker alike, in the gentle palm of his hand and blesss you with good health and safety. More to come... in about two weeks. Stay tuned if you have an interest!
Date: 2009-11-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The discussions have been many, as have the options, but we have finally settled on a plan. My husband, Marty, and I have decided to set out for Katahdin from Springer on March 19, 20210 (or thereabouts). There are, of course, still some details to be worked out, but we are nearly finished obtaining our gear. As always, I am never in the physical condition I would like to be, but have been getting out for some day hikes. There will be a learning curve for me as I haven't really ever hiked with a partner....I'm looking forward to it! It will be tough to leave our little buddy behind (Zippo the wonder dog), but great to be with my husband. Plans are firming up, and I'm happy with that!Be Well,   Rock Star
Date: 2010-02-22
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Whew! It has been so long since I posted my initial prep entry here. So many things to accomplish to get us on the trail. Gear to be fine-tuned ( I think we are FINALLY all set). Jobs to be terminated; I left my position Feb 6, my husband has given notice; his last day is Feb 28 (that's monumental, friends!). I had a rented house to pack up and CLEAN CLEAN CLEAN. But now the airline tickets are purchased (Lv BUF, Arv ATL on 03/17/10). Family has so generously offered to take our dog while we hike. THEY are very excited to have her, which gives me some piece of mind. We're close to working out a solution to medical insurance. WOW! less than a month and we'll be out there hiking! OH, I have, given myself a buzz cut for the trail...it's super short...but will grow out just enough to be fuzzy by the time I hit the trail. It's all kinda surreal.....but I AM happy with that.Be Well
Date: 2010-03-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

We continue to chip away at our pre-hike tasks. We are visiting Marty's sister and her husband. They have very graciously offered to foster our little canine friend while we attempt to thru hike the AT. They are heaping loads of love on her, and I'm sure she will be fine.....Marty and I, however, are shedding big crocodile tears....we miss her already...we NEED to be on the trail to keep our focus off missing our little friend. Now on to visit my family for a couple of days, and work with my daughter. She'll be sending our maildrops and updating this journal. So, this will be one step closer to actually hitting the trail....and I think we're BOTH happy with that.
Date: 2010-03-07
To: CT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

It's a sunny day in Connecticut. We've had a bit of a whirlwind visit, but we're only here for a couple of days. It's always good to see family and this trip was no exception. Although the main purpose of this visit was to see everyone before we begin our trek, it also contained an element of hike-prep, as my daughter will be managing our mail drops and journal updates. Many thanks to you, Renee, for taking care of these tasks. So, the dog has been delivered and settled into her foster home, the mail drops have been planned and organized (kinda), the how-to's of journal maintenance have been given, gear acquired, plane tickets purchased, airport shuttles arranged, insurance issues FINALLY settled (I hope!).....hmmm...I dunno....it seems like just about all that's left to do is HIKE! And I'm happy with that.
Date: 2010-03-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Everyday we get a few more pre-hike tasks completed. The house utilities are scheduled to be turned off the day after we leave. We decided long ago to primarily resupply food in towns, at convenience stores, or hostels. But there are a few places where this is not as feasible. One such location is Fontana, just before heading into the Smokys. We hope not to make a trip into Gatlinburg, so we're sending a maildrop with 6 days of food. WOW! I can't believe how HEAVY it is! I'm used to how much food I need to carry for myself, but my husband's caloric needs are greater than mine, so there is a LOT of food. Ugh....that will make for heavy packs climbing up into the Smokes, but step by step, we'll get there. Only 4 days before we fly outta here. We'll visit good friends for a couple of days in Atlanta before lacing up the boots and hoisting packs in order to follow the white blazes.At this point in time we are both a bit tired of all the prep work, we are eager to HIKE! And I think we're both happy with that.Be Well,Rock Star
Date: 2010-03-20
From: Amicalola Falls State Park 

To: Black Gap Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

Many words come to mind tonight to describe the day: glorious, strenuous, elated, disappointed, grateful....just to name a few. The weather was glorious; sunny, temps in the 60's, slight breeze: a perfect day to hike. Although the trail was strenuous, I was elated to be on it with my husband. But I was also somewhat disappointed with my physical condition and my ultra slow pace. But I'm confident this will improve, and I'm willing to be patient. I am grateful for much; for the opportunity and health to take this trek, the companionship and patience of my husband, the love and support of family and friends, and the kindness of strangers (or should I say new friends). We set out this morning for the park with our good friends, Steve & Jadzia. We registered at the Amicalola Falls Visitor Center. I am thru hiker 361 and Marty is 362 for this year. I discovered the first mile or so of the Approach Trail no longer is a trail. It is a series of over 600 steep steps that climb next to the falls. This is not desirable with a full backpack, and the stairs crowded with other people, most of whom were not backpackers. While the falls are beautiful, and everyone was polite, it was killer on the legs. I would have preferred to skip those stairs and just view the falls from a further distance. However, we did meet a friendly couple, from the Fontana Dam area of NC. Who knows, our paths may cross again. I did struggle on the ascents. My pack was 30 lbs & Magnet's was 35. (Magnet is Marty's Trail name). He was very patient and didn¢t complain once about my slow pace. We decided to wait to summit Springer until tomorrow morning. There's lots of nice folks camped here tonight. We had good conversation with 2 other thru hikers. They are both young men in their 20's. But weren't hiking together, at least not yet. Euell the Mule is from TN & Mike is from Cleveland,OH. Turns out Mike has hiked in the Alleghany National Forest...small world. When I was fixing supper I discovered my lighter wouldn't work. I usually carry more than 1 but not this time. Nice. There is a group of very well mannered Boy Scouts camped here. They offered to carry my 10 liters of water back up the LONG water trail. And when the discovered we were without a lighter, the immediately gave us one of theirs. Thanks, guys! Some trail notes: there were other bootleg camp sites along the Approach Trail. I hadn't remembered that from 3years ago. The trail was in good condition. Now I'm resting comfortably in my tent, looking forward to tomorrow....and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star
Date: 2010-03-21
To: Hawk Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: light rain

Although we hiked a little over 9 miles today, only 7.8 were on the AT, as we had to finish the Approach Trail. We were able to pack up this morning before it started raining, and made the summit of Springer in heavy fog. The caretaker, Many Sleeps, logged us in and took our picture at the southern most blaze. Eventually I will add pictures to every journal entry, but I don't know when I will have access to a computer to do so. As we left Springer's summit, it began to rain, so we made a quick stop at the shelter to put on rain jackets. We both have pack liners, and debated the need for pack covers, as well. I brought mine and put it on. Magnet had decided to leave his at home. This morning he said he thinks he should Have one. The rain was light but steady most of the day. We lunched at Stover Creek shelter. Three years ago this shelter was older and accessed on a short level side trail on the left of the AT. Now, same shelter name, but a new double level structure accessed on an up hill side trail on the right. The ascents are still pretty challenging for me, but a slow steady pace gets me there. Magnet has a bit of a faster pace, but he assures me I am only a few minutes behind him. We saw other hikers today, but didn't have any real conversations due to the weather. As we neared our destination, the wind really picked up. We arrived to a nearly full shelter and opted to tent. We got the tent up without mishap and while Magnet went to get water, I unpacked our sleeping bags and pads. At this point I discovered the bottom of my pack was soaked. Even with the drain hole at the bottom of my pack cover, rain still pooled in the cover soaking my bag. Magnet's bag was exposed to the wind and was only damp. Looks like the better choice is pack liner without a cover. We changed into dry clothes and crawled into sleeping bags to warm up. We both napped a bit. The winds were heavy, and for a while it seemed the rain was abating. But it eventually returned with a vengeance. Our tent is doing a good job, but the rain is pooling. Both tent vestibules are puddles. Unfortunately my soggy-bottomed pack is now sitting in a puddle. Oh well, my sleeping bag is dry (relatively), I am warm, my belly is full (humus and blue corn chips - yum!), my husband (who remains in good humor throughout the wet) is at my side, and I'm happy with that. Be Well, Rock Star