morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-05-06
From: Rock Fish Gap (waynesboro)

To: Milepoint 88.7 in Shanendoah National Park
Miles today: 18.7

Day after emergency room visit so doing a slack pack today. What that means is a that I have used a shuttler to take me out and then I will hike back to town. Pack will be about 10 pounds ( quart of Gatorade and liter of water as well as snacks only). I will also hike down hill into the city so few climbs. Last I am heading for a warm bed and good food and the ability to dry out my gear. It was foggy and rainy all day so head was down and focused on stopping every hour to drink fluids and eat a light snack to get body going again. It took about 7 hours to do the hike and it actually felt good to just walk a little bit and then stop and relax and then go again. Got back to town and called shuttler to get me back to hotel. Wanted to stop at outfitter for maps of Shanendoah and when I did I ran into Nomad, Hoosier and Hoosier's three friends that had joined him. We went out to dinner together and had a good evening. Nomad used my second bed so it was nice to catch up with him on everybody. No pictures today as it was just a foggy rainy day but a good day as the illness was pretty much passed and with medication keeping food down. I also made miles as imhead for family on Tuesady.
Date: 2013-05-07
From: Milepoint 88.7 in Shanendoah National Park

To: Milepoint 75.2 
Miles today: 20.2

Used shuttler to go back out to point I had slack packed from the day before. Got a late start as he had a doctors appointment early. That was okay by me as I got to sleep late. Picked up Hoosier and his friends on the way out and dropped them off at Rockfish Gap. Drove out to Milepoint and picked up 7 hikers who were going back to town along the way. Raining hard on way out, cold and windy. At Milepoint 88.7 rain let up so I got out and started to hike. Light rain all day but making miles and I know I will meet family and be in Skyland resort tonight. Again going to be able to get good food, soft bed and dry out gear. Easy to hike in the rain when on knows there is a hotel at the end of the day and one will have great company. Again with rain and fog all day not able to do much but head down, hike, drink water to rehydrate, eat multiple snacks and keep moving to keep warm. About 1:30 turned on phone and made decision on where I would end at 5:00 to be met by my family. No phone service so concerned about being able to communicate plan. About 3:30 phone went off with messages coming in, sky cleared sort of and got service. Called family and left voice mails, sent text. Tried to call resort but had wrong number in book. Got right number but by then fog had rolled in, rain had started and service was gone. Did not get response to voice mail so hiked to pick up point and out to Skyline Drive. Started to rain harder so walked to keep warm hoping family had gotten message. They had and got picked up few minutes later. Great to see family, drove to resort, got hot shower and then dinner out. It was fantastic!
Date: 2013-05-08
From: Milepoint 75.2 

To: Milepoint 66.7 Highpoint Mountain
Miles today: 10.1

Hike in AM as it was a beautiful day. Plan is to only hike about 10 miles to continue to rest the ankle and to then return to the resort to stay. Hiked at a good pace with my cousins. Trail was fantastic. Came to a creek and had a snack and just sat for 45 minutes and talked, listened to the creek and ate gorp. It could not have been any more perfect. Trail in Shenandoah are very nice, not too steep, normally soft (dirt and few rocks) and flat. Made it very good for my ankle to continue to heal and for me to get my strength back after being sick. Lunch was on an overlook and could see out for first time in three days. Nice lunch, again talking but rain started to come in at end. Put on rain gear and hiked out. Went to a shelter to my cousins could see what a shelter on the AT is like. Then hiked to a road to be picked up by my sister. My sister the trail angel has shuttled us in and out. Not the original plan but she has been an angel to get us back to the resort. We have all hiked in the rain and slept in the rain but have the t-shirt so enjoying our time together is more important than hiking in wet gear and sleeping in the rain. Back to the resort - good food, great company and perfect end to a perfect day.
Date: 2013-05-09
From: Off trail

To: Off Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Weather was absolutely miserable (rain at > 1 inch per hour) so decided to not hike and go to visitors center in Shenandoah National Park. Also went to camp store and did some e-mail and updating of journal. Quality time with family and learning it is probably more important than miles. Good health, good family and good friends are really the important things not sitting on top of Mt Katahdin and feeling good for a few minutes.
Date: 2013-05-14
From: milepoint 66.7

To: Rock Springs Hut
Miles today: 21.0

Hiked a little the night before to get off of the road after my sister dropped me off. Started to go south to shelter but decided to just go north and camp under the stars. Night was perfect but cold. Tied all gear into tree except my tent since saw two bears while driving in. Pitched tent to be able to see gear from door of the tent. For the first time opened my vestibule at night to be able to see my gear without getting up. Could look up and see stars as well and it was fantastic. Miss soft bed and warm house but glad to be back on the trail. AM was cold and hard to get up. Just ate pop tart to get moving. I had morning break at a cabin, so cooked oatmeal and am now sipping green tea, listening to the wind in the trees and the birds as I write. Life is good. The hike to lunch was nice. Spring has exploded all around me and now all of the trees have leaves and flowers are everywhere. Took picture of the flowers.   Sitting at lunch with boots off, eating and doing my journal. This is the way it should be. Afternoon respite was on a rock overlooking the valley. Totally relaxing today and getting there as I am now in shelter with about 15. Seeing some old and some new but a great evening of conversation. The trail like life is about those you share time with. Enjoy those around you .
Date: 2013-05-15
From: Rock Springs Hut

To: Spring on trail
Miles today: 17.6

Up early and going to Skyland Resort. At Skyland about 9:00 and enjoying a cup of coffee, catching up on mail and updating Facebook. I have looked at the guidebook and there is a picnic area about 4 miles out that should be a good place for lunch. I am kind of learning to plan my next stop but not my whole week and then get stressed about being behind. I hiked about an hour with Rocky and then pulled away. Learning to hike some time with others and some by myself. The mix is what I need. The hike to lunch is to Pinnacle campground and it worked perfect water, bathrooms, picnic tables and trash disposal - everything a thru hiker could want. At lunch made plan to hike to Byrd's Nest Shelter in the PM for the PM snack. It is actually hot today so taking on lots of water. Overall day taught me the need to balance things, much like life. Over planning is not good and neither is under planning. As the good book says all things in moderation. Now out of Byrd Nest after a nice snack and on to next hut. I got to the next hut and was hungry so ate an early dinner at 4:30. I took on fresh water again and decided to hike another hour to better prepare to get to Front Royal tomorrow. By doing two more tonight I will only have to do 22 to Front Royal. I am worried if I try to do 24 tomorrow to Front Royal I may push it too hard. In campsite and tonight I have rain fly off for first time. Going to chance rain and enjoy stars since it is a clear night.
Date: 2013-05-16
From: Spring on trail

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 21.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Night was windy but down from ridge so not windy in tent but trees swaying all night long. Slept with fly off and stars were awesome. Up at 6 and out by 7:00. Want to get to Elk Wallow Wayside when they open at 9:00 for second breakfast. Hike in was perfect and arrived at 8:55. At Elk Wallow a hiker with a dog got the dog some soft serve ice cream ( dogs need the calories too). I attached a picture but he laid on the ground and very slowly licked the cup of soft serve. He was hilarious. Legs are a little tired from hiking for last couple of days but think they can do 20 miles to hostel. Hiked to lunch and saw first wild strawberry blossoms and blooming azaleas. It is really beautiful. Got to a shelter for lunch and learned hostel only had room for 12 and no camping. Changed plans to go to shelter about 1.5 miles past hostel. I will stays at Besrs Den Hostel on Saturday to clean up instead. Nice hike in PM but long. Got to shelter and had phone service so called home. I learned we have windows leaking at home and some structural issues I knew about have become critical. I decided to pray about it and what to do overnight. It will be hard to get off trail but probably right thing to do to provide support needed.
Date: 2013-05-17
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 26.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Nickelodeon up early so decided to get up and move as well. Hot breakfast and cup of coffee and out by 6:30. On trail it came to me that I need to be prepared to go home and to tell my wife I have plans to do so. Today I will do as many miles as possible to get as close to Bear's Den as possible. I will then Nero tomorrow and then possibly make plans to get home. I will be in Harper's Ferry on Sunday and they have Amtrak and commuter to DC Union Station. I will figure out a plan to get to airline and home Monday evening and check with wife as to weather that is what she wants me to do. At campsite after 7 miles and it is 9:00. Really making miles and a shelter is 7 out for lunch. Beautiful hike this morning. Saw first raspberries and they will be ripe soon. Saw first owl coming out of camp and and we just stopped and watched each other. I went for my camera and he flew off. The temperature is relatively cool but second day started off in shorts so definitely warmer and we are starting to fight biting flies. At picnic bench in middle of nowhere but stopped to just get a drink and enjoy the moment and update journal. I am getting there on many fronts. Lunch at shelter by 1:00. Best ever to do 13 by lunch. Shoes off, shirt off and cooling down. Will do 4.5 to next shelter for PM snack and then see how long body will hold out. Lesson today is I must live by my words. I have said I am going to put family first and I will. It is time to offer to go home home and see if is God's will that I go and return later or Karen takes care of it and allows me to stay.
Date: 2013-05-18
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9

Up and being lazy. It is 8:00 and have had breakfast but back in sleeping bag listening to birds and the wind in the trees. Realized laying here that it could be my last night on the trail as I am planning on hostels for the next two nights. I could be going home Monday afternoon with no idea if or when I will retun. Thinking about am I ready to be off trail? Yesterday afternoon thoughts were about the goals of this trip and specifically about employment. I have decided to go back to work so thinking about why I would work. Four things came to mind, people interaction, learning, travel and goal accomplishment. Just like the trail I need to focus on why I work and not the job. At my stage in life make it enjoyable. Lots to think about. Well it is 8:30 and I guess I should get out of bed. Morning hike was very nice. I hiked with hurricane for about an hour. He is from New Zealand and we had a nice talk. Balance of hiking alone and with group. Stopped at shelter for lunch about 3 miles from hostel. Just had boots off, feet up and a slow lunch - very nice. I hiked to the hostel and arrived about 2:00. I called my wife and it has worked out. My daughter is on the way to the house and will help to caulk up the windows temporarily. My wife has a local contractor to give a bid on Tuesday. She does not want or need for me to come home. She is awesome!!! Lesson for the day is to be ready to do the right thing even when it may not be the most desirable thing but be flexible to the Lord's plan. I was ready to go home, even though it was not what I wanted to do but other things worked out to make it not necessary.
Date: 2013-05-19
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 23.3

Left Bear's Den Hostel and heading for Harper's Ferry Hostel. First time for two hostels back to back. Hike was in fog but warm enough to not need rain gear. Got to 1000 mile mark of the trail. While there saw 3 possums so took picture per of one that came right up to me. Going to be along hike so did straight to shelter for lunch. Sat for 30 minutes, boots off and n enjoyed lunch. Still working to relish the moments. After lunch hiked hard to get to Harper's Ferry and then to Hostel. Want to check with family on how thins are going. I learned Erin had caulked the windows so everyone is under control. I will not be going home.
Date: 2013-05-20
From: Harper's Ferry Hostel

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Really enjoyed Hostel. Just sitting and talking about this and other hikes was great. Breakfast was six pancakes and a bag of nuts for protein. Doing big miles to meet son so need about 4000 calories a day. Food at hostel and then normal breakfast from pack is about enough. Trying to do 2000 calorie dinners to not lose weight. Weight has stabilized it appears about 155. Had stop this morning for water and two goats came out of nowhere (see picture). Enjoyed watching them and moved on. At morning snack after 8.6miles so doing good, snack is Payday bar and Pop-Tarts. I am at Gathland State Park. 5.4 miles to Rocky Run Shelter and lunch. Hike to lunch was uneventful. Pennsylvania is fairly flat so few views. Now hiking with Slapp and it is nice. We hike at different paces so only see other at some stops like lunch and at night but a good balance. Into Pogo Memorial and camping. Lots of rocks so a tough campsite. Had nasty scare that I now laugh about. Tied up gear on way back looked down and saw a tan object with black lines on it between my feet - immediately thought timber rattler so froze. Moved slow and saw it was a sock someone had left piles here. It was round about 18 inches ling, sort of coiled and the right I.or. It freaked me out.
Date: 2013-05-21
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 23.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Up at 5:20 as have food pickup in Cascade Maryland. They are closed 1 - 2 for lunch so trying to do14 miles there by 1:00. Also supposed to be. 90 degrees today so hiking in the cool to help. At Antietam Little Creek with shoes off and typing. Feet in the stream enjoying the moment. 9 miles in by 9:30. Moving well. Shooting for 12 at turn off to post office. We will see how it goes. A great afternoon. Arrived at park and saw rooster talking to a couple with 2 boys about thru hiking. The couple told the boys it was time to go so I asked if they were going to Cascade where my food was. They were and agreed to take me saving me a 1.4 mile side trip to pick up food. Got food and sat on floor of Post Office sorting it and someone came in to do business. We got to talking and they took me back to the trail. PERFECT! I loved talking to the people about the trail and they seemed to love hearing about it. Right after park crossed out of Maryland and into PA across the Mason Dixon Line(see photo). Hiked in PM and came to a open area at time to call wife for meeting with the contractor on the house. Able to connect by standing on picnic table and facing one direction. She is getting quotes. It is all working out. To shelter by 5:00, nice dinner and now journaling before bed. Tired from long days and will attempt 25 tomorrow. Idea is to be to Boiling Springs Thursday night to get a shower and clean up to meet son on Friday. We will see how it all goes. Lesson for today is people I believe truly want to help. We have to be strong enough to ask for it. It is a weakness I am continuing to work on and I am getting better at it. God is providing the opportunities for growth and I am starting to take them.
Date: 2013-05-22
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Ironmasters hostel
Miles today: 29.1
Weather: clear sky

Woke up early and moved fast to again meet son but also Slapp's phone screen went out and he needs a new phone. Going to hike to US 30 for him to meet a shuttler and go to a Verizon store. It worked out perfect 1.5 hours beforeUS 30 Slapp waited for me, we tried my phone and got service. He called the shuttler and arranged for the ride. I also have run out of water purification chemicals so borrowed Slapp's filter. Working as a team is definitely better out here. Afternoon was snake day. At Quarry Gap Shelter for lunch and saw a 6 foot or larger Virginia black snack coming down a tree. It was great to see each individual scale being controlled to attach to the tree bark. Got great pictures (attached). In PM saw first timber rattler. He was on the trail so had to move him off. Learned they are not too aggressive so feel better about them. He was about 4 feet (photo is in photo folder). Later in the afternoon another 6 foot Virginia black on the trail and this one did the pretend to be a rattle snake. It coiled up and it vibrated its tail against the leaves to simulate a rattle. I had to laugh at its imitation. Cleared it off the trail as well and moved on. God's creatures are absolutely amazing and I am getting to see so many. Amazingly blessed by how my body has also adapted. I did 29 miles today. I was tired but it has adapted to the ling walks and the hard work. Aetna 8 person soup meal and two sloppy joes for dinner to resupply the body.
Date: 2013-05-23
From: Ironmasters hostel

To: Abernathy resort
Miles today: 20.0

Another day of milestones as passed halfway point and topped the 1100 mile point. The miles are clicking off now. Focused on hiking to get to resort to shower and wash clothes to see son tomorrow. It was a tough day of hiking, a lot of rocks and after the many long days of hiking my feet are ready for a break. Set a record of 155 miles in 7 days. It has been a long seven days but worth it to set up to see my son. Sometimes we have to work very hard to get a reward it it is often worth it. I know it will be is time and I can hardly wait to see my son, daughter-in-law and grandson.
Date: 2013-05-24
From: Abernathy resort

To: US 81
Miles today: 9.6

Up for a night hike to meet my son, daughter-in-law and grandson at US 81 at 9:00 AM as they drive in from Michigan. Out of the room at 4:30, ate in the lobby a cold breakfast and then on the trail. Night hike was easy as trail was partially in fields and partially in the forest. It was cold again (40 degrees) and hiking in fog and light rain. Put on rain jacket after about an hour. Made mistake of not putting on rain pants. Fields had a type of grain in them that had a head that held a lot of water and when walking by it the water got on my legs and then ran down into my boots. By the end I was walking in soggy boots, wet socks and was cold. Son at intersection at 9:00 and then out for second breakfast. Then to hotel and dry clothes. Went to Hersey for some family time and it was fantastic. We did the Hershey tour and went out for a nice dinner. It was amazing to see the grandson. He is now 2 1/2 and is so different than when I saw him Christmas. I was honored to have him share my bed and we slept together for most of Friday night. A perfect day thanks to my son and daughter-in-law being willing to drive 9 hours to spend time with me.
Date: 2013-05-25
From: US 81

To: Sherwood drive.
Miles today: 3.6

Spent morning in Hershey Museum and city tour but in afternoon headed to trail to introduce my family to the AT. Son carried grandson after we were dropped off and daughter-in-law. She then drove to pull out point and hiked south. It worked perfect! Grandson saw cows, flowers, a river and just seemed to love looking around and enjoy himself as we hiked the trail. The 1.5 hours was just long enoug to see if it was nice for everyone and it was. We will hike again tomorrow. See picture of son and grandson on the AT. We can now claim my grandson walked his first section at age 2. I am a blessed man and know it!
Date: 2013-05-26
From: Sherwood drive.

To: PA 850
Miles today: 5.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked with son and grandson north again after being dropped off by daughter-in-law. She went to PA 850 and headed south on the trail. She had a great time running into 6 north blunders and had chocolate for them. She is a true angel in so many ways. We met at Darlington shelter so everyone could see a shelter and the grandson could run around. It worked great. A much tougher hike today as the north approach included an 800 foot climb and the south approach a 600 foot climb. Both were over rocks on the trail so also tougher on the feet. Family gat a better impression of the challenge of the AT. Perfect day for all. Continuing to enjoy each day to the it,sot and to realize the blessings I have which are many.
Date: 2013-05-27
From: PA 850

To: PA 225 
Miles today: 17.5

Dropped off by son at 9:30 AM at PA 850 where we had stopped the day before. Not missing a white blaze. Hugged and kissed son and family good bye and got on trail. It was really hard to say good bye and thought about them for several hours. Became deeply introspective as headed into Duncannon and realized each moment is a unique and fleeting moment, Thinking about my son and the fact that I was blessed to spend time with my grandson playing monsters in the bed and so many other things that were a once in a lifetime opportunity. I may play monsters again with my grandson but it will not be at the AT or he may not be 2 1/2 so he whole weekend was a series of unique moments. The time with my son was another step in my AT journey. Also thinking about fallen brothers in arms and how those who have fallen recently will not be at home with family and friends and all of those potential moments re gone. Came to 225 and trail magic was there. Started to pass it by to go 3 miles to shelter as it was 5:00 PM. Stopped anyway and 7 thru hikers were there and a family supplying food. Ate well and slept on porch of the house of the family. Many of the thru hikers had met Jessica and were appreciative of the trail magic. Lesson. Each moment is unique and fleeting - enjoy them.
Date: 2013-05-28
From: PA 225 

To: PA 72
Miles today: 25.7

Tuesday May 28 PA 225 to PA 72 25.6 milesTough day today as it rained all day. Wanted to get out of the weather at Rausch Gap but the shelter was full when i arrived because everyone pulled off of the trail early to get out of the nasty weather. Hiked another 6 miles to a campsite. Raining still but hoping it will let up. Do not want to have to pack up wet gear in the AM. Really down tonight and not sure why, wet weather, long day, shelter full, alone, tired just not sure. I have figured out why I have not enjoyed hiking lately. The rocks have been terrible and I can do nothing but look at the trail. I worry about tripping over a rock or twisting an ankle so vigilance to the trail is a 100% of the time job. I cannot enjoy the trees or flowers or animals (if there are any because I have not been looking). It is making the hike more of a task and not as much fun. Talked to others and we all agree, looking down all day at the trail is tough. We cannot wait to finish northern Pennsylvania.