morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-24
From: Well Past Andover Road... Surplus Pond

To: Road to Nowhere -- South Arm Road to Andover
Miles today: 9.62
Weather: scattered clouds

This was it. Last day on the trail for this AT15 trip. Page 226 in the Book of Companion, Mile 1942.4, 246.8 miles left for better days. (and -348.3 for skipping ahead to NY from Harpers Ferry)+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Wife got a call from Girly, Daughter and Dude sloughed a couple real rough days in the muck and over rocks as big as a bus... pondering the sanity and safety of Maine completion...trying to hurry to stand on worn A-frame sign, for a snapshot frozen in time.With Black Flies feeding and some mild tears in late conversation ..and as the holes in her shoes let in the tide... I set my musings aside...It might help ... some cheer from the crowd...I let the kids feel the warmth of words from ya'll and a sense of the word "proud"I bow to the journal readers...poor girl is feeling toasted about now...she probably kept going because of my enthusiasm...and Mutual goals of the Beau, no doubt....but ya'll chime in if you will, I'll bow out.this was a present for the duo... a document of their trails, not a commitment to me, just something for a reflective look.If you feel so inclined, they would both appreciate a Guest thought or two for their wedding book.Cheers.I'm more than OK with it...I am way beyond proud...our tears are mixed, but I wipe mine with pleasure...and a huge smile. Thank you for all your kind words and for following along...and for the occasion... one last song
Date: 2015-07-01
From: Road to Nowhere

To: Home at Last
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It took a while, but the Duo be home. I'm cooking Dinner for them.They look thin, and the Dude has long hair.good for him.I have a bit of music left in me...a smidge of something... but the Dude has more...this trek is now officially a gift of lore....Walk off the Earthhands first for some...WOTEseems appropriate....to close withThey'll see you on the AT in pieces next year or so...and I'll be picking up hikers for years to come...with understanding... as close to the Trail without actually being there...driving by it, now... looking to see if one needs a ride..... If they were to do it all over again... they wouldn't hold back.Not that they did. they rocked with all they had....+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Date: 2015-07-31
From: Home at Last

To: Back to Normal
Miles today: 0.0

What's you missing on them brick walls????the kids are happy ... didn't miss the final miles...they wouldn't have made it and so smiled with itthey are really happy for those around them... that stayed the trail...the Duo are with you.. mile for milenamasteCongrats to Luckyand Twisted pretty soon....Silverback, Red Panda, the American Girl, Rocket the Princess, and the Penguin too... wha wha... let's not forget BonBon, Hiker Family, and so on... la de da and all those I had hopping in my truck along the way... Tabasco, Scribe, and the Burrito child... though she won't say...Here's to the clean air, smiles, and green miles....make them count..we won't count them against you.... we just know you count....one leg of journey along the whey....don't shave them for posterity....he he
Date: 2013-07-11
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hi everyone! Lets go hiking! I will turn 58 my first month on the trail. My first hike on the Appalachian Trail was in 2009 from Springer to near Pearisburg. About 600 mi. In 2010 I hiked from near Pearisburg to mile 77.5 on Skyline Drive in the Shenandoah National Park. About 300 miles. And finally in 2011 I hiked with my good friend High Tops the last 200 miles to Katahdin.(some in NH also)I am planning on retiring in Nov of next year and starting the trail on April 1st 2015. My plan is to do small miles to start and average about 15 miles per day overall. My past hikes of the AT included 30+ mile days. I want to meet other hikers and locals and enjoy the trail more this time. I have done long distance hikes for awhile so if you have any questions I would love to hear from you. See you on the Trail!
Date: 2013-08-29
To: FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

I have enjoyed all the entries. Can't wait to hit the trail. I was thinking I would make an entry every now and then to remember how to do it. lol I have heard people say they work out to lose weight equivalent to their pack weight. Some bulk up prior to the hike because they know they are going to lose it on the trail. Hummmm....The first week on the trail I had no appetite. Had to make myself eat. Found out I was not alone on that one. By Hot Springs I had my appetite back. By Damascus I had a hikers appetite. Yep can you say AYCE!. I have heard that the post hike appetite is hard to control. You finally lose the weight and look like you did in your youth. Feels good. But how do you keep it off? Good luckMy diet on the trail was start hiking each day with a nature valley bar or the like. No lunch, hate to break my stride. Snack all day then cook dinner each evening. Might try to change this routine up. The first time I hiked the AT I did about 600 miles. I was going to skip towns and hike large miles. I found out that the trail is really the people you meet and I hope to see all of you there!
Date: 2013-10-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

18 months ago our group won a lottery. No not that kind. We won a private raft trip permit. We only had to wait 18 moths! ugh! But the time went by and before we knew it we were floating down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. The time we have left will go by fast. I saw where some were talking about a shakedown hike on the AT next year. I would love to meet some of the 2015 class and put foot to the AT again. Think about it. A AT fix might help tide us over till our turn comes. Traildays week, Smokies, Shenandoah, 100 mile Wilderness? I would like to do trail magic one day for the 2014 class. Supposed to do the JMT next August. If we get a permit! ugh! If we get a permit we might have room for a couple of hikers.
Date: 2015-03-27
From: Loft Mtn Wayside

To: Smith Roach Gap
Miles today: 12.5

Pony, Matt, and the girls picked me up in Waynesboro about 10am and it was raining. By the time we reached the Park it was snow and the north end of the Park was closed due to heavy snow. We started hiking about 12:30 and covered 12.5 miles in the snow till 5:30. We are slack packing this week. Matt is dropping us off in the mornings and picking us up in the evening. Light packs, Hot showers, and warm bed this week. Boomer!
Date: 2015-03-28
From: Smith Roach Gap

To: Bootens Gap
Miles today: 16.2

Today was super cold! Our water bottles were frozen by afternoon. We visited with a trail Maint worker for awhile and then pushed on through the snow. Sunny day but intense cold and wind. When we reached our destination we were told that the temp was 17 at 4pm for a high. Brrrrrrr Hot shower is going to be the best ever! Boomer!
Date: 2015-03-29
From: Bootens Gap

To: Pinnicles Camp Ground
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: clear sky

Today we took advantage of some warmer weather and covered 17.6 miles. Still walking in snow but the air is warming up! The valley below is green and signs of spring are everywhere. The body is holding up great. Feet are sore but that's expected. Pony sets a fast pace but so far I'm keeping up. Matt hiked the last 4 miles with us today.
Date: 2015-03-30
From: Pinnicles Camp Ground

To: Hogback Parking lot
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: few clouds

The weather was warmer today. 60 and sunny! Wearing my new Merrells and loving them. My old pair were too worn out. I could feel every rock through the bottom. Pony made me throw them in the trash! lol Calves were sore today but that just means we are using them and hopefully they will be ready to go Friday when Pony, Matt, and the girls head back to Michigan and I head north with a full pack. Boomer!
Date: 2015-03-31
From: Hogback Parking lot

To: US522 Front Royal
Miles today: 16.6

Matt's Parents arrived yesterday and that let Matt hike with us today. We had our warmest day yet. Near 70. We also hiked out of the Shenandoah Mtns today. Our hike had lots of downhill runs today that were bone jarring. Matts dad Craig came out to pick us up and hiked in to meet us. We are staying in Front Royal today and tomorrow. We have good internet service here so hopefully we can get these journals straitened out. Used the hot tub and pool and a great enchilada dinner! We have 3 days to cover 52 miles and reach Harpers Ferry. We are hoping to do our first 20 mile day tomorrow! Boomer
Date: 2015-04-01
From: US522 Front Royal

To: Ashby Gap
Miles today: 889.7
Weather: clear sky

This was our first big mile day. 20 miles in 7.5hrs. The weather was beautiful again. Pony and I took off fast and cleared the first 3.6 miles in 1hr 7min. The first 2 miles were uphill but you can keep moving on these uphills without too much effort. We should be in Harpers Ferry by Friday afternoon. we were done today by 3:30 so laundry, dinner , hot tub. Tomorrow should be a 20 miler as well. This is the longest I think I have been on the AT and not been rained on!
Date: 2015-04-02
From: Ashby Gap

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 33.5

Today we entered the Roller Coaster. That is a 13.5 mile up and down stretch that was very rocky and slow going. Our milage was 13.5 for the day but to get the total milage for the AT to this point correct it shows 33.5. Pony, Matt, Bree, and Brook left about 4:30 today headed for Michigan. I'm on my own. Had a great week with them. What a great way to start a journey! Tomorrow I am taking my first down day to let my muscles and feet heal. Pony made me lead most of the day to watch for snakes. Snakes 0. Boomer
Date: 2015-04-03
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

Well after 7 days of hiking I'm taking a down day. Pony, Matt, and the girls headed back to Michigan and I'm staying at the Bears Den Hostel to let my sore parts rest. $17 for a bunk, shower, laundry, and all the movies you want to watch. Oh and pancakes for breakfast. For $30 you get all that, a large Red Baron Pizza, a pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and a soda. Yeah I spent $30. I had the place to myself till the afternoon. Then several hikers showed up. Tomorrow I hike out without Pony. ?? Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-04
From: bears Den Hostel

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: few clouds

Today I left Bears Den Hostle but not before making pancakes and coffee for 8 people. I had company in the basement last night to watch movies and share stories with. 6 of us are at the shelter tonight and plan on sharing a beer and burger tomorrow about noon in Harpers Ferry. Full moon tonight! Lights in the valley remind us how close we are to urban areas. I have my tent set up on the deck here at the David Lesser shelter. Lasagna for dinner! With red peppers. Yummy! Tomorrow I leave Virginia after 550 long miles. Today was only 11.2 miles. Resting my feet. My goal is to average 12 miles a day till June 5th when Chad joins me in NH. Well it's hikers midnight and I' in my tent. See you tomorrow! Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-05
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Todays hike started with 9 miles to town. Started about 8am and hoped to be in town by 12:30. Made it to town by 11. Thought of food and drink made the miles go by fast. Andrew, Michelle, and Halie were great company the last few days but Harpers was there destination. Starting tomorrow I try to catch a few nobo's that left yesterday. The people at the ATC were great! Spent 2 hrs there. Feet are healing up nicely and I'm on schedule. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-06
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today I entered Maryland. I left Harpers Ferry by 8:30 and as soon as you cross the bridge you are leaving West Virginia and entering Maryland. Had lunch at Ed Garvey shelter and talked to my wonderful wife. Later at the Rocky Run shelter where I'm staying a hiker was telling me a thru hiker was killed at the Garvey shelter by a fallen tree. (Widow Maker) they have now gone to every shelter in Maryland and cut down the dead trees. Hot today. 75 great spring and company here tonight. 15.8miles today. Rain due in tonight and for the next 5 days. Oh well it is the AT. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-07
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowell Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

This was the first Washington monument. Built in 1827. Rained all night, quit before I started hiking. Did 15.8 miles again today. Still in Maryland. Supposed to rain the next few days. May take a down day Thursday. Last night Dave and his daughter Kasey stayed at the shelter. Great visit with great people. Dave did the AT in 1978. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-08
From: Ensign Cowell Shelter

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: light rain

Made it out of Maryland and into Pennsylvania today. 9.5 miles. I'm in Waynesboro, PA. Rained all day and was in mid 40's. Made that hot shower one of the best ever. Rain tomorrow expected and 40's again. Taking a down day to do laundry, resupply, and eat at an AYCE Italian restaurant. (All you can eat). Feeling good. Caught up with Bear, and Jim yesterday. 2 hikers I have been following in the log books. They are moving too slow so I moved on. Hostels are great! Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-09
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Rest Day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Resupplied, sent my tent home, and read a book today. Ready to hike tomorrow. The book was called Pistol Pete. A real cowboy who lived to be 98 and is the mascot for OSU, NMSU, and Wyoming. Great story about Oklahoma/Indian Territory. 0 miles. Rain and fog all day. My host Elizebeth is from Oklahoma and Pistol Pete was her great grandfather. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-10
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 15.2

My first time in Pennsylvania. Made 15.2 miles today. The last 2 in the rain. A boy scout troop just arrived and the fires are starting. Gotta love Boy Scouts and fires. Hoping to do 22 miles tomorrow. Trails are flat and the rain is moving out. Feeling great and it really is nice to be out of Virginia. I'm at Rocky Mtn Shelter Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-11
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter

To: Tom's Run Shelter
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: broken clouds

Sorry. Low signal last night. Left Rocky Mountain shelter about 8am. If I didn't have a trail name I would call myself Happy Feet. They felt great all day. I did 19.2 miles and arrived before 4pm. Boy Scouts everywhere. I was thinking of moving on to the next shelter. That would have been 30.3mile day. The scout leader told me the shelter was clear and all mine. Great day! I passed Dead Woman Hollow trail today. Official 2015 halfway point. I'm at Tom's Run shelter. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-12
From: Tom's Run Shelter

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: broken clouds

Beautiful day! 70 no wind! Did 19.0 miles today. I'm at Alex Kennedy shelter. Visited with several hikers today. Great people on the trail. I have hiked 227 miles since March 27th. Looking at keeping up the big miles for awhile. Oh I saw my first snake today! Eli & Pony just love snakes. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-13
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: clear sky

Today we had to cross the Cumberland Valley. We walked into Boiling Springs this morning. Nice people let us rummage through their Hiker Box. Scored raisons and a can of pineapple slices! Then we had the Backpackers Special at the Cafe 101. Great breakfast and visited with the locals. Saw 2 more snakes today. Spent most of our 18.2 mile day walking through corn fields! Staying at Darlington shelter tonight. Upper 70's today. Rain coming in about 3am tonight. Met Skeeter. Been following her since Harpers Ferry. 3 of us going into Duncannon tomorrow. Down day! Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-14
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: moderate rain

It rained all night and quit before the days hike began. Hiked 11.3 miles into Duncannon, Pa. Staying at the Doyle hotel/bar/restaurant. Very old. Doing laundry and resupply tomorrow. Down day tomorrow. The weather is warming up and everything is blooming. Leaves will be on the trees soon. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-15
From: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel

To: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Skeeter, David, and I hung out on the balcony most of the day. Watched a bald eagle fly up and down the Susquehanna river. Resupplied and had a few beers at the bar. We are ready to get back on the trail. Pack will be heavy now that it has been restocked. 9 more days in Pennsylvania. Should be in NY or NJ for my birthday. The Doyle is old but the owners (Vickie & Jack) have been extra nice to us.Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-16
From: Duncannon-Doyle Hotel

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: clear sky

We(Skeeter, David, and I) headed out about 8 with only 11 miles to go today. The next shelter is 18 miles away. To far to reach today. We took our time and stopped a lot. No real photo ops here on the ridge line. Clear warm day. Rain coming in tonight! Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-17
From: Peters Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: light rain

It rained last night until time to hike today. Great timing. We left Peters Mtn shelter and covered 18 miles. Not much to write home about. Made it to Rausch shelter. Toefer and his dog Al were there. Added photos of David & Skeeter at Rausch shelter. Also had a great water system! We had a great fire and watched TV. Ok no TV. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-18
From: Rausch shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: broken clouds

We hiked 17.5 miles today. Very warm with little shade and few water sources. But Davids Aunt Kim was meeting us at the 501 shelter at 6 with beer, sandwiches, and a large fruit bowl. Oh and she brought me a cold 2 liter Dr Pepper. Skeeter showed up about 6:35 the thought of food and drink motivated her to do the hot miles. Should be cooler the next few days. Better for hiking! Have hiked 300 miles since the Shenandoah's!   Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-19
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Davids blisters were bad this morning. I think he had blisters on his blisters. Looked like he might lose a toe nail as well. He called his Aunt Kim and is headed off trail. Skeeter and I are continuing north. Heavy rain coming in tonight not ending till afternoon tomorrow. Easy 15.1 today. Cooler temps too. Resupply tomorrow then keep hiking north. Oh saw a deer today. First since Shenandoah. Gotta go build a fire. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-20
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Furnance Spring Shelter
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Last night a kid came into the shelter dressed in orange. Called himself Orange Crush. He did 32 miles yesterday and is averaging 23+ miles a day. 1 st thru hiker from Springer. He was up and gone by 5:30am. I left at 8 in the pouring rain. I scared up 2 deer and watched a Bald Eagle take flight over Port Clinton as I entered town. As soon as I entered town a car pulled up and asked if I had seen Orange Crush. It was a hiker i had met a few days earlier named Frogy. She drove me to Walmart to resupply and then lunch. Then dropped me off at the trail. Hiked 14.7 miles to Furnace Spring shelter. Nice fire. Rain tonight. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-21
From: Furnance Spring Shelter

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: broken clouds

Last night we had 10 people at a 6 person shelter. Skeeter decided we could sleep outback under the eave. Great till the storm came in. I'm at Allentown shelter and my sleeping bag is drying in the sun. 16.5 miles today. These rocks are getting worse. They call this place Rocksylvania. Where shoes go to die! I'd like to do more miles but my feet say no. They are in charge so no long days till NJ. I'm in a shelter tonight and i'm not giving up my bunk! Skeeter may do less miles today. But she may show up here. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-22
From: Allentown Shelter

To: George Outerbridge Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we did 16.8 miles to George Outerbridge shelter. We rolled in at 12:45p and the storm rolled in at 1p. Safe and dry! Cold tonight. Low 32. Beautiful weather and great hiking except for the rocks! 2 more days in Pennsylvania. Had a great fire again tonight. Hiking with Phil and Neco. Skeeter. Is back 1 shelter because of the rain today. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-23
From: George Outerbridge Shelter

To: LeRoy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: clear sky

We hiked 16.7 miles today in the snow. Crossed a dead mountain due to 100 years of zinc mining. About 11 Neco and I hiked into Daniellesville for a burger and fries then back to the trail. Very tired of these rocks!! Got to Leroy Smith shelter about 4p. Someone left us a 6 pack of Yuengling beer. Neco, Phil, and I are here. We are leaving about 6a headed for Delaware Water Gap. Last day in Pennsylvania. I need a shower, food, laundry...... So much to do. Been out 9 days since our last town. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-24
From: LeRoy Smith Shelter

To: DWG
Miles today: 20.2

Last night it snowed and stayed about 25*. We all slept in our rain suits for extra layer. Up by 5:45a gone by 6a. Hiked 20.2 miles to Delaware Water Gap. Pennsylvania done! Next up 72 miles in NJ. 90 miles in NY. My first night in a bed
Date: 2015-04-25
From: DWG

To: DWG
Miles today: 0.0

Took the day off. Resupply blah blah blah. The tendon I aggravated on my left foot is doing better. We head out tomorrow after breakfast at the diner. Skeeter made it into town today and is taking tomorrow off. We will meet again up the trail. NJ here we come! Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-26
From: DWG

To: Mohican Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

Today we started into NJ. 10.8 miles on a ridge with great views and fewer rocks. We are at the Mohican Outdoor Center. Had breakfast with Skeeter, Neco, and Phil. On the trail by 9a. Sunny day made for easy hiking. Good to be on the trail again, towns can spoil you and be costly. By Friday we will be in NY. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-27
From: Mohican Center

To: Brink Shter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Our 2nd day in NJ. 14.0 miles to the Brink shelter. Cold (50's) cloudy and windy. Would be ok but they won't let us have a fire here. Today was less rocks and beautiful views on the ridge line. Not what I think of when thinking of NJ. Trees are finally budded out. Flowers are blooming. Thanks for all the Birthday wishes! Today is 1 month on the trail. 428 miles since I started with Pony in Shenandoah. Still hiking with Phil and Neco. Skeeter is 10 miles back. My left shin is screaming still, but I'm ignoring him. Shin splint day 6. Oh well keep dragging it behind me. Boomer!* Today is Boomer's birthday!! (This is Pony - I have been posting for him on trailjournals). When I left Boomer at Bear's Den I volunteered to post for him. I was excited he said yes....a way to still be mentally on the trail. . (He doesn't know I posted today's birthday announcement....send him LOTS of birthday wishes)
Date: 2015-04-28
From: Brink Shter

To: Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today we left Brink shelter(see picture) and hiked 15.0 miles today to Rutherford shelter. Saw several deer. No bears yet! Beautiful state from the ridge lines. Never thought about NJ having this much wilderness or water! Warm sunny day today. Building a fire and getting ready for hikers mid night. Still hiking with Phil and Neco. Boomer!
Date: 2015-04-29
From: Rutherford Shelter

To: Pochuck Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

Today we left Rutherford shelter (pic) and hiked 12 miles to Unionville, NY for lunch at the local tavern, Wit's End. Beer , burgers, and fries. Resupplied at the General store then hiked 5 miles to our shelter. Total miles today 17.0 miles. Left foot is killing me. Shin splints and Arthritis on the pad of my foot. Tomorrow we leave NJ and enter NY. The next shelter is 23.6 miles. We may camp out after entering NY. Boomer!