morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-05-01
From: Sam's Gap

To: Spivey Gap
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: scattered clouds

We had a great hike today. The trail was kind!The owner of the Super 8 (or, as I like to think of it, "home.." does that make him "dad" or something??) shuttled us back to Sam's Gap. He entertained us with stories about working in the motel and other hikers he has met. He also told us no one hikes in his native India, due to the large numbers of lions, tigers and cobras in the mountains there. I wondered what he thought about us crazy people hiking 6 months in the mountains for fun!HBB and I walked through open woods most of the day, and clearings carpeted in wildflowers. I was really looking forward to Big Bald, a grassy bald (elevation 5516') about 6 1/2 miles into the day. The view was a little disappointing, because this was an extremely hazy day. However, the trail magic waiting at the top more than made up for it! This bald has a dirt road that goes right up to the top, and someone had left two cold 12-packs of soda (mmmmmm, Cheerwine) and a big bag of potato chips up there!! It's a little scary how happy a couple of handfuls of chips can make a couple of hikers!HBB and I hiked together much of the afternoon, devising solutions to the world's problems, and the miles flew by. We started hearing thunder midafternoon, though, and decided to hightail it to this capsite before the storm caught us up on a ridge. The rain was kind enough to hold off until after dinner. Big thumbs up to the Thai Kitchen instant noodle soups, although the portions are tiny! I ate two packages, plus half of the glorious white chocolate pudding HBB made. At 7:45 my stomach is growling loudly enough that I know HBB must hear it all the way in her tent! I'm going to have to get into my food bag soon or it is going to keep both of us awake!HBB packed the pudding mix and powdered milk all this way up the trail so we could have a party, on what may be our last night together in the woods for a while! Pudding mix is heavy! --- so carrying it all that way involved great personal sacrifice on HBB's part. And did I mention that the pudding was delicious??!?Tomorrow we have another 11 miles or so to get back to town. We'll move back into the motel the second we get there, of course. We will probably get a ride from Miss Janet in the morning to a road crossing 20 miles north, and take a day or two to hike back south into town. Pete arrives Sunday to drag me out of the woods for a while.Many of the hikers seem to be all about packing in the miles on their slackpacks --- more than 20 miles in a day seems to be the norm --- but HBB and I see that as the ruin of a perfectly good slackpack! I mean, what's the point of slacking if you aren't going to loaf? We must be the least competitive hikers on the trail --- but we do seem to be having the most fun!
Date: 2003-05-29
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I've been in civilization for about three weeks now. My worst fears --- about not being able to fit into a civilized society again --- have not come to pass so far. I have gotten into the habit of showering every day (gasp!!), wearing uncomfortable shoes and using a flush toilet EVERY SINGLE TIME. I guess that means the descent into disgusting grubbiness will seem all the sweeter in a few weeks when I get back on the trail.Don't get me wrong --- I'm enjoying teaching my class. My students are very bright and work really hard for the most part, and as a result they are doing very well. They don't even all fall asleep in class at the same time! Also, my defense is finally scheduled for --- of course --- Friday the 13th (of June). After that, I'll probably have a few little things to do on the dissertation, but I'll essentially be done when classes let out on the 20th. So while I am enjoying the comforts of city life, I am positively itching to get back out there. I wonder every day about all my trail friends, where they are, how their hikes are coming along, their tales of trail magic and all the gossip. I've been out of the loop forever, it seems, although it's really been only a few weeks.I've been spending a whole lot of time grading papers and preparing class lectures these last weeks, so my journal has been neglected. Expect another entry by the end of June, and expect to find me there, disgustingly grubby and incredibly happy. I hope some of you will come along for the rest of the ride!
Date: 2003-06-21
From: Mom and Dad's (near Tampa)

To: Mom and Dad's (near Tampa)
Miles today: 0.0

Well, here it is almost July, and I've been away from the trail for almost two months. The good news is, I turned in grades for my class last night, I defended my dissertation on Friday the 13th (!!!), and I have just a few more days of work on the diss before I can slide my sandals on and get back out there! My plan is to go spend a few days with Pete before picking up wherever Hiker-Biker Babe is... probably somewhere in Pennsylvania... around the first of the month.I expect the first couple of weeks to be painful, just like it was getting out there in March (except with bugs, lots of rain and lots of mud... instead of snow, lots of rain and lots of mud!!). But I will be back out there, pursuing a dream I've had for a lot of years, back with my trail buddies and the flowers and trees and... well, the mud, the ramen, the mind-consuming hunger and the general filth that a hiker grows to understand so well. Can't wait!!!When you next hear from me I'll be on my way north! Hope you'll come along...
Date: 2003-07-12
From: US 11 Penn

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 6.3
Weather: few clouds

What a wonderful beginning to Chapter 2 of my hike!! Pete drove me down to the trail and walked the first couple of miles with me. We dallied on the trail, taking pictures of flowers and talking to cows. We shared lunch overlooking vast fields of corn and wheat and bare earth before he left to return to New Jersey.The hiking was easy today --- almost no rocks! --- and there were raspberry and black raspberry bushes all along the trail. There is nothing better to a hiker than a ripe berry bursting with flavor, fresh from the bramble and hot from the sun. I also passed through a grove of wild cherry trees, or perhaps an orchard gone wild, but couldn't reach many cherries. Still, I should have packed fewer snacks! :)At one point on the trail today, on the walk up the mountain to the shelter, the trail maintainers had built a bench from the big rocks that are everywhere in Pennsylvania. This bench overlooked the best view of the day, down the mountain and across fields and farmhouses and silos. What a great place to catch my breath!I seriously thought about walking on to the next shelter, but I would have arrived well after dark. Also, I left a message for HBB that I would be staying in Duncannon tomorrow night, and I really want to hook up with her again soon. And it is a good thing to take it easy for a couple of days... remember, I've been sitting in front of a computer for two months! There are two section hikers and a southbounder also at the shelter tonight. We stayed up quite late (9:30!!) talking about gear and our lives in the real world. This is kind of unusual talk for hikers... there was little talk of food, except that we were all highly entertained by the southbounder's wood-burning stove. The guys actually turned down my offer of cookies!!! Clearly not thru hikers... they'll see when they set out on their own long walks.I can only hope for more days as perfect as this one. Tomorrow, on to the Doyle and Duncannon!
Date: 2003-07-14
From: Doyle Hotel

To: Spring near PA 235
Miles today: 17.4

Today I saw two almost tame deer. One was a big doe that let me come within about 15 feet of her and take her picture twice before she scampered off. There was also a young buck with velveted antlers about 5" tall. He ran partway up the slope and looked over his shoulder in disdain at me until I walked out of sight. Hopefully the pictures will come out.I ended up hiking much of the afternoon with Phil, one of the section hikers from the shelter the other night. We had a very pleasant walk, full of good conversation. I hope he signs my guest book so I can keep in touch with him.I ran into Phil and met Tooslow, another section hiker, at the extraordinary Peters Mountain Shelter. This shelter has sleeping lofts and is just gorgeous. Prime accommodations. Tooslow had a chess board set up and tried to convince us to stay there, but Phil and I both had miles to make. We decided to hike on to this spring near the road and arrived just as night was falling. There was a great campsite down the side trail close to the spring. After making camp and having dinner we chatted some more and called it a night.
Date: 2003-07-15
From: Spring Near PA 325

To: Swarta Gap
Miles today: 17.4

One of the main things I love about the AT is the great people you meet out here. Today, I was hurrying along so I could get to civilization and send my pocketmail, and was hot, exhausted and especially smelly. This 35 miles in two days stuff is a little painful for me, what with a hint of the famous Pennsylvania rocks and two months off the trail! Still, I think it would be fine if I wasn't racing along as fast as I could go trying to make it in time to get a hitch into town.Anyway, I had about a mile and a half to go before I got to the road, and was limping along, complaining bitterly, when around the bend came Sleepy Floyd! I was a little confused to see him coming southbound, but he explained that a bunch of people had hitched ahead to Port Clinton for a Hiker Feed there over the weekend. Now they were all hiking back to Duncannon. We had chatted for just a few moments and I was already feeling better --- when around the bend walked Viking!!! Yes, that's right, the original Love Biscuit. I let out a great whoop and threw my arms around him and planted a kiss on his cheek... but ewwwwwww, was he sweaty! Sleepy Floyd got a big laugh out of me making a big deal of wiping all Viking's sweat off me with my bandana.After meeting up with the boys, I continued along with a spring in my step... well, relatively speaking, anyway. When I got to the road, I was not having luck with a ride the 2.3 miles to town. I had probably walked less than a half mile when a woman in her yard called out to me.She asked if I was headed to town and said she would give me a ride, then invited me to join her family for dinner. I hesitantly accepted, and what a good decision! The Heiseys are a fascinating family. They are Mennonite and have 7 children, aged 4 to 20. They have a big wonderful country house with a horse and a colt, a chicken coop, three dogs, lots of cats and goodness knows what else. Sheldon, who is 16, had prepared cheeseburgers, peas, potatoes, chips and watermelon for dinner, and it was delicious. Four of the seven children were there for dinner, and I had a great time getting to know them --- especially Katrina, who is four. We had a long conversation about hair (she definitely thinks I should have long hair and all the boy hikers should get a haircut) and cats and everything in between. I learned that last year, the trail passed in front of the Heiseys' home and they took in quite a few hikers. This year, the trail was relocated and I was only the third hiker they've met. They behaved as though it was a great honor to feed and converse with a hungry, smelly hiker and told me to let all the southbounders know they can stop by.Luther and Susan offered to let me stay for the night, but I opted for the Days Inn and lots of phone time to talk to Pete and send emails. I hope I meet more people on this hike who are half as wonderful as that family!
Date: 2003-07-16
From: Swarta Gap

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: scattered clouds

The word for the day is ROCKS. I was really glad I had only planned to hike 11 and change when I saw what the trail was like today! To make matters worse, when I got to one of the especially rocky areas, there was a sign saying "2 r-snakes 15' 12 pm." It took me a moment to figure out exactly what that meant, but once I did I was even slower than usual going over the rocks! I have yet to see a rattler on the trail. After giving that a lot of thought, I've decided I'm perfectly OK with not seeing one at all out here.I did see 5 deer (very shy ones, not like the other day), a scarlet tanager and a garter (I think) snake today, along with the usual chipmunks and squirrels. I was also very happy to run into Phil and Tooslow at William Penn Shelter. I told them all about my adventures last night and got to tell them goodbye, as they were both staying at Penn and getting off the trail tomorrow.The big excitement of the day was at the 501 Shelter, which is just off the main road. Midway let us use his cell phone, and Gretel and I had pizza, soda and salads delivered! With a little help from Midway, Paul and (?) we managed to eat it all.This shelter is all enclosed, with real doors and glass windows and a huge skylight. It has wooden bunks just like a hostel, and a big table and chairs... there's even a solar shower here! Very fancy accommodations! I decided to save myself for the big swimmin hole tomorrow, though... apparently it has a rope swing and everything! I'd hate to show up clean for something like that, after all.
Date: 2003-02-27
To: Getting There
Miles today: 0.0

This is the first time using the Pocketmail device to do a journal entry. It seems a little awkward to use and will definitely take some getting used to on the Trail. It was a "toss up" between this and mailing back paper entries. It does seem easier just to write it down, but it will save Julia from having to do all of that typing. Just hope I'm not too tired at the end of the day to enter everything. Well, two weeks from tomorrow Dave and I will leave Springer. This weekend we are doing another day hike in Cuyahoga Valley Recreation Area. Hope the weather is sort of crummy so I can see how the body temp and gear work together. Just got through waterproofing the leather on my boots. I've made some gear changes and additions. Should have them updated before I leave. Just heard about a rain parka called the "packa". The silnylon version only weighs 10 ounces. Fits over your pack with all the features of a parka. Costs $110. I have my mail drops posted and just need to pack the drop boxes. Food goes something like this; Breakfast will be instant oatmeal with hot chocolate or gatorade. Maybe some instant type breakfast now and then. Morning snack will be a trail bar and/or Snickers. Lunch will be peanut crackers pita bread with tuna or such. Afternoon snack will be GORP and/or Snickers (Love them Snickers) Dinner will be Noodles, Soup, MountainHouse type entries. Would like to keep the food at no more than 2.5# per day. If weight isn't too bad, I'll pack some peanut butter. Well, that's about enough for now. Oh, by the way, my parents are still speaking to me, but I may have been written out of the will.Later
Date: 2003-03-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Things are coming together. Friday I hiked about 8 miles of county roads west of here. Other than having to keep from getting ran over by traffic it went pretty well. Then, Satuday Dave and I did a day hike in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area. There we did around 9 miles of good snow covered trail with some ups and downs. Both days I carried a nearly a full pack, around 24 pounds. That included 3 day's food, water, tent, clothing, and everything else I thought I'd be taking on the AT. Dave on the other hand took everything he could think of except the kitchen sink. I thought someone would think it odd that he had a fly swatter hanging on the outside of his pack especially this time of the year. He is a section hiker and says he likes to condition himself with a heavy pack while hiking through the snow. You know he's a section hiker.   We are going back out next Saturday and I am going to go out at least twice during the week. Still working out at the gym which is the best things I've done to prepare for this hike. One thing I noticed was some soreness on the bottom side of one big toe, on the toenail of the other big toe, and tenderness in the middle toes at times. I didn't think it was any big deal but E-mailed Footslogger who once sold and fitted trail boots. Got some good advice. Even though I had gone up a size and there seemed like plenty of room when I got these, he said I should check out for "crowding" in the toes. Went out today and tried on several pairs of the next larger size. He was right...went up another half size to 10 1/2. Only a year ago I was wearing 9 1/2 and never felt there would be that much difference when I got the boots from Bean. Well, I ended up buying new Asolo's which you will see when the gear is updated. Thanks Footslogger. These feel great and now I'll try to break them in this week.Also did about half of my drop boxes. It's easy to see how one ends up carrying too much food. You go out and buy all this stuff...Snickers, GORP, Lipton, tuna, mac & cheese, PB crackers, Ramen, cocoa, candy,trail bars, Mountain House, etc., You have so much that you want to inlude some of each for everyday. Of course, I got the Lipton "Buy one get two free." so I went wild. Oh well, Julia can enjoy some on me. Why should I be the only one eating gourmet meals. The other thing I'm trying to get used to is this damn Pocketmail. Getting a little faster, but not much. Slept out on the screened porch Saturday night in my Nomad tent and Feathered Friends bag. It was around 28 degrees and I was toasty warm. Woke up several times but didn't sleep too bad. (Two Scoops I think I'm gonna love this bag.) Okay, that's enough pecking for now. Am supposed to meet my former workmates at Fridays this Friday for a drink. Last chance till who knows when.Later,
Date: 2003-03-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's Wednesday evening and tomorrow morning at 4 Dave will pick me up and we are off to Georgia. We're not sure how long it will take us to go by Neels Gap and drop off our first food drop and then on to the motel. Dave has made arrangements to have us picked up 7 so we should be on Springer between 8 and 9.I spent the last couple of days finishing off the drop boxes and the bounce box. Trying not to "overpack" each food drop and deciding what to put in for each meal was time consuming. I also had to break down the thru-hikers companion book. Shouldn't have waited until the last day.I spent most of yesterday finishing my taxes. Couldn't do them sooner because we own limited partnership shares and they just emailed the data needed to complete the forms. I updated and finished my gear list posted with this journal yesterday. There are a few more things that aren't posted like my LL Bean nylon shorts. The big question is whether to pack the 200 fleece. With the power stetch top and the vest I'm not sure I need it, especially if the temps stay up. On the other hand, it would be nice to sit around in on cold evenings.It will be great to get going. Thanks to everyone who has emailed or called to wish me well. And to those hikers that haven't left yet, it will be here before you know it. The soonest my journal entries will be updated will probably be next Tuesday...the day after I leave Neels Gap. We're going to start off somewhat slow and easy. 7.6 miles to Hawk Mtn Shelter Friday; 8.9 To Gooch Gap Saturday; and 10.5 to Woods Hole on Sunday. So thanks again for your interest it should be an incredible adventure.Thought for the day...You'll never know unless you try.
Date: 2003-03-14
From: Springer Mt.

To: Hawk Mt. Shelter
Miles today: 7.6

Weather: Overcast, cool, 50's Light rain in afternoon and evening.Gear of the day: $12 titanium spork...took me a half hour to find it in my pack when I was getting ready for supper.Today's Hike Rating: 8 (10 High} No feet problems and good temps for hiking.What a great first day! I think the way I'll do this, at least first, is to summarize the night before and then go on to the current day. Yesterday Dave picked me up at 4 a.m. We beat the sleet/ice storm that hit around 7 a.m. Got to Neels Gap where we left a drop box since we'll be there on Monday. Got to Eljay and checked in at the motel..an older but clean place built back in the 50's. We drove up to the Amicalola Fall Lodge where we ran into Margie who also started today and is on Trailjournals. We went out to eat at a so-so chinese restaurant; came back to the motel and turned in.I have to tell you about our ride to Springer. It was a local guy named Kelly who provides shuttle service to hikers. He shows up in this 70's Chevy that is ready for the graveyard.   You know, the one they take the hood and trunk off of; park in the front yard and plant flowers in. I think Kelly must have cancelled his garbage pick-up and decided to put it in his car. We could barely get our packs in the trunk and I shared the back seat with an old TV, oil cans, Mr. Pibb cartons, cleaning bottles, etc...well you get the picture. Anyway, the car ran surprisingly well and we got to FS 42 Springer did the .9 up to Springer. We kicked off from Springer at 9:13. Of course, I picked up a rock to carry to Maine.The hike itself went great. Dave and I separated intentionally early as I kind of wanted to set off on my "own hike." The terrain was easy with only a few climbs. I stopped off at Long Creek Falls and had a snack. Arrived at Hawk Mtn Shelter by 1 p.m. Since the weather forecast was for rain this evening and tomorrow morning I decided to stay in the shelter. I'm on the 2nd floor with 5 others. Sleeping next to me is a nice young man just out of high school named Ion. The shelter was full by 3:30. I had cream of broccoli soup with peanut butter crackers for lunch and Mountain House beef stew for supper. I wasn't that hungry but had to eat something. Didn't even eat my Snickers yet. The plan is to do 8 miles to Gooch Gap tomorrow. Feet and everything feel great so I could do more. Everyone says to take it easy at first so I will.Thought for the day...Off to a great start. ------------------------------