morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-04-26
From: Rockfish Gap, VA

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 160.8
Weather: clear sky

The weather has started to heat up for real these past few days. No more need to bury my head overnight in my sleeping bag; no more extra layers needed to visit the privy in the middle of the night; no more gloves while cooking dinner or packing up in the morning. While that is pleasant, it makes for some hot hiking. Now I have to deal with salt rash on my lower back; a think layer of salt covering my body at the end of the day; refilling my water bladder at every break; and bugs. Fortunately, the days are still getting longer, and I am enjoying the extended light. And now when it rains, it feels cool and refreshing on my skin. My parents have met me for a second time at Rockfish Gap near Waynesboro, VA. I slacked a few miles today so to hike with the family, and tomorrow will put in about 20 miles sans pack. I'll get started on Tuesday morning with the Shenandoahs. I am really looking forward to blackberry milkshakes at the Waysides!Richard gets back to the NOLS Southwest Branch on Tuesday, so I should be able to talk to him then. I can't wait, as we haven't spoken since April 4. My friend Ryan from Outdoor Source in Columbus, Ohio came to visit last weekend and slack me, Blue, and Padre around Catawba. We had nice weather, Saturday dinner at The Homeplace, and hit a movie in Roanoke. It was such a luxury and Ryan really did us a great favor. Not only did he make us dinners, lunches, and breakfasts for two days, but he took Blue and Padre to the Urgent Care Center to treat their respective ailments. Blue has headed on to Harpers Ferry where he will meet his Mom, and Padre is on his way to catching up to us (as he took an extra zero in Cloverdale hopefully to the benefit of his knee). The terrain has been a lot of long ups and downs lately, so I am looking forward to a little more graded pathways through the Shenandoahs. If the weather cools down a bit, it will be down right pleasant. If not, doesn't really matter because I'm going to walk it anyway. I am excited to get to the halfway point and eat my half gallon of ice cream. I'm thinking vanilla with a bottle of Hershey's chocolate sauce to make things more interesting. It will also be fun to check off another state. AND Richard will be in Pennsylvania for the month of May, so I will get to see him way more often. And before I know it, I will be closing in on the Hanover crew. We visited the Rockfish Gap Outfitters yesterday. Nice group. The have advertisements for dogs that need a good home on their check-out counter. I really wanted to take one with me on the trail. But I think that's because I really am missing my dogs back home. All in all, things are still going really well. I am enjoying each day and can't believe how quickly things are moving. I best get the most out of each moment that I can.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey! I have finally walked over 1000 miles! Woohoo! I got into Harpers Ferry yesterday around 2:30pm, which is at mile 1013. I am ever so slowly making my way north and hope to be to Hanover in early June. Can't guarentee that, but I sure have my fingers crossed. My body parts seem to be holding up well enough. I have lost 1.5 toenails thus far. The big toe on my right foot has been all kinds of cool colors these past two months (oh yeah, yesterday was my two month anniversary) and today it started to peel off. One side must have more integrity than the other, cause it's still hanging on. And the second toe on my left foot went last week. And it's growing back Coca-cola brown. Joy. My knees are still attached, although they tend to complain toward the end of each day. My left shin was bothering me pretty serverely toward the end of Tennessee and into Virginia about 200 miles, but it cleared up thanks to my fool proof rest method: walk through the pain. I have all sorts of salt rash, but I'll spare you the details on that one. Every body part has had its moment to suffer, but I think we are all in agreement now. For the given time. Let's all cross our fingers that it stays this way. Okay, time for the GOOD NEWS section of the email: Richard and I are moving to Hanover this summer! We have both been accepted to Dartmouth; Richard for a Masters in Public Health, and me for MALS. Woo hoo! I am so excited! Richard's program begins the first of July, so he will be in town while I am still hiking. MALS will start in September. That being said, we are looking for a place to rent; so if you have any suggestions... The weather has been very challenging for me. It has been mostly cold rain. That is doable when you are climbing up a hill, but at the top there is wind and less heat being produced, which equals cccooollllddddd. Brrr. And if you're really lucky, it's not rain, it's snow. I literally melted my shoes in the fire trying to warm my toes. Opps. The first couple days in the Shenandoahs were the opposite: 90 degree heat and feels-like-you-are-walking-under-water humidity. I was thirsty for days afterwards, even when the sun went away and the rain came back. No sunburn yet, but I have one super cool farmers tan. And leather hands. I have certainly met a bunch of awesome people, which is what makes this journey worth so much. I have been hiking with a guy named Blue since Roan Mountain, Tennessee. Blue has been living in Australia and New Zealand for the past two years and after hiking the AT, plans to travel in Asia for two more years. There are a lot of hikers from Ohio out here. I guess they all just want to leave, like me. Most of the thru-hiker bubble is a few weeks behind me. And when I signed in a the ATC Headquarters today, I was the first female northbounder to come through. Well, the hiker-hunger is setting in again. So off to dinner with me. Richard is driving me to the Taj Mahal. This will be the first time I will have had Indian food on the trail. It's been too long.
Date: 2009-05-24
From: Unionville, NY

To: North
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hey,I have officially hiked to Unionville, NY. (Unofficially to Hanover, NH-I am here for a break/apt hunting). I have 843.3 more miles to Katahdin. Pennsylvania was certainly a challenge because the terrain is entirely compiled of grapefruit to volkswagon sized boulders and no dirt. I felt that for 270 miles I was just trying save my ankles. But I made it sans injury and am glad for the change of pace. The views in New Jersey have been beautiful! It only has me looking forward to New England all the more. The weather has been warmer lately, which means more bugs, more sweat, and (because we're in the east) more humidity. But it is only exactly what I expected the weather to be like the whole time, so not a big surprise. I have had the last two days off the trail in Hanover, NH looking for a place to stay this next year. Richard and I have looked at five or six places and have decided on a house in Lebanon, a town just south of Hanover. It is a quick bike ride to classes and also on the bus line for adverse weather conditions. We will be able to have a garden, wood stove heat, and a fenced in backyard for the dogs. It has an attached garage with an attic for storage, two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The largest room is the living area. The kitchen has tons of cabinets and counters. There is even a washer and dryer. We will have apple trees in the backyard. We are going to have to mow and keep up the lawn, but the current tenants are leaving their mower behind, so we should be set there. The landlady is really cool and I am very excited about moving in. She is letting us paint the walls, too (they are currently purple). I am experimently with making my pack lighter, basically by getting rid of stuff. I also have added padding onto the hip belt. I have lost what padding I had on my hips, so carrying the pack has become painful at times. Hopefully the extra padding will help. I am looking forward to getting back into some more challenging terrain. The ridge walking of Virginia and Pennsylvania have left me missing the rolling mountains like in North Carolina. I have finally seen a bear. I saw him my first day in New Jersey (go figure) crossing a road. He seemed very intent on getting across as soon as possible and didn't notice me. That same day I saw my first rattlesnake ever. He was splayed out across the trail when he saw me coming. He circled up and rattled like crazy. I got a picture and then gave him a wide berth as I kept hiking. The bugs are definately starting to make regular appearances. I am currently covered with small patches of poison ivy, as it is growing all over the trail, and impossible to avoid. I have been washing off each day when I get to camp, but it's not always enough I guess. I am excited to keep hiking and enjoy the rest of this trail. Not sure when I will be able to get to a computer again as Richard is starting his bike across the US next week, and he has been my technology source. Love, Stephanie
Date: 2009-05-30
From: Kent, CT

To: North
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Hey, This week has been an interesting mix of weather. The days have been mostly sunny and overly humid. The nights have been rainy and chilly. It is exciting to have another state complete. The terrain is starting to get challenging again. My ridge walking legs are out of shape for these constant ups and downs. But I only anticipate the hills getting worse as I move north, so I best just suck it up. Things are starting to get expensive up here. Good thing my hard-earned Outdoor Source cash stash has yet to run dry. My Smartwool t-shirt is holding salt far too well and I am getting sores on my back from the friction made by my pack. Oh well. Richard started his bike ride across the U.S. yesterday. He made it almost 60 miles after getting started around 2pm Western time. He has already had a flat tire, but other than that things seem to be off to a good start. The amount of poison ivy out here is astounding. I am washing my legs every night because the stuff is growing over the trail. I haven't found very many ticks on me just yet even though I've been walking through some high grasses lately. The number of boy scout groups out on the trail is growing. I guess that means the schools are getting out. I got caught in a line of about 20 today. Nice to know they're enjoying the trail. The plan is to hike another seven miles today to the next shelter north. I have officially given up on 30 mile days. It is way more satisfying to get to the shelter with time for a fire and some quality chillin' before it gets dark. This Wednesday Blue and I were walking into Fort Montgomery, NY to grab a motel for the night when a nice old lady pulled over and invited us to her house for the night. We gladly accepted and were treated to showers, laundry, dinner, a movie, breakfast and a ride back to the trail. It was fantastic! Just taking things one day at a time lately. And making my way north a little bit farther each day.
Date: 2009-06-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hey,After a long and hard decision-making process I have concluded that I need a significant break from my hike. I am now back in Columbus for the time being. I am moving to New Hampshire at the end of the month, so that will at least get me out of Ohio soon enough. And I will able to help Richard with the move, which he was going to have to do all on his own if I were hiking. Plus, I will get to visit with my parents and friends before I leave "for real."I plan on going back in late July. That will give me time to heal; I have acquired an uncomfortable amount of injuries, a pretty nasty sinus infection, and overall exhaustion. These combined to give me many sleepless nights on the trail; partly from pain, partly from the inability to breath while laying down. Let me tell you, it was fun.I am glad with my decision to take a break and confident that I will go back and finish this season.I kept meeting past thru hikers who talked about only hiking if it was fun. I did a lot of thinking and realized that 'fun' was not how I would describe my experience. I was deep in a trough of resentment for my situation. I was so envious of section hikers and even day hikers. I was losing focus fast. I had gone 1450 miles, but it was the 700 in front of me that seemed impossibly long. Eventually I realized that I wasn't hiking because it was fun, but because I had nothing better to do. I was hiking to finish, not to be present and enjoy my journey. That is not how I want to remember my hike. Like a chore I am desperate to have over with. So, this break will give me the chance to meet new people, hike in the thick of thru hikers, get a whole new perspective of the trail, and finish the trail with greater energy and passion for my experience.I made it to Cornwall Bridge, CT, 711.3 miles from Katahdin on May 31. My parents were kind enough to drive over and get me. I am already looking forward to hiking again, but I'm going to enjoy this time with my family while I have it.
Date: 2009-07-17
From: Cornwall Bridge, CT

To: north
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hey,I have decided to give this whole thru-hiking thing another go. I feel that my injuries are much better and I would like to finish the trail this year, if possible. So, might as well head back out now.I have decided to do food drops instead of buying junk food along the way. I hope that will help sustain me. It will be interesting to see what the crowd is like on the trail now, as there were not many people around at the end of May.Richard and I have successfully moved to Lebanon, NH. He will drop me off in Cornwall Bridge, CT tomorrow.Wish me luck,
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Hanover, NH

To: Gorham, NH
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Hey,I have made it to Hanover in about 2 weeks. Things are going very well and I am glad that I made the decision to try to finish this summer.Richard dropped me off in Connecticut and hiked for the day with me that Saturday. It was really hard to see him go because I knew at that point that I had to do the rest on my own. I was having mixed feelings about being back at the same place on the trail where I got off. I felt like maybe it was too soon, because all of my bad memories were flooding my brain.Logic won out eventually though. I convinced myself that it was at least worth a shot.The next morning, after losing the trail on a road walk (dumb), I was about to call it quits again when I hiked up behind two thru hikers on Lion's Head. We got to chatting and by the summit of Bear Mountain, we had decided to hike to Maine together. Their names are T-Toe and Sparky.We are getting along great and are excited for the Whites coming up soon. We made it through the mud in Vermont (my feet haven't been dry in a week at least) and are looking forward to more rugged terrain. It should be fun.The weather hasn't been terrible. We have had our share of rain, but mostly it has come at night, which is a pleasant change. The trail has been plenty muddy, but that only makes me look forward to the granite of New Hampshire all the more. I'm sure Maine will provide plenty of mud and water, but I'll wait to think about that in a week or so. My new food drops are working well. I am actually looking forward to eating the food I am carrying, which is a nice change.We only have 440 miles to go and should be done by the end of the month.I want to thank everyone for all the support. It's been really nice to read all your encouraging messages. I hope to see you on the trail.I can't wait to report more fun trail accounts soon!
Date: 2009-03-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

I begin writing while sitting at my work terminal in NJ on the eve of my last day, followed by my first day of retirement and the long drive to Dahlonega. There, in the comfort of the Super 8, will be my last bed rest until who knows, as I rise to head north to ME Sunday, March22, with countless hopefuls. I am severely behind in my departure prepartions. Not yet packed, mail drop boxes incomplete, income taxes close, but not finalized, my mind drifts to imagine the chill of the morning trail that will greet me those first few days, and the accompanying trail coffee, and oatmeal with plenty of brown sugar and cinnamon. Soon it will be.
Date: 2009-03-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Too much of a good thing can be, well... a good thing! Yesterday, my final day of work was hectic as I had expected, but I was helpless as time, allocated for clean out, check out and walk out, was consumed by countless encounters of coworkers wishing me well. Honored by their attention and curiousity, I spent my last hours absorbing their enthusiasm and interest in The Journey from some, and recalling the good times and the bad of working at a place for almost 27 years from others, and finally a cake party send off from the closest of friends who were able to attend. All this lengthened the day beyond my budget. On the 45 minute drive home I had devised a plan, which would require an all nighter(who cares, I'm retired!), that would organize me for the Saturday noon deadline departure. I decided to go straight home to finish the federal and state income taxes, pack most of my gear and do the last minute shopping in the morning. Surprise! I arrived to find a full driveway and my house full of family waiting for me for a surprise retirement/going away party. Mixed emotions a la supreme! I had to clumsily shift mental gears, and I slowly realized that my plans would slip a day. My fault for not considering circumstances beyond my control! Thank God for that... I will remember their visit as my last bon voyage gift. So, Plan B says I should hit the trail on Monday.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Springer Mtn

To: Hawk Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.8
Weather: broken clouds

March 24 --Settled in the tent to send a SPOT signal and record the first day events. The trail was easy, wide, packed, few rocks and roots. The 7.8m from Springer Mtn went by quickly after my ~15:00 start. I met Cruiser Don, who I had seen on trailjournals.com, with a friend who would hike an camp with him tonight only. About 5m in, there was a bunch of Army guys hanging around an open field, near road access, and about 5 big plywood sheds or something. I made it to Hawk Mtn Shelter about 18:15, it had been full since 14:30 someone said, and there were about 10 tents scattered about the woods nearby. I picked this spot on leaves, slightly sideways, but I was able to put in stakes with my boot, no rocks. My neighbor is Wayne, young, from Gaston, AL, we ate dinner together and then hung out by the shelter fire pit where the wind started blowing up a good blaze. One guy in the shelter has a pug dog, seemed to be 0k, but the few of us around the fire talked about the expected rain for the next three days or more. One of the guys, Hank, turns out is from Culver Lake, NJ. Army helicopters are buzzing by again, it happened about 2 hrs ago, those Army guys are doing their thing. I might try sleeping with only the liner tonight. Started walk on Benton McKaye trail ~1.5m to Springer Summit. Forgot spoon/fork and had to whittle a sassafras stick.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Hawk Mtn Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: light rain

March 25 --Wet. Rain started during the night, with wind. I didn't tie down the fly so rain came in on the wind side, more than dampening my sleeping bag, which came out early. Almost drifted off to sleep 3 times. First "awakened" by lights in the distance from Army guys and noises from the wind on my fly that convinced me something was out there. Drifting again and I knew something was at my pack in the vestibule. The 3rd time same thing, but I had my headlamp in hand, moved quickly and saw a mouse skitter across my pack. That was it, in came the pack into the tent, me and the poles. Also went to sleep not remembering the last time I saw the leatherman tool. Convinced myself that it fell out of my unsecured pocket at the picnic table, so at my 6:30 wake up p*ss I went out with my headlamp to search. I found the shelter by noise of rain hitting the roof, didn't find the leatherman. Going back, I had left my mini-lamp on in the tent, the only way in the dense fog. I went back to sleep, had oatmeal and coffee in the vestibule, 10:18 start. Walked all day in the rain, no luck, 2 snack stops, made it to Gooch Shelter by 14:30, 3 of us, Hank(NJ)and Tim(VA), with 4 already there. Had hot chocolate and Reese's, to a 45 minute snooze on/off, ate a #5 and potatos, a lot of chatter still, we are at 19 and a dog, 2 tents.
Date: 2009-03-26
From: Gooch Mtn Shelter

To: Slaughter Creek Campsite
Miles today: 12.4

March 26 --Shelter life in the rain is concentrated patients by all, 19, esp in the morning while all want to eat, pack and leave while the rain was forming streams outside. Left at 10:40 as the tenters from last night moved in. It was wet all day while walking, but no significant rain. I caught up with Kenny, Butch, who had given me a small spatula to eat with, then sisters Cari and Liz with her sheepherding dog, perfect trail dog, then 2 guys from ME who showed up at the shelter this morning, and another couple from the Peace Corps, Colie and Sally. I was going to stay at the Woods Hole Shelter, but it was 1/2m off the trail, so I am tenting at Slaughter Creek, just before Blood Mtn Shelter, which is old, 1924, and haunted with murder stories. Tomorrow will be short to Baggs Creek Gap, but that's after a stop at Neels Gap Outfitters, etc. I need fuel, a spoon, and a $3.50 shower. Today Cari suggested my trail name should be Featherfoot. This after walking with her for a while, she saw my hawk feather and since I am a runner, that's what it should be. I rejected it at first, but thought about it and realized that I should accept it. So now I am Featherfoot 2009. I arrived here at the site early enough to set up, get water 1/4m away and hang the bear bag after dinner, all before dark ~17:15. I want an early start to meet up with people at Neels Gap and hang out. This morning Cruiser Don gave me a spoon that I want to return. My legs are shot, toes are holding up.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Neels Gap, GA

To: Neels Gap, Ga
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Summary... Finally started on Tuesday, had a nice hike to the shelter which was full, so I tented nearby. A nice storm blew in during the night and soaked by down bag because the tent fly wasnt tied down. It has been raining on and off ever since, mostly on. I stayed at Gooch Gap shelter last Wednesday night, 18 people and a dog in a 14 person space, asses and elbows to get out of there. Last night I tented and had to pack up in the pouring rain, everything is soaked. Soooo, here I am at Neel Gap, GA, someone just gave me a nice hamburger, and I will be staying in a cabin tonight with a shower and laundry, then start again. I picked up a trail name yesterday.--Featherfoot