morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Pearisburg Va

To: Pearisburg Va
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

So before we turn in I wanted to post one last update. Since the begining of the Trail dad has said his ultimate goal was to reach Harpers Ferry the sentimental half way point. However, over the past week he has sid he is enjoying himself and would like to go all the way! The Appalachian Trail gives nothing away and though one is willing there are no gurantees. An injury, a simple slip on a rock, a misplaced step, outside influences and any number of things can force one from the Trail. For those who want to but can't for those who try but fail and for anyone who has dared to dream I salute them. We have stuggled to find a fitting name for dad/Kent this entire trip. We have used R.H for the Reluctant Hiker and for Real Hard. Yet, this never fit. The other day I asked how he was doing and he said he was Ok. Later at camp when asked what his name was he said just Kent, or only Kent. So from this point forward he will be O.K. I know that the Trail changes and with each step one's attitude will change. For now though, we are OK. Love to all. Miles and Smiles   Salty
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Pearisburg Va

To: spring cÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂ mpsite
Miles today: 0.0

Awoke in Pearisburg after a night out at the Chinese buffet and a restful. Sleep. Unfortunately Ok said his heel was bothering him worse than ever. Due to water shortages throughout Virginia we were faced with the option of hiking either 8 or 20 miles. We opted for the shorter day. Since we were not walking far we hung around town a bit longer than usual. The guide book indicated a possible relocation to our trail. This "relo" as they are known bu hikers added not just extra moles but another climb. Oh and it avoided all water sources. We met two Trail maintainers who were so excited to see thru-hikers as we had the honor of being the first to use this new trail! We made camp that night at the only water source around. We gathered wood for a fire. I searched the area and found a rock outcropping that offered views to the west and the setting sun. We enjoyed the views and retreated to the fireside. The sky was clear with no signs of rain so I cowboy camped while OK was snug in the tent. The next day we had 11 miles without water. So we drank our fills and carried extra. The morning's trail was relatively flat and easy under foot. Mostly pine needles. We proceeded to defend to a shelter for a break. We met "Cat" the Taiwanese born American who is trying to become the first from his native land to hike the Trail. Pleasantries were exchanged as we passed enroute to the shelter. A long rest was had and I admit possibly a nap. Hey sometinmes its not all about hiking. Back on trail we followed a river for a short while till we came to the climb. By now we have climbed numerous mountains and you'd think we are used to it. We are but there was something different about this climb. I said to myself something feels familiar about this. Once the route took a turn to the left I knew. This was a climbed that almost broke me on nh previous hike. It was a soul sucking endevore. At times I could litterally touch the mountain side in front of me. Picture a treadmill at its highest incline. Then place cinder blocks under it. It was a Sisyphus like trudge. We reached the summit some time way to long later only to be met by a rock strewn crest. Gerr!!! We painstakingly picked our way through this mess finally reaching a spot they was supposed to have a water source. Par for the course at least for this day the water was dry. We crept along to the next spot. We knew camp would be dry. So we drank up, cooked our dinners and wet our bandannas to clean ourselves. The best we could. We reached our camp at Wind Rock. A fire was made with what energy we had left. Our site was next to Wind Rock a large rock outcropping with terrific views of the setting sun and the valley beneath. I asked dad how he was he said "I'm ok". I realized just how lucky we are to be doing this and despite the difficulty of the day all is ok.
Date: 2014-06-11
From: Skylinedrive

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

The shannies have been good to us but we gladly bid them farewell. Another section of Trail down. The girls had put us back on Trail and we began one of the most enjoyable days of hiking yet. The weather was excellent and the going was easy.Skyline drive is the key point in the park. It has the best views that are sadly missed by those stuck in the woods walking the Trail. We felt lucky because we have seen the park in its entirety, both by road and from trail. Skyline drive runs about 100 miles and the AT parallels it for most the way. There are between 300-500 bears in the park so that ruffly equates to 3-5 bears every mile! We have had excellent animal encounters along the way. Many bears and deer, we even had the privilege to watch a fawn feeding from its mother. The wildlife must know its protected because it rairly flees and allows humans to get close. On our last full day in the park we saw two bear. We later came to a rocky ridge line where we met a biologist doing resesrch on perrigrin falcons. We did not see any imediately, but a short while later we stopped for a rest at an overlook. We saw two!! What a sight. We have seen too many bears to count now, I think the count is near 20. Our last bear encounter was probably the best. It happened no more than 10 feet away. Sarah had joined us for a day to test her leg. She had commented that she wanted to see a bear. A short distance from the end of our hike she got her wish. A large loan male was heading down the middle of the trail right at us. We carefully observed for a while till the damn thing gave me a bluff charge. I was maneuvering for another picture and he must not have liked that because he took a few aggressive steps in my direction. OK went into dad mode and chased the thing off, yelling and smacking his treking poles together. I felt like Steve Irwin. Id like to think I was stoic and brave, but in reality I about pooped myself and my heart skipped a beat. We left the park behind us, we take with us fond memories and a rejuvinated spirit. Optimist Prime/Sarah will continue to join us and see how her leg feels. Keep your fingers crossed she might just pull off a Nazareth and rise up and resurrect her hike! She is tough. Harpers Ferry, the unofficial half way point, is in our sights. Our team is reuniting; dad's heel is feeling better, Optimist is giving it another whirl and moral is good. Its on now! Life is good,   Salty
Date: 2014-06-13
From: Snickers Gap

To: Weaverton Gap
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: light rain

AT day 76 & 77Today we crossed the 1,000 mile mark!!! Kent was pretty excited. He keeps telling everyone he's gone 1,000 miles. It was bittersweet for me because it wasn't actually my "almost halfway" point. But at least I'm out here again. And technically I've done 1,600 miles this year already, so I guess I shouldn't feel too bad. The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. We did see a black racer snake and a raccoon though! We had about two miles left of the roller coaster which we did quickly. We were feeling good about ourselves as we passed lots of day hikers going up hill! Of course we didn't have our packs. The trail became flatter but still very rocky. The worst was where there was grass between the rocks. It made them very hard to see so we had to watch our foot placement. The rocks tear up our feet and shoes. But we are only starting in rock country, as PA is known for there rocky terrain. The next day we walked into Harpers Ferry, the fifth state on the AT, which is known as the unofficial halfway point of the trail! It's a very neat town with lots if civil war history but there is also the Appalachian Trail Conservancy! The ATC takes pictures of all the hikers that walk through and place them in a book that other hikers can look through. It was fun getting our pictures taken and finding Jon and Steve's pictures from past years!After we left the ATC, we walked through town then followed the trail down the old C&O canal toe path into Maryland! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful section of trail overlooking the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Duke even went for a swim! After our short ten mile day, we went back to camp for showers and food before running into Frederick MD looking for shoes for me and a lighter, cooler, sleeping bag for Kent, and to do a load of stinky hiker laundry. We got back to camp and started getting our packs ready and to enjoy some more time with Susie before she headed home. Unfortunately, the store didn't have what Kent or I needed so I has to order shoes online and have them shipped. And kent is just going to use what he's got.
Date: 2014-06-14
From: Weaverton Gap

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 19.6
Weather: overcast clouds

AT day 78Today we had to say goodbye to Susie. It was so hard to see her leave. We will miss her company and her cooking! But it was a blast having her share this experience with us! I'm sure everyone at home will be happy to have her back as much as we will miss her. After Susie left us at the trail head, we had a nice big climb out of town. It was our first day with full backpacks so we had a nice rude awakening! On a positive note, we ran into SAYBAC (who I haven't seen since the Smokies) who gave me a pack of Nutter Butters!!! Delicious! I forgot how good they were!In just a couple hours we had gone seven miles and were resting at the Civil War Monument for our fist break. The trail is still really rocky but not super hilly which is nice! After one climb, we were treated to a pretty view at White Rock, where we met a section hiker named Sherry and a guy from Boston who was attempting the four state challenge ( where one hikes through four states in 24 hours). We had a nice visit then went the three miles to Dahlgren backpacking campground, a campground with a bathroom, hot water, showers, power and a place to tent! It was like an oasis in the middle of the woods! We sat at a picnic table for another break and chatted with SAYBAK and Sherry who were camping there for the night. Kent and Jon took showers and I washed my feet, arms, face and armpits so we felt slightly human again before leaving. I was hoping we could stay, but got out voted to do another six miles. A couple miles later, we arrived at the Washington Monument. It was a neat place with a great view from the top! Kent, Duke and I went up to check it out but Jon wouldn't go up the extra steps!I maybe shouldn't have either as I'm suffering terribly from not wearing hiking shoes so the bottom of my feet are killing me and I've got two blisters in the back of my heels. Plus the brace I've been wearing for my leg is giving me a red itchy rash and the pack I brought back out (that I've used for three years and over 1100 miles) is cutting into my hip (as in open wound right where the frame hits). So I'm pretty miserable. But I didn't want to miss out on a piece of history! (Side note to Lisa and Kathy, the body glide is awesome and the blister pad things are wonderful! Thank you!)We had about four more miles to a shelter and made pretty good time. Once there we quickly set up and started dinner. We all cleaned up at the spring before heading to bed. It always feels good to rinse off before getting in our sleeping bags. We pretty much sweat constantly and are covered in dirt by the end of every day. So rinsing off in freezing cold springs is a must!For the first time since the Smokies, Kent actually slept in the shelter instead of tenting outside of it. And of course as soon as we all laid down, a guy came walking in to camp. I laughed because the reason Kent said he'd stay in the shelter was because it was only us! Oh well. It was too late to set up his tent, so he stayed put.
Date: 2014-06-30
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 19.0

AT day 79This morning we woke early and left the shelter by 730! We had another long day and wanted to get on the trail early. The day started with a fairly large uphill climb and the 20 miles we did yesterday definitely were making my legs sore today. It's crazy what a difference a 25 pound pack can make! By the way, I lightened my pack considerable before coming back out by dropping my cold weather clothes, lots of toiletries and my cook stove (I switched to an alcohol stove which is much lighter). I think my base weight is under 20 lbs now, but two liters of water and four days of food, it's still pretty heavy. But I digress. We walked a good six to seven miles before taking a long break at the Ensign shelter. Duke is becoming a good hiker dog and resting at stops again right along side of his Papa Kent! We got to visit with a mom and daughter hiking pair that stopped in. They are hiking with the husband/Dad because he had to get off with injuries. I feel his pain and cross my fingers every day, that I can stay healthy enough to keep going. There were three or four big climbs and big descents today mostly on really rocky ground. There were some spots where we had to use our hands to kind of help get down to the next big rock. It was stressful and definitely not easy. My feet are worse for the wear because of the rocks and I am so hoping my shoes arrive as scheduled. I honestly don't know if I'll even be able to make it to where they'll be at this very moment. They are still throbbing even as lay in my tent. . But I can't just stay in the woods, so I'll push on!In our last mile to camp tonight by Falls Creek, we crossed over the Mason-Dixon Line! We are now through Maryland and into Pensylvania!!! We also spotted blackberries! Some if them were ripe so Jon and I snatched them up! In addition to raspberries, there were lots of fragrant plants including honey suckle one if my favorites! It was a pleasant walk to the camping area. Once there, I jumped in the creek for a bath! It felt so good! I literally laid in the creek-bed and floated for a few minutes! Until someone walked down the trail and I had to quickly use my pack towel to cover up so they could pass without seeing the naked hiker by the bridge! All the while, little fish were biting my toes! But I didn't care, the water felt great! Duke and I are all cuddled in my tent now with Kent in his and Jon hanging out by the fire (although he did actually set up his hammock). It was a hard day and we are all tired. If anyone out there has a solution for my backpack problem, please let me know. The frame is rubbing my skin raw through my clothes. I think it's because my butt is way bigger than it's ever been while hiking (all these darn up hills). I've tried a blister patch, a patch with duct tape over it and butt balm. But nothing is helping. I don't have any gauze or anti bacterial ointment on me and the location is such that it all seems to rub right off anyways. . Any ideas would be welcome! Thanks as always for your support!
Date: 2014-07-01
From: Falls Creek

To: Correy Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

A T day 80We woke up this morning by the stream we slept near last night and started our ascent out well rested and clean! It was steep, but over quickly! Then the ground flattened out and much to our surprise wasn't rocky! The first four miles flew by and we arrived at twin shelters to rest and get water. Today I tried a clean soft sock over butt balm held on with my pretty blue and white polka dot duct tape from Nancy to keep my pack from rubbing more. So far it's working well. About two miles after our first rest stop we came upon a beautiful creek with clear water and a rocky bottom. Everyone quickly dropped their packs and ran to the water with bandanas to clean off. We just can't clean enough out here. We pushed on another mile and got to another set of shelters. They are gorgeous!!! Someone took time to stain them and build a lovely roof over an outside pavilion area. The thing I like best though is that one shelter has a sign that reads "snoring" and the other says "no snoring"! What a great idea! I'd stay in this shelter forever if I could. But we have to keep going. We had a pretty good climb out of the shelter and Jon flew up the hill leaving Kent, Duke and I in his dust. But it was very hot and I didn't want duke to die, so I went slower and stopped to water him a couple times. We finally arrived at Caldonia State Park! They have a beautiful river running through the property as well as a snack bar by the pool! We all went for a swim in our hiker clothes to cool and clean off. It felt great! Then we went over to the snack bar for hamburgers! While we were there, I asked the lifeguards for something to put over my chaffed butt. The duct tape ended up causing more chaffing. So I was desperate. She gave me some huge gauze pads and tape. I'll try that tomorrow. I'm so hoping it works. Tonight at the shelter one of the other hikers had some Neosporin which he let me use. Cross your fingers it helps overnight. When we left the state park it started to rain. It dumped on us the whole way to the shelter which was only about two miles away so it wasn't too bad. The shelter is adorable! It's two small shelters connected in the middle with a roof. A great place to come get out of the rain and stop for the night after another 20 mile day. The Innkeeper even hung potted plants and landscaped the spring. It was truly a beautiful spot! Duke is fast asleep as I type and we are visiting with the other hikers. There's a few we haven't seen before who are nice. I'm ready for bed too. These long hot days wipe me out!
Date: 2014-07-03
From: Fuller Lake

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: few clouds

AT day 82Today we had a fairly easy day. We started with a hearty uphill climb, as always, but it flattened out and wasn't too bad for a while. It was a bit cooler which was nice. However, a bit cooler is still hot. But Duke seemed happier! Especially without his pack on! There wasn't a whole lot of exciting things on trail today. We did go through a "rock maze" which was cool! Lots of hand holds to get up and down the huge rocks. We had to boost Duke up at one point because they were so high. Also, kent got sting by. Yellow jacket we think. He's been allergic to stings in the past so we quickly gave him some Benadryl to be on the safe side. The downfall of course is that he was super tired for the rest of the day. But not going in to anaphylactic shock is definitely a plus! As we got closer to town it started thundering very loud and the sky turned dark. We had planned on going all the way in to Boiling Springs, but decided to stay at the shelter close by to wait out the rain. Ultimately we decided to just stay for the night as the rain was supposed to continue for more of the night and setting up and sleeping in the rain is no fun. So here we are. For those of you who care, I did call a medical clinic in town, but they were going to be closed by the time I got there and through the weekend. My plan for now is to keep trying to keep the area in question clean (which is nearly impossible) and keep triple anti-biotic ointment on it (which is also very hard). It dissent seem to be getting much worse and I don't have any other symptoms, so I think I'll be ok. Hopefully it'll clear up soon!
Date: 2014-07-04
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: overcast clouds

AT day 82Happy Fourth of July! Today was a great day for us! It was low eighties with a nice breeze and the sun was shining! What a nice way to celebrate the fourth. We left camp early to head into Boiling Springs, PA. It was a nice four mile walk in through some beautiful Forrest, then corn and wheat fields and finally over a river. The town itself was adorable too. They were getting ready for their annual "anything floats" race in which residents race down the river on anything that will float. It looked like it would be a blast! We stopped in at the local ATC to charge phones and organize our resupply. The lady working gave us blueberries and let me borrow a bike to ride over to the walk in medical clinic about four miles away! The doctor said I have impetigo. It's a surface skin infection. But it's highly contagious. Hence the spreading, I guess. So he prescribed me some antibiotics and I should be good to go. Hopefully. With that done, we set out for the rest of our day. I have to say, it was maybe the easiest 18 miles we've ever done. The terrain was almost flat all the way until the end! We walked through the prettiest farmland and next to a river. There were mulberries above us and black raspberries all around. We stopped to pick them a few times! It was awesome! The AT purposely goes through this agricultural land to give us a different view than just the woods and we thoroughly enjoyed it! There was a monster climb up to the shelter we stopped at for the night, but it was short lived. I was dripping sweat by the end though! After not sweating almost all day, that was a bummer. But tomorrow we get to do laundry, so I only have to endure these nasty clothes for 11 more miles!We ended our night by roasting hot dogs over the fire! What's the fourth without hot dogs? The boys are on their way to a view of the town we passed on our way up to check out fireworks! I'm headed to bed with Duke as my feet are still blistered, my butt still hurts and I'm just plain tired. Walking another mile isn't very appetizing. But it was a fulfilling day. I'm happy to be here!
Date: 2014-07-06
From: a shelter

To: Rattling Rock
Miles today: 17.0

AT day 84I felt so bad all night because my air pad is so loud every time I roll over and the couple was sleeping in the shelter with me. I hoped they didn't want to strangle me by morning! And of course the boys were up very early so I had to pack my stuff up while the couple was still sleeping. Let me tell you, packing everything in plastic bags is super loud and it's impossible not to make noise while doing it. I tried to be quiet but I'm not sure I was successful. Once we were all ready we set out. It was a beautiful morning in that it was cooler than it has been. That is always welcome especially when hiking 13 miles without water and with a dog. at six miles in, we went to an overlook for a rest and met a great family who were out hiking for the day. We enjoyed telling them about the AT and our adventure on it. We had planned on breaking at the next shelter for lunch, so we moseyed along. The shelter was huge! It had two stories and a big deck. The shelters in PA have been great! The family we had been talking to arrived a few minutes later so we got to talk to them for a bit longer. It was fun!After we left the shelter, we had a few more miles until the spring. We kept a steady, but not too quick, pace so as not to overheat ourselves until we got there. It was an awesome spring with crystal clear water flowing rapidly which was a welcome sight!Leaving the spring started our big climb up to camp for the night. It was a gradual steady climb for over three miles. It felt as though it'd never end. The end of the day sometimes is the worst because of the anticipation of getting to where we are stopping. But we finally made it and set up our tents/hammock. We found a secret hidden pool of water off trail where we all bathed and rinsed our clothes off. I hung a laundry line by the fire to dry them and felt so much better having gotten to wash my hair! It's amazing how much of a difference that makes. We ate around the fire and relaxed for a while as we mapped out the rest of our week. Looks like we'll have some long days ahead of us, but will get a recovery day as we go into our next town. I look forward to those lately! My leg and blistered feet enjoy short days.