morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-03
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek
Miles today: 16.9

New shoes from Daleville and already getting new blisters but in a wierd location... on the instep of my heels - both feet. Other hikers, using the same shoe reported similar problems when first using this Montrail low top hiking shoe.The trail ran along the Blue Ridge Parkway for half the day, not particularly interesting. Came upon another infant fawn that I could have touched but was afraid its mama would have abandoned it.More rain in the PM with a low, wet campsite next to the creek. Big climb tomorrow, so early to bed... early to rise.
Date: 2009-06-04
From: Jennings Creek

To: Thunder Hill
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: light rain

Long steady climb up 4,225ft Apple Orchard Mtn, the highest point on the A.T. between Chestnut Knob and Mt Moosilauk in NH. New show heel blisters are a real problem. Have you ever tried to descend a steep rocky trail on your tip-toes?As the temperature dropped, the cloud mist settled on the mountain tops. As I approached the shelter a lone figure appeared out of the mist walking with just a staff, no backpack.. John Hardy. He asked if I was interested in a little trail magic - OF COURSE. I helped him carry supplies to the shelter where he set up for pancakes, sausage, OJ and eggs. While waiting for other hikes to dribble in, we talked, he cooked and I ate. His son hiked in '07 and he hopes to thru-hike next year. Eventually, we had 9 wet hikers crammed into the shelter was John dished out hot breakfast food until we had were full (and that's a lot of food). Thanks John.
Date: 2009-06-05
From: Thunder Hill

To: US501 / Glasgow VA
Miles today: 14.6
Weather: light rain

Too much rain for the planned canoe trip down the James River. Too bad, as I was really looking forward to the excursion and had communicated several times with Ronnie, but we had to call it off.Hitched a ride into Glasgow (also not planned, but I needed food and wanted to dry out). Another bummer, the only motel in this little town had closed down for the season so I ended up pitching my wet tent in a vacant lot in back of the closed motel. Not a good day.
Date: 2009-06-06
From: US501 / Glasgow VA

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: few clouds

Good news.. no rain today. Bad news.. heel blisters are getting worse and affecting my hiking. By trying to avoid pressure on my heel instep, I've strained my calf muscle. Stopped at a pretty little shelter next to a pond and stayed in the shelter (instead of tenting). Late dusk, a couple of deer played in the pond just like a couple of young puppy dogs... splashing around.
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Hogcamp Gap
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

The hike today was lovely except for the blisters... ouch, ouch, ouch, ouch, etc.Along with another 'older' couple - "Juice" & "Mama Lama", I went swimming in Peddler Lake. Since this was Lynchburg's drinking reservoir, I don't think that we were supposed to bushwack down to the lake but it felt sooo cool and of course it was very clean water.In the afternoon, the trail led along Brown Mtn Creek where freed slaves had built a small farming community in the late 1800's. Walking through the old stone foundations and fence lines, one could imagine the village, pastures and hear the cries of children playing in the creek.Then a big climb up Bald Mtn, which wasn't bald; and then Cold Mtn, which was bald but not cold before settling into my evening campsite. It was situated in a pretty meadow under a big oak tree. Another big tree held a rope swing next to the fire ring. Great day (ouch).
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Hogcamp Gap

To: Priest Mtn
Miles today: 15.1

Such a pretty campsite last night, didn't get started until 9AM. Blister still causing problems, calf strain and backaches (the foot bone connected to the leg bone, the leg bone connected to the backbone, etc).At the Priest Shelter, I ran into "Jazzman", who I hadn't seen since last month. His wife, Nell, had rejoined him (after being off trail for injuries and taking care of elderly mother). He was happy! He mentioned the "Ace" from the early GA days was actually ahead. He never writes in shelter journals. Good to hear that he is doing well.Knats & mosquitoes are too hungry at the shelter so decided to hike up to the ridge for the breeze. As I was cooking dinner a young/packlight/southbounder hiker came up the Priest (big climb). Kevin had no cook-kit, no hot meals, no tent, etc. He commences to stretching and do some kind of weird yoga. After stripping down (yeah... all the way) and still do his stretches, I decide to stop conversation and just finish my meal. He concludes his ritual by 'flapping' his tie-dye undershorts briskly, like his airing them out. Too strange for me, I head for my tent.
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Priest Mtn

To: Reed's Gap - Rusty's Hard Time Hollow
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: broken clouds

Early morning, a big thunderstorm was heading straight for the Priest Mtn, so quickly broke camp and descended as fast as possible (ouch, ouch). Another 'older' hiker, "Firebug" had joined me and we ended up hiking together all day... same hiking pace and good conversation.We headed to Rusty's notorious hostel where we were joined by "Naneek" and "Solar System". At first, Rusty wasn't home, so we gawked at the hostel/farm/museum/junkyard/farm/eclectic signs until Rusty and Pirate returned from town and gave us all tour. After taking a rain-barrel shower, we concocted dinner from the fresh chicken eggs and leftovers that we found in the hostel common room. Sanitation and housekeeping were not Rusty's strong points and I shouldn't have used the common utensils, towels, etc. (more on this later). We sat around late into the night discussing the history of the trail and this hostel which hosted so many hikers over the years including the very first A.T. thru-hiker, Earl Shaffer.Rusty has a tradition of taking pictures of every guest and posts them on the ceiling for others to identify. I noticed Kevin's picture (previous night on the Priest), who had apparently stayed at the hostel the previous night (he was going south and I'm going north). Rusty had pasted a little sign over Kevin's picture "S-- In Your Pants". Apparently, he had made a poop in his tie-dye shorts and grossed everyone out. Now I understood why he was flapping his shorts on top of Priest Mtn. There is more, but you'll have to keep reading my journal to find out the rest of the story.
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Reed's Gap - Rusty's Hard Time Hollow

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Waynesboro is the southern boundary to Shenendoah National Park (SNP)and my resupply point. We made good time and arrived in Waynesboro by 4PM. Hiked again w/ "Firebug"; blisters improving, slowly turning into calluses.I was looking forward to Ned, Beth & Nancy & Dan's visit but when I got to Waynesboro and picked up my cell phone msgs, I found that visit plans had fallen through. Oh well.Decided to stay at the Lutheran Church Hostel rather then the victorian B&B where we had planned to all stay. I lucked out and arrive just in time for a church supper, free to hikers, and reunion with several hiker friends - MoFo, Naneek, Solar System, Jazzman, just to name a few. Spirits went back up.
Date: 2009-06-11
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

The activity room is used for a hiker hostel and other community activities, so all hikers must leave by 9AM, I decided to take zero day and moved over to the Quality Inn. Food resupply, maildrop, AYCE at China Garden, swimming pool all contributed to my decision to stay another day. Were Ned & Beth coming after all?
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Black Rock
Miles today: 20.7

After leaving Waynesboro, this was my first day in Shenendoah National Park (SNP) and overall, it was a bit boring compared to central VA. Ned and I talked several times thruout the day when cell signal available. He and Beth are coming up now Saturday 10AM to join me for 2 days and a night in SNP !
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Black Rock

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Hiked 7.5 miles early morning to arrive at Loft Mtn Wayside, where I agreed to meet Ned & Beth. While waiting at the Wayside Inn, I devoured a blueberry pancake breakfast tasted mighty good.They arrived shortly and we commenced to hike another 5 miles into Pinefield Hut.I built a campfire at the shelter, we set up our tents and sat around with other hikers for dinner and a nip of bourbon. Beth was still trying to figure out how two people were going to fit in Ned's 1 man tent. The tent was really made for kids (think living room campout) but Ned was so proud of his $29.99 purchase 5 years ago. Beth announced that she didn't need the cotton gloves after all (to keep the dirt off her hands). Actually, she declared this was turning out to be pretty much fun.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Cemetary Above US33
Miles today: 12.0

We enjoyed a leisurely morning including my favorite biscuits & gravy breakfast. Ned had prepared coffee for Beth, which is one of her queenly expectations upon awakening. After breaking camp, we hiked a respectable 7 miles before they hitched a ride back to their car. Hiking was great but a clean bed, hot shower and swimming pool were even more enticing.I happened to join back up with Naneek & Solar System for the night at an overgrown country cemetary. I hoped the spirits protected me in the night. Solar System had seen a Mountain Lion or Cougar previously on the trail. Not a Wampus Cat or Bobcat but a long tailed, tawny, slinky cougar.
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Cemetary Above US33

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 20.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Big miles today even with (or because of) dinner at Big Meadows along with Naneek and Solar System. This is a pretty site with a nice spring used by all God's creatures. At dusk, many deer filed by our tent site on their way downhill to the spring. We just looked at each other and went about our business. Naneek had packed in some beer which we enjoyed along with fritoes chips and other snacks while watching the deer watch us. Expected to see a bear at our spring but apparently they were had gone back to Big Meadow and ripped up Cha-Che's tent to get at his food bag (heard about this later)- Ouch.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Elk Wallow Picnic Grounds
Miles today: 22.7

Drizzling all day. Came upon more deer, 2 bears including a Mama and her 2 cubs and "Hobbit's" family. Hobbit, Jumar (dog), Knickers (sister), John (brother) and Susan(mom) were together for a few days. The SNP Wayside Restaurant was closed (no dinner) and wouldn't reopen until 9AM (no breakfast) - bummer.Hobbit's family and I stealth tented in the picnic area diving into our tents just as the big rain started.
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Elk Wallow Picnic Grounds

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: light rain

No pictures because it rained all day. Awoke to heavy rain, cold breakfast in tent before quickly breaking camp. Big wind and rain all morning.. like a small hurricane. I hadn't planning to go into Front Royal but wanted to dry out. Hobbit's mom, Sue just happened to be driving by the trailhead intersection since getting off the trail earlier on Skyline Dr. She took me into town and expected Hobbit and Knickers at the same intersection later in the day. They also shuttled me in town for dinner and supplies - good people - thanks. Happy birthday Knickers.
Date: 2009-06-18
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Past Dick's Dome at Spring
Miles today: 16.5

Sue drove me out from Front Royal to the trailhead. It turns out that Naneek, Solar System, 2 of the 3 Stooges from Holland and their girlfriends were all staying at the same Quality Inn.I was glad to be out of SNP and hiking the last section in VA. Feet blisters are feeling better but overall not feeling well. Hope that I'm not coming down with something else.
Date: 2009-06-19
From: Past Dick's Dome at Spring

To: Sand Spring
Miles today: 20.5

It was a tiring 'big mile' day thru the "Roller Coaster" section consisting of 13.7 miles of rocky ups & downs. I'm worn out but my feet are without injury. Towards the end of the day, I crossed the VA - WV state line - yeehaw !!As I settle in my tent, I'm feeling headaches, tummy spasms and joint aches - now what?
Date: 2009-06-20
From: Sand Spring

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 16.5

Yeah! Made it Harper's Ferry - the headquarter's of ATC, a beautiful historic village and the psychological half-way point on the trail. I registered at the ATC and became #412 northbound thru-hiker for the class of 2009.Today's hike was another wet one as I passed the 1000 milepost and came into HF where the Shenendoah and Potomac Rivers meet. This historic town was carved out of rock and had maintained it's 1840's look. It is definitely a tourist town that loves us hikers but just don't try to stay there. The hostel across the river was full, so I hitched a ride into nearby Charlestown. Tahoe and I shared a room at the motel.My sister Nancy was originally planning to meet me here at HF but since I'm feeling very tired,achy and don't have an appetite, it's just as well that it didn't work out.
Date: 2009-06-21
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

I left Harper's Ferry by hiking along the famous C&O Canal Towpath that pulled river traffic up the Potomac River past the rapids. The canal was replaced by a railroad (picture).Even though I was hiking over level ground, I was very tired, no appetite - couldn't eat snacks or dinner. I'm hoping this is just a virus that I will work through but I know in my heart that it's more serious since it has slowly been coming on (not like a virus which attacks quickly). Is it mono, lyme disease, giarida... what?
Date: 2009-06-22
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: few clouds

I just collapsed in this new shelter after hiking only 5 miles but I had to move since my last location didn't have water. I slept most of the day. Realizing that I need medical help, I decide to head for Boonsboro next day where I called for a doctor's appt. The only good thing about today was this beautiful new shelter with a privy within easy trotting distance (I used it often).
Date: 2009-06-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Turner's Gap - Boonsboro - Hagerstown
Miles today: 2.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I hiked 2m into the gap and another 2.5m into town (no luck with hitch). The doctor diagnosed giardia and prescribed Flagyl, a strong anti-biotic. He was nice enough to drive me to the pharmacy where I could fill the prescription and start treatment immediately. From there, I taxied into Hagerstown as Boonsboro had no motel and I needed a place to hole up for a few days.In hindsight, I believe that I picked up this parasite not from untreated drinking water but from "Kevin, S__ In His Pants" when he stayed at Rusty's Hardtime Hollow Hostel. Check out my 6/9 journal entry. Hopefully, I'm on the road to recovery.
Date: 2009-06-24
From: Turner's Gap - Boonsboro - Hagerstown

To: Hagerstown
Miles today: 0.0

Take meds, sleep, library to update journal, movie -"UP", haircut, poop, sleep and force eat. One of the side effects of the meds is Loss of Appetite - great! I've already lost at least 6lbs due to this protracted illness and now the meds also work against me eating.
Date: 2009-06-25
From: Turner's Gap - Boonsboro - Hagerstown

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: clear sky

It's hard to stay in a Motel 6 more than two nights, so I decided to start walking again - just a little. Although still "puny", I was glad to get back on the trail. I still must force myself to eat and of course keep that TP handy as I'm still making baby poops frequently.
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Pogo Campsite

To: PA16 - Wayneboro, PA - Hagerstown, MD
Miles today: 17.4

I don't mean to whine, but the body just isn't doing well. If a hiker can't eat, he shouldn't be hiking. A simple refreshing softdrink at PenMar state park only made me sick. Either I've been mis-diagnosed or the recovery is going to take much longer then I'd like. At the highway crossing, I decided to go home where I could get better medical attention and regain my strength more quickly. A sad decision but once made, let's get on with it. I hitched back to Hagerstown because it has a regional airport ended up back at the same familiar Motel 6 for the night with a flight reservation back home for the next morning.
Date: 2009-06-27
From: PA16 - Wayneboro, PA - Hagerstown, MD

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Wendy, the very nice TSA agent from the airport picked me up at the Motel 6 at 4AM for a 5:30AM commuter flight to Baltimore. I then waited hours for my connection thru Charlotte to Greenville. US Air lost my backpack, apparently it was routed to Gainsville, GA. Linda picked me up at the airport. It was a bittersweet homecoming... great to be home but not under these circumstances. Everyone called and wanted to know how I was doing. Nice to have friends. And of course my mother was delighted that I was back home - "where I belonged" - thanks Mom.
Date: 2009-06-29
From: Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Slept, pooped and started eating. I stopped the medications (Flagyl) which I had taken for 5 days and was interfering with my ability to eat. As the effects of the meds wore off, my appetite returned. I visited the doctor Monday and he put me right back on the same meds - yuck - 5 more days that will feel like a bad hangover.I found an article that eloquently describes the symptoms of giardia infection and the treatment process. "Giardia treatment and prevention" by Dave McBee as originally published on Get Lost Magazine.Com:"It felt like my gut was an industrial washing machine set on agitate, churning furiously and steadily. It felt like I had two weasels in my midsection, their claws braced into the walls, trying to tear each other apart... I'm not describing the symptoms of giardia. I'm describing the medication prescribed as a treatment to eradicated it." For those interested read the rest of the article paste the following link in your browser: http://www.natureskills.com/giardia_treatment.html
Date: 2009-07-02
From: Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Many friends have called or sent emails. Thanks. Is this it... is this the end of Cruiser's 2009 A.T. journey?Not if I can help it. I'm slowly kicking the crap out of the giardia (or is it the giardia out of the crap?). I'm not infectious anymore, which is important to my fellow hikers. And I'm slowly getting my strength back. In addition to the original 10lbs that I lost as a thru-hiker, I had lost an additional 10lbs just in the last couple of weeks. No wonder I was sooo weak. Once I'm off the affects of the meds and my system settles down, I hope to recoup some reserve energy before returning to the trail.Thanks again for you encouragement.
Date: 2009-07-04
From: Greenville, SC

To: Greenville, SC
Miles today: 0.0

Happy July 4th !OK, I know this is supposed to be a hiking journal and I've taken so many zeroes that I've stopped counting. But... I've got my travel reservations returning to the trail in three days - 7/7. I've lost so much time that this season's crowd of northbounders is likely up into northern PA or NJ. Therefore, I plan on skipping ahead (blue-blaze) to the Delaware Water Gap and return after Katahdin to complete my thru-hike of the PA section. This way, I'll avoid the stress (mental and physical) of trying to beat the Oct deadline when Baxter State Park closes the mountain and can rejoin some of my trail friends. The next journal entry should be from the TRAIL.
Date: 2009-07-07
From: Greenville, SC

To: Sunfish Pond
Miles today: 7.6

Back on the trail again!!!Flew from Charlotte to Allentown and then up to the Delaware Water Gap; starting on the Pennsylvania side, crossing the I-80 bridge over the Delaware and up onto the ridge in New Jersey.About 1.5m past the beautiful glacier pond, my feet / legs said "enough" for the first day. I found a pretty little spot to tent and enjoyed my first night - rain and all.
Date: 2009-07-08
From: Sunfish Pond

To: 0.6m past Brink Rd Shelter
Miles today: 17.6

I like Jersey. The ridges are rocky but good views, like the middle section of VA. I saw turkeys, deer, snakes and a turtle. My feet are not used to the rocks yet. The weather is unseasonable cool for this time of year, encouraging me to keep hiking, sore feet and all.The Brink Rd Shltr was terrible - small, old and located in a mosquito bog. I got my water and hiked back up the ridge where I found another nice stealth camping site. Sheila's chicken pot pie and lemon pudding for desert. My 'system' is almost back to normal. Life is good.
Date: 2009-07-09
From: 0.6m past Brink Rd Shelter

To: High Point Shelter
Miles today: 18.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Another great day of hiking in Jersey. I started with a nice breakfast at Culver's Gap (Jumboland - $2.99 3 egg special) and ended with dinner at a picnic table behind Highpoint Park ranger station. The shelter was full of teenagers, 3 separate groups, but all were easily accommodated at this large site.
Date: 2009-07-10
From: High Point Shelter

To: Episcopal Church Hostel
Miles today: 18.9

Another big hiking day. Lunch in Unionville at the General Store and then some beautiful trails thru wetlands including the $800,000 boardwalk project. The trails are well maintained with lots of planking thru the low areas. Ending the day at the church hostel, dinner with Butch Cassidy (trail angel paid for our dinners) and Rugged Shark.After Unionville, I heard rave reviews from people who stayed at the "Mayors", Dick Ludwig. I'll just have to do this Jersey section again - really quite nice.
Date: 2009-07-11
From: Episcopal Church Hostel

To: Wildcat Shelter
Miles today: 17.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked into Greenwood Lake for $3.99 breakfast special at Jumboland. Although the steep ups & downs are rocky and technically challanging, my feet/legs felt good; the weather was cool and clear; in short the hiking was great! Stopped for a much deserved banana split before completing the day's hike at the shelter where I met "Zipper" a teacher of teachers in science and math.
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Wildcat Shelter

To: Fingerboard Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Wow... what a beautiful and fun section - Harriman State Park (just after crossing I-87)! This gorgeous park is home to the first sections of the A.T.. As such, the trail goes straight up & down the boulder fields. The most famous is the "Lemon Squeeze - a narrow passage slanted 20degrees from vertical - a regular fun park. I went swimming in Island Pond (where I was joined by a friendly great dane) and picked wild blueberries before settling into a classic rustic stone shelter perched on a big boulder overlooking landscape features like a painter's fingerboard. I'm lov'in it.
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Fingerboard Shelter

To: Hemlock Springs Camp
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Another gorgeous day of hiking through Harriman and then Bear Mtn Parks. I skipped another swim in Tioratti Lake, but other say it was worth the side trip. Lot's of steep ups & downs, so you have to work for it. Great views of NYC in the distance as you descend the ridgeline into the Hudson River valley.The center of Bear Mtn park includes a handsome stone tower with picture tiles of the history of this classic 1920+ park. Just before crossing the Hudson, the A.T. winds through Bear Mtn Zoo. I stopped in Fort Montgomery (just below West Point) for dinner and provisions where I met up with "Wheeler", "Daddy Long Legs", "Manimal", "Cloudbuster" and "Toothpick".
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Hemlock Springs Camp

To: Shenandoah Tentsite
Miles today: 21.7

After crossing the Hudson River, today was not as spectacular as many of the previous days but still great hiking. I tried the side trail to Canopus Lake but it had too much algae, instead I was able to use the bath house for a nice long hot shower (washed my hiking clothes too). Tentsite was great with freshly mowed lawn and a hand pump with delicious cool well water.