morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-10-25
From: Swatara Gap, PA 72, Lickdale, PA mile 1007.1

To: PA 325, Clarks Creek north of road, mile 1024.5
Miles today: 17.4

We continued our car shuttle. This time John walked South to where we spotted the car while Melody and I hiked north. The trail was relatively pleasant, We walked through stone foundations of a couple of abandoned communities including the Village of Raush Gap that died after its iron ore mines stopped being productive.Mortar fire from military base through day.We met a few hunters in the woods and heard the shots of others. More dramatic was a woods sound I had not heard in years. The military base John and I detoured through yesterday has an artillery range. Through the day we could hear the sound of mortars exploding as the soldiers went through training drills on the range.We met a couple of southbound through hikers. All of the northbound through hikers are gone for the year and most of the southbound through hikers are ahead of us. These were among the remaining few who have not already passed us. They were friends John and Melody had met before.I had caught up with John and Melody in part because I was slackpacking and had increased my speed and in part because they had gotten off the trail for a family event.
Date: 2014-10-26
From: PA 325, Clarks Creek north of road, mile 1024.5

To: Susquehanna River, North end of Clarks Ferry Bridg
Miles today: 15.8

Today I walked with John again while Melody hiked to pick up the van.We found a convenient place to park the car in a lot by a turn around between ramps to the limited access highway to Harrisburg just before the bridge over the Susquehanna River. The trail today was fairly demanding with a long hard ascent to start and an even more difficult descent to finish and significant rock scrambles along the way, but we still kept up a two miles per hour average pace and finished comfortably before dark without being badly exhausted.As we hiked along the ridge we had impressive views of the Susquehanna River below us.John and I stopped for a rest break at Peter's Mountain Shelter. Normally the graffiti that vandals mar shelters with irritates me, but occasionally the defacing includes something cute like the notice here reading: "The AT Gods say you must sacrifice one SOBO thru-hiker for every week of good weather."Duncannon is a small town on the West side of the Susquehanna that is a popular stop for hikers. The trail goes through the middle of town and the Doyle Hotel has served hikers for decades. It does not have a very good reputation as a place to stay. One reviewer suggested that most shelters are cleaner, but the decoration and atmosphere is fun and the food is plentiful. We went there for supper and were their only customers until Patrick Smith came it. Smith is a local real estate developer and outdoors activist who likes to talk about his exploits in a canoe and hang gliding. Apparently he frequently hangs out at the Doyle to talk with hikers. Tonight he brought his girl friend to the hotel to introduce her to some hikers. Although we were tired, the conversation with him was fun and interesting.I calculated today that if I can hike every day and maintain a 15 mile per day average I can finish by November 19Since my knee had been bothering me, I ordered a new Cho-Pac knee brace to replace the one I gave away.While May Louise was with the grandkids Sarah carved Halloween pumpkins to the design specifications of each kid. She sent me cute pictures of each kid and their creation.
Date: 2014-10-27
From: Susquehanna River, North end of Clarks Ferry Bridg

To: PA 850 mile 1051.3
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Tonight is our last night in the Suites Motel North of Harrisburg. It was a nice place to stay with a good Egyptian-run breakfast restaurant nearby. I have picked up John and Melody's practice of ordering sandwich for lunch when they get breakfast. A deli sandwich is a great improvement over gorp and an energy bar. Driving along the river on our way to the trailhead we pass the unusual sight of a replica of the Statue of Liberty atop what looks like an old bridge pier in the middle of the Susquehanna River. Today was my turn to walk solo. I walked north toward Duncannon after leaving the car at PA 850. We planned a short hike today because guidebook warned that the trail south of Duncannon was rocky. The day was beautiful and the trail proved not to be very difficult. There were decent climbs at both ends and typical Pennsylvania rocks, but nothing as hard as the descent at the end of yesterday's hike.The overlook at the top of the final descent was nice. On the stroll through town to the River lots of the homes had attractive Halloween decorations in their yards and on their porches.
Date: 2014-10-28
From: PA 850 mile 1051.3

To: PA 174, Boiling Springs, PA, ATC Mid-Atlantic Regi
Miles today: 16.5
Weather: clear sky

Today John hiked North to the car while Melody and I hiked south to Boiling Springs. Melody and I started with a climb and steep descent before flat, easy walk across the Cumberland Valley. I had expected the trail through Pennsylvania to include several days of walks through farmland. In fact there is only a 14 mile stretch of valley between Little Mountain and the mountain south of Boiling Springs and most of the walk across it is through a narrow wooded corridor instead of through fields.Coming down the rather steep descent from Little Mountain we passed an attractive stone bench built by the maintenance crew and took pictures. Today I passed the 300 miles to go benchmarkBoiling Springs is an exceptionally attractive town with a pretty lake as its centerpiece. May Louise and I will return for another visit. The regional Appalachian Trail Conservancy office is on the lake. We visited briefly with the staff and used the restroom facilities.We stopped for ice cream in a downtown bar and restaurant before driving home where May Louise had delicious stew waiting for us. We are now close enough to Fayetteville that we will be able to slackpack from our house for the next several days.
Date: 2014-10-29
From: PA 174, Boiling Springs, PA, ATC Mid-Atlantic Regi

To: PA34, Hunters Run Road mile 1078.6
Miles today: 10.8

May Louise followed us to spot the van at our destination and then dropped us off in Boiling Springs to start today's hike. Rain was predicted; so we planned a short day. After dropping us off May Louise spent some time in Boiling Springs and got some delightful pictures of the lake and the area around it.From Boiling Springs we had two more miles of flat valley to cross then we were back into short mountains and ridge walks. The trail is generally easier than I anticipated thought there were a few rock scrambles. Since three of us were together we got some good pictures of each other coming through rock notches.We came across Alice and Kevin (Rooster) whom I had met at a shelter in Vermont. Alice was suffering foot problems and Kevin is carrying a very heavy pack loaded with the comfort Items they normally carry, a large food supply, and most of Alice's gear.I invited them to join us at the house. They accepted and we set a pickup point short of our target for the day, but later Alice texted me explaining that they cannot make the mileage and would stay on the trail, so the three of us returned to another delicious meal at home and I enjoyed a delightful evening in my own bed.
Date: 2014-10-30
From: PA34, Hunters Run Road mile 1078.6

To: Woodrow Road mile 1091.8
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Today was a cool but beautiful day.Pennsylvania rocks are still present much of the time, but in general today's trail was easy and for part of it we walked at a rapid 3 miles per hour.The amenities at Pine Grove Furnace State Park are more extensive that I realized. In addition to the swimming beach they have a canoe livery and preserved iron furnace with explanatory plaques. May Louise and I will revisit the park.We spent time visiting the Appalachian Trail Museum at the park. They have built an interesting and attractive set of displays in the small space the have available to work with. While we were eating lunch at the museum John and Melody discovered that one of the docents is a through hiker they had met on the trail. I am impressed by the good job they do of remembering and keeping track of the hikers they have met on the trail.Later in the afternoon after our stop at the Museum we passed the official midpoint of the trail marker and took pictures.I called Alice and Kevin and reinvited them to join us for the night. They had camped on the trail last night in a low area where the dew got them and their gear wet; so they happily accepted the opportunity to come to the house and dry out. After we reached the car we drove north to pick them up.May Louise prepared a delightful supper for everyone that included delicious fresh apple dumplings for dessert.John & Melody are excited about being down to less than 75 miles from completion of their through hike.Like many hikers John, who always had been clean shaven, has let his beard grow on the trial and has a huge bush on his chin. Their first post trail activity after a visit to Colonial Williamsburg is a visit to family and friends that they have labeled the Beard Tour. I will miss having them with me to keep me company and to keep me going through my last 200 miles.Tomorrow we will hike to Caledonia State Park, the trailhead nearest to the house.
Date: 2014-10-31
From: Woodrow Road mile 1091.8

To: US 30, Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville, PA mile
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We had a pleasant hike today with surprisingly long sections of smooth trail.Every hiker develops certain routines he follows in packing, setting up camp, taking beaks, etcetera; but I particularly appreciate the routines John & Melody follow. The start each day's hike with a prayer and then sing a song they learned on a church group trip to Israel. Melody has a beautiful voice. Alice & Kevin also have a routine of daily sharing something that they are thankful for.The Quarry Gap Shelter which we passed this afternoon is the most beautifully maintained shelter we have seen on the whole trail. For decades a volunteer named Jim Stauch, the "Innkeeper" has cared for the shelter and added amenities including hanging flower baskets, sundial, skylight over picnic table, a swing, etc.May Louise took Alice & Kevin to the Museum at Pine Grove Furnace State Park where they had intended to stay at the hostel in the old Iron Master's house, but they decided Kevin, who had felt sick yesterday was still ill and called her to retrieve them. We were pleased to find them at the house when we arrived.
Date: 2014-11-01
From: US 30, Caledonia State Park, Fayetteville, PA mile

To: PA 16, Waynesboro, PA mile 1122.2
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: light snow

Rain was threatened today, but did not fall. The weather was chilly leaving my fingers white, numb, and cold through most of the day even though I put a chemical heat pack in my gloves.We spotted the van on Hwy 16 east of Waynesboro then May Louise drove us back to Caledonia State Park to start our hike. I continue to be amazed when we drive a stretch that I will be hiking that I am really walking distances that seem to be impossibly long to cover on foot.Shortly after we started we met and talked with local trail maintenance crew. They invited us to pick up a shovel and join them. They would be a delightful group to get to know and I may take them up on the invitation after I finish the trail.We started the day walking the one section of the trail I had hiked before. I walked it twice while I was exercising and testing my endurance last fall, but contrary to my memory of a long day¢s hike, the section I had hiked was only 5.1 miles.Today¢s trail was rocky with fewer long smooth sections than yesterday.We met some crossbow hunters who told us they had not seen other AT hikers with orange ¢I am not a deer¢ vests. Their crossbows were wicked looking weapons and we heard lots of nearby rifle shots as we hiked; so we were happy to have the protection of the ugly attire.We stopped briefly at another beautifully maintained shelter and talked with the couple who were the volunteers who had lovingly taken care of it for years. The shelter had two sleeping areas and their whimsical touches included signs designating a snoring and non snoring sections.Beside the trail we found and photographed a giant wasp nest hanging from a broken branch.Kevin and Alice were still at the house when we returned and May Louise had delicious chili waiting for us.John & Melody do not want to finish their hike until Saturday when members of their family will join them to celebrate their accomplishment. We have covered more miles than they had scheduled, so they have some extra days. I had suggested they stay at the house and tour Gettysburg. Instead they have decided to hike with me south of Harper¢s Ferry until their Saturday completion day. They ¢aqua blazed¢ (took a canoe) the Shenandoah River instead of hiking through the Shenandoah Park parallel to the river; so they have not hiked the section we will be doing.
Date: 2014-11-02
From: PA 16, Waynesboro, PA mile 1122.2

To: Foxville Rd., MD 77 mile 1133.3
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

We took John & Melody to church in Chambersburg and then hiked a short trail section. We did not get on the trail until after noon and the end of daylight savings time shortened our time until dark.We spotted the van at our end point and May Louise went to a Halloween event with our grandkids and Sarah.Before heading to the Halloween costume contest at Dutch Wonderland, May Louise took Alice and Kevin back to the trail. Kevin continues to talk of hiking through the winter until they reach Springer Mountain. Alice wisely demurs. Today we crossed the border from PA into MD at the Mason Dixon Line. The beginning of the Maryland Trail was surprisingly rocky.John took a bad fall tripping on a rock. He landed on his nose generating lots of blood and bruised his leg. After a short time of hiking his leg started to cramp; so I pushed ahead to get car while John and Melody hobbled to Raven Rock Rd, MD 491, 2.6 miles short of the car. I got there just before dark.This was a day of successes for my family. The Grandkids¢ Packman and Ghosts costumes won Dutch Wonderland Costume Contest and Nathan won the Green River Canoe Race. He had taken me to watch kayakers go over the horrendous waterfalls and rapids during the race several years ago. I am amazed that he can navigate them in an open boat.
Date: 2014-11-03
From: Keys Gap, WV 9 mile 1172.0

To: Snickers Gap, VA 7, mile 1185.6
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

John¢s knee and leg remained sore from yesterday¢s fall, so Melody and I skipped to south of Harpers Ferry to the point I will hike to the afternoon I hike with them to Harpers Ferry to finish their through hike.John spotted us at VA 7 and we hiked N to WV 9 covering three miles of the roller coaster area. If John¢s leg is still sore, we will hike south from Snickers Gap Tuesday and Wednesday and then return to Maryland to finish their hike.The day was cool. My fingers were numb through the morning even with a chemical heat bag in each glove. Otherwise it was a beautiful day.The woods are still colorful, but leaves cover the ground so thick that in places you have to drag your feet through them.The section of the roller coaster we covered today was not particularly difficult while slack packing and in general the trail, though still rocky much of the time, was much less rocky that what we had been hiking on in Pennsylvania.We passed the south border of West Virginia into Virginia and took a beak at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter, a particularly attractive shelter with a deck and separate covered eating area with a swing.John got his blog caught up while he was waiting or us. I still am way behind with mine.May Louise heard from Alice and Kevin, they will call and ask her to pick them up again day after tomorrow so they can go to town and purchase some additional winter gear.Since the drive down to the area we are currently hiking is 1 12 hours, John, Melody and I will stay overnight in a motel tomorrow night and return home Wednesday night to finish the trail through Maryland on Thursday and Friday and I will then hike with them into Harpers Ferry to finish their through hike on Saturday. If everything goes as planned, I will only have 150 miles to go come Sunday evening when May Louise and I start our final round of supported slack packing.
Date: 2014-11-04
From: Snickers Gap, VA 7, mile 1185.6

To: Ashby Gap, US 50/17 mile 1199.7
Miles today: 14.1

John provided SAG Wagon support and I hiked South with Melody. Day started with our taking photos of nice, student-made picture tiles displayed on the trailhead bulletin board.The Roller Coaster section of the trail was demanding even with slack packs. The climbs and descents were not awful, just constant. Trail maintenance volunteers had a cut sign welcoming North bound hikers to the ordeal. The last 4 miles miles of today¢s hike after the roller coaster went much more quickly. It was a beautiful day for hiking. The temperature got high enough that I did not even need gloves to keep my hands warm.Melody entertained me with descriptions of Hindu & Muslin weddings she had attended. We spent the night in a motel in Winchester and will return home tonight to finish the Maryland trail sections we skipped to give time to let John's injuries heal.
Date: 2014-11-05
From: Ashby Gap, US 50/17 mile 1199.7

To: VA 638 mile 1213.3
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

I hiked North with Melody to put car closer to home when we reach takeout point. No rain was predicted until tomorrow, but the day started out overcast looking like rain.   Sprinkles started mid way and continued through the day¢s hike.The trail was delightfully smooth and we covered 14 miles between 9:00 and 2:45 with breaks for a potty stop and lunch that totaled at least 45 minutes; so we covered 14 miles in 5 hours at a rate of almost 3 miles an hour.We only saw one other hiker on the trail, a western park service fire fighter doing a section hike. He has gotten from Springer to here over the past few years. His trail name is Fire Bob.I am optimistic that the easy miles today are a foretaste of the trail for the rest of my hike. If so, the final 150 miles should be easy.A bothersome pain on the top of my right foot has popped up. Melody suggests some moleskin like foam padding. Other than that irritation I feel strong and ready for the final miles.Rain is predicted for tomorrow as John returns to the trail and we finish the section between where we hiked on our first day in Maryland and Harper¢s Ferry. We skipped this section after John fell. I am not looking forward to a day of hiking in a cold rain.Leaves cover the trail and make a slick walking surface. I fell once on slick leaves but landed on my knee pad and the only damage was a hole in my pants. This afternoon after the rain wetted the leaves the noisy crunching sound we had been making as we walked though them was replaced with complete silence.
Date: 2014-11-06
From: Foxville Rd., MD 77 mile 1133.3

To: Turners Gap, US Alt.40 mile 1148.2
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

We return to finishing the Maryland section of the trail with John after he has had three days without hiking to recover from injuries he suffered in his fall.We passed by and visited the original Washington Monument. The urn shaped stone structure was built by the residents of Boonsboro in 1827.The predicted rain sprinkled on us through most of the day, but my rain gear kept me pretty comfortable. Today¢s trail was surprisingly easy. We started at 9:30 and finished by 3:00 with potty & lunch stops. We leapfrogged with Fire Bob through the day.We had spotted the van at a trailhead parking lot beside the beautiful Dahlgren Chapel built by the widow of Civil War US Navy Admiral John Dahlgren who invented the gun used on the USS Monitor.
Date: 2014-11-07
From: Turners Gap, US Alt.40 mile 1148.2

To: Weverton Road. MD mile 1162.2
Miles today: 14.0

Today was a cloudy and cool day with strong winds that made for cool hiking and cold hands. Most of the day¢s trail was delightfully easy; so we took time to take photos of each other at ridge overlooks, to look at Civil War Battlefield signs and the stone structures around the Civil War Correspondent's memorial at Gathland State Park. I will want to come back and tour it in greater detail.John & Melody have become nostalgic about completing their through hike, visiting their last shelter, making their last shelter journal entry, seeing their last high overlook, etc. I anticipate that I will only feel elation at being finished with no nostalgia for the project being over.At the Ed Garvey shelter I came across Solo Amigo's last journal entry on October 30 before he completed his flipflop through hike and reached Harpers Ferry. I took a photo of it and after I finish my hike I will contact him and congratulate him on his accomplishment. We hiked together for a few days before I flipped to Maine.After reaching the car we drove to Harper's Ferry and waited for the MARC/Amtrack train to pick up John and Melody's son Karl. Karl is in law school at Georgetown in DC and will hike their final four miles with them tomorrow.May Louise had a marvelous ham dinner waiting for us when we got back to the house.I got an unexpected call from Nathan explaining that he had a week off and that he would come and hike with me for a week through the Shenandoah Park. If I could cover 20 miles a day instead of 15, he would be able to accompany me until the end of my through hike.
Date: 2014-11-08
From: Weverton Road. MD mile 1162.2

To: Keys Gap, WV 9 mile 1172.0
Miles today: 9.8

Today John and Melody completed their through hike. They wore their full packs for the final day¢s walk joined by their son Karl.John, Melody, Karl and I made the easy four mile stroll along the C&O Canal to the RR bridge over the Potomac where their son Paul and his family met us. May Louise was also waiting at the end of the bridge. We all walked the trail along the ridge overlooking the Shenandoah to the side trail to the Appalachian Trail Conference Office where they celebrated the completion of their through hike and I registered my hike. The hike up the trail and stair steps from bridge to Conservancy Office winded May Louise and reconfirmed that she is happy she did not try to hike the trail with me.   After a celebratory lunch I went back to the trail to fill in my remaining six mile gap. I hiked to Key's Gap where Melody and I started our hike while John recovered from his injury.   I did not get started until 3:00 pm; so I really had to push to cover the distance before dark. The climb out of the Shenandoah Valley was steep and the first part of the trail was rocky, but the final two miles were smooth and I covered them quickly arriving as dusk fell. May Louise found the trailhead about 15 minutes later. We drove back home and packed for the last 144 miles of the hike.Just before I left Harpers Ferry Catherine Morretta called to say she was back home after a medical check trip to Chicago. Her prognosis remains good and she will join us for supper tomorrow night.Nathan called and confirmed he will meet us in Front Royal tomorrow night.