morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-21
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: 0

It was a nice,great visit.But it's time to get back to the business at hand,hiking the AT!Another of our sons,Zack has joined me in hopes of maybe doing the rest of the hike with me.He will be known as Young Blood!We got a late start cause while walking back to the trail Young Blood lost our tent.He ran back looking for it and was disappointed when it was nowhere to be seen.But with the help of New Day,B-rad and the ATC it was found.WOW!We finally got out of town close to 4:00.We did the 7 miles to Ed Garvey Shelter and found a good site for the tent.We made dinner,hung the bearbag and now we are just chilling around camp.Young Blood did great,I think he's going to like hiking. Old School.......New Day ...  I thought it would get easier but it seemed to be just as hard saying good-bye again.I can't belive I'm missing out on my husbands dream.It sure is hard being a Mom.I just hope Old School knows how proud I am of him.I know it must be hard continue without me.But just know this Old School I'm here for you and with you in spirit.I love you very much!New Day
Date: 2006-06-22
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: 0

Got up early this morning excited about my first full day of hiking with Young Blood.We started hiking about 7:45,just as it was begining to rain.Keeping a good pace we had 10 miles by lunch.after taking a long lunch we headed up the trail stopping to get a hot shower at Dahlgren Backpack Campground,pretty nice.It seemed like we were there for hours.There was a reporter there doing a story on the hot showers for hikers.Taking it easy for the rest of the afternoon we got to Pine Knob Shelter around 7:00. Old School...Well as hard as it is it's time to go back to work.I miss my guys and want them to know I'm thinking of them.Take care of each other and I can't wait for the day you guys come home.B-rad has a little attitude so I'm guessing it's because he's jealous that his little brother is now in his place with Old School.His shinsplints are healing and he will be returning soon.What is it with this Trail?New Day
Date: 2006-06-23
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Devils Racecourse Shelter
Miles today: 13.1

13.1 Miles today.Mostly hiking on rocks from Hell.But Young Blood is doing great.He seems to be getting into the day to day routine of hiking the AT.The getting up,packing up,and hiking up the endless mountains.I'm really happy he's out here with me for the second half of the hike.we'll be in Pennsylvania in the morning.Wow...I remember back in Georgia when I had doubts of even making it to the Smokys.But I just get up in the morning and put on my pack and I walk up the trail.Now it's just 1129.1 miles to go.Can I really do this?...Just be willing to take the Next Step! Old School
Date: 2006-06-24
From: Devils Racecourse Shelter

To: Antietam Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: 0

Today we crossed the Mason Dixon Line as we hiked into Pennsylvania.I guess that means no more grits with breakfast.But I'm in Pennsylvania.I have walked from Georgia to Pennsylvania!WOW!Now I want to be able to say I have walked from Georgia to Maine.I've dreamed of it.For years I've dreamed of it.Now I'm living my dream.I'm so lucky to have a loving family,and to be able to follow a dream.Life is good Old School.....
Date: 2006-06-25
From: Antietam Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: 0

We woke up to rain this morning and it never stopped!I'm cold & wet.I cant't belive it's June and I'm cold!At about 1:30 we hiked into Caledon State Park.Thinking we were gonna get a cheeseburger we walked up to the snack bar.We're soaked & cold and the dam place is closed!We found an overhang and got out of the rain to eat our cheese & crackers for lunch.Afterwards we hiked on in to Quarry Gap Shelter.WE decided we had enough for today.So today it was 13.4 miles and for the days ahead who knows.But I do know this....A Bad Day on The Trail is Still A Day On The Trail. Old School.....
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 17.3
Weather: 0

It rained all nite. We started hiking around 9:00.IT rained off and on all day mosty on.MY clothes, socks,shoes have been wet for days now. I keep a dry set of clothes for night. But put wet clothes on in the mornings. At one point today they felt almost dry but between the downpours and walking thru the running water water,water everywhere.But its all good its all part of the thru hilkers life on the Trail. So bring it on Mother Nature,give me your best shot. I don't give a sh*t I'm going to Maine.I passed the half way point today .1088.2 miles in the book and 1086.4 miles to go. Damn,I have hiked 1088.2 miles. I'm sitting here in the tent all warm and dry while the the rain is pouring down outside.I was just thinking back over the last 115 days on the trail. Just a few thoughts:... After resupplying there is Always a big climb leaving town:...Raingear,gortex,whatever,you are going to get wet :...Mountain spring water,nice!:... When someone says that its all down from here is only joking.... when climbing a MTN. my legs don't burn anymore....This sh*t is hard.... My wife really loves me....Rocks!!!!...It can get cold in the summer.... There are a lot of good people in the world.... When getting to town there is nothing better than that 1st cold coke.... family!!!...start with 0 sleeping bag if starting in March.... its fu*king cold out here.... Its 10 degrees warmer in a tent ....Its not a race.....The forest is full of life...it's the little things.....for every down there will be a climb.....Whenever you can follow a dream no matter how hard it is Life is Good!..... Be Willing To Take The Next Step!! .... Old School.....>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Mt.Holly Springs
Miles today: 10.6

10.6 miles of walking in the rain today and my feet were begining to feel like ground beef.We got to PA 94 and went into town to get dried out.This is the most it has rained on the whole hike.At times today the trail seemed more like a stream.Young Blood is doing great.He's turning into Mr. Hiker Dude.I'm really proud of him. Old School.....>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Mt.Holly Springs

To: Boiling Springs
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: 0

We got back on the trail at 10:30.We hiked through a lot of water today.It didn't rain until this afternoon but everything is flooded,water was rushing down the trail like it's a stream.I'm hearing from some South Bounders that there are some flood waters about 10 miles up the trail.We took a short day today,maybe the water will go down some before we get there in the morning.But if I have to hold my pack over my head while I ford the waters I will.This trail just gets more interesting all the time.But I'll do whatever it takes to get where I want to be...                              Old School
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Boiling Springs

To: Campsite next to Stream
Miles today: 18.0

We got out of Boiling Springs early.We have a package in Duncannon.We needed to get close enough so that we could hike in before 12:00.Today we hiked through corn fields,wheat fields,cow fields,and open fields.After stopping to eat some,we walked by cherry trees,blackberries,apple trees,and mullberry trees.We hiked through sections of the trail that just a day or so ago were under water.We had only 1 real climb today,which was great.After 18.0 miles we're 8 miles from Duncannon camped next to a stream and Young Blood is trying to start a fire,after all this rain that's a real challenge,but he doesn't give up easy.                     Old School
Date: 2006-07-01
From: Campsite next to Stream

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 7.6
Weather: 0

We hiked 7.6 miles of rock and heat into Duncannon for a stay at the famous Doyel Hotel.It was right out of an old western movie.No T.V.,no AC,and a shared bath.Cool though.We had a good time playing pool and watched about 10 people get a mohawk.All in all a nice little town.                                    Old School
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: 0

Hiking out of Duncannon it was HOT!The only thing hotter tha the temps today is my wife New Day!After that first big climb up to the ridge line it was a pretty good hike,alot of rocks but not too bad.I hear they get worse tomarrow,I can hardly wait.                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Campsite .06 past Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: 0

Long hard 18.1 miles which included a 4 mile 1100' climb over rocks.By the time we reached our campsite .06 past Rausch Gap Shelter my feet were beat down.It was hot.I would stop ever now and then just to wring the sweat out of my bandanna.It was nice when we would stop at ice cold mtn. spring just to cool off.I need a ice cold coke and a cheeseburger & fries.Tomarrow is the 4th and we'll be going into Pine Grove to get some stuff to take back to the 501 Shelter.We're gonna have us a nice little hiker cookout.Sounds like fun.First we have to hike the 17 miles into Pine Grove.We'll get an early start to try to beat a little of the heat!                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-04
From: Campsite .06 past Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 16.8
Weather: 0

I talked to New Day yesterday about maybe comming out to see us today on the 4th.I told her we were going to be at a shelter .01 off of a road,she said she would look at things and see.I tried to call her back later that nite,but no service on the old cell phone.I said oh well it would have been fun having New Day here with us but I guess that wouldn't work out this time.The next morning I get to the top of a mtn. and give my cell another try,and it works so I give New Day a call .She says hi babe how far are you from 501 shelter?I told her about 13 miles and she says well hurry cause I'm here waiting on you!Wow!The begining to a great day!First she met us when we got to inerstate 81 with cold cokes and a bag of cheeseburgers.Wow!Trail magic on the side interstate 81Pretty cool.After talking about New Day so much She Bear and Lightweight finally got to meet her,and were happy to be around that day when they saw the cheeseburgers and cold drinks.We had another 11 miles to 501 shelter ,it was a good walk ,but Hot and at one point we walked through a thunderstorm for about 30 min.Finally we came to PA 501 as I came out of the woods I saw her.Wow!She looked great!After a kiss ,she pulled out more trail magic and from there the nite just got better...Life is good!A GOOD DAY ON THE TRAIL IS BETTER THAN A BAD DAY ON THE TRAIL!                                       Old School
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Eckville Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.3
Weather: 0

I woke up this morning with the sun beating down on our tent,we packed up and after hanging around the shelter awhile we started hiking around 10:30.After climbing up to the ridge from Hawk mtn. rd. we sat down for a break,and up hiked Able Jack.He sat with us and talked for what seemed like an hour.We ended up hiking with Able Jack for the rest of the day.Trying to keep up with him got me the fastest miles sience starting the hike.This guy is fast!We got 6 miles in an hour and 45 imnutes!But with our long breaks and the 2 1/2 hours at Blue Mtn.Summit eating dinner we only did 13.3 miles.But with these dam Penn. rocks thats not too bad of a day.More rocks tomarrow,Oh yeah!                                    Old School
Date: 2006-07-09
From: New Tripoli Campsite

To: Leigh Gap
Miles today: 11.5

11.5 hard miles today.Rocks and more rocks.Penn has some damn rocks.But we took it easy today,we took long breaks at the overlooks and took a long lunch.WE came up on some blueberry patches and spent what seemed like hours just chilling and stuffing ourselves with the berries.We have about a day and a half till we are out of Penn.This shit is hard but if it was easy everyone would do it.                        Old School
Date: 2006-07-10
From: Leigh Gap

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: 0

Comming out of Leigh Gap we had a 1200' climb up exposed rocks.No shade and it was hot!On the way we met Dave and his dog Dunkin.We talked for awhile and he climbed on up.When we got up to the top we sat down for a break and he stopped to talk again on his way downHe told us about how all the trees were killed by the zinc mines that used to be in the area.Nice guy,he wants to through hike next year,and I wish him luck.The rest of the day was just hiking on the rocks.Before Penn. I thought my feet were sore,but now they are a whole new kind of sore,and with every step I take I'm reminded of how BEAT DOWN they really are!BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: 0

I finally crawled out of the tent at 10:00.It was hot.We hiked 13.8 miles on the damn Pennsylvania rocks.The relentless rocks!We've been hiking on these things for over a week now.I've hiked 1273.1 miles with 901.5 to go.Hiking from GA-ME is a HUGE undertaking!I think I'm passed most of the physical challenges,now it's mostly mental.The last couple of days I've been at my lowest mentally.I'm asking myself why am I doing this day after day?Why do I throw on that backpack and head north everyday?The hunger,rain,cold,heat,mosquiteos,the damn Pennsylvania rocks,the endless climbing up the mountains. Why do I do this?......Because I said that I was going to walk every damn step of the A.T....BE WILLING TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-07-12
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Mohican Outdoor center
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: 0

We got an early start today and was in Delaware Watergap at 9:00.We grabbed a few things to get us to Unionville, NY and got out of town.We crossed the Delaware River on the Interstate 80 Bridge and we were in New Jersey.Seven states down and seven to go!1290.0 miles down and 884.6 miles to go! Were camped at the Mohican Outdoor Center. We hear that there are still 30 more miles of rocks.Walking up to our campsite we see Mudflap and Daisy and their son Sizzle.After first meeting them on Max patch, we've been seeing each other every now and then ever since. It's like we're hiking about the same pace.Maybe we can climb Katahdin together!                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Mohican Outdoor center

To: Brink Rd. Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: 0

It rained all nite and was still raining when we packed up,then it stopped.For the rest of the day it was HOT.We hiked 14.3 miles to Brink Road Shelter where the mosquitoes were so bad that we pitched the tent,got in and stayed in.We even cooked cour dinner in the tent.I have never seen mosquitoes so bad.On our walk today we took our time,taking long breaks whenever we got to a good view.We stopped and ate wild blueberries & blackberries.Man they were good.Still a lot of rocks but I think we will be passed them soon,I can only hope.I get to see New Day Monday.                                 Old School
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Brink Rd. Shelter

To: Campsite close to Rutherford Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: 0

We started hiking at 7:00.We did the 3.6 miles to Culvers Gap and stopped at Joe's to Go for a breakfast sandwich and cold drink.Walking back to the trail we see Mudflap & Daisy. They're trying to find some Deet.These damn mosquitoes are eating everyone alive.We have something but not Deet, and it just does not work.We need Deet!We were headed to High Point Shelter today but stopped 4 miles short when out of the blue my right knee starts to act up.But we're camped right next to the AT were there is a great view.Hopefully my knee will be O.k. in the morning.HAPPY BIRTHDAY NEW DAY!                                 Old School
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Campsite close to Rutherford Shelter

To: Unionville, NY
Miles today: 11.4

we left camp at 6:20 this morning and hiked into Unionville,NY before the post office closed at 12:00 today.We make it with 15 minutes to spare.In our mail drop was 3 days of resupply and my boots.My New Balance have been great.I hiked in themfor 1060.3 miles and they are still good as new.New Balance makes a great shoes.But for the last 843.6 miles i'm going with my boots.We're camped at the Unionville Village park.Everyone in town seem to go out of their way to be nice to the hikers.There's something wrong with my knee.I can only hope that taking it easy today will help.I'll see in the morning.                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-16
From: Unionville, NY

To: Vernon,NJ
Miles today: 11.7

We left Unionville early today.I knew before getting out of town that I wasn't going to like wearing my boots again.It was so hot and the mosquitoes were so bad that I put on my head net.Our plan for today was to hike to Wawayanda Shelter,then hiking to Ny17A in the morning to meet New Day.But after reaching NJ94 after 11.7 miles of 100 degree weather,millions of mosquitoes,and these boots putting the beat down on my feet I said that this was good.We hitched into Vernon to stay at the church hostel. This place is great,T.V.,computer,hot showers,kitchen,Washer & dryer.Wow!Well,I get to see New Day in the morning and take some zero days.I'm so excited I may not be able to sleep.                                 Old School
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Vernon,NJ

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 5.3
Weather: 0

Well to say that I enjoyed my visit with New Day would be an understatement.It was great!But I still have 831.8 miles to go, so back to the trail I go.Got back to NJ94 about noon, gave New Day one more hug & kiss and we were off to climb Wawayanda Mountain. After climbing up 900' to the top we sat down for lunch. After lunch we started hiking toward Wawayanda Shelter. My feet are much happier with my New Balance back. Not really wanting to do a lot of miles today we decided to pitch tent when we arrived at the shelter. Now we're just chilling at camp, listening to the mp3 and writing in our journal. I've noticed that zero days that it can be hard to get back in the grove of hiking. But now with only 800+ miles to go, Ifeel like I might be able to do this.                        Old School
Date: 2006-07-21
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Campsite .10 south of Fitzgerald Falls
Miles today: 13.7

We had planned to get an early start this morning but the rain changed our minds. We rolled out of the tent around 10:00 and started hiking up the wet humid trail. Today there was a lot of rock climbing, pretty cool. I guess it was like getting a look at whats ahead. New Day gave me some great news the other day. She'll be back on the trail with me through the 100 mile wilderness and the last climb up big K. Woo! B-rad will be back on 7-30. The party of 3 will be back together! It's going to be great, I can hardly wait.Well we did 13.7 miles today and are camped next to a stream about .10 miles south of Fitzgerald Falls. I think we'll try for about an 18 mile day tomorrow. But who knows! Things that happen on the trail has a way of changing your plans.                           Old School
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Campsite .10 south of Fitzgerald Falls

To: Campsite on Island Pond Mtn.
Miles today: 10.7

We're camped on the side of Island Pond Mtn. overlooking a lake thats surrounded by the beautiful NY mountains. We sat and watched the sun as it glimmered across the lake at it slowly disappered behind the Postcard Mountains. As we sat there thoughts of the hike, the past 141 days on the trail passed through my mind. Sometime it doesn't seem real. This is truly a once in a life time oppertunity. I'm a very lucky man! This is one of the most amazing things that anyone could do, and to have family with me whole way makes it even better. Only 802.1 miles to go.                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-23
From: Campsite on Island Pond Mtn.

To: Campsite with view of NYC
Miles today: 8.6

8.6 miles today. But thats o.k. I keep telling myself that it's not a race. It rained all night and was still raining when we got out and packed up at 10:00. By the time we hiked the first 3 miles it had stopped . A couple of days ago we heard about Fat Fest being held at Lake Torati Circle this weekend, so when we got to Arden Valley Rd. we walked the .3 down to the lake to check it out. Wow! Night Eyes a thru hiker from a couple of years ago really hooked us up! Steak, burgers, veggies, fruit, drinks, cakes, everything. It was great. After leaving, so full that it was hard to hike, we stopped and made camp with the "Wanderers" when we got to the top of Black Mtn. Our campsite has a great view of NYC.                              Old School
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Campsite with view of NYC

To: Hemlock Springs Campsite
Miles today: 9.7
Weather: 0

Just like everyother morning we left our campsite and headed North. We climbed down from Black Mtn. crossing a lot of side trails. Paying close attention to the white blazes so as not to get off trail, we continued North crossing old woods rds., we ran across the Palisades Interstate Parkway, we crossed over Beechy Bottom Brook on a footbridge, then passed Beechy Bottom Rd., we passed up West Mtn Shelter, took long breaks at the great views, we climbed up Bear Mtn, after coming down Bear Mtn. the AT goes right through the Trailside Museums & Wildlife Center, we passed the lowest point on the AT(135'), then crossed the Hudson River on the Bear Mtn. Bridge, then after climbing the first Mtn out of town, we make camp and we only hiked 9.7 miles. I've been in a low miles kind of mood for the last few days...And I really don't care...                           Old School
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Campsite on some mtn.

To: Caesar Brook Campsite
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: 0

Today we hiked 12.8 miles thru the heat, the rock climbs, the big downs, the big ups. we walked for 5 miles next to the Housatonic River. We had long breaks at great views & we had lunch next to a rushing brook. It's been hot for a while now. I haven't been feeling very good for a few days now, but its just this god aweful heat. But we're trying to make the best of it... long breaks, shorter days..., but only 708.9 miles to go. I'm getting a little closer everyday. I'm meeting New Day & B-rad in the morning in West Cornwall, Ct. I'm excited!                              Old School
Date: 2006-08-01
From: West Cornwall rd.

To: Campsite on Mt. Easter
Miles today: 2.3

Young Blood has gone home. He hiked almost 500 miles of the AT with me. Not bad for a summer break. He did great out here and he will be sorely missed. I am so proud of him! ON the upside B-rad is back.He will hike with me the rest of the way. Then we will drop him off and he is going to fill in the miles that he missed to finish his thru hike. Its great to havehim back on the trail. After New Day dropped us off at the trailhead we said our tearful goodbyes and me & B-rad was off up the Mtn. After only 2.3 miles of 100 degree weather a thunderstorm blew in and we threw upthe tent at the first flat spot we could find. but thats 2.3 miles closer.                                    Old School
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Campsite on Mt. Easter

To: Plateau Campsite
Miles today: 15.4

15.4 miles today. It was hot. I wanted t to rain, but not today. I've never hiked in temp. like this. But we're going to be getting early starts to try and beat some of the heat. Today we were dogging it up A Mtn.,sweat pouring off of us. We looked over to the right and WOW it was the most perfect waterfall ever with a great place to swim. We looked at each other and said,"Hell Yea!" After what seemed like hours we forced ourselves back to the trail. 10 min up the trail and we were pouring sweat again. but we kept going until we got the 15 miles that we wanted today. Theres a l;ot of climbs right up ahead. We'll get them in the morning before the sun starts beating down.Bring on the heat, the rock,s the big climbs, the rain, the cold, I don't give a shit....i'm going to Maine...                                       Old School