morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Dahlgren Back Pack Campground

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Willow and myself hiked out later than we would have liked due to the heat and humidity, but again it was a great day. So Willow and I headed out of camp, and up towards the Washington Monument. There we ran into cannons and civil war soldiers in the field. They were there to educate the public about the battles that took place in the area and were really very kind taking the tome to answer all of our questions. Then it was off to the first monument built to honor Washington. The view wasn't bad considering the humidity, but we didn't stay too long since we had miles to make. The afternoon brought around a wonderful change in weather as the wind kicked up and blew out all the humidity which was a perfect gift, making our evening at the shelter ideal. Hanging out with good friends with no bugs and perfect temps... what could be better than that!
Date: 2009-07-13
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: scattered clouds

Two really great things happened today... we crossed another state line and I am now in my 6th state (PA) and we made awesome time into town doing all the miles before 1pm! Oh and Willow has been renamed... she is now known as Berry Slug...
Date: 2009-07-14
From: Waynesboro, PA

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

Willow and I left the second Waynesboro after a PERFECT town stay and were planning to hike about 12 miles, only when we get to the shelter that evening there was a creepy feeling about including piles of strange stuff left in one of the shelters (it was one of PA's famous double shelters) so she and I decided to hike the 3 more miles to the state park so we could camp. Neither of us wanted to pay for a campsite, but we both felt it would be safer than staying at the shelter... but then we realized that there was trail magic at the park... a church group from IN drives all the way here to the AT just to feed hikers and pay for their campsites! It was so amazing... not only was the food great (they made breakfast and dinner for all who showed up) but so many of our friends were there too! We couldn't have asked for a better way to end a perfect day!
Date: 2009-07-15
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: few clouds

Oh yeah... I forgot to tell you about the other piece of magic... the group at Caledonia State Park also offered to slackpack us 20 miles to Pine Grove Furnace State Park! For those of you who are not too familiar with the AT PGFSP is a REALLY important place for thru hikers... it marks the half way point of the trail and the half gallon challenge! Of course for me it wasn't the half way point since I will be making up miles next year that I missed in VA due to the shin splints, but it was still really exciting to walk into the park! Due to the impending thunderstorms in the area, Willow and I decided to run for the hostel which is located right next to the camp store where the half gallon challenge takes place. Although it was a really cool building, with secret passageways where escaped slaves stayed years ago, it was pretty expensive compared to other hostels in the area. And then it never rained... oh, well. It was great to see a part of history!
Date: 2009-07-18
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: US 11 Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 8.0

Since I had stayed with M&L last night at the hotel I decided to stay one more night and Slackpack the section from Boiling Springs to the hotel. The hike started off with both of them hiking with me for a bit, until Bunny (Louise's dog) decided it was time to head back to the car, and ended listening to music bouncing lightly down the trail eating berries all the way.
Date: 2009-07-19
From: US 11 Carlisle, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I wasn't planning to hike all the way into Duncannon, but the pull of town and the Doyle was just too great. Plus I knew that Willow, Jungli and DahWahHe were all going to be in town... making for a good night at the Doyle.
Date: 2009-07-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Although I have had some short days in the last few weeks, I hadn't had a zero, so I thought I would treat myself to some rest... but in the end I didn't get that much rest and looking back I should have hiked out anyway. Oh well... I guess that's what the Doyle is known for!
Date: 2009-07-24
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 23.7
Weather: light rain

I really hadn't intended to hike all the way into town, but when I arrived at the shelter I was planning to stay at it really didn't make sense to hang out for 5 hours until sunset, so I kept going, again catching up with my friends in town. Spent a good night, laughing with friends at the pavillion.
Date: 2009-07-25
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

So sorry it's been so long... so I am still headed northbound and doing well... but the updates aren't very easy when the humidity is so high. No joke, that is the reason I haven't been sending updates. It seems for all the wonderful features of my phone, when the humidity is up, the sensor seems to think the phone was dunked in water and the screen locks up, losing all the text I have written. Very frustrating to say the least. Well, here is the deal, I have decided to finish my hike this year at the NJ/NY state line. Since my body only seems to appreciate 12-15 miles days and I would need to complete 15-18's each day to make it to Katahdin I thought it would be best to listen to my body. Plus due to all the town days while waiting for injuries to heal, I have spent more money than I had planned and I don't want to go into debt to complete this hike. As it stands right now, I have hiked more than half of the trail, and I will come back another year to meet a whole new batch of hikers and complete the trail then. This way I figure when I complete I will still love backpacking! And after 23 years of backpacking I really would love to keep loving it! I will be sure to update more as the weather permits (but it is summer on the east coast!) and I hope to see some of you before I head back west. Which leads me to one of the other reasons I have decided to complete early...Redwing & Hopeful, who are running Bear's Den Hostel in VA, are having a baby, and are looking for someone to help run the hostel when the baby comes and since the timing seems to be about perfect, it looks like I will be headed down to help them out for a few weeks. Oh, and right now I am able to write this not because the humidity is low, but due to the kindness of my friend Shera (05)and her family who is hosting me for the afternoon and evening. What a wonderful time we have had catching up after all these years! I think the last time I had seen her was in Erwin TN when she was madly hiking north that summer. Thanks everyone for all the encouragement along the way, including all the help with my shin and knee. This has really made it clear to me how incredibly blessed I am with the friends in my life. GA2ME(eventually)4 the Brain!
Date: 2009-07-27
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 7.4
Weather: light rain

This was the beginning of my troubles... over 5 hours to hike 7.4 miles... not good! I fell on a slippery rock (yep I made it into rock country) and 30 seconds later was running from a rattle snake who was rattling at me... (I will write about the whole story soon) let's just say it was quite a day.
Date: 2009-07-29
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

So I should know better... the AT will always change the plans you make. I am in jail. Okay, well that sounds a lot worse than it is... the town of Palmerton, PA is one of the best towns on the trail. When the city decided to welcome hikers, they opened a free hostel for all hikers to stay at... only it's in the old jail. So I am staying in jail for a few nights. Normally they only allow for one night's stay, however when you are sick they will make an exception. Good thing too, cause I think I am sick. I have a Dr's appointment in the morning since it seems I might have the early stages of Lyme disease. I will keep you updated as to the results, but right now I can barely lift my arms. At first I thought my exhaustion was just due to hiking, but even with very little hiking and lots of sleep, it keeps getting worse. In fact, I am going to get the rest of the days I need to update up, but just to get the mileage correct because I need to head back to my bunk for another nap.
Date: 2009-07-30
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Although the Dr and nurses were not able to draw enough blood to run the test for Lyme, basically the Dr believes that is indeed what I have. So I now have 1 hole in my left arm, 4 in my right and 1 in my right hand... and the drugs to treat Lyme. If I'm not feeling better after the drugs, then I will find another Dr to figure out what is going on, but I really feel this is going to work.So many of the hikers that have come through Palmerton have said it this year and maybe this is said every year, but this really is the friendliest trail town yet. Dr Jack Manzella was really awesome, asked lots of good questions, and even charged me a "hiker-rate" for the visit. I am so glad I waited the extra day to see him instead of going to the ER! (they wanted $250 just to bee seen!) Then since I was there over the lunch hour Dr Manzella even offered to get me lunch! Then just now as I was signing in at the library to use one of the computers, one of the librarians called me over to see if I was feeling any better. She said she was worried all night about me and wanted to help but wasn't sure where I was! Small town America really is the best part of this country.I think at this point my plan will completely depend on how I am feeling in the next day or so, but assuming I am on the mend, I will head back to the trail to finish the last 50 miles of PA before calling this hiking season closed. Since it's so easy to get a bus into NYC from Delaware Water Gap, PA I'm thinking I will head into the city to visit some of my friends and then back to MA before heading to Bear's Den if Redwing & Hopeful still need help with the hostel. Well, I'm going to head back to the jail hostel for an afternoon nap. Thanks everyone for all the concern!
Date: 2009-07-31
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 0.0

2 doses of meds and I no longer feel like a 97 year old drunk walking down the street! And almost more importantly I know was I not going insane. It's hard to explain, even though I know my body pretty well and try to pay attention it, and I knew something wasn't right, but I was really beginning to believe it was all in my head. Taking the meds and feeling better just proved I really was sick. Last night when a group of hikers that had been at the bar came in late being loud, my first thought wasn't "shut up we're sleeping here!" it was "was I actually asleep?!?!?" I think I must have slept at least 11 hours, which after 4 or 5 nights of tossing and turning for hours on end was a very welcome change. Today I have been getting some of my town chores done, and although I am feeling much better, I am not planning to hit the trail just yet. I know I need a few more days to recover before I load up and hike out. But it is really encouraging that I am wanting to hike out at this point, cause I was beginning to think I wouldn't ever want to hike again with the way I was feeling!I also really want to let all who have signed my guestbook, if you have given me an email address, I will respond at some point! I have really loved all the words of encouragement and appreciate that you have been following along as I slowly plot northward! Especially since I know this journal can't be all that interesting to read!
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Hiawassee, GA

To: Hiawassee, GA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

One week in and ... all is well. We're currently in Hiawassee, Georgia, a sleepy little town a little less than ten miles from the North Carolina border, taking a day off at the Hiawassee Inn with some friends from the trail. We've resupplies, showered, dried the tent and washed clothes and we're ready to head on back first light tomorrow. The first two days after we left Springer were wonderfully sunny and only a little chilly. We hiked with a young guy from Longbeach, California named Brandon (trail name: Goof)and a fellow from Manchester, England named Stephan (trail name : Mr. Green Tea). On the evening of the second day the rain began and it kept on for the next three days. Finally, the day before yesterday, sun once again appeared and we were able to make the last twenty miles into Hiawassee in heat and sunshine. Suppose to get cold again tomorrow. We'll see what the weather is like in North Carolina. From the Trail, Amanda (Plunger) and Daniel (Mr. Right)
Date: 2009-04-07
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

As I sit here in the Hot Springs, North Carolina library I look up to see snow cascading onto the town. We came into town yesterday afternoon and the snow started not long after. Luckily, we had planned a zero day (a day with no hiking) for out time here, so it looks like the weather will move through before we have to head back up into the mountains. After Franklin we headed out through North Carolina. It was beautiful, relatively easy hiking, but also rather uneventful. Then, we reached the Smokies. We stayed in the Fontana Dam shelter, which is refered to as the Fontana Hilton as it has a shower and a flush toilet in it. The next morning we launched into the Smokies. If I had to sum up the Smokies in one word, I would have to just remain silent, since it takes two words ... bloody tough!! The terrain was not to bad and the miles weren't that challenging either. We actually made it through in only five days. But the constant up and down was mentally draining. Add to it that the Smokies were in a constant fog so thick that you couldn't see twenty feet away from you and you've got a pretty miserable hike. This is why, despite my every desire, we ended up dropping into Gatlinburg. Now, I don't know it you've ever been to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, but imagine the largest strip mall you've ever seen ... no quadruple it. There is more mini-golf, fudge and spraypaint t-shirts per capita than anywhere else on the planet. It's a unique corner of the world to say the least. Anyway, we came in to dry out, grab some Mexican food and a beer and then launched on again. Now, here we are, in Hot Springs. Last night we and several friends rented a hot tub filled with spring water (from which the town gets its name) and just soaked for an hour. Today, just eating and resupply and getting new supports for the shoes. Damascus and Virgina are about twelve days away. Plunger and Mr. Right
Date: 2009-05-02
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: Rice Field Shelter
Miles today: 6.8
Weather: light rain

Pearisburg has been, by far, the friendliest town on the AT. Not only were the business owners and post office workers glad to see us but also the locals just out and about town. We reluctantly left and moved slowly due to Mr. Right not feeling well (a bit of a pattern now after town food). A fairly tough climb (although nothing like climbing down INto town) and some sensory overload walking along the major road out of town.
Date: 2009-05-03
From: Rice Field Shelter

To: Bailey Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

Some rain and foggy, overcast skies. Started to see these beautiful, bright orange newts. They are no larger than my pinkie finger and some are even smaller. 'Tis the season for new critters and blooming flowers to be popping up everywhere. Decided today that hiking over rocks (which was most of our terrain today) is very similar to driving in heavy traffic -- you must always be alert, which can get pretty exhausting.
Date: 2009-05-04
From: Bailey Gap Shelter

To: Sarver Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Still raining and due to the slickness of the rocks, Mr. Right took his first spill today. Luckily, he went down pretty neatly and only ended up bruising his knee and tearing a small hole in his pants. For such a long day, it was surprisingly nice, especially once the rain did stop and it cleared up. Being reminded of how much things can change from day to day -- one day can be the most miserable day physically and/or mentally and the next can be the best day in the world. Of course, we did add an extra mile to our day by taking the wrong turn to the shelter (which lay 300 feet below the trail). Deciding to go left instead of right, we ended up hiking at least 4/10 of a mile down a very steep hill and then having to turn around and hike right back up, only to find out that we needed to go the other way which led us back down 300 feet for 1/4 of a mile. However, the shelter was worth the walk -- one of the nicest we've seen thus far.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Sarver Hollow Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: moderate rain

Yet another day of rain ... c'est la vie. Good conversations help to make the day pass more quickly. Met Oblivious today -- guy from the Bay Area who is hiking the Eastern Continental Trail (from Key West to the border of Canada) and possibly even the entire IAT (International Appalachian Trail). Makes my 700 miles look like nothing compared to his 2500!
Date: 2009-05-06
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Campbell Shelter
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: light rain

Went a little further today than expected, despite the rain (yes, still wet out there). A quick stop in Catawba for some groceries and a junk food lunch helped to break up the day. Also, going over Dragon's Tooth helped to mix things up. While very challenging and a bit scary at times, it was nice to have something than just a dirt path to follow. Ended the day climbing McAfee's Knob, which was much easier than it looked on the map. We've been told that the views from the Knob are some of the best on the AT. Of course, you can experience what we saw right in the coziness of your own home ... just pull a white sheet over your head and, voila!
Date: 2009-05-07
From: Campbell Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Even though the rain isn't done for good, the skies did clear enough for us to have some great views from Tinker Cliffs (from which we could then see McAfee's Knob). I must say that Virginia has been the prettiest state we've hiked through so far and today continues to remind me of that. Got to town and had some lunch at Three Li'l Pigs BBQ while waiting for our friend's mom to pick us up and take us back to her house in Roanoke, VA. It was so nice to not only be taken care of but to also get to stay in an actual house -- something that we have not had the privilege of staying in since we left my brother's house in Orlando on March 10. Enjoying great hospitality and great food with a nice bed and shower, to boot.
Date: 2009-05-10
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bobblet Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: broken clouds

Hard to get back out after having a double zero in a real bed! Felt like a fawn learning how to walk.Luckily, the terrain wasn't too tough and the weather was beautiful allowing us to have some amazing views.Spring is in the air and all around us ... it's just lovely.
Date: 2009-05-11
From: Bobblet Gap Shelter

To: Cornelius Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.5
Weather: moderate rain

Well, the beautiful weather didn't last long. Woke up to rain today, so got a bit of a late start.Had lunch at the coolest shelter on the AT so far -- Bryant Ridge Shelter, which sleeps 20!Ended the day climbing for 5 miles up about 2000 feet. Of course, the fact that the sun came out sure helped.
Date: 2009-05-12
From: Cornelius Creek Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 21.6
Weather: clear sky

Today was one of those pristine "spring" days -- blue skies, gentle sun, gentle breeze, birds chirping, flowers blooming and the fragrance is amazing!Had some pretty good climbs today but nothing too bad, surprisingly, for such a long day. Saw some snakes and a few deer, which seem to be more and more popular. We also crossed the longest foot-use-only bridge on the AT. We're also beginning to see more ticks, so we'll start doing some daily checks from here on out.Corned beef hash is on the brain for some reason ...
Date: 2009-05-13
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Woke up to overcast skies but no rain. Luckily, since it seemed to be unseasonably cool. Ended up hiking in my fleece for most of the day.We had lunch at Punchbowl Shelter, which is known to be "haunted" by Little Ottie, a boy who was found dead on top of Bluff Mountain back in 1891 at the age of 5. Sorry to report no unusual happenings or sightings during our break.Brown Mountain Creek Shelter is located in a beautiful spot right by "raging" creek. Thinking of getting some po' boys tomorrow while in town.
Date: 2009-05-14
From: Brown Mountain Creek Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Thinking it's going to rain any minute now but we lucked out by having the rain hold off until 9pm.Got to the road to get to Buena Vista for our resupply around 8:45am, wanting to get in and out early in the day to finish the remaining 14 miles we had to do. Well, unfortunately, we ended up waiting over 2 hours for someone to pick us up. By far, the longest we've ever had to wait for a hitch. And, since the town was 9.3 miles away, we certainly didn't want to have to hike! But, the wait was worth it after having lunch at Captain Tim's Galley, an amazing restaurant with great hush puppies, frog legs, and shrimp po' boys. And, great service. I would highly recommend this to anyone going through Buena Vista, VA.Even with our late arrival into town, we still made it to our desired destination by 8pm. Some section-hikers were kind enough to make some room in the shelter for us, knowing that rain was coming. And did it come! We finished eating our dinner at 8:55 and by 9pm, it was down-pouring. Good timing, I thought. Enjoyed falling asleep to the sound of thunder and rain hitting the tin roof.
Date: 2009-05-15
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: overcast clouds

The rain stayed at bay today, even though the forecast predicted it and the skies were overcast.We decided to have a free lunch at the Dutch Haus B&B ... of course, we were only 2 miles from the place and they didn't serve lunch until 11am. So, we took our sweet time getting ready and didn't leave the shelter until almost 10am. (A late start for us.)Had a lovely lunch with a fellow thru-hiker, Snake Eyes, served by Lois at the B&B. Would have loved to have stayed the night but wanted to keep pushing to Waynesboro.Even though it was a fairly short day in comparison, the late start and early break in the day made it pretty tough. I guess Michelob was right ... "Some days are better than others."