morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2005-02-24
To: Lessons learned so far
Miles today: 0.0

I've updated the hiking part of my journal for now. The next time I get to hike for any extended time will be on spring break (March 28-April 2) a little over a month a way. After that hike, I'll be leaving on May 28th to hike as far north (hopefully Katahdin) as I can go until late August. Going through my notes to update my journal has reminded me of some things to do differently this next trip out. Don't let miles totally rule the day. Yes, sometimes you have to make miles, but going a little slower can mean a lot more enjoyment sometimes.Take more pictures of friends and people met (and notate them well!)Write in my journal throughout the day, not just in camp.Lighten my pack even more (I've worked hard on that this winter).Take time to swim when it's hot!Take care of my body a little better (i.e. chaffing). I've looked into lycra bike shorts with nylon over shorts as a possible bottom. I believe my shorts were way too loose and that caused a lot of my problems when I got so wet. I had some chaffing at several points on my hike, but nothing like what happened before Harpers Ferry. I believe it might be because I had lost so much weight, and had not changed out my clothes.Trying to make it to Katahdin will mean averaging a little under 15 miles a day (hiking days) and taking around 11 zero days during the summer. That has to take in consideration the Whites which will be lower mileage days. On my section hikes, I held myself to strict weekly goals. I have one more hike like that (spring break), but I am going to try to approach the rest of the trail differently. Some days I may feel like hiking big miles, sometime lower miles. If I can average out the 15 miles over a period of time, then I can still reach Katahdin. Hopefully this will allow me to rest my body when it is desperately needed, and push my body when time and opportunity allows. Thanks for reading my journal so far. Don't forget to sign my guestbook and I'll update again at the end of my spring break hike.
Date: 2005-03-28
From: Harpers Ferry (ATC side trail)

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: moderate rain

Today is my first day back on the trail since July. I went with Mary to the ATC to get my picture taken and added to their list. Wendell was great and he helped me do everything I had to do. I finally got to the white blazes around 9:20 AM, a late start. I hiked to Jefferson Rock and saw where the Shenendoah river met the Potomac river. It was an awesome view. There was a steady, cold rain when I left Harpers Ferry and it has been steady or pouring most of the day. The weather channel this morning said flooding was likely today. It's true, the AT was like a river in most places. I loved Harpers Ferry, the place oozes with history, but rain and a late start doesn't leave much time for sight seeing.The C&O Canal towpath was cool, the potomac was rushing beside me and the canal was on the other side. The rain increased as the day continued. My feet were totally soaked along with most of the rest of me. I met another hiker, "rising star" from Baltimore at the Ed Garvey shelter. He said the next shelter was well protected from the wind-Garvey was not. I took a short late lunch and then hiked on.I had intended on hiking 16 miles to Rocky Run shelter, but between the cold, rain and late start, I thought 11 miles might be better. As I neared Crampton Gap a Thunder storm developed. Tonight is supposed to be full of them. Before I could reach the shelter a major storm began and the rain came down even harder. There is still thunder and lightening happening and the rain is still falling. I will have to juggle my schedule for the week because of the shorter day, but there was no way to make it to Rocky Run before dark and this weather is dangerous. Considering the rain has made a dreary day for hiking, it has still been a great day.
Date: 2005-03-29
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke up early to the sound of rushing water. The rain had stopped, but it was very dreary - no sun and the paths near the shelter were now full blown streams. I lay in my sleeping bag, not wanting to get up, but finally I begin breakfast. After eating, I begin the process of packing my bag. It's new, so I still have to think where everything goes. I put on my cold, wet clothes and begin the uphill trek back to the white blazes. The wind blows fiercely (the front is moving through). As I sit here at White Rock Cliff (10:00 AM) the sun is playing peak-a-boo with me and there are patches of blue among the grey sky. As the day continued, the sun finally came out in full force and between the wind and sun I dried out (except for my feet ). I took an hour at Dahlgren campground to dry out my gear, then I hike on to the Washington Monument. I saw four huge deer and many birds of prey. As I crossed over I 70, a trail angel had left Mt. Dews and cinnamon pinwheels, Thanks! That gave me the energy to climb Pine Knob (steep!) I booked it to Black Rock Cliffs and I saw an awesome sunset. I then hiked in the dark to Pogo. This has been a good day, but I am beat. I'm really going to have to train before May 28th.
Date: 2005-03-30
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Falls Creek Bridge (.7miles into Pennsylvania)
Miles today: 15.3

Today has had a lot of emotional ups and downs. At Pogo campsite, my neighbor and his 12 year old son gave me almost 2 liters of water. They were so nice, I didn't even ask for it. The morning hike was pretty, nice trail. I was in the zone for the first time this trip. Then, I hit this boulder garden for a mile. My feet started developing blisters for the first time this trip. I had forgotten to put my bag balm on this morning, so I stopped and put it on...plus my hose liners. The blisters were close to developing all day, but they aren't here yet. I took an early lunch at the Ensign Cowell shelter, then headed on. The relo through the area was pleasant and things were looking up. I reached antietem creek and realized I had to ford. I took off my socks and orthotics, then put my trail runners back on. It worked great, and the water was VERY cold! I hiked up Quirauk Mt, the reportedly toughest AT stretch in Maryland. Raven Rocks were awesome, a great place for a picnic. The rest of the climb was hard...large boulders, but it was still ok. The view from High Rocks (other end of the mountain) was super, but the rocks were "developed" by cement and a road went to it....still a worthy view though.After this is where my trouble began. I used my knee brace (sprained my right knee two weeks ago playing basketball) for the down hill. It was steep and all boulders. The trail was marked with white ribbons tied to the trees. It took forever to go .5 miles, then even on level trail there were boulder gardens in sections. It took all my energy and the sun was beginning to set. I finally reached Pen-Mar park. When it is open, I bet it's great. It seemed kinda sad to me and the water didn't work. The pepsi machine was broken too. At this point, I developed a Major cramp in my right leg near my knee. It was painful to walk. I don't know if it was from wearing the brace, the rocks, or I just over used it. I hobbled the .7 miles down to Falls creek and set up camp. I'm not hurting now so maybe a good night's rest will be the cure.I'm in Pennsylvania now! I crossed over the Mason-Dixon line. I'm officially in the North.
Date: 2005-03-31
From: Falls Creek Bridge (.7miles into Pennsylvania)

To: US 30 ( Caledonia-Fayetteville)
Miles today: 17.2

Today was a long, long day...but now I'm drinking a coke and waiting for my NY style pizza at Taormina's Pizza. The wind blew hard at times today...for most of the late afternoon I hiked with my tobbogan and rain gear on for warmth. It was great because I love the wind. The mist and fog swirled around me and drizzle fell lightly for the afternoon. I took breaks at three shelters in a row...deer lick, antietem and tumbling run. The climb up to chimney rocks was where the mist began, and I made excellent time to South Mountain. That's where it happened....you know it...ROCKS! It wasn't bad at first, but eventually it was bouldering. There may have been some good views, but with the mist, I couldn't see them. Everytime I thought I was on the home stretch, more boulders. It was very difficult to see where the trail went, but eventually I made it here. The owner is calling the motel and trying to get me a ride. He is super nice. Tomorrow I try to hike to Toms run shelter, then Saturday into Pine Grove Furnace. One more thing, my leg is ok. I was worried about it holding up, but it didn't cramp today.Time for a bath!
Date: 2005-04-01
From: US 30 ( Caledonia-Fayetteville)

To: Toms run shelter
Miles today: 16.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Today started with frustrations. The office to the hotel didn't open until 9 AM, I found this out at 9 AM. Since I had prepaid, I t ried hitching out to the trail head. NO one picked me up. I finally accepted the inevitable and went back to my room and relaxed, watching TV. The owner of the hotel gave me a shuttle for $3.00 and waited for me while I resupplied, which was nice. Today was beautiful, even with a 9:40 AM start. The hike out of caledonia was steep, but not too bad. I arrived at the first shelter (quarry gap) while the designer of the shelter was there. Thru hikers call him "innkeeper". He was very nice and I spent a long time talking with him. He was about to put a new roof on the shelter. I recommend staying there if you can. It's a very nice shelter, and in the summer you can stay at the pool in Caledonia, then hike the 2.6 miles to the shelter.Most of the rest of the day was sunny and ridge walking....great trail. I took breaks at Milesburn cabin and Birch run shelter. I arrived a little after dark at Toms run shelter. Boy scouts have both shelters, although there is room with the 2 adults. I decided to camp, even though rain is expected (it's raining now). Tomorrow will be early and a rain filled 3.7 mile hike to the half way point of the AT. I'm excited to see Mary and to have finished half of the AT. It's been a good hike. Soon I'll be back for 12 weeks...wooo hooo!
Date: 2005-04-02
From: Toms run shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace and then home
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: moderate rain

The rain was pretty steady all night, and the wind kept blowing in rain toward my head. I never sleep well the night before I come out of the woods, and this was no exception. I got an early start and hiked in the rain. The hike was very gentle and before I knew it, I was at Pine Grove Furnace and the half way point of the AT!I went inside the hostel and saw Mary, took a shower...put on fresh clothes, hot chocolate and now we're on the road for 8 hours. I have 8 more weeks of school and then I'm back out here for a while. I am going to try very hard not to be obsessed with mileage. Except for that, it was a great trip. More updates will begin after I start hiking from Pine Grove on May 28th. Hopefully I will reach Katahdin.Peace!
Date: 2005-05-26
To: Here we go!
Miles today: 0.0

I'm leaving for Pennsylvania tomorrow, and beginning the second half of my AT journey on Saturday. I've spent the past few days getting mail drops together, organizing maps and packing and repacking my pack. Somehow this day seemed always in the future, but now it is here.Just a few notes....Mary (my signficant other) will be my transcriber for this journal. I may update myself sometimes, but for the most part, I will be snail mailing the journals home and she will transcribe them for me. It may be a while before I am able to download pictures. She is going to hike with me the first week in July, so maybe she can take some home then. I've updated my mail drop list, and done everything I can think of....now I guess it's time to hike. Feel free to sign my guest book if you want...and I'll try to reply when I can. The next journal entry will come from the trail.Peace!
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Pine Grove Furnace 

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

I began my hike this morning walking a short distance up the trail with Mary-then had to say good-bye until Vermont. The hike so far has been pretty good (I'm at my first break). I've met thru-hikers (Doc, Dad's Grin Senator and just wingit. It's strange to see all these hikers with trail legs and relationships. They were very nice though, I hope I see them again. (Later) I'm at Tagg Run shelter taking a long lunch. The rain is falling. I'm in my hammock inside the shelter and I'm listening to the thunder. I'm going to relax an hour or so and see if this summer storm blows over. If it does, I'll head toward Alec Kennedy shelter. (At camp) The sky cleared up and I began my 8 mile hike to the shelter. There was a maze of rocks a few miles south of here- which was cool, but came at a time when I was tired. I pulled into the shelter at dark. I talked with the ridge runner and set up camp. I'm going to read for a while, then go to sleep.Peace!
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Spring 1 mile north of PA 944
Miles today: 17.2

I've hiked around 4 miles and I'm at the ATC office in Boiling Springs. Volunteers are here and they gave me coffee and a donut. They are really nice. My legs are somewhat sore from yesterday's hike, but over all I feel good. Boiling Springs is peaceful and there is a swing in the shade overlooking the lake....on the ATC porch. I have 8 miles of farm land hiking to get to a truckstop at US 11 and an early dinner. (at camp)It was a long walk. I called Mary at the Flying J truck stop around .6 miles off the AT The farm land was beautiful to hike through...just long. I met a guy who is almost ready to finish up his section hike. He began it in 1985. He is going to be at Katahdin on August 15-18 and he invited me to stay at his reserved camp site...if I am there at that time. It's amazing the nice people you meet on the trail. The campsite is just to the right of the spring on Blue Mt. Tomorrow I continue the ascent of Blue Mt....ascend Cove Mt. then on to Duncannon and the Doyle. I look forward to a shower.Peace
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Spring 1 mile north of PA 944

To: Doyle Hotel (Duncannon)
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: broken clouds

It was 6:50 AM before I got out of my hammock. I usually like to get an early start....but my body needed the rest. I ate breakfast and broke camp. It was nice not having to walk far for water. It was 8:17 AM before I finally started hiking. I'm near the summit of Blue Mt. and I wouldn't usually stop so quickly, but there is a great view here. There is a rock that has been stacked like a couch. You can lean back and just gaze. If I lived in this area, I would come here often. It's is so peaceful. (at Cove Mt. shelter) I met forest back at the view on Blue Mt. He is a nice man. He got hurt back in Ga so he is back to section hiking. I think his knee is better...he blew me away (which isn't too hard at this point in my hihke). The trail was beautiful today...right up to Cove Mt. The climb was hard, but that is just because I don't have any stamina yet. It's the endless rocks that got to me. I know, I know....PA rocks. They just really slowed me down and beat up my feet. Cove Mt. shelter is nice! It is well built with bunks and a skylight. The spring is running well right now (intermittent spring). It's just so far down from the AT...not distance, but elevation. I've going to rest some more, then it's on to Duncannon. At the top of the trail from the shelter I met Turtle from Boston and Whitey from Alaska. The trail wasn't too bad from the shelter to Duncannon...except for the 'Nose" of Cove Mt. and the rock slide. I think I just needed the rest. I'm at the Doyle...it's a 100 year old Anheiser-Bush Hotel. It's pretty cool. The rooms aren't great, but the bar is nice...and I'm typing my journal on their internet. The people are great.Peace,
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Doyle Hotel (Duncannon)

To: Overlook @ Clarks Valley
Miles today: 13.9

I spent a quiet night here at the Doyle. The bar was shut down early, so it was a nice, quiet night. I woke early - 5:20 am, but have to go to PO @ 8:00 am...so I have to hang around. I really recommend the Doyle, the people are nice & It's very convenient.(At Peter Mt Shelter) today's hike was pretty awesome - if not for the sore feet. There were many views at the Susquehanna River...you could see how far you've hiked. It was a long climb out of Duncannon - but before that I had a quiet breakfast @ the truck stop. I'm beginning to get a little hungrier. The Long Distance hiker hunger hasn't hit yet though. Turtle is here, along w/ bones, Corey and Whitey. Turtle is going down to the spring & she offered to get my water. This is a big deal cause it's "276" or so rock steps straight down. Thanks Turtle!!!! (At Camp) It was tempting to stay @ the shelter w/the other hikers, but that would leave me a long day tomorrow. I packed up & hiked 2.6 miles to a viewpoint at Clarks Valley. I'm going to set up camp & rest.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Overlook @ Clarks Valley

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: scattered clouds

I¢m at Rausch Gap Shelter after a long day. The trail was kind of rocky ¢ but except for one major climb, it was flat walking. My feet are having a difficult time. My right foot has a blister & my left ankle is hurting. Everyone is camping because of the bugs. Senator, Corey, Doc, Turtle, Dad¢s Grin & Wing It are here. The stories everyone is telling are pretty funny ¢ Senator¢s stories can¢t be repeated ¢ just ask him about piercing.Peace,Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Today has been a good day. Once I ascended Blue Mt. the trail was pretty flat. The 1st & last parts of the ridge walk were very pleasant; the middle was huge rocks. I felt lazy around lunchtime, so I took a nap. This hawk kept gliding around above me. Eventually I had to hike some more, so as I walked I would see the shadow of the hawk as he kept watch for several miles. The wind was gently blowing & everything swayed in a gentle rhythm. I saw so many different shades of green. As I approached PA 501, the trail became very rocky once more. This @ the end of a long mileage day was unwelcome. I rested at a beautiful viewpoint over the valley. As I was about to finish the hiking day, a hawk played in the wind, sailing across the valley.I was going to hitch into town & resupply, but wasn¢t having any luck. Eventually someone pulled over & Turtle, Corey & Doc came piling out of the van. They told me everyone was ordering pizza, so I decided to resupply in the morning. We ate pizza late into the night by a campfire. There are tons of thru-hikers ¢ Team vanity, Doc, Turtle, Dad¢s Grin, Senator, Wing it & Corey. The local who gave the guys a ride is back w/his guitar & beer. I had heard of the AT being social ¢ now I¢ve seen it in action.Peace!Shades of Blue
Date: 2005-06-03
From: PA 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: light rain

(Mary hasn't received the journals I sent her from PA 501...she'll update them soon).I woke up to drizzle this morning. I broke camp and headed back to PA 501 to hitch into Pine Grove to resupply. Skip, an environmental engineer picked me up and brought me to a convinence store. I resupplied then went to the Post Office to mail home a few things. While at the P.O. an older man started talking with me, then offered me a ride back to the AT. True trail angels!As for my hike.....it was rainy, rocky and cold. There are some things one must endure to see the beauty of the trail. Today's hike was one of those things. Tomorrow is another day.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a better hiking day than yesterday. The sun was out and while it was rocky, it wasn't as bad as the guide book made it out to be. Senator and I were going to split a room, but it ended up having only one bed and he decided to sleep in the free pavillion and left me the room. I met some AMC hikers and one of them (hiker Rita) is going to give me a ride into and back from Hamburg to resupply.The room has no phone and no air conditiong, although there is AC in the bar and resturant. There is a communal shower and no bath. I'd been dreaming about a bath for 8 days. Still my body needs this short day and maybe my right foot will heal up some. I'm going to try for Palmerton, PA in three days and possibly take a zero day there. There are major rocks (or so I'm told) between here and the PA/NJ border. The people I've met so far have been interesting. I feel better about yesterday because it seems many people were in a funk about the rocks and rain. My body is getting stronger, I just have to take care of my feet. The journey has been good so far and I'm starting to develop my trail routine. It's a little different than section hiking week to week. Resupply takes on a much greater importance and it's hard not seeing Mary. Still, I'm having a good time seeing new things and meeting new people.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Port Clinton

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 15.2
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up early, so I got on the trail by 6:25 AM. The first half of the day was awesome! Cool, misty-then clearing. I took a break at Windsor Furnace shelter, then hiked on to the Pinnacle. The pinnacle has a breath taking view of the farms below. The trail is very crowded with day hikers. The day has really heated up! I have 5.3 miles to the shelter and my place for the night. (at the shelter)This shelter is so cool! It has a solar shower, flush toliet, refridge/freezer with soda and icecream and an enclosed bunkroom. I've showered two days in a row now...I think my body is in shock from being clean. I've been told that the rocks of PA really start just North of here. I guess we'll just have to walk it as it comes.Peace!
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Eckville Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: scattered clouds

My greatest fear in hiking is happening as I write this journal. I was hiking on a "knife's edge" cliff when a thunderstorm approached. My goal was to make it to the shelter before the forcasted storm hit...but I was three miles away. I hiked North as far as I could, but I was on a ridge and there was no way using the AT to get down. I started bushwacking to the left and down. I am several hundred feet in elevation off the ridge, under my tarp in my hammock. The rain is peppering down and there is thunder and lightening all around. The only thing to make it worse would be for close lightening strikes.Up to now, today has been my best hiking day. I was hiking so fast that I nearly kept up with Senator, which is pretty good for only 10 days out. I just kept seeing myself in a shelter...safe from a storm. It has been unbearably hot and I struggled with overheating today. I will definately pick up some gatorade in Palmerton. If it appears that the storm blows through, I will hike on to the shelter tonight. If not, I'll find my way back to the AT in the morning.(at the shelter)The storm let up and I had to climb over boulders and leaf covered holes to get back to the AT. I didn't feel so much like hiking at that point, but they are calling for major storms tonight...so I carried on. Bake Oven Knob was the last mountain to climb and descend before the shelter. It was all boulders! As I was coming down Bake Oven I broke another hiking pole. I've had it with Black Diamond poles. I'm going to have to replace them. The thunder is beginning again, but I'm in the shelter. It's 7.5 miles to Palmerton and my first zero day this summer.Peace!