morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.8

I took a near-o today. I had planned one tomorrow. I saw some Memorial Day activities as I passed a lake. Also some Saturday hikers. When I came to the road leading to Buena Vista I said by golly there is no reason I should not celebrate this special holiday with a big old Coke and a fast food burger. I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and it was affecting my stamina. So in a moment (one of my better ones) I was off the trail and had a hitch the 9 miles into town. And there it was. My heart's desire. Burger King. Sure beats peanut butter on a tortilla while swatting gnats and mosquitos. The AT makes the cheap and lowly seem special. As Footnote was completing his thru hike, started in 2008, a few days ago, I said something that sparked this observation. "After hiking the AT I will never be too cold, too hot, too wet, too tired or too hungry again. I will always be comfortable.". I think he may be right. SL
Date: 2009-05-24
To: View Entry
Miles today: 20.9

Leggs took me back to the trailhead from Buena Vista and the Budget Inn. He thru hiked in 1994. He said the Trail taught him to be kinder and a better friend. He is very proud of his effort and glad he did it. I have talked to no one who is sorry. It was a very steep climb up Bald Knob. Steeper than a stump. No views but the next mountain, Cold Mountain, offered all around views. One area had so much flame azalea that I could smell the fragrance as I walked. It was thick but interspersed among a grove of chestnut saplings still living after decades of blight. The plants looked terrific together. I have a retraction on white trillium aging to pink. I saw some very big and beautiful pink ones today. I think they were all born pink. Approaching Charlottesville, where Cheryl and I lived for a time, I feel I am getting close to home. It was a warm, happy and sad time. It was a family time with many wonderful visits from the kids and grand kids. SL
Date: 2009-05-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.0

Today's hike was a physical challenge. Down from Priest 3000 ft to the Tye River only to go back up 3000 ft to Three Ridges. I needed a long break after that. I actually took several. Along the approach to the Tye River were pretty and thick white mountain laurel. Most has been pink. A gardner with these plants in their back yard would be the envy of the club. I took some pictures but I mostly had my head down trying to make my connection with Tank Commander Brown at Rock Fish Gap tomorrow. I needed to go 3 miles beyond the shelter or a known camp site today to make it tomorrow. At the shelter I filled my 3 liter containers with water for my evening supply and hoped to find a place as night was approaching soon. It was looking pretty bleak along a rocky hillside for a couple miles. Much to steep to balance even a tea cup. Then a spot for a tent right along the trail appeared. Even with my private plantings of Solomon's seal and false Solomon's seal to make me feel welcome. After wiping the sweat from my body with a wet bandana and having a big serving of beans and rice with herbal tea a nice rain came creating a nice library environment in which to post these words. SL
Date: 2009-05-26
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.5

Well I made it to Rockfish Gap by the appointed time. Actually a little early. Tank Commander Brown was there to meet me. Was I glad! It had been raining all afternoon and I was ready for some dry. Dorine had prepared a wonderful shrimp dish for dinner and her usual great green salad. It was a treat for this walk weary guy. I definitely need a break. My plans are to take off 5 days and return to my childhood home in Tennessee to attend my 45th high school reunion. It is coming at a good time to let my body recover. My overall average including the 8 zero days taken is 12.0 miles/day. My average since Damascus, VA includind zero days is 13.4 miles/day. At this higher rate and contined zeros I would top Katahdin on 9/7 given a trail return date of 6/1. This is too agressive I feel but it is good to know I am still in the hunt. I feel good about making it this far. My walk thus far is full of experiences. I especially appreciate all the help and encouragement that I have received. Everyony that knows says the New England portion of the Trail is special. I hope to move that direction and learn for myself starting the 1st of June. SL
Date: 2009-06-01
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.5

The Trail welcomed me back with clear skys, cool temperatures and shallow inclines. The path was easy given the short distance. All body parts felt good. I wanted to start slow for a transition. The break was great with much good food from family and friends from Charlottesville to Nashville to Dover, TN. I could not have made this trip without their help. Last night Dorine Brown asked me how it felt going back to the Trail. My reply, "It feels like going back to work." And it does. Having the comforts of civilization can alter a guy's thinking. But the objective remains the same. All the way to Maine. I can feel the zone returning. My near term goal is to top 1000 miles. That will be my focus. SL
Date: 2009-06-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.8

Note: The previous entry should be dated 6/1. The terrain was gentle and the path was pretty smooth today. It was sunny although I did wait out one shower under a tree. I have not done that since I was a kid. One section today was a tunnel through a witch hazel grove. Coriously this plant does not bloom until November. Maybe some blooms by Halloween. I am camping in the Loft Mtn campground. I was able to shower at the camp store and get a big Pepsi with a Moon Pie. I am now enjoying a bacon cheeseburger and a grilled cheese at the camp restauranrt. I would not mind similar facilities at the end of every day. SL
Date: 2009-06-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.0

The Trail is getting somewhat repetitive. The same is true of my routine. I can understand why hikers have complained about this section. The special almost daily scene is gone. I am finding it hard to maintain enthusiasm. Maybe some homesickness. I am blue today. A conversation with Bookworm helped. He is on his second thru hike. He described New England where the special terrain will return. My old friends are out in front due to my trip to TN. I need to make new ones. Yesterday I aggravated a left heel injury when I hit a rock. I limped considerably yesterday. It still hurts but it is much better today. I am in my tent and the rain and the lighting and the thunder are creating a melancholy weather event. My tent amplifies the feeling. It matches my mood. SL
Date: 2009-06-04
To: View Entry
Miles today: 12.4

What a day! I am feeling enthusiastic again although the weather is dreary, cool and rainy. I was able to talk with Rita this morning after 3 days of no communication. I found a pay phone after getting the tip from a ranger on the trail checking for storm damage and hiker well being. Rita was encouraging and suportive. I also received a couple email notes from my daughter when an accidental signal crept in. I plan to stop and see her and the 4 grand.children on the 9th. That is enough to pull me on through the rain. And 900 miles during the walk today. Yea! That is a lot of walking and I am still standing. I celebrated by having lunch in the rain at South River picnic grounds and using their flush toilet. Later I made it to the Lewis Mtn camp store and had a snack of doritos, eskimo pie, cheese crackers, moon pie, pepsi and a free cup of Starbucks coffee. That is enough to make anyone feel great. It is raining steadily again tonight. I am congratulating myself for once again creating a dry space for my comfort and am thankful for my tent that makes it all possible. SL
Date: 2009-06-05
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.1

It rained continuously today. I was wet all day but still in good spirits. I had lunch at the Big Meadows Lodge. A real lunch in a big stone and wood national park lodge is a great stop for a drowned hiker. A "cowboy" will wear his muddy wet boots anywhere. My next stop was the Skyland Lodge. The same kind of place 8 miles down the Trail. How convenient these stepping stones are in the Shenandoah National Park. I had a great lamb dinner with red wine. Peter and Karen, a nice couple from Connecticut, noticed me and were interested enough to ask me to share breakfast with them to just talk about the Trail. It makes me feel good to see the interest of others in my experience. Experiencing the comfort of a lodge room is a real treat. Being dry and clean will give me the boost I need for tomorrow. I am programmed to meet Janet on the 9th at Sky Meadows less than 20 miles from the WVa line. That will pull me on. SL
Date: 2009-06-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.7

I saw my first bear today while sitting in the Skyland Lodge having breakfast. I traveled over 900 miles of wilderness by foot. No bear. Then while in a nice restaurant with lots of people one ambles in and then slowly moves on. It was a sunny day. I was ready to leave my lodge room at 1030 but decided to stay for lunch at noon because I was still hungry for lodge food. Hence my short day of 10 miles. Gotta feed the hungry beast. About a mile before stopping for my evening destination I crossed the road leading to Luray,VA. Cheryl and I spent our last mini-vacation in Luray in a resort hotel in early 2008. We laughed at the way the locals pronounce the town's name. LOO'-RA'. I had jokingly predicted the pronounciation which turned out to be true. SL
Date: 2009-06-07
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.1

I covered the 7.4 miles to Elk Wallow in less than 3 hours. The prospect of food at the grill gave me the strength and stamina to do it. No elk was sighted but I did wallow in a bacon cheese egg mcmuffin, a sausage cheese egg mcmuffin, a cheeseburger with fries, 2 pepsis, coffee, ice cream, a beer and a banana. Yum yum. I shared a table with Gator, Monkeywrench, Cous cous, Bookworm, The Hulk. They ate similarly. I continued in the afternoon at a slow pace stopping at several overlooks. I did see my first bear while looking for a non-existant spring. He took several bounds. Then out of sight. I did not find the spring consequently dinner was be limited on water. There is always something in the woods that make life less than comfortable. Tonight the black flies are rabid. What do they eat when I am not here? Note: There are new pictures posted giving a representation of my walk from Springer, Ga through Charlottesville, VA. SL
Date: 2009-06-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 22.2

Today the focus was miles. I actually did 20.2. I added a couple to get the sum correct. I now only have 8 to go to rendezvous with Janet, Christian and family. I get to see them and pull a zero. Christmas in June. I am tired. The last 2 miles were a relentless up. It was also hot today. Lots of sweat. That is one of the most difficult parts of this exercise. Imagine mowing your yard with a walk behind mower on a warm humid evening for a couple hours. Then go inside and go to bed without the benefit of a shower. Some adjustments are required to do this. My pull up the hill was rewarded with a nice tent spot,good water, no bugs and a short day tomorrow. SL
Date: 2009-06-09
To: View Entry
Miles today: 6.7

The 6.7 AT miles plus the 1.7 mile connector trail to Sky Meadows state park was an easy walk. I fell in behind two other hikers faster than me as I left the camp site. I made it to the next shelter, 4.5 miles away, in 1.5 hrs. Too fast for me but I was appreciative of their slip stream and glad for my performance. It was giant step toward Sky Meadows. As I exited the woods, the mowed fields and the farm buildings below reminded me of Christina's World. I thought of myself as a soldier returning home. Limping a little and hungry. The farm looks so good. The women folk and the kids have done a wonderful job taking care of the farm and the Yankees have spared it. Finding Janet's car broke my spell. But no Janet or family. I asked a few others and surmised that they had walked out on one of the numerous trails to meet me. We missed each other. Two hours after I arrived they came back hotter, more tired and wetter than I had been with 5 kids, 2 backpacks and a stroller. Their grand plan had gone awry but we were glad to see each other all the same. Christian still had the beer iced in his pack and it tasted grand. The celebration continued on our way home with a hail storm that sounded as if we were being by machine gunned from the sky. I imagined my tent in shreads and reflected on my good fortune and the special effort made by Christian and Janet to welcome me home. SL
Date: 2009-06-12
To: View Entry
Miles today: 13.1

It was a tough day. I did not get back to the AT until noon after spending 2 terrific days with my daughter and her family. The air was humid. The terrain was tough and given the name Roller Coaster because of some fairly steep ups and downs. There was one nice section through an extensive paw paw patch. No need to come back for picking as I saw only 2 sets of lonely fruit. I felt lethargic most of the day. This forced me to stop at the Moore shelter 3 miles short of my objective. I will hope for better days in the future. SL
Date: 2009-06-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 14.1

I really wanted to get to Harpers Ferry today. It was an unrealistic expectation given the 3 mile miss yesterday. The Roller Coaster continued. So did the humidity and I know this aspect will get worse. There are always new challenges. There are also celebrations. I walked the last of the 535 miles of Virginia. Nice to have this big state completed. A little later in West Virginia the odometer rolled past 999 to 1,000 miles walked. Pretty darn good. It has taken 2 months and 27 days. I stopped at the David Lesser shelter and used it for sleeping as the thunder was rolling. The evening brought the rain and the prospect of a short Sunday walk into Harpers Ferry. SL
Date: 2009-06-14
To: View Entry
Miles today: 9.2

Yea! Hapers Ferry. I adjusted my plan and therefore my outlook on my progress. I had a beautiful glide across mostly flat terrain into the historic town and the home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy HQ. I went by the ATC HQ for the traditional mug shot for their 2009 log book. I am thru hiker number 336 to make it this far in 2009. I found Rattler catching up at the computer. I had not seen him since Damascus. We had lunch together at the Cannonball. I purchased a few items at the local outfitter and had my second lunch at the Secret Six Tavern. I am staying in an in-town hostel. Very comfortable and laundry service is provided. I can see the Potomac River from my upstairs and uphill little private room. Happy tourist line the streets. It is a happening environment. In short life is wonderful. I knew I would like this place. More patience getting here was in order. Tired legs forced a decision that my mind was slow to comprehend. SL
Date: 2009-06-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 17.3

I was reluctant to leave Harpers Ferry this morning although I awoke with the sun coming in my little window around 0600. I like the jumble of tin (for real I think) roofs, old brick, the trains, the history, the confluence of rivers, hikers, bikers and the tow path along the Potomac. I tarried to get breakfast walking 2 miles to do so. Overheard conversations lead to an NPR reporter recording a 10 minute interview of me and my experiences on the Trail. Hey, He is doing an AT story so I may be on the radio someday. He gave me a hitch back to ATC HQ. After a bit I completed a short section of the AT that leads to the fire house where John Brown was captured. I tarried some more reading the posted history and watching school groups take in the place. One leader asked me to talk to his kids about thru hiking. They were very engaging and gave me my second interview for the day. My head now swelling and past 1000, I made it across the Potomac and followed the tow path along its banks for my first miles in Maryland. I want to come here again and ride my bike someday. Then into the woods for 14 miles of pretty easy walking by AT standards. I arrived at Dahlgren campground with free shower and flush toilets right on the Trail. Pretty cool. After a few hellos, a group of section hikers from New Castle, Indiana invited me to share their pizza and coke. The perfect end to a perfect day. Trail Magic at its best. I told them the best thing I could do as thanks was to pass their kindness on to others. I have a lot of passing to do. SL
Date: 2009-06-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.8

I left camp this morning and the boys from Indiana with T Toe, another thru hiker. I had never met her before. We talked as we walked. I relearned how intellectual most of these hikers are. The 20 somethings all look like dirty unwanted children to me. But that is usually not the case. T Toe has a degree in education, spent 2 years with the Peace Corp teaching in Somoa and hopes to be a track coach in her local community. You have to look past the dirt out here. Later in the day I was so hungry I walked .3 mile down a steep hill and out of my way to a hostel advertising you could call for takeout. There was no one home in the rambling fairly new house. The sign said COME IN. So I did. I found the phone and a local restaurant flyer. I ordered a double cheeseburger and fries which arrived quickly. It felt kind of creepy doing all of this alone in a strangers house but the taste of food chased away all anxieties. I left money in the box for my 2 cokes and I was on my way. The last 2 miles were hard. Especilly since my planned destination was hidden and under construction. The spring listed in my book was not there. No home, no water, it is getting dark. I am alone and have seen no one for hours. I was able to find water in a ravine. I pitched my tent and made the best of it although all the extra scurrying wasted the energy of a good double cheeseburger. SL
Date: 2009-06-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 19.8

I broke camp late because it was cold and the wind was blowing. I wanted to just stay in my cozy space. I left at 0900 and within 15 minutes Grits from GA pulls up behind me. We broke trail through the snow in the Smokies together. It was a glad reunion for both of us. Grits was motoring today and I needed just that to have any hope of making 20 miles. So I stayed with him. It started raining almost immediately after our reunion and rained the rest of the day. We had the opportunity to stop at a nice shelter 7 miles earlier and not climb a 900 ft hill in the rain. We were both wet and chilled. Somehow we gave each other courage to move on. I was pretty spent. I think we did it on grits and determination. Hummm. He is Grits. SL
Date: 2009-06-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 22.9

A big day today. I went past 1089.15 miles. Half way. Someone had written the numerals with sticks in the 2 track path. There are two possible reactions. Yea! I only have to multiply by 2 baby. OR. You have to be kidding. I have to do the equivalent of what I have done to finish? Ugh. As always the choice is mine. I also did 23 miles. I wanted to get to the hostel where I am staying so I tacked 3.7 miles to my original plan. This place is kind of like the Bates motel. It was a mansion and could be still with care it is not getting. Just slowly creeping into the ground. I am able to shower and wash clothes. It feels so good and ample reward for the extra walk. Cous Cous is here and we are having a great time eating our trail food supper in a kitchen that could prepare food for 50. We are talking trail of course and the stories just keep coming. It has been some experience so far. In many ways only a fellow hiker can understand or appreciate the feelings. And we cannot put it into words. It is a mystery. SL
Date: 2009-06-19
To: View Entry
Miles today: 15.5

My day started with breakfast in a country store by the "Bates" hotel. I was joined by Cous Cous at a sunny picnic table outside. I relaxed as others joined us and left at a late 1030. The path was reasonably flat today until the last 3 miles. Then it was boulder city. The stone henge on steroids. The path through this natural theme park must have been designed by Jeffy of the Family Circus. Normalcy returned and then finally the shelter. Tonight at the shelter we have Walk About and Rock Lobster from Germany. Sir Richard from the UK. Cous Cous and me from the South. A good crew that gets along well. We just all happen to be trying to make Duncannon on the same day. I am looking forward to seeing Rita there and taking a day off. SL
Date: 2009-06-20
To: View Entry
Miles today: 18.2

I arose at 0600 as I had 18 miles to hike. It was raining hard. I ate a bear claw and checked email. Still raining and the other shelter sleepers were doing just that. I slipped back in my bag until 0800 and enjoyed the rain. We finally left around 0900 for Boiling Springs. It is a pretty town built around a small lake being fed from a spring. Folks were out on Saturday morning strolling the park and fishing for rainbow trout right in town. I could see the trout in the clear water. A 4 year old boy explained the whole process to me while his dad listened in amusement. A couple hot dogs and a short rest and I was on my way to finish the 14 miles remaining which were fields of corn and wheat and soy beans. This was a nice change. The fields were separated by creepy woods where the Willobees (family joke) live. I liked the fields but not the woods. There must be a dozen hikers in the shelter tonight. Add Kiwi from New Zealand to the international list. The camaraderie is getting stronger between hikers as we are winnowed down to those who are going to make it. I feel better than ever. Perhaps the fact I am meeting Rita for a day off has something to do with my feelings. SL
Date: 2009-06-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.4

Only 11.4 miles today. Most of the hikers staying at the Darlington shelter the last evening are doing the same distance into Duncannon for different reasons. I am meeting Rita and taking a day off. I start walking at 0730 after an early morning rain to make my rendezvous time of 1300. Monkey Wrench passes me about 4 miles out but I fall in behind him and we have trail conversations all the way to the Duncannon Doyle Hotel restaurant. We make it before noon and have to wait for them to open as it is Sunday. I have a good cheeseburger and fries. It is impossible to get to much of this food. Rita's plane is delayed so I make my way by shuttle to the Sheraton in Harrisburg. I love coming into a nice hotel with gritty boots, backpack with trail patina and a bandana on my head. I act like I am wearing a coat and tie and packing a laptop. The person at the registration desk acts as if I am wearing a coat and tie and packing a laptop. There is something about the snobbery of the registration process at a nice hotel that avoids personal engagement. It should be just the opposite. The more you pay, the worse it gets. There is no snobbery in the trail shelters. I am glad to get clean once again, reflect on over 1100 miles of safe walking and wait for Rita to arrive. SL
Date: 2009-06-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 11.3

After 2 zero days, Rita took me back to Duncannon to resume my walk. I had planned 1 zero. The second allowed for more complete healing including a small blister under a middle toe. One hour per session 3-4 times per week is considered to be an active person. I am hiking 8-10 hours per day, 7-10 days at a stretch. Time for repair keeps me on the trail I believe. Without these days for physical and mental recovery, I would be off the trail. Being able to spend them with Rita made it all the more enjoyable. There was an 800 ft climb out of the Susquehanna valley. The river was swollen and muddy from all the rain. The water under my feet flowed past my old work window in Corning, NY. I will see some of my friends from Corning in a few days. Another special event pulling me on. The climb was pretty easy even with a full pack. After a break for lunch and a respite at one nice view, I seemed to quickly be at my home for the evening. SL