morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-05-28
From: Annapolis Rocks, MD

To: Raven Rock, MD
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

While we were hoping for an early start from Annapolis Rocks, we were a bit tuckered and got a later start than desired. By the time we had breakfast, refilled water at the spring, used the privy and broke camp, it was already 9 a.m. We started up the blue blaze trail to the AT. Mercifully, it wasn't as far uphill as we thought and soon we were cruising on relatively flat trail.Within the hour the nice smooth flat trail gave way to the Maryland Rocks. The trail had become a small boulder field and we were hoping from rock to rock. Falling wasn't an option as both sides of the trail were home to lush growths of nefarious poison ivy. Good thing we had two hiking poles as we often needed both to maintain balance. Our former rock climbing and chess skills also came into play as we often had to plan three and four moves ahead.Shortly after emerging from the cursed rocks, we spied a solo male southbound hiker. "Greetings, friend!" we hailed. "Top of the morning to you!" came the reply. As our new acquaintance drew near we were surprised to discover "Buzzy", a very senior citizen. Buzzy was hiking with two friends, one of whom was 62. Buzzy stated that he had section hiked from Springer Mountain, GA to Harpers Ferry, WV back in 1996 when he was 74. He was now 87. Dumbfounded, I asked the group to pose for a photo. I warned the threesome of the rocks ahead and we wished each other well.Our last climb of the day was up Raven Rock. Earlier we had thought we had already started our ascent, but had hiked up and over a very steep hill before Raven Rock. Sometime around 8 p.m. we staggered up and over raven Rock looking for the promised blue blaze to the shelter and water. The side trail soon appeared and the sign stated that the shelter was about a half mile down the hill. Nope. Not doing that. Just down the trail was an open area and a group of hikers. Since it looked like plenty of room for both I asked if they minded my hanging nearby. Turns out it was a scout group headed south from PennMar park. They were more than ready to share the space. I set about fixing dinner while I caught my breath and regenerated enough energy to hang the hammock and tarp. After a quick dinner, we made camp and turned in. As we were feeling a bit exhausted and worried that we may have set ourself up for heat stroke,we asked a scout leader to check on us before their bedtime and before departing in the morning. Around 9 p.m., the scout leader checked on us and we replied that we were "OK".Thus ended the fifth day.
Date: 2011-01-15
To: Preparation
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Preparing for May 2011 section hike from Delaware Water Gap (DWG), PA to Greymoor, NY. Since I can't finish PA in two weeks and there are no easy solo hiker access points before DWG, the best solution is to resume at DWG and save the remainder of PA for another year. This enables us to complete NJ and half of NY.The basic plan is to Greyhound to NYC and take a Poconos bus to DWG. Return is by commuter train from Garrison Station (Hudson Line). May stay overnight in NYC at a hostel before Greyhound home.New gear for 2011 includes an Ursack. We got tired of wasting time bear bagging every evening. The Ursack should be a noticeable improvement. We also will likely trade our heavy tarp for a lighter version and hopefully drop a pound or more.In the mean time we have started a new @section_hiking Twitter account to go with our Section Hiking the Appalachian Trail blog.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Little Rock, AR

To: Delaware Water Gap, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Arrived in New York City about 2:30 p.m. Martz Trailways ticket counter is located next to Greyhound in the Port Authority building. Bought a ticket to Delaware water Gap departing at 3:15 for $34.95. Made a quick stop by the United Service Organizations (USO) office located two floors above the Greyhound ticket office. Discovered the USO does not offer a baggage storage closet due to security rules. Also, one cannot take any pictures in the Port Authority. We walked over to the other side of the building and downstairs to catch our Martz bus. The bus arrived at Delaware Water Gap, PA a bit after 5:00. We took some time to pull our pack our of its travel duffel and reconfigure the pack for wear. We followed the highway back to the exit ramp and visited the two service station/convenience stores. We bought a bottle of 12 oz. HEET (alcohol stove fuel) at the first gas station. We headed down the street towards the center of town passing the bakery, a restaurant, and the outfitter, all of which back up to Cherry Creek. We headed up the hill towards the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in search of it's famed hostel. We found Ryan, a thru-hiker already at the hostel and the hostel unlocked. Joy! We did not have to implement plan B, which was to hike 2 miles south and up Mt Minsi to stealth camp.
Date: 2022-01-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This is the section. Springer Mountain, GA to Damascus, VA. 470 miles.With a mid-April start date, Megabus ticket in hand and my shuttle to the Amicalola Falls coordinated, this year's section hike is falling into place.I have swapped out my vintage 5 pound backpack for a modern lightweight 65L pack. Base weight today is 20 pounds with 7 pounds of food and fuel, plus water. I'm using LighterPack to work on shaving off a few pounds to be between 17-18 pounds base weight. For those curious about my gap in TrailJournals.com entries, I dislocated a knee cap in late 2013 and then broke the same leg two years later. I most recently had a heart attack in mid-2021. I've spent considerable time in rehab working to regain my ability to backpack. Training for this year's extended hike has been progressing well. (OK, I did try to break an ankle a few weeks ago, but that too is healing nicely.) I look forward to meeting and traveling with this year's class. Many of you late starters will be passing me by.
Date: 2022-05-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

When Judy and I decided last fall that we would return to the trail this year, I was not overly concerned with preparing for the adventure. After all, I had 500+ miles under my belt and all my gear, so I felt confident the planning would be a matter of picking a start date, loading the backpack, arranging for pup-care during my absence, and hitting the trail.That attitude was a cross between naivety and arrogance and didn¢t account for my indecision about whether to go with lightweight gear or my tendency to over commit my time. It was after the new year when I decided to make a to-do list, which evolved into lists, which evolved into multiple lists with sub-lists. It seemed I replaced every item that was completed with two or three more new items. And here I am, the night before heading to Marion to meet Judy, trying to set up this trail journal.  I'm exhausted before I even take one step on the trail.
Date: 2022-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Good morning!  Today is a travel day.  I will meet up with Judy in Marion and, together, we will do a shake down to try to lower our backpack weights.  I¢m hovering at the 30-pound mark, and I would prefer it to be at the 26 or 27-pound mark.  It¢s amazing to think our necessities can be reduced to under 30 pounds.  I am thankful that it is my choice to live out of a backpack and that I can decide when I want to return to the comforts of a real bed, daily shower, and a TV.  Not everyone has that luxury.God is good!!
Date: 2022-05-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I wrapped up a visit with two of my grandboys this morning, having already seen my other grandson two days ago and my granddaughter a week ago. Seeing them and, more specifically getting their big bear hugs, was a perfect send off. Nothing in the world compares to hugs from the grands. It is my hope that, one day, one of my grandbabies will take a backpacking trip with me. Time will tell.Until then, I will continue to chip away, section by section, at reaching the ultimate goal of completing the AT, and tomorrow will be the start of the VA to WV section. I met up with Judy today in Marion, she arrived 15 min before I did. After a late lunch, we started the shake down--eliminating unnecessary weight from our backpacks. Success!! We each managed to reduce our backpack weights, though at the cost of removing some comfort items, i.e. a pillow (lightweight blow up pillow).The shake down is one more thing to check off the to-do list. We still have more items to check off the list tomorrow before hitting the trail. What absolutely needs to get done, will.Before closing this entry, I want to thank all of my amazing family and friends who responded to my fb announcement about our adventure. Your prayers and messages of encouragement and support mean the world to us both.
Date: 2022-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

It's hike day!! We both woke up at 6, partly out of habit, partly out of excitement to begin our journey. Our first stop will be the post office. We each prepared a box of food and various items, e.g. bug spray and TP, to send to ourselves at a hostel where we plan to stay 100 miles up trail. After the post office stop, we will drive to Atkins, where we will park our cars at the home of a former AT thru hiker-turned shuttle driver/car custodian/trail angel and now friend, Rambunny (AKA Carol). From there, Carol will shuttle us to the trailhead, where we will officially start our journey.  Of course rain is in store for the entire week. Ugghhh.I'll submit this entry now while I still have an internet connection.  No guarantees on how often I will post updates, but keep checking!!'Til next time...
Date: 2022-05-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well... things didn't go quite according to plan. Our trip to the Post Office apparently threw a wrench in Rambunny's (our shuttle driver) schedule, and instead of getting to the trailhead mid morning, we arrived after noon, only to realize i left my trekking poles in my car, which was now parked at Rambunny's property, 15 min away. Upon returning to the trailhead after retrieving my trekking poles, Judy greeted me with a suggestion to consider sheltering here due to the late start and based on reports of slippery, rocky, terrain up trail from hours of steady rain. As much as I wanted to start hiking, I reluctantly conceded, and we spent the.night at the shelter. It was a good decision. The steady rain turned into a marathon downpour, lasting the afternoon and through the night, finally subsiding around 3 am. Not how I had hoped to start out, but we'll keep on trekking.
Date: 2022-05-24
From: Partnership Shelter

To: Chatfield Shelter 
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: overcast clouds

We left the shelter at 8 am, figuring we could take our time and enjoy this section, given it was only 7 miles. We took our time, for sure--10.5 hours--to go 7 miles!!! Never in my wildest imagination did I think it would take that long, but soon after we started, we were met with an intense vertical climb on a trail that was nothing but rocks, and we knew that, if the terrain continued this way, we were in for a long, tough day. It continued. A 7-mile torture trail.Complicating matters, and further delaying our progress were: the rocks were slippery from the previous night's rain, equipment adjustments, crossing 3 rushing streams (fed by the rains), snack/lunch/breath breaks, and photo ops.Yes, juxtaposed against the harsh, punishing terrain were the soft, vibrantly colored rhododendrons, honeysuckle, magnolias and lush green ferns of the forest. No one can convince me that this wasn't a gift from God, to remind us that we may have to go through rough terrain to see the beauty on the other side. Once his non techie person figures out how to attach photos, I will post them. The shelter was finally in sight, as was a raging "stream." As i stood at the bank, trying to decide which rocks to hop, I see a hiker approaching. I offered to let him go by. He said, no, I'm here to help you cross. Are you kidding me??? I was so grateful for his outstretched hand. He and his buddy were more than gentlemen, they were our trail angels, even helping us hang our bear bags (no easy task) and refilling our water bags for us. Thank you Stallspeed and Sky King. I regret not getting your pics for this post, but hope you know how much Judy and I appreciated all your help. Best of luck in reaching Katahdin!!!
Date: 2022-05-25
From: Chatfield 

To: View Entry
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: broken clouds

After a good sleep, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with our shelter mates, Sky King and Stallspeed, and the sole tenter, Bearsnack.I had first met Bearsnack at the previous shelter and immediately recognized her German accent. I greeted her and introduced myself in German, and she graciously engaged with me until we reverted to English, due to my limited conversational German skills. Coincidentally, Bearsnack's true name is Sonja, the same name as the woman who is helping me improve my German via weekly phone chats. Vielen Dank an beide Sonjas fuer eure Hilfe!Clearly, one of the many joys of being on the AT is the people you meet--its a special community of people, some of whom become lifelong friends.Breakfast done, we packed up and hit the trail. After yesterday's experience, we were expecting more of the same rocky, wet terrain as the previous 7 miles but were pleasantly surprised with the smooth trails with only mild ascents and descents. We crossed several more streams, which I gratefully accepted as a minor annoyance, and were on our way to significantly improving our pace. That is, until Judy's face had a close encounter with the ground. Falling is not uncommon on the AT or any other trail for that matter. Even on what appears to be the smoothest path, a root could be hiding under leaves, a rock could blend in with the dirt, or your trekking pole could catch on a vine. Any of these could catch a hiker off guard and bring him or her down in an instant. Many times, it's a matter of picking up, brushing off, and continuing unscathed. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for Judy. She injured her finger/hand and was in significant enough pain for her to decide to seek medical attention.Rambunny to the rescue! She met us at a road crossing and drove us to the hotel, where I stayed, then she dropped Judy off at the hospital. Several hours later, Judy returned to the hotel with a neatly taped fractured pinky.We'll return to the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2022-05-26
From: I-81 and Rt 11

To: Reed Campsite
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: overcast clouds

A storm interrupted phone service, and we were not able to contact Rambunny to return to the trail. Thankfully, we learned of Marion's Lynx shuttle and were able to get a ride to where we left the trail. We were both happily surprised to see Sky King and Stallspeed rejoining the trail after a night's stay at a llama hostel. After photo shoots by the white blaze on the underpass at I-81 and Rt 11, we hiked together through cow pastures and easy terrain before our first "climb" of the day, a stile, the first of many ro come. Stiles are ladder-like structures that straddle barbed wire or pasture fencing; they allow the hiker access to the trail while keeping the livestock from escaping. We continued hiking together for a short while before the guys broke speed, and the gap between us grew until we could no longer see them. We reunited with them at the tent site, after a total hike distance if 7.2 mi, just in time for the rain. Nothing like a torrential downpour to complicate tent set up, meal prep, and restful sleep. It rained all night and, although it stayed dry under the tent, we had no choice but to pack our soaked, muddy gear before hitting the trail again.Looking forward to a sunny day and a place to spread out to dry.
Date: 2022-05-27
From: Reed Campsite

To: Bear Garden Hostel
Miles today: 6.2
Weather: light rain

Soon after starting our day's hike, it became apparent to Judy that she was in for a slow, painful journey. Perhaps some residual effects of her recent fall: perhaps a pulled muscle from trudging through the slippery, muddy trail.  Regardless of its origin, her pain was, at times, immobilizing. It was clear, we would need to shorten our distance goal. We exited the trail at a road crossing, where Judy arranged to be driven three miles to the Bear Garden Hostel: i was grateful that she had taken my tent with her in order to spread it out, rinse it off, and hang it out to dry, since i opted to hike to the hostel, rather than ride with her. Of course, i had no clue the winds would pick up, and the skies would open to dump more rain on my already drenched gear, midway to the hostel. After climbing a few wet stiles and a close call with a falling branch, I reached the hostel, where a shower and warm bunk house did wonders to improve my mood. A clothesline at the hostel, a little sunshine and strong wind gusts helped to dry things out before it was time to leave again the next morning.
Date: 2022-05-28
From: Bear Garden Hostel

To: Chestnut Knob Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Judy shuttled to Rambunny's to pick up her car. She drove herself to the hospital for additional consultation regarding her injury, with the expectation she would not return to the trail. I hiked on. Ten hours, and 11.4 miles later, I reached Chestnut Knob Shelter, a beautiful cabin-like structure atop the mountain with grand views of the valley below. It was a struggle to get there. The elevation, terrain, and sparse water sources drained every ounce of energy from me. I was really dragging the last two miles. With a half mile still to go, I was parched and completely out of water. At that moment, along comes "Walmart," whom I met at the Bear Garden Hostel, and he gave me his last drop of water, which was just enough to carry me the rest of the way.  God heard the groanings of my spirit and provided!!I was grateful to finally reach the shelter and record my first double-digit mileage day. I thought of Judy, thankful she made the brave and wise decision to stay behind.
Date: 2022-05-29
From: Chestnut Knob Shelter

To: Jenkins Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise. It made me think of the song "Nobody Loves Me Like You Do" by Chris Tomlin: "Morning. I see you in the sunrise every morning. Its like a picture that you've painted for me. Love letter in the sky..." How can i manage to be awake early enough to see the beautiful morning sky and still be among the last to leave camp. As hard as i try, i cannot seem to do everything i need to do in under two hours. I was not overly concerned, though. I was still leaving earlier than yesterday, and the distance to the next shelter was a little shorter than yesterday's trek.My confidence quickly waned when only a few miles into my hike I realized I had not seen a white blaze, the marker that tells hikers they are still on the AT, for quite awhile. Sure enough, I went off track. 45 minutes later, after a total 1 mile detour, I was back on track, only to learn that the downhill stretches, where i normally can pick up my pace, were basically rock scrambles. Unless one is part mountain goat, the best and safest approach to the rock scrambles is slow. My trekking poles guaranteed a slow speed, as they kept getting caught in the rocks. I was glad to get through the scrambles without breaking an ankle.A road crossing at the bottom of one descent offered a great rock on which to rest. Waiting there were gallons of bottled water that a very kind soul left for hikers. It was nice to replenish my supply without having to take the time to filter it, and even nicer that I knew it would carry me to the next shelter. During my short break, other hikers came down off the mountain. We chatted and before hiking on, "Doin' it" gave me an exuberant pep talk, convinced she would see me at the shelter before nightfall.I rolled into camp at 9 pm, to the welcoming cheer of "Doin' it" and a relieved look and greeting from Stallspeed.  Too exhausted to eat dinner, I spread out my sleeping bag in the shelter space that Stallspeed saved for me and promptly settled in for the night.
Date: 2022-05-30
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: VA 615/ Laurel Creek
Miles today: 4.5
Weather: clear sky

Judy left Bear Garden Hostel and headed for the town of Bland where, after 4.5 miles on the trail, I met her at a road crossing by Laurel Creek. The original intention was for us to have lunch together before I continued hiking, but Judy enticed me to call it a day with an offer to pay for a night at a hotel in Bland as an early bday gift.I was surprised to see Half Shell and his Dog Indy in the car when i met up with Judy. She had graciously shuttled Half Shell and his dog Indy, from the Bear Garden Hostel. Half Shell was taking a zero day to rest an injured foot. Later in the day, Blossom joined us after her hike, and Judy drove us all to dinner in Wytheville. It was a relaxing day.
Date: 2022-05-31
From: VA 615/ Laurel Creek

To: Us 52
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: clear sky

Leave it to me. This section of the trail was the easiest to date, yet i still managed to fall. I was actually standing still, contemplating whether to go over or under a tree that had fallen across the trail. As soon as I took a step forward, I found myself on the ground; my gaiter was caught on a stump. I had to take off my gaiter to free myself from the stump, and I had to take off my backpack in order to stand up.  Decision made--i would go under the obstacle, since i already had my backpack off. The rest of the journey was uneventful and, despite smothering humidity, i was pleased to complete the 7 mi stretch in 4 hrs 15 min.I met Judy at US 52, and we drove to the Weary Feet Hostel. This is the place to stay, if you're really hungry!! For a modest fee, you can buy dinner (and/or breakfast) and get enough food for an army. It's a beautiful old farmhouse with good resupply options and a very friendly, helpful crew.  Tomorrow we head to a hostel in Pearisburg, VA, where we both sent resupply boxes to ourselves before starting our hike. We will likely take a zero day so Judy can get proper medical attention and make a decision about returning to the trail.
Date: 2022-06-01
From: Weary Feet Hostel

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We picked up Stallspeed at Trent's Grocery store and took him with us to Woods Hole Hostel. This hostel was voted the best on the AT by hikers. It offers different types of sleeping accommodations, from basic pitch-your-own-tent, glamping, bunk house, and private rooms. They offer free yoga classes and a variety of games and reading material for self entertainment. All natural foods are available, including home made smoothies, bread and cheeses. Breakfast and dinner are hearty farm-to-table, home made meals.There is a distinct communal vibe, with hiker participation in meal prep and clean up.Neville, the proprietor, is a down-to-earth, helpful person with a positive outlook. Her staff, particularly Tumbles and Nick, are top notch!