morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-08-12
From: Stealth Site

To: The Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

Well I have made it to 689.8 for my milage.Last night was the worst night I think I have ever had. Shortly after arriving at camp I became sick. The original thought was that I had eaten to much in town and that I would be fine. I did feel fine for about the next 30mins. From 10pm on through the rest of the night I was sick at least once and hour and some times more. Finally morning light was here. I packed my bag up and waited for the others. Lunar hiked my bag for me back to Salisbury about a mile away and helped me find a phone that worked. In a up scale town like itslef you would think they would have cell service. A nice lady that was at the coffee shop took me to her house and let me make a call. My call was to Rob back in Dalton, MA. Just as he had said he told me he was on his way to come and get me. I will rest in Dalton until at least Wednesday and then see if I will be ready to head back to the trail. Others coming North had also been sick so there is something in that stretch that hits quickly and luckily doesn't seem to last to long. Already I feel much better with some rest.
Date: 2007-08-13
From: The Bird Cage

To: The Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

Alreday I feel much better. My energy is still to low to hike though. Today I sat around and watched TV. Started off watching Pirates of the Caribbean 2, which I had not seen before and then moved on to some Baseball later in the day. Thanks to my Aunt Glenda, Aunt Mary Alice and the Parents I will have a Steripen by Wednesday in the Post Office. The pump I have been using did fine but the filter was getting bad and I have had no luck in finding a replacement for it. This could have been why I got sick but there is just no telling. The good thing about being stopped is seeing the people I had passed by earlier on the trail.
Date: 2007-08-14
From: The Bird Cage

To: The Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

Well I have spent another zero day by the TV. Started out watching a movie made by Lion King of 2003 on his Appalachian Trail Hike. The rest of the day passed in a blur. I spent my hour on the computer and then sat around with the new hikers that came in. For dinner we went out to the Old Country Buffet, which was once again awesome. It is nice to be able to eat a good amount again. The group was a large group of NOBO's that I had met at the Hemlock's Lean-to a few days ago. Some were slightly confused at how I got to the Bird Cage. Several had Guitars and also some Harmonica's so we had a nice little Jam Session in Rob's Kitchen. Rob got out his Guitar as well and we all sat around and those that could play, played, those that couldn't sang. Of course we had Baseball games on in the background. You get nothing but the Red Sox up here. Good to here that Bobby Cox of the Braves broke the record for being ejected the most of any other manager in Major League History (132 times!).
Date: 2007-08-15
From: The Bird Cage

To: The Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

If all works out this should end my jolt of zero days. I am itching to get back on the trail and moving. Today's morning movie was Forest Gump. Excellent movie which I haven't seen in a while. Hard to believe it was made back in 1994. The NOBO group that came in yesterday will be back tonight as they went on a 22 mile slack pack today, from Mt. Greylock, south back to Dalton. I should be in Kent, CT by Saturday and then right on into NY. Jersey will follow soon and I look forward to seeing some Bears! I am sure we shall have another music filled night, which I look forward to.-Stayin a.k.a Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-16
From: The Bird Cage

To: The Bird Cage
Miles today: 0.0

Well I will stay one more day in Dalton. I feel great but it turns out the logistics have worked out better to get back on the trail tomorrow. An extra day of rest can never be a bad thing though. Unless you just can't taken in any more movies. Yesterday I watched Last of the Mohicans, Groundhog Day, and Forest Gump. Today due to waiting to see if I would be leaving or not I didn't get in my morning movie.Although I can't upload photos I can sit and listen to music during my hour on the computer. That makes killing time on the computer very easy, thanks to Pandora I hear mostly what I want.
Date: 2007-08-17
From: The Bird Cage

To: Belter's Campsite
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: broken clouds

It feels nice to be on the trail again. I started back out on CT 41, so I retraced one mile but it was an easy one. It was 12:30 when I hit the trail. Energy wise I feel great. The hiking today offered some views and a nice walk along the Housatonic River. There was a small period of rain but nothing bad, still a chance for more. I saw a flock of Wild Turkey's today, first ones I have seen on the trip. Also heard some Canada Geese for the first time. The actual campsite I am at tonight is alright but noisy. Earlier there was what sounded like some motorcycle racing going on, and then the train just finished passing by down in the valley. The steripen worked great today. It is very easy to use.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-18
From: Belter's Campsite

To: Mt. Algo Lean-To
Miles today: 22.5

Well I felt much better today than I have in a while. The wind was blowing around 10-15mph most of the day, which made for great hiking weather. Farsang is not very far ahead so I should catch him sometime soon. I met some NOBO's who had news of the Jolly Green Giant (Zack Green) who I worked with back at school. He has done a flip flop up to Canada and will hike South to Katahdin on the IAT. After chatting for a while I had a nice walk along the Housatonic. That didn't last long though as a nice climb up some ledges awaited me before I made my way down to Kent. I had a great visit to town. I made it in at 5:45 and made it back to the trail by 7:35.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-19
From: Mt. Algo Lean-To

To: Telephone Pioneers Shelter
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: overcast clouds

This morning was a cold start but I finally made my it away from the shelter. The hiking today was pretty good but I was not feeling very energetic (meaning I didn't have to keep myself from running down the trail. Yesterday I had to stop myself from running). I made the first shelter option by 3 and finally came to the decision to push on from there. The rest of the day was a pretty easy hike. I arrived to find Farsang at the shelter. He had taken a detour to New York City via the Appalachian Trail Station. While I hiked I saw several deer, some which got pretty close and also some swallows flying low over the river. Along with being out for two months today I also finished my 5th State. Now NY and NJ are up.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-20
From: Telephone Pioneers Shelter

To: Graymoor Friary
Miles today: 36.5

Today I got a good start. By 10:00 I had already made it to the Morgan Stewart Shelter. Here I met back up with Alpine and Princess Brat. Farsang made his way up shortly after. After a lunch stop later in the day Farsang and I started hiking together again. By 2:20 we had made it 18 miles to the RPH shelter. Here I saw an article with who else but my friend Dan. Since it was early we pushed on. The rain came shortly after. We reached a road crossing where we were able to hudle under a small covered sign and have dinner. We could have camped here but the rain was still falling and we still felt good so we continued to walk. At that point we had made it 27 miles. We walked with the idea of stoping when we got tired or when we reached the Friary as there was a picnic type shelter we could stay under. By 1:00am we were going to sleep at the Friary with our first night hike under our belt.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-21
From: Graymoor Friary

To: Bear Mtn. Bridge Motel
Miles today: 6.3

Of course today we slept in because of our late arrival. By 9:00 we were awake but moving slowly because the rain was coming down pretty hard. At 11:00 we finally made our way out of the shelter. The walking was aup and down with a good amount of rocks to navigate over. Around 1:00 we had made it down to the Bear Mtn. Bridge which crosses over the Hudson River. I had decided at that point that I didn't really won't to walk any further in the rain. Farsang quickly agreed and so we set out to find a good deal on a room. We were both very cold and quickly jacked the temperature in the room up to 80 degrees. This kept us warm and helped to dry our clothes. This is the first hotel and the first time I have given into staying in a town that I wasn't planning on staying at.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-22
From: Bear Mtn. Bridge Motel

To: Econo Lodge, Highland Falls, NY
Miles today: 2.6

Today we took our time getting out of the Hotel so our clothes could have a little more time to dry. Our hike also allowed for many camping options. The morning started off with a hike through the Bear Mtn. Trailside Museums and Wildlife Center. There were plenty of animals and exhibits on Natural Science and History. While heading out of town my knee started to bother me, but I decided to push on and if need be rest the next day in Arden, NY. After the museum we started up Bear Mtn. Farsang pushed ahead as I was moving slowly. After taking the old AT up a section I turned around and came back to the last new blaze I had seen. Coming back down to the road crossing really caused pain. As I came back to the trail and found which way the new trail went I slowly made my way to the top stopping often. Once to the top that was it. I talked with Farsang and started looking for a ride down. I got a ride back down to town and had the parents help me find a beter hotel option.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-23
From: Econo Lodge, Highland Falls, NY

To: Econo Lodge, Highland Falls, NY
Miles today: 0.0

Today a trail angel by the name of Gene took me by a doctor where they told me they found nothing wrong with my knee. Due to the area I had been hiking in and the sickness and now knee pain that I had they could only assume that I have Lyme Disease. As a precaution they gave me three weeks of antibiotics. I personally don't believe that it is Lyme Disease but the symptoms do match so better safe than sorry. I have taken a train from NY back home where I will stay for a few weeks and then make my way back to the trail. Hopefully the knee will get better soon and extra rest can never hurt.-Snack Time
Date: 2007-08-26
From: Econo Lodge, Highland Falls, NY

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Well I have edited some of the daily milages at the begining of the journal so that the total trip milage is more accurate. I have made it to the top of Bear Mtn in NY which is at Mile marker 788.3 so that is close enough to what it says up top.
Date: 2007-08-31
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Just thought I would give a quick update. Since I have been home I got my knee checked out and also got some meds to help it out. Already it feels much better. It looks as though it was probably a minor injury from a twist or sprain in the LCL area of the knee. The cause most likely a slip on a wet rock going down into Fort Montgomery. You always have to watch those rainy days. Speaking on rain, the two months I was hiking up North they recieved little to no rain down south. Now that I am back we have had rain almost everyday. The smallest storm causes the power to go out as well. So instead of sitting in a shelter or under a tarp reading a book, I sit in my bed with my headlamp on reading a book. Other than the night hike Farsang and I did before I got off(pictured above) I believe that last night was the longest I have used my headlamp. My time for returning to the trail has not been set yet but I feel it could be sooner than later. One last bit of info. In the newest Backpacker, Oct 07, there is a small section on Health News(pg 54), the focus, Snack Time. Those of you out there hiking, studies have shown in wildland firefighters that those who snack on sugary snacks every 90mins. have a greater work output. So keep your pace up and Snack!-Snack Time
Date: 2007-09-21
From: Home

To: Bear Mtn. NY
Miles today: 0.0

Well the long awaited return is here. I will be back in action tomorrow starting on the top of Bear Mtn. in NY. While home I have done the best I could to keep occupied. I have finished up all the meds I was on and my knee is feeling normal again. The past two weeks I have gone out walking with my mom almost everyday getting up to 4 miles. Tuesday I made a trip up to Boone where I got to see some friends and go hike on some actual mountains to see how my leg would react. Luckily with about 9 miles of hiking I had no pain. Hopefully that trend continues as I start back.All the folks that I was walking with before are now way ahead and I doubt I will see any of them the rest of the way. Solar, Lunar and their dog Violet have made it down to Virginia. Last I heard from Farsang he was in Duncannon, PA but he should have started back by now I believe. Alpine and Princess Brat I believe are making their way into VA. Don't know much about Tengu, Twisted Sister and Mr. Cowpie but I'm sure they are also down in the VA area.With no other problems it looks like I will be finishing around the week of Christmas. I'm excited about getting back and looking forward to meeting some SOBO's that started later this year. Snack Time is Back!
Date: 2007-10-07
From: Bear Mtn. NY

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 252.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Well I went a good long section with no internet and I'm currently on dial up and there is no way I'm going to attempt to update day by day.I started back on Sept.22 at Bear Mtn. and things went great. My knee has done fine thus far mostly without a brace, as the brace gave me a blister on the back of my leg. I had some major feet problems through NJ. I finally gave up on my boots and walked the 25 miles to the Delaware Water Gap in my Crocs. I hope that I don't have to walk in those through that type of terrian again. At the DWG I got my self some new shoes and they have worked great. My feet seem to be back to normal.I enjoyed stays at the Mayor of Unionville, NY house and at the Pres. Church hostel in the DWG. There have been some nice shelters as well here in PA the Eckville and 501 shelters. In Port Clinton I stayed over at the Ye Olde Backpacker hostel and was able to get a shuttle to resupply so that was great.I have only met four other SOBO's. Smiles is the only one I actually walked with and that was only for a day. I passed Gaiter who is out section hiking she and I know each other from home. All in all other than haveing to worry with where you will or won't find water things are going great. Thanks to the folks that are putting up water reports at shelters and on the trial it helps out alot. If you are out on some day hikes carry some extra water if you can and pass it on to a hiker that may need some. Hopefully I can update more often from here on. I will pass the halfway mark tomorrow. Yesterday was exciting because I got to see my first Black Bear. I'm sure there will be more down in VA but I made it through Jersey with out seeing any so I had to make up for that.Snacktime
Date: 2007-10-08
From: Cove Mtn. Shelter

To: Alex Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 25.5
Weather: clear sky

I realized that I should see even more folks than I did this weekend because a lot of people had today off for Columbus Day. 4-day weekend! Oh well I can¢t complain to much about that. My day today started mostly downhill, and from there I had a long flat stretch through the Cumberland Valley. Through the valley there is only one place to camp and that is outside of Boiling Springs, PA, and just so happens to be by one of the loudest train track I have ever heard. For that reason I pushed my mileage up even though my feet were screaming otherwise. I really wished that I remembered to pick up insoles in Duncannon. One of my longer breaks today was at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy¢s (ATC) regional office in Boiling Springs. Although they were closed for the holiday they had a great water report posted for the section all the way to Shenandoah National Park. Tomorrow I will most likely pass the halfway point for my trip! Maybe some rain on the way too, hopefully that will help the water situation.
Date: 2007-10-09
From: Alex Kennedy Shelter

To: Toms Run Shelters
Miles today: 19.2
Weather: few clouds

I did a really good job of getting up and out this morning, which I really wasn¢t expecting after the tiring day I had yesterday. I topped my water off at the first creek and was on my way to that 1087mi marker. The heat this morning seemed to be worse than the last several days. Normally the morning temps were decent and the afternoon brought the heat. With this morning heat I went through my water quickly. After reaching the top of a hill though, there beside the trail were three 5-gallon (at least) containers of water. With no note, I assumed this was trail magic. I later passed a group so I think it may have been for them but you can¢t leave 15 gallons of water beside the trail in such a dry area. If it was the groups well I hope you didn¢t miss what I took and if it was trail magic well thanks a lot. Shortly after one I reached the symbolic halfway point and then made my way down to Pine Grove Furnace State Park.   This is where the traditional half-gallon ice-cream challenge occurs. Unfortunately for me the store is now only open on weekends. I met a section hiker there named Blue Eyes, so I sat and chatted with him for a while. After a two and a half hour break I finally made my way to the shelter. All day I knew storms were in the forecast and unfortunately they didn¢t won¢t to wait on me to get to camp. As I did with my last threatening storm I started running, of course it was uphill. This time however, I was the victor making the 3.7mi in one hour (couldn¢t run the whole way). In doing so I ran right by the 2007 thru-hikers halfway point, which was at the leaf or stick which was located at 1,087 miles! It rained for quite some time after reaching the shelter!
Date: 2007-10-10
From: Toms Run Shelters

To: Quarry Gap Shelters
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

At some point yesterday I entered the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club¢s (PATC) maintenance area. The trails and shelters thus far have been outstanding. Tonight I am staying at what is said to be the trails best maintained shelter, and I believe that is true. Jim Stauch ¢Inkeeper¢ is the maintainer and he has the area looking very clean and has the added touch of flowers hanging by the shelter. Tomorrow I plan to resupply which is why I did lower mileage today. With that in mind I did take the opportunity to sleep in this morning. It was shortly after 9am when I finally started hiking. You could tell that a cold front had moved through the area, as fall was back in the air. I made it to the next shelter, Birch Run, which was also a great place, by 11am. Here I took an hour and a half lunch break where I met another section hiking NOBO. Hiking and being on the trail alone has become quite normal. I no that soon I will catch up with some folks so I must enjoy it while I can. These shorter days (mileage wise, not daylight) are great because I just get to kick back and watch all that is happening in the woods. As I sit now I do believe from my experience in PA that the Blue Jay is the most common bird here. If not then it sure gets the mark for being the loudest. They seem to be causing a ruckus everywhere.
Date: 2007-10-11
From: Quarry Gap Shelters

To: Deer Lick Shelters
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: broken clouds

PA Rocks! That has been the talk of the trail through PA as long as I can remember. The rocks did slow me down some and do cause more discomfort than normal but my opinion is that they really aren¢t that bad. They do take a toll on shoes though. The pair I bought back when I started PA on the 29th of September already have holes in them. With about 5 more miles left in the State for tomorrow I will be doing more than leaving PA, I will also be crossing that good ole¢ Mason-Dixon line. Officially I will be in the South! I did happen to see two boxes of Grits in the store today as I was resupplying. Tomorrow I plan to jump my mileage back up around the 20-mile range; however, it will be hard with a cold start. Today I made it to the shelter real early and just took a 2-hour nap. These temperature drops will be good to see what gear I may need to think about getting. Rain fell off and on today but never anything bad, which in a way is good because it would have been COLD!
Date: 2007-10-12
From: Deer Lick Shelters

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 22.7
Weather: few clouds

You can tell it is going to be a nice weekend. I have already seen more people today than I have in all of PA. I heard from two SOBO weekenders that this section from Pen-Mar Park to Harpers Ferry was in a recent edition of Backpacker magazine so that should increase the number of folks out here as well. The shelter tonight is filled with some weekenders so I will go off and tent away from the crowd. The weather today has just been fantastic! The wind has been strong which has made it cool at times but that is fine. We got a real good rain last night, but still many springs are dry and barely running. The spring at this shelter is dripping, so it took 5 minutes to fill one quart but I am in no hurry. One thing I have never really figured out is how long my fuel will last; now I know that when I get to Harper¢s Ferry that I will almost certainly be empty. That means the 20oz I brought from home lasted 20+ days. AWESOME!
Date: 2007-10-13
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Today has just turned out to be a great day! Last night it took some time to get to sleep because a group rolled in at 10:30pm and didn't know how to set up their tents. They were probably up talking etc...until 12:30am. Luckily I had gone to bed at 7 or 8ish so it didn't hurt too much be awake for that time period. My first stop came quickly and was at the original Washington Monument. There were some bird watchers on top looking for hawks and we spotted two while I was there. Next I came across a Civil War Battlefield, which was followed by Gathland State Park. This park contains the only war memorial for war correspondents. It was early when I made it to Ed Garvey shelter and already 6 people were in for the night so I decided to push on to the hostel where I could get a shower and tent for $10. I arrived to find that a group had rented the place out but they were not there at the time, so the guy let me in for a quick shower. After getting set up I started cooking when the scoutmaster of the Boy Scout troop also camping out asked if I would like to join them for dinner. My response, "of course." So I ate my family size serving of Mac and Cheese then went and joined in on some Chicken Tortellini(sp?), garlic bread and Apple pie. Absolutely a great meal. Funny thing was that was just for the Scoutmasters. Those evil folks the boys ate what they could cook which was hot dogs. I am catching up to some SOBO's and it is great being back around Harpers Ferry. I was here 5 years ago on a 50 mile hike. The same terrain I just covered in two-three days. SO a BIG THANKS to BSA Troop 265.