morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-08-05
From: Great Barrington, Ma.

To: Delaware Water Gap, Pa
Miles today: 183.0
Weather: few clouds

It's been awhile trying to get connected. Stopped over night in a very sad motel in New York State. They said they had wifi. Nope. Frustrating. Anyway, the trail has been great. Been hiking straight for 12 days. Since my last entry i've gone thru the rest of Ma., Conn., NY, and NJ.....I'm at mile 896 in Delaware Water Gap, Pa. But I'm paying dearly. 2 enormous blisters. One on each heal. Been hiking on them for 4 days straight. It started when my feet got wet in ny. Maybe it's the first time being wet in my new keen shoes. Duno. Did the duct tape thing and I'm doing fine. Oh, and maybe this zero in DWG will help. Got a million great stories to tell. The people have been incredible. Trail magic everywhere. Near Wingdale, NY, i came around this corner and there was a bag of cookies with the word Alakazam written on it. I shared them with the next nobo that came along. Just so many cool things like that almost everyday. At the AT deli in NY state about 12 of us were sitting outside at picnic tables in the summer sun enjoying food drink and friendship. Someone would leave and more hikers would come along. After eating a bag of chips you'd just head back into the deli for pizza or drinks, or chocolate bars. Just like when you were a kid hanging out with friends at the local candy storeGoing to hit the town and cruise for some fooooood.Also going to try and get some pictures off this phone onto the siteI'll update more tomorrow on my last 12 days.
Date: 2013-08-13
From: Delaware Water Gap, Pa

To: Smith Gap, Pa
Miles today: 0.0

Left Delaware Water Gap needing to hike 143 miles to Duncannon, my next resting point. Rain was in the weather so I called The Mechanical Man, John Stempa to slack pack me 23 miles from DWG to his place at Smith Gap. John took me on a tour of Easton where his wife works at the world famous Crayola Crayon company. We had supper together and I crashed in John's hiker garage. Good choice to stay there cause it poured allllll night. John and his lovely wife Linda have done so much for the AT since they bought their house just to be close to the trail in the late 80's. About a mile passed Smith Gap there is a Spring in their name, Stempa Spring. Thanks for the hard work and effort guys. And good luck to your son's band "Bridge to Know Where". Side note: Funny thing about The Mechanical Man is, when I section hiked this piece of trail in 2000 I hiked a mile down to his house to get water and he drove me back to the trail. 13 years later he's still performing the good deeds. On my way thru the Pa. wilderness and ROCKS I met these 2 ladys. Sisters, Twisted Sisters from Hansport, Nova Scotia. Yep, just across the Bay of Fundy from my home. Turns out, Ellen, one of the sisters knows a good high school friend of mine, Mr.Doug Irvine, trail name "The Duck" that has taught in Hansport for many years. Small world. The sisters have been section hiking the trail since the 90's and will wrap up this section in Lickdale. Ellen has done extensive hiking. 58 days on the Internation Appalachian Trail, West Coast Trail, and our famed Fundy Footpath in New Brunswick. I only hiked with the sisters for 2 hrs. and lost them after my night at the Mechanical Man's house.Stay in touch sisters.
Date: 2013-08-14
From: Smith's Gap

To: Lickdale, Pa
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocks, or as we'd say out here "Ruckin' Fox". I over heard a North Bounder say that he made the rocks in Pa. a game. Just hop over them from point to point. I tried that and it was easy at first but after 3 or 4, 20 mile days it's very tiring. Man, I was so tired I'd fall asleep in my tent reading with my head lamp on and that's why I burnt through so many batteries. North Bounders are getting rather scarce. Maybe one a day or none. Some are talking about climbing Katahdin after it closes using crampons and ice picks, some are saying, "we're just having fun and if we run out of time so be it". And some are talking about Flip Flopping. Stopping in say NY, drive to Katahdin now before it closes and hiking back to NY.Met "Dixie Grits", a very late NOBO warning me about this sign on these rocks 2 days down the trail. "Beware of Venomous Snakes". Take heed, take heed. Sure enough these guys were basking in the sun. Rattlers? I can't tell. I didn't here a rattle. Does anyone know what they are? Funny thing about Dixie Grits is that he said this was his "I'm pissed off I turn 60, hike". Good luck DG.Just found out that these snakes are Copperheads and yes they are venomous.
Date: 2013-08-15
From: Delaware Water Gap, Pa

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! Whipped off a bunch off miles since I last logged in at Delaware Water Gap. Maybe too many. Averaged 20 mile days. Yep! It's injury time again for the old Marketman. Tendons in my left foot/leg. Tendons I didn't even know I had. I was having a great stretch when about noon around Lickdale, Pa my left foot started aching. I even thought about taking a zero in Lickdale. Ya, that's a real name Lickdale. What's this pain? %$#@&* And I was so high after passing William Penn Shelter, the ONE THOUSAND MILE MARK. I slugged it out until 5 pm. That night I planned my injury escape. In seven miles I'd cross a road and call a shuttle and take me to saftey.No cel service, low on food, hadn't seen a soul in 2 days and only 3 Ibuprofen left. Hey, I didn't feel too bad in the morning so guess what? I slugged it out for another 23 miles. Well there was no water until the 23 mile mark. With 5 miles to Duncannon in the morning I felt OK. Staggered in for a jumbo breakfast that I could hardly finish. I finally found my legs after 700 miles but not that hikers appetite they're all talking about. I eat more at home because it is ALWAYS under your nose. Out here I have to carry it and I hate carrying extra weight.As for my recovery?????? I'm taking some time off because I've only had 1 zero since Less, Mass. and I need to reload before the final half. Only 1,200 some odd miles. Tell you more tomorrow.
Date: 2013-08-16
From: Duncannon

To: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 146.8

I'm at the Best Western near the Harrisburg airport on day 1 of my zeros recovering from my foot injury. As you can see I'm icing my foot.My wife Paula was supposed to be flying in today to hike and slack pack with me but things have changed. We decided for me to fly home and drive our car back together to Duncannon to continue the thru hike. This gives me a few extra days to recover from my injury, save cash on renting a car and we can travel down together from New Brunswick, Canada. I'll be off the trail for a total of 6 days. Perfect, because I'm almost half way on my thru hike and this will give me the extra rest for the final piece. Only 1,200 some odd miles. I'm excited to get out of the woods for a few days. It's only been 77 days since I started this quest.Oh, check out my photos, I've added quite a few this morning.
Date: 2013-08-23
From: Duncannon, Pennsylvania

To: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I flew back home on Saturday Aug. 17th and had a wonderful time with my family in New Brunswick. Ate lots of great food including NB lobster, swam in the pool and rested my injured Foot/leg.Mrs. Marketman and I drove back down on Tuesday Aug. 20th to continue my thru hike in Duncannon, Pa. We slack packed together using Trail Angel Mary as our shuttle for 2 days. Great service and value, highly recommend her. The first day hiking my foot/leg injury flared up again. I was thinking, if I have to carry a full back on this leg I'd be in trouble, and isn't this supposed to be fun. Today we hiked on the easiest part of the AT, the Cumberland Valley. Flat cornfields. After 13 miles my leg was in some pain, the bottoms of my feet were just a killing me(they sorta feel bruised) and I was TOTALLY wiped. Hey, this ain't fun. So I'm driving back home and taking the time I need to get this leg better and find my hiking mojo. It may take a week or two, but I have it arranged with Mary to pick me up at the Harrisburg Airport when I've recovered.Yes, it's a downer but if the wheels are falling off you need the time for them to recover. 1069 miles is nothing to be ashamed of and this puppy has DONE the trail to this point. No short cuts, no yellow blazing, every last inch to Boiling Springs. I can sleep with a clear conscience.
Date: 2013-08-29
From: Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania

To: Hampton, NB
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

My last day of hiking, Wed. Aug. 23rd, I was in a great deal of pain. So far I've had a week off and my foot has healed 90%.I don't want to take a chance on it until it's 100%.I will do some test hikes with a full pack and if there is no pain at all I will fly back to Harrisburg in a week.Besides my injuries I was sure I had Lyme disease. One night I even dreamt I had it.I searched the internet and I had it for sure....Head aches, joint pain, very tired, and flu like symtoms. Went to the hospital and I was cleared. I guess I'm just tired after hiking 1,069 miles. I suppose I should feel tired.When I do return to the trail I'll have to cut back the miles from 20's to 13 to 15's. So it takes a few weeks longer, it's the journey not the destination.Congrats to all the NOBOs finishing up at Katahdin. I've only gone half way and feel as if the trail is never ending. Great job!
Date: 2013-09-14
From: Hampton, NB

To: Hampton, NB, Canada
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Here's my current update.It's 3 weeks since I've been off the trail resting my injured foot. It seems 95% healthy.I have one problem. This flu like feeling that has not subsided since the Cumberland Valley in Pa. It's a very, very strange feeling and hard to describe, but I'm very weak, tired with sore joints.I've been to the Emergency Department at the hospital twice. First time I had a physical examine and was told nothing was wrong and definitely not Lyme disease. The second visit the doctor said I had a sinus infection and was prescribed 2 weeks worth of antibiotics with no results. Then I went to my family doctor and was sent in for blood test and x rays. Everything came back fine except we are still waiting on the Lyme results. I do have an appointment with an infectious disease specialist in SIX weeks. SIX WEEKS!!!!!!! That's our good old Canadian system, take a number and line up. My family doctor has given me another course of antibiotics in the time being. Everyday the sun shines I think I could be on the trail doing miles.And everyday that goes by puts me farther from Springer.If I can put together 7 days of feeling good, then I'm back out there.Hangin' in.
Date: 2013-10-29
From: Hampton, NB, Canada

To: Hampton, NB, Canada
Miles today: 0.0

It's been 67 days (Aug. 23rd) since I left the trail in Boiling Springs, Pa.Just could not put enough good days together to head back to the trail this year.Still suffering with severe headaches and fatigue.Been to 5 doctors, the last being an Infectious Disease Specialist.All Lyme tests have come back negative and I'm waiting on the 3rd.Looks like I'm on the fast track for being looked after but as I said in my last post, it's been 6 weeks getting into the specialist.If any other thru or section hikers have experienced any of these symptoms please contact me and we can compare notes.We'll keep you up to date.
From: Front Royal

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 0.0

This is a two day entry because to be honest nothing much happened yesterday. Only thing of note was walking by a sign saying Western Boundry of Colonel John Mosby territory. He was in charge of this area during the Civil War. Mosby's rangers raised havoc on Union forces trying to get a foothold in Southern Virginia during the Civil War. Late yesterday, as well as in various place today, I saw old rock walls that were probably built to hide troops as well as fire from. Most of these walls seem to be protecting springs and streams that they probably relied on for water for stock and troops. Today I did about ten miles of a 13 1/2 mile stretch that is called the "roller coaster." Its a series of ten PUD's about 300' high that are relentless. It was 84 degrees with 90% humidity until 3pm when an hour long hard thunderstorm hit. I'm at Bears Den Hostel which is like an old stone block building built back in the early 1930's as a second home. Now it is owned by the AT and is used as a lodge as well as for conference. I almost walked on by but was persuaded by the fact it was AYCE taco night plus Ben & Jerry's ice cream, shower, and laundry all for $17. There are probably 20 thru-hikers here at this beautiful setting. It was 5pm and I was dead tired from my "roller coaster" ride and I had to make a decision. Ben & Jerry's and Tacos or 4 more miles and ramen noodles with a snickers bar for dessert. These are some of the tough decisions you must make while hiking the AT. Tomorrow I have another 3 1/2 miles of the "roller coaster" and then 17 miles into Harpers Ferry where I will take a rest day.
Date: 2013-03-10
To: Not Rookies Anymore
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This will be our third long trail hike since I retired in 2011. All of our hiking has been in the west, mostly the PCT. In 2011, the big snow year on the PCT, we flip flopped thru California and I finally made it to Canada. Sandy missed a thousand miles due to an injury. In 2012 we hiked another thousand miles of the PCT. We hiked the high sierra in California and state of Washington. This covered most of the PCT Sandy missed in 2011. Yes, I suppose we are spoiled living in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. We have spent over 25 years exploring the trails and meeting hikers from all over the world. We always ask, "how does this compare to the AT?". Well now we are going to find out for ourselves. We hear the AT is an entirely different experience. We are looking forward to the challenge.
Date: 2013-03-10
To: AT vs PCT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Time is flying by. Before we know it we will be on the trail. We both turn 65 years young in June and July. We are reminded of this most everyday when we pick up our mail. Every health care provided has our address and we are bombarded with offers for Medicare advantage plans. I received my Medicare card in the mail so I am officially an old fart. As I mentioned in the last post we have always asked veteran AT hikers how the AT differs from the PCT. The majority think the PCT is harder MENTALLY because of the weather dictated dealines. Deserts need to be hiked early to avoid the heat and take advanage of the few water sources. Can't hit the Sierra too soon because of the snow and river crossings. Must be out of Washington before winter sets in. Resupply is also limited and usually further off trail. PO's are used more for resupply so hours of operation have to be taken into account. One older hiker I talked to had hiked the AT several times and referred to it as a "forgiving trail" because there isn't nearly as much planning involved. There are shelters every eight to ten miles and water at most. Resupply can be done as you hike with towns and hostels every three/four days until the last 250 miles. You don't have to do high mileage because resupplies are closer which also means less weight in food and water. Many AT hikers start in March and finish in October. The majority also stated that the AT is PHYSICALLY harder especially if you try to do it in less than 4 months. Unlike the PCT it wasn't built with well graded switchbacks at no more than 8-10% grade. The AT has more roots, rocks and mud. All stright up and down with little flat. The AT is 75 years old and the second oldest long trail in the US. The Long Trail is the oldest. In comparison the PCT is only 25 years old. Hope to see for myself what the AT is like.
Date: 2013-03-10
To: Less Than A Month To Go
Miles today: 0.0

Sandy has been busy packing up our resupply boxes for the first 1,000 miles. Having packed at least fifty boxes in the last two years she is good at sending only items that are expensive or hard to find in trail towns. Scott, our son, will mail them and be our main supply person. We plan on buying the majority of our food when we get to larger towns. It looks like we will have only ten total for the AT. Buying food along the way will be new to us since we relied solely on resupply boxes on the PCT. We hope it won't be too time consuming so our town stops won't be all resupply and no rest. There are several advantages to drop boxes but the major ones for us are having food we like plus truly being able to get off our feet and rest. Time will tell.The only section of the AT Sandy and I have ever been on is a 16 miles section of the JFK 50 mile race that we ran about 30 years ago. It was Sandy's first ultra and she won her age bracket. JFK is the oldest US 50 mile race. I wonder if we will remember any of it. Probably not a lick.
Date: 2013-03-30
To: Support
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

We are fortunate our son Scott is willing and able to act as our support guy at home. He is doing everything from paying any unexpected bills, checking the mail and mailing resupply boxes. We couldn't do this without him. Disclaimer: My intention is to go back and clean up my journal entries when I get home but it hasn't happened the last two years. I would rather spend my time hiking so this is it, errors and all.
Date: 2013-03-30
To: Goals
Miles today: 0.0

Been spending too much time reading journals of fellow hikers that have started the AT in the last 2 weeks. It looks like the weather on the AT so far this springs has not been kind to the hikers. We hope to bring some California sunshine and heat to the east coast next week. My goal for this year is to be more relaxed and not push too hard each day to get mileage. I know we are going to take more zero days and longer nero days for resupply. We have 14 states to cover and 2,185 miles. Virginia is the longest and W. Virginia is the shortest. Someone asked me about the history of the trail and I really didn't know much. Went to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy site and read the section on history. If you are interested I would recommend this site. One of the "fun facts" I learned was that the total AT elevation gain is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. We will take it one state at a time and hope the old bodies hold up.
Date: 2013-04-04
To: Dahlonega Georgia
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Our good friends Wayne and Chris drove their RV down from Michigan and meet us today in Atlanta. After a stop at REI we were off to the town of Dahlonega where we will arrange a shuttle to the start. Dahlonega is a nice town. Gold was discovered here 20 years before it was discovered in California. It has rained all day so we are hoping it clears tomorrow.
Date: 2013-04-05
From: Springer Mountain (+ .9 mile)

To: Hawk Mountain shelter 
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Today the rain stopped and the forecast is for clear weather for the next five days. Took shuttle to .9 mile from Springer Mt to begin our adventure. About 20 hikers at summit. We signed in the headed North. Trail was muddy and slippery. I fell when I tried to ride a hidden root downhill. We saw several hikers all day and passed by two shelters. One full of boy scouts. We ended up past Hawk Mountain Shelter on a nice campsite. The trail had a few ups and downs but really not too bad for a half day hike. Cold tonight but its not raining. Four mountains tomorrow and then Wayne and Chris are meeting us mid day for resupply. Nice to start with lighter packs.
Date: 2013-04-06
From: hawk mountain shelter (Hightower Gap)

To: Lance creek
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Our days start later than we would like since it doesn't get light until 7:00 am. We have lost a few things trying to pack up in the dark so as a rule we get up at daybreak. We climbed 5 mountains today. Not only was it steep but it was rocky and roots everywhere reaching out to grab your boots. It was a very hard day. The trail itself is very well maintained with well placed water bars. After all the rain the trail was dry. We met Wayne and Chris around 3:30 for a resupply and then headed out another 3 miles. Wayne is running a 50 mile race the end of this month and is running/hiking sections of the trail every day as training. Ran into a second Ridgerunner in as many days. They are hired to hike the trail and provide info and education. Pack out what you pack in needs to be stressed. This is a heavily used trail and we have seen a lot of trash especially in the fire pits. This Ridgerunner hikes all of Georgia, back and forth, during the hiking season. Nice work if you can get it. So far the trail has been a nice change of scenery for us. There are no leaves on the trees yet so the views are great. Only one white flower blooming so far.
Date: 2013-04-07
From: Lance creek

To: Tesnatee Gap
Miles today: 13.4

We camped at Lance Creek with a lot of other hikers, probably the most we have ever camped with. In fact we got the last flat site. There are no shelters close by where most people seem to like to camp. We are trying to stay away from shelters until we are forced into them due to weather. Another 7:30 start with a nice climb up Gaddis Mountain, then up Turkey Stamp, and finally the highest point in Georgia, Blood Mountain at 4,461. There is a beautiful stone shelter built by the CC in 1937. A very rock descent dropped us down to Neels Gap. The trail goes right thru the Neels Gap Outfitter and they sell a ton of boots and gear here. There is a tree outside covered with boots and also the ceiling inside. This is a good place to change out your gear that is not working especially those too small boots. I'm sure they sold plenty of down jackets to the hikers caught out in the ice storm last week. They have good gear and will help you bring down your pack weight. Unfortunately we arrived on a sunny Sunday and the place was packed with motorcycle riders, in addition to the many thru and day hikers. After making my contribution (forgot my long sleeve smartwool)and having lunch with Wayne and Chris we slack packed the remaining 7 miles from Neels Gap to Tesnatee Gap where Chris met us with the RV. Hot dogs and ice cream for dinner and games of dominoes and then off to bed.
Date: 2013-04-08
From: Tesnatee Gap

To: Unicoi Gap
Miles today: 15.2

We tented by the RV at the AT road crossing at Tesnatee Gap so, of course, we had another uphill start to Hog Pen Gap. Later that morning we saw where wild hogs had rutted up acres of ground. The hogs must have gotten out of the pen many years back. The trail this day was the best as far as a great wooded path with gradual climbs and no real steep downs until the very end of the day. We passed two nice shelters and saw a few hikers. An woman fell and hit her head today and had to be rescued by helicopter. The footing is very challenging. Two snakes today, one climbed a tree. Also a large owl. Meet Wayne and Chris at Unicoi Gap and they took us to Unicoi State Park for showers, dinner and laundry in the town of Helen.
Date: 2013-04-09
From: Unicoi Gap

To: Dick Creek Gap
Miles today: 16.7
Weather: scattered clouds

I thought today was our hardest day as we had several PUDs and had three climbs of over 1,000'. PUDs (pointless ups and downs)is a new term we have learned on the AT. The whole morning was void of hikers until late afternoon when we started to see hikers trying to get to Dick's Creek Gap for the 5 pm shuttle to town. We are camped near Wayne and Chris again so enjoyed turkey burgers for dinner and more dominoes. Hope for a good day tomorrow. Big storm coming on Thursday so we will need to get off trail before it hits.