morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2016-05-22
From: 861.3

To: 881.3
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is Monday, day 60. I am currently at mile marker 881.3 (black rock gap, Shenandoah national park). I covered 20 miles today. This morning Chrissy brought Conductor and myself to our starting point and we both did a flip flop hike today. Meaning we walked south on the trail back to Waynesboro. We did this due to the weather and this allows us to stay in the motel one more night while still making progress on our miles.   Tomorrow (Tuesday) both of us will shuttle back to our starting point and walk north. I am a bit concerned about a foot issue. Today... On a flat trail... All of a sudden I had a very sharp pain in the top of my left foot. Enough to make me stop /-- try different things with my laces, foot strike, etc... I made my miles and I am now putting ice on it. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I wake up tomorrow and it feels better. As for the hike today... Even though it did rain, it was not much. I love doing a flip flop hike to see folks in front of me. I saw some hikers that Chrissy gave trail magic to. I also saw, Layers, Elle, Chrome, Astro... All hikers I have met in the past. Tomorrow, if my foot feels ok, I'll leave the hotel around 10, with Conductor. The plan is to cover about 13 miles. Oh, I almost forgot. Chrissy did more trail magic today, before she left. She gave Soda Pop and Skittles a ride back to the trail head. Then she came back and brought Conductor and myself to our trail head. She is a great Trail Angel ! Shout out to two nephews: Joe and his wife Sydney... Any day now... A baby girl. And congrats to Brad and Courtney... #4 on the way. Thanks to all who have sent me messages regarding some possible trail magic as I continue to move North. I look forward to meeting you guys along the way.
Date: 2016-05-23
From: 881.3

To: simmons gap
Miles today: 16.0

Today is Tuesday, day 61. I am at mile marker 897.3 (Simmons gap). I covered 16 miles today. Conductor and I got a late start (11:30) because our shuttle guy did not show so we had to secure a back up ride to our starting location. Oh well... As Woodchuck said... Patience! The hike itself we pretty calm. We passed Loft Mountain campground and I was able to purchase a coke and some cookies as a late afternoon snack. My foot feels fine. I did add tape to the top and pulled it up to my shins. I'll keep that on... And hopefully the issue is resolved. We were trying to find a good stealth camp sight about a mile north of pine field hut but there was nothing around. When I came to the gap I saw a ranger pulling out of an area that has a ranger station. I flagged him down and asked if we could camp On their grounds next to the office. He said ok and if anyone ( in the morning) questioned us.. He told me to say, "ranger Matt said it was ok to camp here". Thanks Ranger Matt!! A father and daughter, Scott and Catherine joined us. They are out for a 5 day hike. She just graduated from VA Tech and she wanted to hike with her dad as a graduation present. SWEET!!Conductor also keeps a trail journal so you guys can follow him as well. He is shooting for Front Royal, VA on Saturday afternoon. His wife will come on Sunday and stay a week. She will help him slack pack and do other logistics for him. We will probably hike for a few days together. Well, we don't hike together. Our pace is different. But we will aim for the same stopping points each day for about a week. It is Wednesday morning...5:30. I am getting ready for the day. Looking at a 17 mile day. I slept really well... On a nice piece of grass by the ranger station. A big bonus... There is a faucet on the outside of the building that I can get my water. And there is a trash dumpster ... Yippie... I can throw my trash and not carry it! Ahhh... Again.. Simple things!! I have had my breakfast. Protein bar dipped in peanut butter, a few bites of cheese. I have packed my morning and lunch snacks: pop tarts, spam, meal replacement bar and peanut butter. Ok. I will hike today. Oh... Foot still feels good.
Date: 2016-05-24
From: simmons gap

To: lewis mountain campground
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is Wednesday , day 62. I am at Lewis Mountain Campground, mile marker 915.1. I covered 17.8 miles today. Yep-- I am over 900 miles!!I passed high top hut and baldface mountain. The weather for the last two days had been beautiful. They are calling for rain tomorrow. Today I was up and hiking at 6:45. I made it to the campground at around 3. I took a coin operated shower ... $1 for 5 minutes. Outstanding !! Then I washed clothes... Yippie. All in the camp store. I also had a pocket pizza. A honey bun. A bag of chips. And now a beer. My tent is set up... Conductor is also here and he too is munching down . My hike today was uneventful but I did have some very nice views of the mountains. I struggled big time in deciding to stop at the campground. I still had some daylight left and gave a lot of consideration to walking 9 more miles. But, listening to my head and NOT my stubborn side... And talking to Chrissy... I decided 17.8 miles was good enough. I think if I had continued I would have regretted trying to put in too many miles. Anyway... I am now set for the day. I hope to rest well. I do have a big mileage day set for tomorrow ... Just trying to set myself up for Front Royal arrival on Saturday or Sunday. I met Hong Kong Eddie and Steve on the trail. Steve is a thru hiker and Eddie is here for 2 weeks. I cannot even imagine being in a foreign country ...attempting to do this hike. Not that the trail is any different. But everything involved...especially Language. Both of them are so gracious ... I have enjoyed chatting with them. My foot felt good today. I hope that continues. I have thought a lot lately about what my journey is about. Those thought change from one minute to the next. Sometimes I am thinking... Ok, I've walked enough.. I think I'll call Chrissy to come get me. Then I can see myself continuing to walk... Because I am not ready to stop. I see myself reaching Harper's Ferry... And reevaluating what I am doing. Bottom line... It changes (my thoughts) all the time. And, I know I am not alone in my thoughts. What I do know is... My heart wants to reach Maine but I also know that regardless of where my journey ends... It is all good. Today my nephew, Joe and his wife Sydney welcomed their baby girl, Tatum to the world today. Congrats guys!!
Date: 2016-05-25
From: lewis mountain campground

To: mile 941.2
Miles today: 26.1
Weather: clear sky

Today is Thursday, day 63. I am currently at mile marker 942.2 (Thornton Gap, Luray, Va). I covered 26.1 miles today. Tooooooo many miles but when Dr. perky said he was going to a hostel in Luray...my mind flashed to: clean clothes, a shower and possibly a Mexican restaurant... My "wants" over ruled my mind and the fact that that is too many miles for me. But.. Here I am ... Showered, clothes in the wash and I have already eating a good Mexican meal and it is only 7:30!But man do my feet hurt!!!This is how my day went: up at 5 .. Tent down, breakfast, lunch packed, water bottles filled and walking by 6:01 .   I knew I had about 8 miles to walk before coming upon Big Meadows Campground . I knew they had a store and I decided...I'm having a cup of coffee!! I got there around 9:30 only to discover the store was 1 Mile off the trail. Not a big deal if you have a car but by foot... That means 2 miles round trip. NOT HAPPENING! But, as I walked by the camp sight I asked a couple if they had an extra cup of coffee... Answer : No but we will be happy to take you to the store !! I was in the car with Millie, their dog , in 30 seconds!! Got my cup of coffee and was walking again.. All within 30 minutes. I ran into Dr. Perky when I was 13 miles into my hike. I have know him for about 3 weeks and we see each other on and off. He told me about the hostel in Luray... And that was it... I was going to do 26.1 so I could shower and wash clothes. But back to the hike. At 1 we crossed the skyline drive and saw Skyland restaurant. We walked in... Not smelling or looking like the best customers but... We had money !!! We bought cold drinks, salads, sweets and more cold drinks. As the temps are changing I find I can't drink enough. After the treats it was time to cover miles ... Dr Perky stopped dead in his hike and said... Did u see that? What?? That bob cat!! Are you kidding. I did not see anything! He asked... How many bears have you seen? Me, none. How about you? I've seen 8!!! What... Heck all I have seen are deer and squirrel ... And I see those at home all the time. Oh well, maybe I'll see something exciting later. We completed our hike at 5:15 and the hostel owner, Allyson was waiting for us at the trail head. A short 10 minute ride and we had arrived. After a shower and picking out my loaner clothes (see pics) we were off to get dinner at the Mexican restaurant. I'm very tired and don't think I'll start hiking until 9 or 10 tomorrow. I am sharing a room with two section hikers. Two guys.. 65 and 77. I hope I am still moving like them at those ages. Ok.   Good night. I think I'll hike tomorrow. Just not that many miles. !!!!
Date: 2016-05-29
From: Mile marker 977.3

To: mile marker 985.5
Miles today: 8.0

Today is Sunday, day 66. I am currently at mile marker 985.5, I did 8 miles today.   I was going to take a zero day but when Chrissy said she was going to the trail to hike with Sammi while I rested....I could not stand the thought of not joining them. Soooooo....I decided to do a NERO day. (nero is anything 10 miles and under). Chrissy brought me to a drop off point and then she drove south and walked towards me where we met halfway and then hiked in together. The weather was cool so it made for a very pleasant day. And, knowing I was doing a total of 8 miles put my mind at ease. As we came down the mountain and over the last footbridge I was trying to make sure Sammi did not walk towards the lady I saw standing on the side. I wanted Sammi to get into the creek to wash off the mud she had gathered on the trail. Little did I realize that the "lady" standing on the side was, I Believe !!! And, her husband, Mr. Jimmy was in a hammock relaxing. Chrissy crossed the bridge after me and she said, "Amy, look who it is!" I turned and it was then that I realized it was, I Believe and Mr. Jimmy.   It put the biggest smile on my face. They made a special stop on their way back home to see me at the trail head. They knew I was on the trail as I had answered a text that Mr. Jimmy sent me earlier in the day. Little did I know he was doing that...to figure out where I was so they could come see me. Wow... how special is that!!! We sat and chatted for about an hour and then they had to hit the road. "I Believe" gave me some very good advice regarding the remainder of my hike. THANKS - I Believe.... and Mr. Jimmy for making and taking the time to come see me. Chrissy and I then went back to the Super 8 Motel. After we cleaned up the front desk called and asked if I could take a call. Me??? What??? Sure!!! I heard a very familiar voice on the other end.... my friend, SUZANNA H. had driven from Fredericksburg, Va to see me. WHAT.... !!! She said.... "honey, I am coming up...what room are you in?" Too funny.   I open the door and who is coming down the hallway...my good friend, Suzanna. WOW... what a great day!!! She drove 1.5 hours just to say hello. So, our plans are - - go to the local Hostel to pick up Trotter who made it here today. We will gather her and all 4 of us will go to dinner. OMG.... If you asked me, this morning, how this day would turn out....I would never have guessed all that has taken place today. I am so blessed. I am so loved.. I am so appreciative. I can't stop smiling.... first ... Chrissy and Sammi are here, a short hike for the day, good weather, I Believe and Mr. Jimmy stopping to see me, Trotter is in town and now SUZANNA showing up .... pinch me!!!
Date: 2016-05-30
From: mile marker 985.5

To: 1002.5
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is Monday, day 67. I have officially crossed the 1000 mile mark. I am at mile 1002.5 of my hike. I cannot believe I have walked that far! I can remember hitting the 78 mile mark and thinking OMG... and now...1000 miles!!! I have not reached this marker without the help of so many people. Strangers and loved ones! I know I keep saying that but...without EVERYONE... even those who sign my journal and wish me luck... all of it helps.   I keep saying... I am not sure where my journey will end.... sure I hope Maine but as I have grown and matured, in some of my thoughts, on this trail . . .I do realize that it is all about the journey and not the destination. The good news is... tomorrow I will really take a zero day. And I know I am looking forward to hiking on Wednesday. If I have a good day, on Wednesday, I should be making it to Harpers Ferry, WV. That is the unofficial half way point of the trail... the real half way point is at mile marker 1094.5. The only reason Harpers Ferry is a symbol of the mid way point is because the AT Head Quarters is located there. And, when a hiker reaches HF... they take your picture and give you a number (indicating what number hiker you are that has made it to this point for the year).. OK, enough about Harpers Ferry... I'm not even there yet... but hopefully Wednesday but the latest Thursday I will be there. Chrissy is going home tomorrow and I am already very sad about that. It is such a wonderful boost to know that after a day of hiking that I get to spend time with her.. But now she will go home and I'll hit the trail alone but know that I am never truly alone. I do have lots of love and well wishes from so many. So, thank you all for that.
Date: 2016-05-31
From: 1002.5

To: Zero
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

I am currently at mile marker 1002.9 at the Bears Den Hostel. I will spend my zero day here. I have treated my tent (permethrin - used to repel ticks). Now I will relax and just watch movies and rest. I have not had a zero in 14 days...so I am due. At least my FEET are due for....no walking. Chrissy left this morning and I cannot say how much it has meant to have her share the last few days with me on the trail. And...she was with me when I reached the 1000 mile mark. That was very special.Tomorrow, my friend, Keri who started the trail with me in Georgia and did a few days in Virginia....will meet me here at the hostel. She will then drive to Harpers Ferry and walk towards me as I continue north on my journey. The two of us will spend the night in Harpers Ferry at a local hostel. It is nice that she lives relatively close to the trail and that she is interested in walking a few miles with me. I am one of those lucky hikers who has had friends meet me at different points on this journey. Nothing more to report today.... just rest and relax. I might even wash my clothes.... or NOT. I did wash them in the sink last night. That should be good enough - - right? OH...tomorrow I will finish the last section of Virginia - - and what is known as the roller coaster (13 miles or crazy ups and downs).
Date: 2016-06-02
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Washington Monument State Park (Maryland)
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: clear sky

Today is Thursday, day 70. I am currently at mile marker 1042.2 (Washington Monument State park in Maryland). I covered 19.1 miles today. I have now hiked through 5 states and now in state #6 (Maryland). My friend Keri is here and while she enjoys hiking she is more interested in helping with logistics, helping with slack packing, seeing sights, going for runs (while I hike) and then meeting me towards the end of my hiking miles for the day. I love the fact that my hike has turned into such a community effort. Not every hiker would want the help and some might even think that it is not the same as doing it "all alone" in every aspect. I, on the other hand, look at it this way: if anyone wants to be involved in my hike...in any aspect... I welcome it. I want to share this experience. Yes, this is my hike and as the t-shirt says: "hike your own hike." I could not agree more. I have had friends visit, I have had strangers help me, I have received notes (on my journal) from people who want to help me as I get further north, there is a couple in PA (Cunninghams) who have offered to feed me and take me to their home... I think this is the type of stuff that continues to make this journey... My journey... Very special. And, whenever I can pay some of this kindness forward... I will do the same. ---------------------Last night at the hostel I ran into Spongebob and made plans to hike with him today.   I met him about a week ago and we have run into each other several times since. It was a pleasure hiking with him and we have made plans for the next 4 or 5 days of hiking together. Keri will continue to help us and explore the area while we are hiking. She is such a bright light in this adventure. I eluded, about two weeks ago, that I would reevaluate my hike at the Harper's Ferry location. Well, I will continue to walk north until I reach Maine or have a change of heart. What I do know is.... Tomorrow I will hike. And I look forward to it. Oh just so you know... My hair has grown out enough that I now have to brush it. I think it is time for another haircut!Yes, I am still eating the hell out of SPAM.Yes, I have fallen another time .. Just not a face plant. And when I fell I stayed down until I could move all my limbs without pain. All good... And to be honest... My pride was not even bruised. I just figure it is something that is bound to happen on this hike. Yesterday, while talking to Chrissy, I said, "my feet hurt so much.. I'm not sure why!" Now.. If I really stopped to think before speaking ... I could have figured that out quickly... But as Chrissy pointed out--- well, maybe they hurt because you have walked over 1000 miles!! Yea... Ok ... Sometimes I'm not that smart!!
Date: 2016-06-03
From: Washington Monument State Park (Maryland)

To: mile marker 1064.1
Miles today: 21.9
Weather: moderate rain

Today is Friday, day 71. I am currently at mile marker 1064.1. Today I covered 21.9 miles and I am currently in Pennsylvania!! I am in my 7th state. I completed Maryland today. I am only .1 miles into PA.Today's hike was uneventful expected for the two boulder fields we had to cross!! My knee is acting up a bit and the boulders were not very gentle on my knee. I find that different parts of my body... Especially, knees and feet are really starting to feel the 1000+ miles. Today Keri meet both Spongebob and myself on our hike and she walked the last 3 miles with us. And some of those 3 miles were the toughest of the day. We made it past the MA-PA border where there is a Mason-Dixon Line sign. I am trying to make it to Boiling Springs, PA by Monday but I think Mother Nature may have other plans for me. Sunday looks to be a complete washout of a day. So, I'll make decisions and adjustments after my hike on Saturday.
Date: 2016-06-04
From: mile marker 1064.1

To: caledonia state park. marker 1084.5
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: mist

Today is Saturday, day 72. I am currently at mile marker 1082.3 (Caledonia State Park near Fayetteville, Pa.). I covered 18.2 miles today. Noooo I am NOT half way! Half way is at mile marker 1094.5. I hiked again with Spongebob. He is such enjoyable company. PA has been voted the least favorite state, out of 14 (states), that the AT passes through. (According to google). Why you ask.... ROCKS! But, the few miles I have covered (18) have been very nice. I hear the later part of the PA section is NOT enjoyable. I'll deal with that when I get there. There are roughly 250 miles in PA. So, I have quite a ways to go. Keri is still with us.... She did her marathon training run in Shippensburg, PA and then she joined Spongebob and myself for the last 6 miles of our hike. A few things:To Flossy: FYI. Hikers don't shake hands.. Due to germs. We do fist bumps instead. I know that will make you happy. To Lisa F.: You better get your hiking boots ready!!To Fran: I shared your Spam with Spongebob... As he is from Hawaii as well but had never tasted the spam bites. He liked them!!To all my nieces and nephews... Thanks so much for following along. I love each and every one of you. My knee/-- it felt fine today. I added the KT tape for support. To everyone... Yes I may have lost some weight but not much. I still feel strong so I am not worried about it. I saw the perfect camping shelter today (see pics). It was actually two shelters that slept 6 in each but one had a sign : snoring and the other had a non snoring sign on it. What a great idea. Tomorrow the area I am in is slated to get a lot of rain. Spongebob and I decided to hike in it... Unless they predict something severe.
Date: 2016-06-05
From: caledonia state park. marker 1084.5

To: pine grove furnace state park. 1101.7
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Today is day 73 and I am currently at mile marker 1101.7 (Pine Grove Furnace State Park). I covered 19.8 miles today. Two great things happened today. I reached the official half way point of the trail (1094.5)... Sharing the moment with Spongebob!   And we covered our miles BEFORE it rained!!Keri was there to join us for the last 3 miles of our hike. Our stopping location was where the "half gallon ice cream challenge " takes place. Thru hikers pay $10 to take part in the challenge. If you can eat the ice cream in one hour you are then awarded a wooden spoon ! Neither Spongebob or myself took part in the challenge. Oh... We also saw a rare snake today...smooth greensnake (official name). (See pics). That was a treat. We are now at the local laundromat... Washing clothes for the first time in 4 days. Yes, I have been the same clothes... And YES I stink!!! The good news is... So does everyone else ??. Thanks to all for continuing to follow along. Special thanks to Keri for all of her support. And I could NOT be doing this without the support from Chrissy. I am one lucky girl!!
Date: 2016-06-06
From: pine grove furnace state park. 1101.7

To: mile marker 1125.1
Miles today: 23.4

Today is day 74, Monday. I am currently at mile marker 1125.1 (Trindle Road , PA 641.). Near Boiling Springs, PA. I covered 23.4 miles today. Today Spongebob and I had a very nice hike. The terrain was gentle and we also walked through a lot of farm land. Some of the hikers are not fond of this type of hiking but I really enjoy seeing the crops and walking near the farm homes. We made it to Boiling Springs around 2. After getting a smoothie and purchasing new inserts for my shoes we hiked out of Boiling Springs. We wanted to do 4 extra miles today since tomorrow we will try to make it to Duncannon, PA. It will be 21.4 mile hike tomorrow. And.... We have been warned!!!! The "bad section " of PA starts a few mile before Duncannon! The ROCKS are coming. It has been described as the never ending sea of rocks with no views of dirt! Meaning lots of careful walking, slow, and lots of stress on knees. Oh my!! Not looking forward to that. Oh well... You have to take the good with the bad! Right??Thanks for all of you who are reading and cheering me on. Much appreciated. It does help... Reading the journal entries. I have enjoyed hiking with Spongebob and we will continue to hike together tomorrow. But just like a good book.... There is always another chapter. Soon he will have family joining him... So his hiking will change (re: miles). The good news is he will always be a good friend and that is super special. Thanks Spongebob!Keri will go home tomorrow. We have really enjoyed her company and assistance. Shout out to The Cunninghams who offered to pic me up and let me stay at their home. Very nice!! Due to the number of people in my "party" it worked best for us to make arrangements at a local hostel. But... The offer was very nice!!Ohhhh... I almost forgot ... We had trail magic today. (See pics). There was pizza and beer!! Yes I had both. This is going to sound strange... Except for those who know me well... But I am so tired of eating!! It seem like other then hiking... I am always eating. I'm really missing Chrissy.