morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-04-25
From: Matts Creek Shelter

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

A relatively short day.They got up early and hiked about 5 miles to where the trail crossed a road into Glasgow, VA. They hitched a ride into town to have some breakfast and to resupply to get them to Waynesboro. There was mention of tasty eggs and Conkie's amazing intake of a milkshake and two huge plates of breakfast foods. They got a ride back to the trail and made their way to the Punchbowl Shelter, and the person who gave them a ride told them to be sure to watch out for Copperheads. Yikes!Joe said he sent back a box of more excess supplies- I think he has finally decided taht spring is going to stay. I'm hoping the heavy rain we are getting here doesn't make its way to where he is. They are about 100 miles from Wayensboro.AM
Date: 2007-04-27
From: Seeley -Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: light rain

We didn't have very good reception again, and he is trying to conserve phone battery until they reach Waynesboro. The message I was able to get from him was that it was a miserable day for both he and Trocar. Not because of snow this time, but drizzling rain, rocks on the trail and a general fatigue. He sounded really tired when I talked to him. I think the 20+ days are catching up to him. He also slipped and fell, nothing major though. They have 2 more 16 mile days planned to get them into Waynesboro and then a zero day. Hopefully these lighter days leading to the zero will also help them recouperate.They crossed another big psychological milestone this week- 800 miles. More than a third of the trail is behind him.AM
Date: 2007-04-28
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Joe and Trocar made it to the shelter by mid-afternoon; in time to take a nap before the rest of the group made it in for the day. 16 miles.The weather was much better and it resulted in a better hiking day all the way around. He also thought he was back in better shape calorie wise and not as hungry. He's been down to Snickers bars recently and they just haven't had the same bang as the PowerBars. (I sent him about 20 more bars last week which he should be able to pick up at Trocar's dad's house when he gets there Sunday.)He is looking forward to his 0 day.AM
Date: 2007-04-29
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Sawmill Run Overlook, SNP
Miles today: 15.0

Joe Here: Hi everyone, thanks first to everyone back home in Iowa for supporting the hike and looking after our family. We really appreciate the kindness and couldn't do this without you. Ann Marie and the kids have been amazing during this whole deal and continue to amaze me. Thanks too to everyone signing the guestbook, your words are encouraging (generally).Made it The Shennies today. Shortly after we entered the park Conqui and I sponged into a zero day with Trocar at his folks place in Virginia. Tomorrow I will just lay around and eat. No walking. We've encountered lots more hikers on the trail lately, no surprise since the weather has been so great.The miles are coming pretty easy these days. I am generally hiking by 6:30 and have 12-14 miles by noon. Then it's a short break and then a push to finish the day's mileage goal. I eat breakfast 'on the fly' and keep snacking through the afternoon. I cook a few hot meals (rice, potatoes, rice) at 5:00 and then a 7 o'clock Snickers (Trocar's rule). As a rule I am in the bag by 8:00 listening to some MP3 tunes and then sleeping by 8:30. Repeat daily.Sleeping is easy after 20 miles unless there be profound snorers in the shelter. Last night, for example, we had a section hiker in the hut that literally rattled the floor boards. Sleep came in small chunks. But this is sort of O.K., it gives me a good excuse to nap and lessens my guilt when I really let it rip after hitting the dried prunes a little too hard.The trip through the Shennies and into West Virginia should be fast. The trail levels out a bit, fewer big climbs, and resupply options are said to be plentiful. My only concern is that after a rest day, I will not be able to keep up with Trocar. The man climbs hills like a spider monkey. Conquistidor smells much better today after a shower, it will likely enhance his appetite as well. Sorry about the long post. That is all-- Joe
Date: 2007-04-30
From: Sawmill Run Overlook, SNP

To: Sawmill Run Overlook,SNP
Miles today: 0.0

Joe here: A great night's sleep at Trocar's folk's home here in Virginia. We had a hard day of eating at Applebee's and the local ice cream shop. Ann Marie and the kids sent some new paperbacks and I dipped into Kesey's "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." I also availed myself of a hair clipper and gave my head a good shave; I left the beard alone.It went from snowy Jeremiah Johnson weather to baking hot in a matter of weeks. Forecast for tomorrow is in the 90s. It should be cooler up in the hills. That's all there is, nothing more-- Joe
Date: 2007-05-01
From: Sawmill Run Overlook,SNP

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: clear sky

After a delightful stay at Trocar's parents they hit the trail about 10:15 am this morning. Even with the late start they were able to make 23 miles. I'm glad Joe was able to update the journal recently. He obviously has many more details of the adventure to share than I do. (Sometimes a little more info than I, or most people, really need to know!)AM
Date: 2007-05-03
From: Bearfence Mountain Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

They covered 27 miles today, and were able to enjoy a nice lunch at a swanky restaurant in the middle of the Park. Joe called as they were waiting for the place to open at noon. They already had 17 miles in by the time they stopped for lunch. He said it had been a drizzling wet morning so they took the time to dry out their clothes using the hand air dryers in the restaurant bathroom before eating lunch.I didn't hear from him after they hiked the remaining 10 miles to the shelter for the evening. He, Trocar and Conqui were having lunch together. He was expected to meet them in the evening.AM
Date: 2007-05-04
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: broken clouds

I'm not sure if the Tom Floyd Wayside is their end point for the day, but based on the 23 miles Joe said they hiked for the day, this is where I've determined they ended. It sounded like a pretty good day of hiking today- except for the black bear they saw! Apparently they heard some crunching in the woods that was louder than the deer they have been hearing. When they turned around they saw the rump of a black bear running away from them. Thankfully! They are officially out of the Shenandoah National Park- by 1 mile.He, Trocar and Conquistidor have a pretty short day planned for tomorrow (12 miles) with an resupply stop in the middle of the day.As of today he has been gone for 8 weeks. He will have made it through Virginia in a month which was another one of his goals. And he is 953 miles from his starting point at Springer Mountain. Harper's Ferry, which is where he will be on Monday, is a psychological mid-point of the hike.He continues to amaze me.Once they get to Harper's Ferry they will do some planning for the next phase of the hike and I will update his anticipated mail drops on the website. I know he has really enjoyed the letters and care packages everyone has sent him. It really keeps him going. My thanks to all of you too!AM
Date: 2007-05-05
From: Tom Floyd Wayside

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe Here: Today we walked into Linden, VA, for a lunch and a little resupply. We cleaned out the free sample table at the Apple House Diner/Gift Shop then hit the dining room for BBQ and beans. Conqui had a milkshake. I scored a sweet hitch back to the trail from the Exxon station and we were camped at the shelter by 2:00pm. For dinner we ate hoagies from the Exxon deli and a box of glazed donuts. It rained most of the day and night and is cooler. My feet welcomed the shorter mileage today.
Date: 2007-05-06
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 22.5
Weather: clear sky

Joe Here: Left around 6:07am today and hauled to the hostel; got here at 1:27pm. Today was my last full day in Virginia. My time here was great, but I am ready to leave. I am now in the Mid-Atlantic region of the trail, the hills are flattening out and the climbs are getting fewer and far between. I am interested to see how the hiking will change. I read in a shelter register (the AT Grapevine) the other night that the next mountain I will encounter will be Mt. Greylock in MA.I am at this great hostel where we can get a bunk (w/ mattress), shower, pizza and ice cream for just 25 clams. Right on. It looks like I got through VA in less than a month, I can check that off my list. I also saw a bear in the Shennies (another checkable item). I am enjoying a non-diet Mt. Dew here at the hostel: only my second dabbling with caffeine since Springer! Pop is good.
Date: 2007-05-07
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

What a day!Joe called about 10:00 am to let me know they had crossed the 1000 mile mark. There wasn't anything remarkable on the trail to acknowledge the milestone... but they all knew it was an important point.As they hiked their 27 miles today they went from Virginia to West Virgina to Maryland. Three states in 1 day of hiking. He also went through Harper's Ferry on the way to Maryland, and had a great time at the post office! In addition to shoes I sent to him, he also received letters from Peter's class again, letters from friends and family, and a care package stuffed full of all kinds of goodies from a friend of Peter's and his mom. Enough to share with his hiking friends.I'm hoping to get his mail drops updated in the next week or so. I know his next stop will be Port Clinton, PA. (Yes, Pennsylvania!!)AM
Date: 2007-05-08
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Free State Hiker Hostel; MD 17
Miles today: 24.6

Joe Here: I made it to the Free State! This is the hostel operated by legendary '06 Thru-hiker BonePAC and his family. It is a palace among hostels and a welcome stop after a long hike.Great views today of the countryside today as we hiked along a low ridge. Tomorrow I will enter Pennsylvania. Thanks for all the letters in Harpers Ferry (not Harpers Valley, Dana) it is wonderful to get trail mail. I've been logging some bigger miles lately, but everything is pretty much holding together. This is still surprising to me-- I've heard lots of stories about hiker's bodies revolting against this sort of daily punishment. I'm eating just about everything I can carry and drinking 2-3 gallons of water each day.Its time now to take Trocar to school on the Air Hockey table here at the Free State.
Date: 2007-05-11
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Darlington Sheler
Miles today: 34.0
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a long day- 34 miles with 20 of them done by noon. At this point the Appalachain Mountains split into 2 ridges and they walked over one ridge through a long wide valley of pasture land and then up to the other ridge. They spent an hour or so at the ATC North region office before continuing on. For this past week, they have averaged 26 miles (yes, the distance of a marathon)each day. That makes for an 182 mile week.The hiking is good in Pennsylvania so far!AM
Date: 2007-05-12
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Peter's Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another 20+ mile day.When they stopped to resupply, the place they were at didn't have much of a food selection so he will be living on pop tarts, Little Debbies and peanut butter until he gets to Port Clinton,PA (Tuesday).Apparently there was quite a group of Boy Scouts at the shelter tonight and there was going to be a little more activity than he was wanting. He'll be fine.AM
Date: 2007-05-15
From: 501 Shelter

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: broken clouds

They made it to Port Clinton today. They arrived early afternoon and made their way to the post office and although the package I sent did not arrive, he did get mail from lots of other folks! They then called the Cabella's shuttle and within 5 minutes were picked up and on their way to the largest Cabella's on the planet! I think he said 500,000 sq. ft. We've been to a lot of Cabella's in our day but certainly not one that huge! (600 employees- he had to ask!)They will spend the night in a hotel and he is looking forward to a mattress and a shower. A friend here in town gave me links to some GPS and google maps for the shelters etc. I will try to load them occassionaly with the journal updates so people can see where he is in relation to states and major cities.The first one will be posted with the Eckeville shelter which is where he will be 5/16.AM
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Windsor Furnace Shelter
Miles today: 7.0
Weather: scattered clouds

They were only able to go 7 miles today because of rain and a thunderstorm. Since the trail was on a ridge they decided to get off and stay out of the weather. He said it rained most of the afternoon even after the worst of the storm passed. They plan to make up the miles the next day.AM
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Windsor Furnace Shelter

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: broken clouds

This shelter has one of the oddest names so far!They made up the additional miles from yesterday for a total of 25 miles today.The weather was good and the storm had cleared out the system. He continues to comment about all of the rocks on the trail in PA and how they make the hiking a little tricky at times. When I talked to him today he was sitting on top of The Cliffs, Knife Edge which had sheer drop offs on both sides. I'm glad he was sitting down to talk to me on the phone!They had a productive stop at Cabella's back in Port Clinton and his new shoes are treating him right. He also sent his second pair of beat up shoes back to me. I'm getting quite a collection.AM
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Leroy Smith Shelter
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: light rain

Below is the link for the Leroy Smith Shelter. From this site you can view a number of different maps (like the ones I posted on the two previous journal updates) as well as others. There is even a link to show the whole list of shelters along the AT so you can see where Joe is on the trail itself and in relation to recognizable cities and states. It is an interesting website to explore.http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/m.php?wpt=LeroyASWhen I talked to Joe last night it was a pretty uneventful day. Just lots of miles and more rocks! I think he is looking forward to leaving Pennsylvania...AM
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Leroy Smith Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Joe had a 20 mile day and made it to Delaware Water Gap today. They stayed at the hostel in the Presbyterian church. He said it was nice and comfortable. They finished hiking before it started raining, but it was supposed to rain all evening and most of the night.Trocar was planning to hook up with them in the morning before they head out for New Jersey on Sunday.AM
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Delaware Water Gap 

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 25.0
Weather: scattered clouds

They crossed into New Jersey today and walked 25 miles in the process. The trail was good with a few less rocks and no rain.He is already looking forward to stopping at "Joe to Go" a little bagel and coffee shop just 4 miles up the road from where they are staying tonight.We were able to have a good visit this morning with good reception. I learned more about the nightly 'tick check' than I really wanted to. Apparently, an important camp chore each night is to spend some time checking each other for ticks! Egads. (I try not to think too much about what all they share on the trail. Its better not to think about it!) They are in Lyme Disease country and are doing their best to avoid it. According to the official stats for this journal site, they are 1303.8 miles into the trip now and have made it through 7 states. What an amazing trip.They plan to get to Conquistador's mom's house in Connecticut on the 29th.He is looking forward to a zero day there.AM
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Trail to Jim Murray Property
Miles today: 25.0

So apparently the AT Thru-Hiker's Companion book Joe left for me is right about the bears in New Jersey. The estimate is one bear per square mile! There were a couple nearby one of their stops recently- they didn't see them but they heard them. And when one of the hikers staying at the shelter last night went down to get water, they came back quickly after running into one. (Soon he will be out of NJ!!!)He had a good day hiking. 25 miles to the Jim Murray property. This is a private property owned by this guy. He has a small cabin that is available to thru-hikers. It is cozy for the three of them, but there is a sink and a hot shower. His right shoulder has really been hurting him, to the point where he can't carry his pack on it. Hopefully there will be something relatively soft to sleep on. He also said it warmed up today. They really haven't had that many warm days since he has been on the trail. He was able to sit outside in a t-shirt and shorts this afernoon and read a book, and was comfortable.Into Unionville, NY tomorrow to resupply for the few days. He is planning a trip to the PO to pick up some mail. I changed his planned mail drops on the journal site. If you are wanting to send him something get in touch with me and I can let you know the most current plan.AM
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Trail to Jim Murray Property

To: Wawayanda Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

After a day of walking in and out of New York along the New Jersey state line, Joe made it 19 miles to the shelter. He got to Unionville NY and and PO about 7:30 and had to knock on the back door to get his mail. He was also able to do a quick resupply. Later they stopped at a quirky nursery that also had ice cream? He said the ice cream was tasty!They also walked across the one mile long boardwalk that goes over a swamp. He said there were quite a few swampy areas they went through today. Tonight they are about 3.5 miles from the New York state line.The weather was good today. I've got some more photos (thanks to Trocar) to load to the site tomorrow.AM
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Wawayanda Shelter

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: scattered clouds

Joe hiked into New York for good today. After 22 miles they made it to Arden Valley Road and were picked up by a guy from the place they were planning to stay for the night. The facility was a Girl Scout camp that was closed down 5 years ago. Things were a little on the creepy side and in disrepair. However,when he called this morning (Thursday) they made it through the night just fine. The nice guy from the place took them to the trail bright and early.AM
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center
Miles today: 24.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Today was a big day. He covered well over 25 miles (when the walk into town to resupply and the walk through the zoo is included!) He walked through the Lemon Squeezer (a couple of big rocks that make the path really narrow), walked through the Bear Mountain Zoo and over the Hudson River on the Bear Mountain Bridge.At the end of the day they made it to the Graymoor Spiritual Life Center which is run by a group of Franciscian Monks. They are staying at a "cabin" on the monastery property (that wasn't one of options on the sleeping location menu when I update the journal!). There is a sink and shower (cold) and outlet. And the biggest bonus is they were planning to order pizza in tonight!AM
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Graymoor Spiritual Life Center

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 19.0
Weather: clear sky

19 miles today. Joe said it was pretty hot and muggy today, but that the trail was pretty good. I think eating rice, and more rice, is taking a toll on him. He really didn't sound very excited about it at all last night!(He called a couple of times as I was making Friday night pizza for the kids and I didn't have the heart to tell him how absolutely delicious it was!) Just a couple of more days in New York and they will be in CT.AM
Date: 2007-05-26
From: RPH Shelter

To: Wiley Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another big day today- 26 miles. Tonight they are 1.2 miles from the CT state line. (More rice for dinner tonight and still not sounding very excited about it!)He said it wasn't as hot and muggy today, but still warm. He also commented on how tired his legs felt. A cummulative effect I am sure of the ~1439 miles he has hiked from Springer Mountain in Georgia.I loaded a couple more pictures to the photo section of this trail journal. Thanks to Trocar's site, I have photos to post of Joe!Three days through CT and they will be picked up by Conqui's mom. He is looking forward to it. To get there each day will be about a 20 mile hike.AM
Date: 2007-05-27
From: Wiley Shelter

To: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 20.0

They crossed into Connecticut today. One more state to check off the list!20 miles-it was pretty warm again today and nothing particularly remarkable about the trail or scenery.When he rolled into the shelter tonight Hobbit was there. He is a hiker Joe had corresponded with prior to leaving in March. Hobbit started January 31st. He has been off the trail a few times to visit friends and return to Wisconsin to visit family. (I think he made it home for the birth of a grandchild?!) Joe said it was nice to meet him. I'm not sure if he will hike with Joe, Conkie and Trocar now.It's probably nice to have another perspective to share the experience with.He also ran into someone who knew he was from Iowa and asked him about a restaurant here in town called Hickory Park. People come from miles around to partake in the BBQ they make. We did't realize what a destination it is. He said he also met someone earlier in the trip from Texas who asked him if he had eaten there after he found out Joe was from Iowa. A small, small world.That is all I know for now.AM
Date: 2007-05-28
From: Stewart Hollow Brook Lean-to

To: Limestone Spring Lean-to
Miles today: 22.5

I didn't get a chance to talk to Joe today- just a voice mail.It was about 4:00 my time and he just called to let me know they were in for the night. They are about 11.5 miles from the Massachusetts. I'm not sure when they plan to get picked up tomorrow, but I imagine it would be early afternoon. Joe will probably update the journal tomorrow (after a warm shower and meal of something other than rice!).AM