morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-06-26
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Blackrock Gap
Miles today: 20.0

   A foggy start to Rockfish Gap. We run into Possum at the self registration station for the Shenandoah's about 1/4 mile onto the AT. Each hiker has to attach a form to their pack. Skywalker taps the first white blaze with his hiking pole to have a good hike and to thank Mother Nature. Fog clears and we are treated to lovely views. I hike first to set the pace but realize by going first I am caught up in the a jumble of cob webs strung across the trail.    So now I am an official cob web sweeper. I hike with them about 1 2/2 hrs then return to move the car. $15 to enter the Shenandoah Nat'l Park by car for 5-7 days.I get a chance to do some trail magic while waiting for them. 2Step and Lumber with dog, Beast come by. Cookies, beer and Coke.Happy Trail""Himmelwanderer
Date: 2006-06-27
From: Blackrock Gap

To: Smith Roach Gap
Miles today: 20.0

   Breakfast at Blackrock Gap as Park eateries don't open till 8AM. Many hkerscarry little food in the Doah's as there are many food stops along the way. Rain and sun off and on till 3PM when the heavens opened up and it poured and poured. Skywalker was soaked by noon anyway and had to stop and wring his socks out 3 times. Everything was wet, wet and more wet! I hiked down to Blackrock shelter to leave a note in the log for Righty, Lefty and B. that we would be at Big Meadows Lodge for the next 2 nights. Now I am as wet as Skywalker! We arrive at the Lodge looking like drown rats and they didn't even blink an eye as we registered. The rain was causing all sorts of flooding and many campers had also checked in. We had wet clothes hanging everywhere in the room.Hit the dining room for a great meal and finally Possum straggered in.   The toe looks pretty punky tonight.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-06-28
From: Smith Roach Gap

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 20.9

   Awoke to sunshine! But clothes and hiking boots still wet. No wonder feet get so raunchy! Breakfast at the Lodge with Possum. 9AM on the trail back at Smith Roach Gap and plan is to end up back here tonight.   The deer population is amazing and they are so not afraid of hikers. Saw mother and 2 fawns this AM.Skywalker saw his first bear..it was sharing the hiking trail ahead of him. Hope the picture comes out. I am now driving ahead and hiking back to meet him..this seems to work out well and we are always surprised to see each other. I am so proud of this guy! We decide that by driving I get to see the spectacular views while he is mainly in the woods. One view of the Shenandoah Valley had plotted out Sherman's March during the Civil War below.The wild columbines are beautiful. Red with a yellow center. Skywalker has also picked out the German gooseberry bush growing wild.Another great dinner at the lodge. We also run into a bunch of young guys thru hiking that plan to camp along the trail. I am spoiling Skywalker this week with staying in real beds! WOW Skywalker hits the 900 mile milestone.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer
Date: 2006-06-29
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Elkswallow Gap
Miles today: 27.1

   Today is the planned big hike of 27 miles to even off the Doah's so we can finish by Fri. Skywalker headed off on the trail and I headed to the camp laundromat as the clothes were still wet from 2 days ago and starting to smell.So I hike into Hawksbill Gap to wait. Did a bit of trail magic while waiting.Along the trail came Jericho and Little Engine. Jericho has been a hiking partner off and on. 5 min later Skywalker came along for the reunion. A friendly rivalry between the two of who hikes faster. Today it was Skywalker because he was slack packing.   Met my first section hiker Sobo (Way Back) from TN today. Also heard tell of a guy from NH a bit ahead. Sure enough, at the next crossing, Bumblebee from Fremont NH comes along and Skywalker, Jericho and Bumblebee entertain a family of 4 who couldn't believe these bearded smelly sweaty guys were hiking so far. Have I mentioned the smells? It permeates the area when a bunch of thru hikers get together. Body odor, wet clothes and smelly feet..add a bit of wood smoke and you have a Thru-hiker.   Skywalker finishes his longest hike of the trail at 7:30 PM. Oh, his poor, poor feet but he is quite happy with self. While I wait for him at Elkswallow Gap Wayside eating area, I chat with Joe Crow and Wyoming who are eating big containers of ice cream. The area is known for it's blackberry milkshakes and sundae's.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-06-30
From: Elkswallow Gap

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 19.1
Weather: few clouds

After that killer hike of yesterday and a lovely foot massage at the Hillside Motel in Luray, VA.Skywalker is ready for his last day of slack hiking. We wonder how far Possum is behind us and is that Jericho sneaking up? We have a huge breakfast and he is back on the trail by 8AM for that last blast to Front Royal.I do my best day hike total of 7 miles today. I know it is nothing compared to Skywalker but it makes me feel good and I know he appreciates me being here. When I return for the car I see Jericho and Ramps guzzling burgers, fries and milkshakes at 10AM. I leave a bottle of fuel for Bumblebee on a trail marker.The feet really feel bad today and it seems to take longer as the day goes by but he is done about 6PM. Weather lovely with an occ. shower. Very few bugs but we have our deet on.We stay at the Scottish Inn in Front Royal and do Chinese for dinner. I have to lance another spot on the infected foot but this seems to be the last of it. It really was a deep infection and this hopefully was the end. Then we hit the supermarket for supplies for the next 3 days. He hopes to be in Harper's Ferry, WV by the 4th.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-02
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: few clouds

This section is called the Roller Coaster. It is 13.5 miles of ten ascents and descents with no view. Skywalker says it was brutal in 95 degree heat.Still hiking with Joe Crow but Joe is out and hiking at 6AM while Skywalker eats first and then catches up. Today Joe suddenly was behind him...took a wrong turnHappy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-04
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 8.8

Skywalker called from the Comfort Inn in Harper's Ferry...this is the psycological half way point of the AT!!! VA finally done.Crossing the Shenandoah River on the bridge into town when a van goes by beeping it's horn and a familiar voice yells...Hey Skywalker....It's Bonzo and his dog Rio! Offered a ride but you have to hike all the way...hugs and catch up . Bonzo lives in Harper's Ferry and never returned to the trail after Damascus.Onto the ATC to register and have his picture taken for the big 2006 board of Thru Hikers. Skywalker is #549 to make it to this point. What an accomplishment!Foot doing well. Again talking about food and found a Pub open that will feed them. Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Harper's Ferry, WV

To: Mason Dixon Line
Miles today: 40.54

Skywalker left Harper's Ferry after spending a zero day with Bonzo who lives there. Bonzo took him caving in John Brown's Cave which was a scary adventure in itself. He lost his flashlight down a crevice and heard it clatter down, down, down! He prefers hiking the trail.Maryland down and into PA. 6 States down and 8 to go.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-11
From: Mason Dixon Line

To: Iron Master Hostel Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 37.8

   Skywalker is now 40 miles into PA and has yet to run into the dreaded rocks. Hikers talk about the rocks of PA with awe so stay tuned.He stayed in a. Tumbling Run Shelter - which has 2 sleeping areas - one for people that snore and one for those that don't! He is impressed with the shelters so far in PA.             b. Birch Run Shelter - today's hike reminded him of the Black Forest when he was a kid. Hiked alone - First deer tick attached to wrist. Removed and doused area with alcohol.            c. Tom's Run Shelter - Lost another toe nail. The best toe on his foot is the repaired hammer toe!            d. Iron Master Hostel at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The 1827 Mansion was a stop on the Underground Railroad and has a hidden room.The general store in the Park is also the spot for the traditional "Half Gallon Club". To belong you have to eat a 1/2 gallon of ice cream. Skywalker choose to go for the pint of chocolate as he had already eaten cheeseburger, fries and lg drink. He didn't want to feel the way he did after the 14 slices of pizza!He says he has gained some weight eating all this junk. He then talked about Little Debbie's and Apple pies and how good they were!?!While we were talking he said he was sitting on the porch in the middle of 2 signs. 1087 miles to Springer and 1087 miles to Katahdin.So, it is the halfway point in his journey.Later that night I had a phone call from his first hiking friend, Two Dogs, who is planning to join him again in Gorham, NH for the last part of the AT Maine hike.Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-13
From: Iron Master Hostel Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 20.5

   Message on my machine from Skywalker..."Help my boots have finally died and I have them the soles duct taped on" So, I called good ole LL Bean cuz he wanted the same kind and spent 45 minutes with a wonderful supervisor looking through records and previous purchases. Couldn't find the exact pair but we did the best we could and sent them overnight to Duncannon, PA.BUT the best part was she said to send them back for a full refund and they would even pay the postage! So even with over 1100 miles on them they will exchange them. Gotta love that store!   So he will be hobbling 18 more miles looking forward to new boots! Stayed last night in Alex Kennedy Shelter in the pouring rain. No one else there and not even bothered by any mice. The mice in the shelters have been terrible he reports but PA much better.Happy Trails"Himmerwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-14
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 25.6
Weather: scattered clouds

   Hobbled into Duncannon today to the Doyle Hotel to find the lovely new boots waiting for him. Skywalker has been walking around town trying them out. We can only hope they will be blister free! 19 miles yesterday and 12 today. Water has been easy to find along the trail in PA this yr due to all the rain. Of course, once you hike off the trail to a shelter, typically 3/10 of a mile then you have to hike another .4-.5 to find water. 'Skywalker says this adds to the hiking miles but you don't get credit for it! Finally hit some of those famous PA rocks. Cumberland Valley Shelters are clean and impressive thanks to a good volunteers.Met a guy named Marco Solo at the Doyle bar. He figures to be in Port Clinton in 4 1/2 days.!Happy Trails"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-15
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

   Skywalker called tonight...still in Duncannon today.Last night, 11PM, a bang on the door...Skywalker..I know you are in there""t was Lefty who had hiked an additional 4 miles after leaving her mother, Righty to catch Skywalker. He was talked into a zero day and lots of others caught up today. Possum, Waterfall, Ramps, Wholly Bear and the bunch of kids we saw at Big Meadows. The hotel is a real dive but filled with great people.The mosquitos are out in full force on the trail...a major complaint. Skywalker visited the library and was able to check all your messages..thanks to all for the encouragement. Eating occupied the day and included a Fireman's Chicken Cookout.   He also mentioned that someone did trail magic of cookies, beer and soda and left a frantic note looking for someone on the trail.   Notes have been left for this mystery person who is using a trail name unknown to his family and they are concerned about him.   As we were talking a new hiker came in...Tripod from Durham, NH.Happy Trails "Himmelwalker"
Date: 2006-07-20
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Port Clinton, PA
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I should label this entry "The Agony Of the New Boots" New blisters and multiple complaints.Boots suckBugs suckHeat sucksRocks suckThe last three he says are worse than NH. Though I wonder about the bugs.Our black flies are torture. He has been hiking with Righty and Lefty the past few days. "Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-22
From: Port Clinton, PA

To: Palmerton, PA
Miles today: 40.3

   Skywalker called from jail today. A jail hostel, that is. He was picked up by a Ridge Runner who turned into a Trail Angel. A ridge runner is a person who maintains part of the AT and of course a Trail Angel speaks for itself. He was one hurting puppy from all the blisters on his feet and came to the conclusion that the new boots had to go. We never gave it a thought to get a larger size as most hikers feet grow 1 full size on the trail. So there was the poor guy suffering with too small boots. The Trail Angel took him to an Outfitters place and he bought another pair of hikers. Let's hope the damage is not too great. He also stocked up on antibiotic cream, bandaids and bought a pair of women's liners as an extra layer and will take the remainder of the left over antibiotics.   So back to the jail....He had to register with the police and gets to have free lodging and sleep in a cell. Marco Polo is with him as Righty and Lefty kept going. The Girl Scouts have goodie bags for the hikers which was helpful as he was all out of toothpaste.   Palmerton is the lowest point on the trail in PA at 380 feet and it is all up hill tomorrow through Lehigh Gap. There is 4 miles of devastation along the Blue Mt. due to zinc mining. This is also considered one of the most challenging denuded rock climbs south of NH. Skywalker's spirits were very low tonight and we talked about finishing the hike next year. The next few days will tell. Stay tuned and send him your thoughts."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-24
From: Palmerton, PA

To: Wind Gap, PA
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: few clouds

   What a difference a pair of new boots and a good night's sleep will make.The message on the machine was a different person. Took a nero day...not a zero day..but hiked a few miles so a near zero day....nero day. The tips of his hiking poles have broken off so he will replace in Delaware Gap.   Staying in a motel with Possum and Righty. Lefty has hiked on and will meet them in Kent, CT. So the phrase "Hike Your Own Hike" has even hit the mother and daughter team. Hike your own Hike is the mantra of all. Some fast...some slow...some cooking..some eat all dry stuff....some do the blue blazes..some do only the white..some do 20 miles some only a few...You get the picture.   The blisters are tolerable and so Skywalker hikes on. Less than 1000 miles to go!"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-25
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware River Gap, PA
Miles today: 15.6

...Skywalker left the blister causing boots in a coffee shop and the waitress will mail them back to NH. Today was a great day, he says. The feet feel much better and he actually enjoyed the challenge of the rocks. The Rocks of PA have lived up to all the stories. Parts of the trail seemed to turn toward the boulders when it seemed easier to go around. Names such as Devil's Pulpit AKA Dante's Inferno required hand over hand climbing. Scary ledges with serious falling potential were completed. He calls Pa Transylvania.   He had barely arrived at the church hostel with Righty and Possum when a fellow arrived asking for Skywalker.   It was Anne's cousin Ray (section hiker "Steamy") who had been looking for him since Wind Gap. He had run into Lefty on the trail yesterday so knew he was close. Ray lives in Charlotte, VA and his fiance, Judy, lives in Bangor, PA a short few miles away. They kidnapped him for the evening but not before he gathered everyone's dirty laundry to do at the house.   They fed him steak, sweet potatoes, fruit, beer and he was delighted! It really perked him up. It was Trail Magic Extraordinarre since it was such a surprise. Thank you Ray and Judy.   So the Delaware River Bridge takes Skywalker into another State...New Jersey..tomorrow. Closer and Closer to NE and home."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-26
From: Delaware River Gap, PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.3
Weather: few clouds

   Skywalker returned to the hostel from a great meal and good visit with Ray and Judy. He made it to the Outfitter's in the AM and bought new tips for his hiking poles, and was on the trail at 10AM. Hiking across the Delaware River Bridge on I80 with traffic whizzing by at 80mph was something new. Only a jersey barrier to separate the hiker from road kill. NJ started out with more rocks and brutal heat. The Mohican center offered free camping so it was a good spot to stop.   Ray had given Skywalker some "Tufskin" to use on his blisters. During the night the adhesive stuck to his sleeping bag and he woke up in pain as the covering on the blister was pulled off...OUCH! He says the verdict is still out on the Tufskin."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-27
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Brink Road Shelter - NJ
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: haze

Journal Entry: OUT RUNNING THE MOSQUITO'S Today the mosquito's almost drove them insane. It was impossible to keep the Deet on with the sweat running off in all the heat. The trail ran through swamps which is the perfect breeding grounds for the little creatures. There was a boardwalk of over a mile long that Skywalker practically jogged along feeling like he was running the gauntlet. Setting up their tents as quick as possible and hiding inside and then to top it off a huge thunderstorm came through.   The next morning, they didn't even stop to eat breakfast, just packed up and got the hell out of there to higher elevation."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-29
From: High Point Shelter

To: Pochuck Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 12.4
Weather: few clouds

   Hiking with Righty and Possum. Boots still wet. Stopped in Unionville, NJ for more bug juice. Using 100% Deet now...could use it IV..maybe it would help!Also had a huge cheeseburger, fries and a coke. Got a ride back to the trail after stopping for water at a AMC house at the bottom of Pochuck mountain. Pochuck is Lenape for ¶ut-of-the-way place".Water is becoming harder and harder to locate. Skywalker find it needs some planning since you can't always count on it at every shelter. Fill up every chance you get, he says."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-30
From: Pochuck Mtn Shelter

To: Vernon, NJ
Miles today: 6.5

   A shorter day hike today. Some of NJ is actually quite pretty, Skywalker reports. We always joke about hearing someone is from NJ and ask "What Exit?" but NJ nickname is the Garden State. So there is lots of other terrain as well as the dreaded rocks that continue.   Skywalker called from the St. Thomas Episcopal Church hostel. The church has room for a dozen hikers, common room with TV, internet acess, showers, microwave and access to supermarkets and eateries. And who was there sacked out nursing feet problems but Jericho. Also staying was Possum, Righty, Dogwood. Marco Solo, LongRange and a SOBO Soybones. They have been seeing a few SOBO's this week. Each exchange stories and give good support for continuing.   The blisters persist but are slowly toughing up. All the wet boots did not help and Skywalker wants me to send more water proofing. Also a new head lamp to replace the one he lost caving. He still goes through a ton of bandaids and it sure feels good to put the crocs on at the end of the day.   Big dinner of Whopper, Chinese food and salad. Tommorrow a 17 mile hike planned and into NY. Another state to cross off which leaves 6 to go!"Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-07-31
From: Vernon, NJ

To: Wildcat Shelter, NY
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

   The heat has been building up and even so Skywalker, Righty and Jericho managed 17 miles today. Everyone is complaining about the never ending rocks.Skywalker reports he has now perfected the art of rock pooping. First you roll a rock, then you poop and then roll the rock back in it's place. Off to the side of the trail, of course."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-01
From: Wildcat Shelter, NY

To: Island Pond Outlet
Miles today: 11.0

This was the worse day yet on the trail with the heat and humidity well into the high 90's with heat index over 110 degrees. The trail was named Agony Grind. Hiking with Righty, Lefty and Possum. Straight up with no switchbacks and little shade. They were so dehydrated and light headed. Skywalker said he felt he would pass out. Righty sat down and had to be revived with precious water poured over her head. And then like in a story, a mirage of a lone hiker coming toward them, a trail angel named Paddy urging them on down the trail, across the interstate on a bridge to the most wonderful feast of gaterade, ice water, brownies and cookies. Skywalker said it saved their lives and Righty agrees!   Then it was onto 1.1 miles to the camping area by a lake. Revived with a swim. Skywalker is disappointed in the NY section of the AT. Low maintainence with lots of washouts. Little water and Little resourses for water. Any place easily accessible to the public is a mess. Water dirty, broken glass..you get the picture."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-02
From: Island Pond Outlet

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

Hike a mile , sit down, hydrate...hike another mile..sit down hydrate. The heat and humidity are a killer but the gang is sticking together and watching out for each other so they won't get in the same situation as yesterday.   Lemon Squeezer was only 1 1/2 foot wide and Skywalker managed to wiggle side way to make it through. Must be all the weight he has lost! Shelter water in a spring that was dried up so they had to haul water 4 miles before the shelter. Just what they needed in all the heat."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-03
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Fort Montgomery, NY
Miles today: 8.9

The Bear went over the MT..The Bear went over the MT.. The Bear went over the MTTo see what he could see..Bear Mountain, at 1305 feet is one of the highest points in NY and on a clear day..that's another song too...you can see NYC skyline and the Hudson River but not today. The trail goes right through the Bear Mt Zoo in a round about way. Thru hikers get a free pass thru the zoo. Tonight, Jericho, Skywalker and Righty are sharing a room at the Holiday Inn and Possum is off with friends. A bit pricey but split 3 ways it is OK. And the air conditioner feels like heaven! Steak dinner with all the fixings. Met 2 SOBO's Lawn Chair and Dr. Smooth who said Maine was bad for them.Also saw Beekeeper and Snail who Skywalker hadn't seen since NCRumor has it the The DR (Spindleshanks) and Lucy, the elder S. African couple have flip flopped to Maine and are heading south. Skywalker says the blisters now have blisters. Hopes to reach Kent, CT on Tues. Anne will see him on Wed for a few days. Don't forget to sign the guest book."Himmelwanderer"
Date: 2006-08-06
From: Fort Montgomery, NY

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 25.2
Weather: clear sky

WHEW..the heat wave has broken and the hiking spirits have improved ten fold.Skywalker woke me this morning at 7AM using Jericho's cell to check in.They were able to do 17 miles yesterday and the goal of Ft Kent on Tues is within range. So I have my list of things to bring him including the favorite Tshirt "Himmerwanderer" that was left behind in the Shenandoah's and mailed to NH. Looks like a good week weather wise and I will bring all the foot supplies."Himmelwanderer"