morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-06-01
From: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Harper's Ferry WVA

To: Gathland State Park
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: few clouds

I am (finally) back on the AT!! My husband and I took our time driving from Florida to WVA, and arrived in Harpers Ferry Sunday night. This morning we stopped at the ATC office before I hit the trail.I have inadvertently become what the ATC calls a "flip flopper." Which means that I am heading north from Harper's Ferry to Katahdin, then I will head south from Harper's Ferry to finish my thru hike. Actually the ATC encourages flip flopping because it takes some pressure off the AT by avoiding having almost everyone starting at Springer Mountain at about the same time.On March 20, 2015, when I started at Springer Mountain, I was hiker #571. Today, as a flip flopper at Harper's Ferry, I am hiker #146.After having my picture taken by the ATC for their thru hiker album, and buying a few AT items, it was time to hit the trail and make some miles!Harper's Ferry is a BEAUTIFUL little historical (Civil War) town. The ATC is about .2 miles from the AT on a blue blazed side trail. The weather, at least initially, was almost perfect. I quickly made my way down the blue blazed trail and back onto the white blazed AT. It felt so good, so right, to see those white blazes again and to feel the trail under my feet. The AT took me past stone buildings built before the Civil War. I hiked down well worn stone steps towards the Shenandoah River, and past a rock Thomas Jefferson once admired. The AT then took me over the Potomac River via a very cool old railroad tressel, and along the Potomac River for a few miles on the C&O Canal Towpath. I thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful views of the river, interrupted only by an occassional train passing by, along with the easy flat terrain. But I knew the easy flat terrain would not last, and I was right.   Fortunately the climb out of the river valley and back into the mountains was not too bad - only about 1000 feet, and there were plenty of switch backs. I also crossed out of West Virginia and into Maryland! Yeah, another state!!!Once I was up on the mountain top I took a side trail to check out the view from the cliffs. The day was still clear, and I could see up the river valley to Harper's Ferry. The AT followed the mountain ridgeline, so there was little change in elevation the rest of the day. But the rocks were something else. The trail was littered with rocks, at every different angle, just waiting to trip me or twist an ankle. I took a brief break at the Ed Garvey Shelter, then moved on as quickly as I could. A very bad storm was predicted for late afternoon and evening, and I really wanted to finish before it hit. I was relieved to see my husband hiking in to meet me, and we hiked the last 4 miles to Gathland State Park together. It was a great day back on the AT. The AT was calling me back, and I was very glad I answered the call.
Date: 2015-06-02
From: Gathland State Park

To: Washington Monument State Park
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: moderate rain

I trained while I was recouperating at home. But no one can really train completely for the AT, especially while living in flat, hot, and humid Florida, and while trying to recover from pneumonia.I was a bit sore when I got up this morning. But it was a good kind of sore, and certainly not any worse than what I felt back in March when I started at Springer Mountain with a full pack. The weather forecast called for rain most of the day along with cooler temperatures. My husband drove me back out to Gathland State Park, then left to see about having the radiator replaced in my Subaru, which I have named "Maggie." I hiked in the drizzling cool rain past the stone remnants of a large old barn built in 1887 and into the woods. The climb was gradual, but the trail was again littered with ankle twisting rocks. The rain increased, but never came anywhere close to the wind blown icy cold torrential downpours I experienced in the Smokies. I felt grateful. I stopped at the Crampton Gap and Rocky Run shelters. So far the shelters in Maryland have been wonderful. One had beautiful pine floors. Another had a nice deck. They have all been well built, clean, and inviting. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club really does a great job with the shelters and keeping the AT clear of trash. THANK YOU!The rain continued until mid afternoon. The rocks continued pretty much all day. Once again my husband hiked in to meet me. We hiked the last few miles together.The AT is calling, and I am happy to be back on the trail. I am especially happy to be slack packing and sharing at least part of the AT experience with my husband.
Date: 2015-06-04
From: none

To: none 
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

When I woke up it was abundantly clear why I was so tired the day before and why I felt chilled while hiking for no apparent reason. I was sick again. All the symptoms I had in the Smokies just before I was diagnosed with pneumonia were coming back - the coughing, sneezing, runny nose, stuffed up head, sinus pressure, exhaustion, and shortness of breath.Right after breakfast found an Urgent Care and I saw a doctor. Fortunately the pneumonia was caught early enough that I was advised I could stay on the AT with medication. I was then given a fist full of prescriptions.I took the medications and went to bed for the rest of the day - a true zero day. I will have to further reduce my daily miles, at least for the next few days. But I can STAY!!! I can STAYThe AT is calling .... but first I need just a little more sleep and time for all the medications to start working.
Date: 2015-06-05
From: Washington Monument State Park

To: I-70 Footbridge, U S 40
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: light rain

When I woke up I was already feeling better and well rested. The rest and medications were working.On Wednesday, towards the end of the day, I had noticed a new pain on the outside of my left knee. (I was already wearing a small brace to keep my knee cap tracking correctly.) So before hitting the trail we stopped at a small pharmacy to check out knee braces. When I discovered that the pharmacist had thru hiked the AT last year I asked his advice about the various braces on display. I also told him about the recurring pneumonia. He gave me great advice regarding both issues. I ended up with a new knee brace and suppliments to boost my immune system (vitamin C and zinc). I was already taking numerous suppliments recommended by my doctors, including vitamin C and zinc, but apparently not enough.Then we were off to hit the trail. It was going to be a short day. Although I was feeling better I did not over do it. So I just hiked the approximate 3 miles I had skipped on Wednesday. The new knee brace worked like a charm, and it was another perfect day to hike - but today the sun was out too!The AT goes through Washington Monument State Park, which is a lovely and well maintained historical site. I stopped briefly at both the Visitor's Center and the Monument. I really enjoy learning about the history of the areas in which the AT passes. I just wish I had more time to learn more about all the Civil War battles fought in the area, but I needed to move on. The elevation changes were barely noticeable and the tread had almost no rocks. What a GREAT hike all the way around. The cherry on top was the footbridge across I-70. Several people honked as they saw me hiking above them, and I gratefully waived back. I was still hiking the AT, not riding on a car on a highway going home with pneumonia (again). Life is good. Life is VERY good indeed.The AT is calling, and I am still here to hike it. This time (at least for now) pneumonia did not win!Many thanks to everyone who has been sending good wishes about my return to the AT, including but not limited to Boots, Joy, Mark, G, Stretch & Justin, Lisa, Mary, and Alan/the ATCF. Your kind and encouraging words are very much appreciated.
Date: 2015-06-07
From: Footbridge at PA 16

To: Old Forge Picnic Area, Old Forge Road
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: light rain

Between the weather and my need to recover from yet another bout of pneumonia, we thought it best that I sleep indoors rather than out in the elements. I have to admit, it has been soooo nice after hiking to stop somewhere for dinner, take a hot shower, and then slip into a real bed with clean sheets each night. In the morning no packing up a wet tent. Instead we pig out on the hot breakfast provided at the hotel, then drive to the trail access points. I know it will not last, so I am enjoying it all while I can.Easily found road access points were limited today. I also wanted to take it relatively easy one more day before starting to increase the daily mileage.There was little climbing and the tread had few rocks. No rain. It was not too hot or too cold. A perfect day of hiking.I ran into two pairs of section hikers. One was a mother/daughter, and the other pair was a father/daughter. What wonderful memories they will all have of their AT experience.As before, my husband hiked in from the other end and hiked out with me. We both carefully studied the Chickadee Snowmobile Trail which crossed the AT. We have snowmobiled in upper Wisconsin, the Michigan UP, and Yellowstone. We could not imagine enough snow falls in eastern PA to sufficiently cover the rocks we saw on the trail.I considered doing a few more miles, but I would have to hike at least 6 more miles to the next road access, and a long climb was ahead. Instead I decided it was better to call it a day and go to bed early. It was nice to be well fed, freshly showered, and in a warm bed with clean sheets by 7 p.m.The AT is calling. But first I need just a little more rest and a little more time for the antibiotics to do their job.
Date: 2015-06-08
From: Old Forge Picnic Area, Old Forge Road

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: light rain

The weather report for today called for severe storms, including possible hail and tornadoes by 4 p.m., so we got an earlier start today.It started out as another beautiful day, but a bit warmer. The sun was out and scattered through the leaves onto the trail. I love when that happens. As promised by the trail guide, the day started with a steady climb, but my lungs seemed to handle it much better today. I stopped briefly at Tumbling Run Shelters.Again, what a wonderful job the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) does in maintaining their portion of the AT. The 2 shelters were lovely. One was marked "snoring," and the other "non-snoring." There were clotheslines with clothes pins. And the privy was well stocked with toilet paper. Usually privies are BYOTP.I took a few minutes to take the side trail to Chimney Rocks. The side trail and the view were pretty much completely taken over by a middle school group. What a shame none of the adults in charge appeared to be familiar with Leave No Trace, especially principle 7. As a result, I did not spend much time there.After Chimney Rocks the elevation remained relatively steady, and the majority of the trail had minimal rocks.There was one section of the trail with large rock formations and some rock jumbles, but fortunately it did not last long.When we reached the car I felt I had a few more miles left in the tank, but again we were limited by road access points, and we were worried about the approaching storm. So we called it a day.The AT is calling, and I am finally feeling better and able to heed the call.
Date: 2015-06-09
From: US 30, Fayetteville, Caledonia State Park

To: Dead Woman Hallow Road
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Today will go down as one of my all time favorite days on the AT. The weather was perfect for hiking, and the sun again filtered through the trees. Although there were a few climbs, especially the 4 mile steady climb out of Caledonia SP, I was able to handle the climbs better. The medications seem to be working.There were several things that made this day extra special. The Mountain Laurel was in full bloom, on both sides of the trail and into the forest in most places as far as I could see. Mountain Laurel is the Pennsylvania state flower, and Pennsylvania is my home state. I had no idea how beautiful the PA forests were in June.It was also very nice to be able to share the experience with my husband. I tell him about things I see and experiences I have while on the AT, and I regularly send him pictures, but it was fun for him to actually be right there with me so he could personally experience it too.And it was nice to see my Subaru "Maggie" waiting for us when we finished hiking for the day. She and I have had many outdoor adventures together. I was glad she too got to see part of the AT and the beautiful forest in full bloom.Today I passed the half way point of the AT, which means I reached mile 1094.6. It does not mean that I am half way done. My half way point will be somewhere before Katahdin. I am disappointed that unlike most thru hikers I am not half way done at this point. But I am really looking forward to hiking south from Harper's Ferry in the fall to cover the section I missed. Fall is my favorite season, and the leaves should be beautiful.   I also saw something that cracked me up - a sign telling people to not hurt, kill, or take the Timber Rattle Snakes. Apparently their numbers are declining and they are now protected in certain areas of Pennsylvania.   No problem. I will be happy to leave the rattle snakes (and all of the other wildlife) alone. What will I see next? Signs telling me not to cuddle the porcupines, or not to ride the moose when I get further north?The AT is calling. Today was nothing short of spectacular. Slowly but surely I am getting my trail legs back. I am so glad I was back on the trail today to enjoy nature's beautiful flower show.
Date: 2015-06-10
From: Dead Woman Hallow Road

To: PA 34, Hunters Run Road
Miles today: 15.9

I was feeling much better, but I wanted to make sure I did not bite off more than I could chew. So we split the day's hike into 2 parts. I would hike to Pine Grove Furnace SP, have lunch with my husband and see how I felt, then decide whether to go further.As I was starting out, mother/daughter section hikets, Rockin Robin and her daughter Emma, came down the trail. We extended them some trail magic and offered to slack pack them. We were happy to be able to help fellow hikers. (The whole time I slack packed with my husband we enjoyed extending trail magic whenever possible and I picked up trash along the trail as I hiked.) Because we hike at different speeds we did not hike together. Unfortunately the Mountain Laurel thinned out and pretty much disappeared. I stopped briefly at Tom's Run shelter. It was well maintained but not as palacial as some of the other shelters.I met a guy at the shelter trying to dry his cotton socks and boil water in a campfire. He was on the trail for just a few days with heavy car camping gear from Walmart he bought for about $200, but he was happy as a clam.I easily made it to Pine Grove Furnace SP and enjoyed lunch with my husband. We had ice cream, but I did not want to press my luck with the half gallon challenge. The ice cream was a thank-you treat from Rockin Robin and Emma. Thank you ladies! We also explored the AT Museum. What a nice place with interesting displays!! And of course we got our half way point bandanas, pins, and patches. We also secured a campsite for the night at the SP office.I was feeling great and headed back out on the trail. The AT meanders through the SP, then climbs back into the woods. Again, the Mountain Laurel was pretty much absent.   But the forest was still beautiful. I easily made it to PA 34 in good time to complete 15.9 miles for the day. Then we headed back to the SP.The campground would have been a little bit of a hike off the AT if we had been on foot. Our site was lovely and the campground is well maintained.   As we were setting things up a deer wandered nearby. Later the fireflies twinkled in the bushes and overhead, competing with the stars for our attention. The AT is calling, and I am VERY glad to be back.
Date: 2015-06-11
From: PA 34, Hunters Run Road

To: PA 174, First Street, ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Of
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: scattered clouds

I planned to hike about 15 miles today, ut it was not meant to be. We got a late start packing up our gear, the heat & humidity were ridiculous, and the multiple rocky climbs were challenge for everyone, not just me. I was glad we again broke the mileage into two parts to make sure I did not bite off more than I could chew.The first rocky climb started about 3 miles in. That was followed by two "rock mazes." The white blazes went up and over giant rock formations, sometimes disappearing, at least temporarily, entirely. At one point the AT went over a boulder higher than my trekking poles!! There was no little step stones to help. I have no idea how I managed to hoist my butt over that rock, but I finally did. I was just glad I only had a day pack rather than my full pack.The rocky climbs seemed to grow steeper as the day went on. My husband, who hiked in from the other end, hiked to the top of Center Point Knob and stopped to wait for me to hike to him. He was not going to hike up and down over and over again. (Smart man, but don't tell him I said so.)I finally made it to the top of Center Point Knob, and found my husband well rested in the shade, at about 4 p.m. There is a lovely plaque and monument on the knob noting the original AT half way point. It was all down hill from there. We hiked out to the car together at Boiling Springs and called it a day at just 10.8 miles.We stopped by the ATC regional office, which luckily was open later than usual, and had a lovely dinner at the Tavern. The seafood bisque was delicious, as was the salad, which included chicken, avocado, bacon, and lots of veggies. My husband thoroughly enjoyed his steak. It was a tough day on the AT, and we both felt we deserved a good meal.The AT is calling. As I learned early on, some days on the AT are tougher than others. This day was a toughie.
Date: 2015-06-12
From: PA 174, First Street, ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Of

To: Sherwin Drive
Miles today: 11.4

My husband has to return to work. So this was my last day having him slack pack me. A few days ago he got his trail name- "the Goat." (He hikes up hill like a goat. He sometimes is referred to as an old goat. And he occassionally gets my goat.) It seemed to be a good fit no matter how we looked at it.The hike yesterday ended up going through crop fields shortly before we reached Boiling Springs, so we knew we were in for more field walking today. Once again we broke the day's hike into two parts. Fortunately most of the trail was in the woods or next to the crop fields but shaded. And it was relatively flat. But it was also again terribly hot and humid.The AT went over many different things today. There were various types of foot bridges, stiles over field fences, and old stone walls. There were also train tracks,road bridges, and dedicated pedestrian bridges over 4 lane highways. There always seemed to be something interesting to see.And then there were the farms. Beautiful farms with row after row of various crops. Lucky for me my husband was raised on a farm in Minnesota.   He explained about the various crops and answered all my farming questions.As we passed a dairy farm, the cows walked towards the fence to check us out as we were checking them out. Is it terrible that my first thoughts were burgers and ice cream???We spotted a tiny rabbit, a groundhog, and lots of beautiful wildflowers along the AT. And we occassionally enjoyed some, fresh off the tree or bush, mulberries and blackberries.I called it a day after 11.4 miles. It was starting to rain, and I had plenty to do to get the blue beast loaded and ready to go for tomorrow. We had dinner at a restaurant on the edge of Carlisle called Hosses - reasonable prices and GREAT AYCE salad/soup/dessert bar.The AT is calling. But first I want to enjoy one last night with my husband.
Date: 2015-06-13
From: Sherwin Drive

To: Stealth Camping at Pipeline View
Miles today: 7.6

I knew this day would come, but it came way too fast. It was so nice to share the AT experience, at least part of it, with my husband. But he needed to go back to work, and I needed to get back into the thru hiker routine again.I had a lot of stuff to get done before I could start hiking, so we both got a late start. I did not hit the trail until after 2 p.m. (which is also when my husband started his long drive back to Florida). Fortunately the climb out of the farming valley near Carlisle was not too steep.   I have to admit, I struggled a bit carrying a full pack rather than just my day pack used for slack packing. Of course, when coming out of town the pack is ALWAYS heavier because of the food weight. But I last had the blue beast on my back April 26th. It has been a while since I carried that much extra weight.It was brutally hot and humid. As the sweat trickled down my bacK I had to remind myself why I chose to do this rather than get into my airconditioned car with my husband. I was headed into yet another crop field when I spotted some trail magic. Some very kind person placed two Styrofoam coolers at the base of a post with a white blaze. On the lid of each cooler was a note indicating that the contents were trail magic for thru hikers. One cooler had cold cokes and bottled water. The other cooler had snacks. I sucked down 2 waters and a coke, and left a note thanking the person for their kindness.I briefly stopped by the Darlington shelter to sign the register, use the "Taj Mahal" privy, and eat a bagel I snagged from the hotel breakfast buffet. Then I continued on. It was too early in the day to stop, and there were reports of bears in the area. So I thought it would be best to move on.I was hoping to make it to the next shelter before dark. But the guide book mentioned that a particularly rocky area was ahead. In fact, I was already starting to see an increase in the rocks. I knew picking through rocks would slow my pace. And I did not want to go through the rocks in the dark. So I started to come up with a plan B.I took on some water at the next spring, and I started to look for a campsite. Of course when you really need one, there are none to be found. At a pipeline there is a side trail to a view, and thankfully there was a little place to pitch a tent. Actually it was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL place to stealth camp. I positioned my tent so I could enjoy the view, hung my bear bag, and got ready for bed. I was facing east, so I did not see the sun set, but I expected a great sunrise in the morning. I was tired and quickly fell asleep.The AT is calling. I answered the call and returned as a true thru hiker. On my first day back I was rewarded and welcomed back with trail magic and a BEAUTIFUL place to camp. Who really needs airconditioning????