morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-19
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Harpers Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero DayWife's in town.I had a great breakfast in the hotel dining room this morning. All I could eat of eggs, bacon, potatoes, toast, juice, and coffee. My wife arrived around 10 am and after she was settled in, she took me to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters in Harpers Ferry.The folks working at the ATC building are very friendly and helpful. They took my picture and then I filled out a few details for the photo and they put it in their 2014 thru-hiker photo album. My number was 155, which means that I was the 155th thru-hiker to come through their office. Actually there are more thru-hikers than 155, because I know not everyone registers. For some reason they just pass this process up.My wife has been shuttling me around helping me get my chores done. We had Mexican for supper.We hope to do some sightseeing tomorrow.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-20
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Harpers Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero Day"ALMOST HEAVEN, WEST VIRGINIA, BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS, SHENANDOAH RIVER." JOHN DENVERI had a good day with my wife visiting the town of Harpers Ferry. Walking through this town is a walk through the memory lane of history. The confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers at Harpers Ferry is a sight to behold. In the photo above is the Shenandoah River before it merges with the Potomac.Old historic Harpers Ferry has a history of serious flooding. The flooding altered the course of the town, its residents and its businesses, to where today it is mostly a tourist attraction.We had lunch in an outdoor cafe. It was a bright, sunny day. As we were touring around the town we discovered that when I get back on the trail Thursday morning, because the AT runs right through the town, I will see it all again as I leave the area.For supper we went Italian and it was very good, too. Tomorrow we hope to visit Antietam National Battlefield.Have a good day.
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Harpers Ferry, WV.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero DayWe continued to tour the area and visited Antietam National Battlefield, the home of the bloodiest one day battle of the Civil War.Pictured above is Ike Mumma, a direct descendant of the people who owned Mumma Farm that was burned down to stop Union snipers from using it for cover. His great, great grandparents survived the battle by fleeing to safety before it started.We have had some good meals at local restaurants; Mexican and Italian. I am glad my wife is here to shuttle me around because this place is really spread out and I would have had a hard time getting to resupply places and eating establishments.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-22
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Rocky Run Shelter, MD.
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: clear sky

Goodbye West Virginia, Hello Maryland.I had several really good days with my wife, and now I miss her even more. Everything was so spread out in Harpers Ferry that I am lucky she was able to shuttle me around so we could get all my chores done. We were also able to take care of a lot of family business.My wife and I were up at 6 am. We had our breakfast, packed up her car, and she had me at the trail head by 8 am. I really hated to say goodbye.I hiked through Harpers Ferry to exit the area. As I was walking through the town my thoughts were of the things we did there, and as I walked down the old C&O Canal Towpath my mind raced through all the memories we made here.I ate lunch today at Gathland State Park near the War Correspondents Monument. There were picnic tables, clean water, restrooms, garbage cans, and shade.I was surprised to come upon a goat out here on the trail today. It was all alone, no other goats, feeding happily on forest vegetation.I walked through a downpour and hail for about ten minutes before getting to Rocky Run Shelter. I have eaten and I am in my tent tonight.Bible time.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-23
From: Rocky Run Shelter, MD.

To: Raven Rock Shelter,MD.
Miles today: 20.6

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY GRANDSON GEORGE H.I walked through a couple of state parks today that were filled with Civil War history.I walked through Washington Monument State Park, the home of the Washington Monument pictured above. It is dedicated to his memory.Many local hikers going southbound today. I guess because of the holiday weekend a lot of people are out hiking.I ate lunch at Cowall Shelter and met two girls hiking south. They started in New York and are they are going to Georgia.Going over South Mountain, I met a ridge runner and hiked with him for a couple of miles. He is a 2010 thru hiker. I asked him a lot of questions about Maine and Katahdin, and he helped me clear up a few things I had on my mind about starting southbound.I am in my tent at the Raven Rock Shelter tenting area. This tent site has a fire ring and picnic table. It is very windy out here tonight which makes it feel cold.Almost dark, time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Raven Rock Shelter,MD.

To: Rocky Mountain Shelter,PA.
Miles today: 19.8

GOODBYE MARYLAND, HELLO YOU BEAUTIFUL HOME STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA.If I think about it, I start to realize that unbelievably, my wife shuttled me down to Georgia and I walked all the way back.When I crossed into PA this morning, I was overwhelmed with the feeling of being home. My northbound and southbound treks will both end in my home state of PA.Over the years, I have purposely avoided hiking parts of the AT with the various trail clubs that I belong to, knowing that someday I would hike the whole AT. I wanted most of it to be new to me and except for about twenty miles of AT in PA, it will be. I am excited to finally be hiking the AT in my home state. When I finish this hike as a southbounder, it will make me happy knowing that I will be ending up in PA.I slept very well last night and was up at 5:30 and hiking by 6:45 am.I was looking forward to the vending machines in Pen Mar County Park this morning, but they were unplugged.I passed up several shelters today to have lunch at Old Forge Picnic Area. I found a pavilion where I laid out my wet clothing to dry, took off my shoes and socks, and went barefoot until I left.I also came across a snowmobile trail and thought of my work friend, Bill A.I am in my tent tonight and because of the holiday weekend, there are many locals tenting here.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Rocky Mountain Shelter,PA.

To: Stream Mile Marker 1094, PA.
Miles today: 18.6
Weather: overcast clouds

There is no physiological doubt about it, today I hit the half way mileage point for this hike.I am stealth camping in my tent tonight, several miles from the next shelter.I hope to visit the AT museum tomorrow. Also I need to resupply.Low battery power; short journal.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-26
From: Stream Mile Marker 1094, PA.

To: Mt. Holly Springs, PA.
Miles today: 3.9
Weather: few clouds

TO ALL THE PARENTS AND YOUR FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS WHOSE SONS AND DAUGHTERS HAVE MADE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE IN OUR WARS, GOD LOVE AND BLESS YOU ALL AND GIVE YOU PEACE.Hamburgers, hot dogs, charcoal fires. Because of the Memorial Day Holiday and because I have passed through several state parks, I have been smelling the picnic parties for several days from the barbecue grills of all the families.So when I hiked into Pine Grove Furnace State Park this morning at 09:30, guess what was on my mind as I ordered food from the general store? Hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, cold drinks, and a giant pastry. I went outside with my food to a shaded picnic table and enjoyed my Memorial Day picnic.While eating, I struck up a conversation with a fellow who was starting his hike right there from Pine Grove Furnace State Park. He was heading south to cover the same ground that I have completed up to this point. After finishing, I wished him luck and headed to the Appalachian Trail Midpoint Museum.It's a museum that is still growing. They want to start expanding the use of the second floor for additional exhibits. They have pictures and stories of the first thru-hikers and all kinds of interesting artifacts like the signs for Springer and Katahdin Mountains. They also have the actual shelter that Ed Shaffer ( an early hiking legend ) built on Peter's Mountain in Pennsylvania. It was disassembled and put back together in the museum. There is much more to see and it is interesting. Google their website and you will be able to read further about the museum.I needed to resupply, so I shuttled into Mt. Holly Springs, PA. I have a very nice room at the Holly Inn. Bathing, laundry, and shopping are all complete and I get to watch a little TV.I'll see you back on the trail.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-27
From: Mt. Holly Springs, PA.

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: broken clouds

I was up early and at the local restaurant by 7 am. I wasn't alone. There were about 15 elderly gentlemen also waiting for the doors to open. Once inside, service was fast considering how many people were in there. I was reading the Washington Post, but most of the other men were finding out what had happened in each others lives since they last met the day before.I was shuttled back to Pine Grove Furnace State Park by the hotel co-owner.It was very hot hiking today, and I sweated profusely because of the high humidity.At lunchtime, I was near the Green Mountain Store, PA Route 34, so I went inside and ordered a cheeseburger, sub, drinks, chips, and an ice cream sandwich. I ate it all outside at the picnic table. I like these stores that are only two tenths of a mile off the trail. Usually, the timing isn't right for me as I pass them but today it worked out. I think these stores have helped me keep my weight up.It started raining about two miles from the shelter, but it helped to cool me off because it dropped the temperature several degrees. The breeze then dried me off. I am in my tent now and it is raining again.I was thinking of home today as I passed the intersection of the Western Terminus of the Mason Dixon Trail. The Eastern Terminus is near my home and the trail goes within a half mile of my house.As of yesterday, they were still not allowing hikers up Mt. Katahdin. I hope that by the time I get there, it's open.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter, PA.

To: Darlington Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained during the night but the wind was blowing enough to dry my tent before I put it away. After breakfast I was on my way.When I hiked into Boiling Springs, I stopped at the ATC Regional Office, put my pack down and went to the corner store. There I bought a sandwich, chocolate milk, a soda, and cheese crackers. I returned to my pack and sat at the picnic table while my phone was charging, and I ate my food. The terrain has mostly been flat for several days now and between 800 to 1200 feet in elevation. It appears it will continue to be like that all the way to Port Clinton, PA. where I will exit the trail for Maine.Tomorrow I have about seven miles of rocks to contend with before I get to Duncannon, PA.I am in the tenting area near the Darlington Shelter. A fellow named Thin Mint is tenting nearby with the same model tent that I have.The shoes I bought (Keen) in Hot Springs, NC have been failing fast. I didn't realize that I put 900 miles on them. I can feel just about every stone and pebble I step on and my heels are hurting. I hope they last me to Port Clinton. When I get home, I'll go to REI and get a new pair for my southbound trek. If I find a pair of soft foot pads in Duncannon, I'll put them in my boots.Time for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-29
From: Darlington Shelter, PA.

To: Duncannon, PA.
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

It rained all night. This morning I packed away a very wet tent. Within two miles, I was soaking wet from both the rain and walking through the tall grass. An unplanned trip to the Doyle Hotel to dry out was on my mind.I had about seven miles of rocks to contend with on the way into Duncannon. While hopping the rocks, a shoelace broke making the already wet slippery rocks even more difficult.I signed into the Doyle and got a room and then a shower. I laid everything out in my room, opened the windows, and turned on the circulating fan. Then I grabbed my laundry and found the laundromat and started washing clothes.While the clothes were washing, I went to lunch across the street. After lunch I started drying my clothes and then went looking for shoe strings. I found them as well as a little food supply and then on to the bank and back to get my dried clothes.The Doyle Hotel provides a shuttle everyday at 4 pm to the grocery store and pharmacy, so I hopped on board the shuttle. I found foot pads at the pharmacy and put them in my shoes and my feet feel better already. A temporary fix until I get new shoes next week.This is a no frills hotel. When you come here don't expect much. No heat, no cooling, no television. But plenty of fresh air and a circulating fan. Good enough for what I need right now. You won't pay much, $26 dollars. They have a gas heater on the wall but it is out of service. This place is at least one hundred years old. I was in the bar waiting for the shuttle, so I can tell you it's the best area in the hotel. The owners are the greatest folks and are very accommodating with free internet to hikers. Bottom line, most hikers love this place.Time for me to pack up everything so I can move better around the room.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Duncannon, PA.

To: Mile Marker 1167.5 Camping
Miles today: 24.4

It was hard to get to sleep last night. Just like in "My Cousin Vinny", a firehouse siren went off, trains went by, and also speeding cars.I had to make up miles from yesterday, so I was up at 4 and by 4:30 am I was hiking out of Duncannon by way of High Street with my headlamp on. A cop saw me and just waved. It is probably a sight he is used to. On my way out of town, I stopped for breakfast at the Pilot Truck Stop. Then I crossed over the Susquehanna River by way of Clark's Ferry Bridge. While crossing the bridge a couple of birds started dive bombing me. I guess they had babies close by somewhere.At PA Road 225 trailhead, there was trail magic waiting for me but I only drank one soda.I ate lunch at Peters Mountain Shelter. Nice big double decker shelter.I saw where the Horse Shoe Trail intersected with the AT, another trail I like to hike at home.While going off the trail for water, I happened upon five turkey's.I am at an old coal mining site tonight, camping in my tent. It's late so I should turn in.Good night.
Date: 2014-05-31
From: Mile Marker 1167.5 Camping

To: 501 Shelter PA.
Miles today: 22.1
Weather: light rain

There were some critters in the camp last night. I know this because when I got up this morning I saw that the trash someone left behind was all over the place. But last night I was so tired from yesterday's 24+ miles, I didn't hear anything.As I was hiking out of camp, I met a ridge runner and I reported to him the trash situation at the camp. He said that it had already been reported, and that he had two large bags and would haul it away. His trail name is Shoe String, and I thank him and all the other people who go the extra mile to keep the Appalachian Trail clean. But people remember, you pack it in and you pack it out.I did the extra miles today to get to the 501 Shelter. From here you can order pizza from your cell phone and so I did.The 501 Shelter is a pretty big building with a clear, domed skylight in the ceiling. I will be sleeping bunk style. I will put my air mattress on the wooden platform and sleep on it. I am too tired to tent tonight so I will stay in the shelter. Time to get ready for bed.Good night.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: 501 Shelter, PA.

To: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA.
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

I wouldn't mind going to a 501 Shelter every day, and then maybe I would come home fat instead of skinny.I left the 501 Shelter around 7 am but I didn't eat breakfast. I planned on having breakfast at a trail side campground. I found a good one about five miles down the trail and cooked up my oatmeal and coffee. After breakfast I was back on to the trail.Saw my first snake today. All I can tell you about it is that it wasn't a rattlesnake. It looked like a garter snake and it was fast.Lots of rocks the last three days, but I know the worst rocks are yet to come. I will be dealing with those rocks on my return trip as a south bounder.The monument in the picture sits at the spot where in 1755, Fort Dietrich Snyder was a lookout post during the French and Indian War.I am at Eagles Nest Shelter in the tenting area in my tent. It's been a long three days so I will say goodnight.
Date: 2014-06-02
From: Eagles Nest Shelter, PA.

To: Port Clinton, PA.
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Because I was extra tired from three days of power walking, I ate supper early and went into my tent to do my journal and read my Bible. I went to sleep about 6 pm. When I woke up this morning, I was surprised to see two other tents exactly like mine not too far away.I retrieved my bear bag and returned to my tent, I mean my neighbor's tent. It was still a little dark, and I realized my mistake before I started to open my tent door. My tent had hiking poles standing beside the entrance and his did not. Like I told you once before, if I didn't already have a trail name I could be called Gets Lost.It was a nine mile hike into Port Clinton this morning. Since entering the AT in Pennsylvania there hasn't been much scenery. The trail is generally not wide enough for me to use my trekking poles, so I have carried them through most of the miles I have been in PA. A lot of rocks, and my shoes have just barely made it. It's a priority to get new ones before Maine. A lot of canopy and not many views. The rock hopping has kept my eye's glued to the path so as not to sprain an ankle.Today I hiked into Port Clinton with Thin Mint, and Flossie and Gray Squirrel, a married couple who also have a blog on Trail Journals. They took pictures but I couldn't because my cell phone power was down to about five percent and I needed that for phone calls. We said goodbye and I told them I would see them again when we pass one another around Vermont.Upon reaching Port Clinton I was surprised to discover that the hotel was closed because it was Monday. Imagine that. I went across the street to the peanut shop to verify this and the lady behind the counter said yes, closed Monday's. When she told me there was only one restaurant in town and it closes at 2 pm, I knew I had to move on.So I called a shuttle and headed for Hamburg three miles down the road. I am in a nice hotel and there are may places to eat within walking distance. I even visited Cabellas Outfitter across the highway, and everything seems to be open.Today was my last hiking day as a north bounder and this will be my last journal entry as a north bounder. Between now and Maine I will be in a neutral writing zone.Please know that I have enjoyed knowing that you have been with me on my dream voyage. What could be better that having a dream and sharing that dream with others.Stay tuned and don't go away, the adventure is only half over. Very shortly I will be reporting to you as a south bounder. I will tackle what many people think is the toughest part of the whole trail, Maine and New Hampshire.Thanks for following me, it has been great.God love you all.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Port Clinton, PA.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Zero DayAhhh! Breakfast at the Hamburg, PA. Cracker Barrel. Civilization is great.My Wednesday Miler hiking friend from The Wilmington Trail Club was scheduled to pick me up at 10 am at the hotel in Hamburg,PA. He texted me and said he could be there at 8:30 and wanted to know if I had eaten breakfast yet? It was 6:30 am and I said," I am eating breakfast now." However, I told him," I will eat again when you get here, no problem."Jan picked me up at 8:30 and we went to breakfast before we left the area. The drive to my home was about one and a half hours and we had much conversation about my hike. I also had a chance to catch up on the folks in the hiking club. Thank you Jan, for taking the time to pick me up and bring me home.I spent the second part of the day cleaning all my gear with soap and water: tent, air mattress, pillow, all my stuff sacks, backpack, and clothes. I am airing out my sleeping bag. Also, I am sorting through all my gear to make sure I really need everything I am carrying.I have removed what I am not allowed to take on a plane, and will resupply in Maine with 10 days of food, fuel, and other things that I need. Baxter State Park in Maine just opened the Hunt Trail (The AT) to hikers. Just in time for me to summit Mt. Katahdin.After I took a shower, I weighed myself and even after having eaten three large meals by 3 pm, I only weighed 163. A weight loss of 23 pounds. I will eat all I can before going to Maine.I have lost so much muscle mass that my pack straps hurt my shoulders and I use foam pads under the straps to help ease the pain. Also, I presently can't lay down flat on my back on a hard, flat surface because I can feel my backbone against the surface and that hurts. I suppose I will look like a physical wreck by the end of this hike.However, aerobically I feel great. There have been many mountains I have hiked up non stop. I am not worried. I will build back up after the job is done.I enjoyed getting around in my truck today, but the trail is calling me. I need to get back to the mountains. Before I know it, I will be there.Good night.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Zero DayI went to breakfast and then to REI for my shoes, socks, long and short pants, plus a new two liter platapus and a few other items.Thanks for the advice on the Oboz Bridger Boots. They did look good, but I thought I would stay with what has already worked for me and that is Keen Targhee II Mid Hiker which automatically comes wide with a large toe box area, that I need.I told the shoe salesperson that I had 1000 miles on the shoes I was replacing, but now I realized I should have changed them out at 700 miles because that's when I started feeling rocks and sticks. I thought my feet were just worn out from hiking miles into the twenties.The salesperson then said that I should have changed them out at 500 miles, that no hiking boot is designed to go over 500 miles and retain its design qualities. Is this true? My Asolo Fugitives lasted 1200 miles. A minimum of 4 pairs of boots for an Appalachian thru hike, the person said.The rest of the day was used for working on my gear. I went to the eye doctor and had my glasses adjusted. He asked me if I lost weight? I said, "I sure have Doc, and that may be why my glasses are loose on my face."My wife will be home tomorrow, can't wait to see her.Good night.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Zero DayMy busy wife is home with me now. Always good to see and be with her.I did a lot of research today on the first three hundred miles of my southbound hike and how to get around from Bangor, Maine to Mt. Katahdin.I also got a chance to talk to some neighbors, and do a few minor chores around the house.All of my gear is still airing out, and tonight I will go out to dinner with my wife.I continue to ice my knee when I can, and I have gained back almost five pounds.Good day.
Date: 2014-06-06
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Zero DayMy mom said that I should stop hiking right now and go see a doctor. My grandson said to be careful and don't run into the trees. Being with my family was the highlight of this day.I had a nice dinner with my children, mom, sister, and grandchildren. Everyone was interested in hearing about my hike so far, and I enjoyed all the laughter and joking.This is why I have the one and done concept for hiking the AT. I miss my family and home life and can't wait to get back to it. I will always have the workout mentality and I will always be interested in hiking and wellness, but I will never leave my family again for such a long period of time. One and done.Good night.