morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-21
From: US 501, Wildwood Campground, Big Island VA

To: Black mountain shelter
Miles today: 20.0

Big day today for us. 20 miles and about 5100 feet in total ups. The weather was once again perfect. Very pleasant for walking up the big hills this morning. The views were also impressive as we could look back at the river and footbridge and along the ridgeline we hiked the 2 days before. We had planned out our rest stops and food intake and we actually followed the plan...amazing for us. It worked out well. We left, after eating breakfast with Ken,about 8am. We finshed up about 6:10. A long day for sure but we did get the 20 in and both of us fared pretty well. A few tired, sore muscles but nothing too damaging. BD built a fire and we're camping by the creek. Tomorrow is another big day for a number of reasons: (1) we're doing 18.1 with about 3000 right out of the tent and (2) it's the last day of this section.   we'll be getting off in montebello to take care of some business. Always bittersweet time for me. The experience is always the same...but different. Nice to meet some new friends and to experience trail life and trail magic. It's also good to be alone for a time. However, I do miss my wife and girls a lot! This trip will take us over the 800 mile mark. As I always say at the end of these things...this may be my last section. We'll just have to wait and see. No cell signal tonight so I missed talking to the family. Podman out.
Date: 2009-05-22
From: Black mountain shelter

To: fish hatchery rd, montebello va
Miles today: 18.1

What a day. The weather was perfect again! The first 4 miles...the climb from the shelter to the first 4000 foot peak was not really any fun at all. No real views and getting out of bed and climbing 2600 feet is not the easiest way to start your day. Alas we did get through it. After you get to the top of the first mtn u get to go down and then back up over 4000 again. The last 8 or 10 miles was not so bad and we ended our section hike at Fish Hatchery Rd. It's good to be back with my family. The last 2 days were pretty aggressive for us with major ups and almost 39 miles. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if I ever make it back. Too many other things in my life right now that are much more important. May God bless each one of you that has been reading, following along, and praying me through. Ipod out!
Date: 2010-04-14
From: fish hatchery rd, montebello va

To: montebello
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, believe it or not it looks like the "podman" is going back for another section. If you haven't read my journal from the start that probably won't surprise you. If you have been reading along you're probably just shaking your head in disbelief. I know I am! It just gets in your blood. It's goes beyond explanation. I don't know if it's the physical test, the solitude, the awesone alone time with God and His creation or what but there is an unmistakable draw that keeps bringing me back. I love to hate it. If any of you can identify with that you know where I am. Our plan is to do about 245 miles in 18 days(16 walking days with 2 zero's planned in). That should take us through the Shenandoah National Park past Harper's Ferry and just into Pa. It will no doubt be hard for me to leave the family,that's always my biggest challenge. I do believe that being absent for a while does make me appreciate them more when I'm with them. Our plan is to be back on the trail on monday the 19th. Until then, Ipod out.
Date: 2010-04-18
From: montebello

To: Harper's Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Note that I have adjusted the mileage to match th 2010 thru hiker's guide.It was the best of times it was the worst of times...PART 5! Hard to believe that I'm out here again. Started at Fish Hatchery/Spyrock rd around noon and made it to Harper's Crk Shelter about 6:15. Only about 12 miles and all in all not a bad start to this section. Just getting back up to the trail was quite a climb. About 30 mins of serious uphill climbing. Then the Priest was waiting along with some friends. A little tired tonight. The weather was good. A little on the nippy side from time to time but a lot of sun made it feel much better. Miss the family already. Every time is the same...the first couple of nights are a little hard to adjust to. In the end I've always been glad I came. We all need some serious down time every now and then.Hearing the melody, Ipod out.
Date: 2010-04-19
From: Harper's Creek Shelter

To: dripping rock parking
Miles today: 12.7

Day number 2 of our LASH...long a_ _ section hike. Up to a great morning at least weather wise. WE broke camp early and immediately started up, up, up. The 3 ridges run or should I say slow walk had begun. Two hours later we had reached the top. Very tired and feeling the effects of section hiking. In fact as we looked back on the peak we renamed it...MMM...Massive Monolith of Manhood. It really is a site. The rest of the day was fairly usual with the exception of the rocks...I thought for a moment I was back in GA!. My feet are a little sore and tender but considering all is well. Have a cell signal finally and it was great to talk to the family. They are the best. Love you guys. Looking forward to waynesboro tomorrow...shower and clean clothes will be good. That's about all for now, 'pod out.
Date: 2010-04-20
From: dripping rock parking

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: clear sky

Long day for me. The terrain was not so bad but I really felt badly all day. Not sure exactly what was going on. My stomach seemed to disagree with everything I did. Which is not a much of a problem when you're at home on the couch but when you've got everything you own on your back and trying to hike it's a little different. I did manage to make it to Waynesboro where our trail angel "Norman" picked us up and took us to the hotel. He also showed us around and gave us the low down on the town. Thanks Norman you are appreciated! Resting now in the hotel. Tried to eat some pizza with little luck. We are trying to decide whether or not to adjust or plans for tomorrow. We had planned a 20 mile day but both Big Daddy and I are feeling the effects of being back on the trial as section hikers so we may have to adjust. Oh well, never under estimate the value and blessing of good health.Listening intently to hear the harmony, IPOD.ALmost forgot to mention we saw a male and female goat today. Just met them on the trail. It was a little scary they are bigger than you might think. The male had the full horns, etc...Anyway, they gave us a quick look then rambled their own way. Cool. You just can't this stuff up!
Date: 2010-04-21
From: Waynesboro

To: middle of nowhere
Miles today: 12.7

Interesting day. It rained this morning while we where in Waynesboro but stopped about lunch as we hit the trail. All I've heard about the Shenadoah Park has been good. Well graded paths, waysides to get food and drink...easy traveling. Well so far it is pretty nice compared to the rest of the trail. We're only about 13 miles in at this point. We were going to try to get in 19 or so today but the town monster sucked us in and it was a significant fight jsut to escape! And after a day that I didn't feel well I was easily swayed towards the dark side. Oh Well, may go for 19 tomorrow...hum...seems like I've said that before. We'll just have to see how things go and how we feel.Waynesboro Trail Angles Rock! Thanks Norman and Bill for all your help.Listening for the tune, 'pod.
Date: 2010-04-22
From: middle of nowhere

To: Frazier Discovery Trail to Loft Mtn Wayside
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: moderate rain

Well you never know how things are going to work out. We made our way to the Wayside and of course it was closed. I lead most of the day today. Big Daddy's achilles is really hurting him. He limped along for most of the day trying to conceal his growing pain. We've been together to many years and through way to much stuff to be able to hide much from each other. Let me take this time to say what a "jewell" a real friend is. Johnny and I have seen a lot over the years in business and in life and I could never begin to describe or put a value on our frienship. He is truly closer than the brother I never had...enough of that my lip is starting to quiver. Anyway the rest of the hike is in serious jeopardy. We'll make the final decision in th morning.Finding mostly static....'pod.
Date: 2010-04-23
From: Frazier Discovery Trail to Loft Mtn Wayside

To: Frazier Discovery Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Well our section hike for this year has come to an abrupt end. Big Daddy's achilles is severly swollen this morning and walking is a real challenge let alone hiking with a pack. Things never really seemed right this year. Can't really explain it. I guess God just had other plans for us. Oh well, may be another time. Who knows if we'll ever make it back this way again. Part of me hopes we will and another part is glad it's over. Crazy!The music is gone for now...or at least I'm struggling to hear it...IPOD out!
Date: 2011-06-09
From: Frazier Discovery Trail

To: Frazier Discovery Trail
Miles today: 0.0

Here we are again. Can you really beleive that the pod man is going out again? If all goes well my next entry will be for Sunday June 19th. I'm excited to say that my wife along with Big Daddy's wife will be joining us for the first week back on the trail. Their first experience on the AT. How cool is that! Loving the music, IPOD.
Date: 2011-06-19
From: Frazier Discovery Trail

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 4.7
Weather: clear sky

Well here I am again. On the AT for another section hike.this time will be different for sure. Big Daddy and I have somehow talked our wives into going out for a week on the AT with us. They've been real troopers trying to get ready and I must say they did well on their 1st outing. We got started about 3 PM at Loft Mtn and hit Pinefield hut shelter around 6:30 or so. Only 5.8 miles but still a good start for us. Dinner tonight was quesadillas with Tootsie rolls for desert and lots of fluids. we're in the tent now and its starting to rain a little. I really wanted to leave the tent flys open tonight its a little warm tonight. Anyway its great to have Stephanie with me. After 22 yrs of marriage (on July 1st) we still love to hang out with each other. Looking forward to the rest of the week and already dreading her leaving once we get to Luray. Enjoying the moment for now. Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-20
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Man did it rain last night.it started around 9 PM and didn't stop until around 9 ish this morning. We stayed pretty dry all things considered. We got up packed up and hit the trail about 10am. Stopped for lunch about 12:45 on a rock outcrop. Lots of fog so no real views but still good to eat and rest our feet. Trail is in good shape considering all the rain. The girls did great again today. 8.2 miles is their biggest day ever. No complaining they just got it done. Once we got to the shelter their were a number of hikers already there. Tex, Hiker dude, Bill Clock and his daughter Debra. Bill thru hiked in 98 and has done so many other trails I can't remember them all. He's planning to do Mt. Kilamanjaro in July. Awesome. Oh btw he's only 70. About 8:30 now and all is well. Going to get an early start in the am. Looking forward to Lewis Mtn campground and store tomorrow night.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-21
From: Hightop Hut

To: Lewis Mtn Campground
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Lomgest day so far for the girls. They both r tired and wore out but did well. We left @ 7:41 and arrived @ 3:45 PM. Trail was well maintained w some ups and downs but nothing major. Stopped at the picnic area and stuck our heads under the water facet...Cold...good. This made 900 miles for big daddy and me. 5 or so miles later we made it to the camp store at Loft Mtn. We bought drinks and sandwich stuff to devour. Sleeping in the cabin tonight. Nice to get a shower and wash clothes. Bugs were really bad today. Tried dryer sheets, wrist bands, off spray and nothing seemed to work. Oh well tomorrow we'll go to Big Meadows Campground and stop for lunch...8 miles or so. Should be another good day with the girls. Its really nice to have Stephanie with me.
Date: 2011-06-22
From: Lewis Mtn Campground

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night was a great night to be inside. Violent storms came thru during the night w wind hale etc. The weather today was great. We hit the campstore early then hit the trail ~9:30 and was eating lunch at big meadows wayside around 2PM. The walk was awesome. Cool breeze only 2 uphills for the first 8 miles. After a great lunch we decided to press on another 3.5 miles to Rock Spring Hut. Again the walk wasn't bad. Lots of people here tonight. I'm guessing between the shelter and campsites probably 30. Its almost 10 and the breeze is picking up cooling things off a little. The girls did great again today. We'll see how things end up they may actually be back one day its great having Steph w me. Esp in the evenings. Quite, no distractions. I gave her her official trail name today..."Tripper". Bless her heart she can find more ways to slip and stumble than one would think is humanly possible. Great day for seeing wildlife. Saw a wild turkey right out of the gate then numerous...prob 20 deer. 2 of the deer seem to be hanging around the shelter tonight. Also saw a small black bear shimmy down a tree then disappear into the brush. Great day to be on the AT.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-23
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray Va.
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Great day for walking. Broke camp and hit the trail ~ 9am and was @ Skyland around 11:15. The didn't open for lunch til 12 so we kicked back washed up a little and rested. Lunch was excellent. We filled up on appetizers of Spinach dip and sweet potato fries with maple butter. After that we each had our own plates and lots of cola to drink...Good stuff. We decided to move on to Byrd's nest shelter which was another 6.5 miles down the road. The walk there was nice. The walk over the Pinnacles had lots of great views. Makes the climb getting there worth it...well I should probably ask Steph and Tonya about that before I officially say its so. We reached the shelter~ 6:45 and packed off to rest. We discussed that the only thing stopping us from being in town tonight w hot showers etc was 3.5 more miles to Thorton Gap and into Luray where the girls were scheduled to finish their hike. After some discussion we hit the trail again ~ 7:20. The first 400 feet up out of the shelter wasn't too bad. The 1200 feet of down on the other side was another story. It was a steep, rock filled path that would have had the most grizzled hiker shaking his head. I actually thought I was back in GA.for a while. Alas we did make it down. Johnny yogied a ride for me to go to the hotel and get the car and come back to get them. It worked well and 30 mins later we were all together again... Hungry...in some pain...but safe and headed towards food and showers. We will reposition the cars tomorrow and Johnny and I will hit the trail again on Sat. The girls were awesome. They did 5.8 , 8.2 , 11.7 , 12.2 , and finished with a 14.1 mile day. If you don't think that's pretty cool...try it some time... up and down the stairs at your local skyscraper. I can't say enough about their willingness to come out here and try it. Actions always speak louder than words and I so much appreciate my wife's this week. I will miss her greatly on the trail. The talks at. He end of the day were great and having time together with limited distractions was great. The trail is hard to explain. It's better experienced I think. I know my love hate relationship with it has lasted now for 4 yrs. If you're reading this and have never tried it...I want to encourage you to give it a week. It may change your life...or at least your perspective.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-24
From: Luray Va.

To: Luray Va.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Luray to Luray. 0 day to move cars.Moved cars today. Left one in PA. And drove back to Luray to spend the night. Tomorrow Johnny and I will hit the trail again...this time without our wives. I know I will miss mine.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-25
From: Luray Va.

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: moderate rain

Said goodbye to the girls this morning~8:30 and hit the trail. I know the girls secretly wanted to go with us but someone has to take care of the homefront Today was not too bad. We did the 8.6 to Elmwallow wayside by 11:45 and had sandwiches and drinks. Then we laid out under the shade trees and rested the feet before moving on. We only had another 5.7 to the shelter so we were in no particular hurry. The 1000 foot climb out of the wayside was actually not bad. Its all in how they get u to the top of the mountain. The rest of the walk was was nice. The weather today was great...a little overcast and breezy with a temp of about 82! The shelter was .2 miles downhill. When we arrived the tent sites were already full and the shelter would soon follow. Johnny and I made a couple of our own and before the sunset their was another 10 tents in addition to the official sites. Probably close to 30 people here tonight. Crazy! Oh well it is "Saturday in the park...I think it was the forth of July" but I digress...all you "Chicago" fans got that reference. Anyway all seems to be well physically...both Johnny and I are tired and a little foot weary but other than that things are fine. As usual no cell signal so touching base with the family will have to wait. First night without Steph...I mean " Tripper" It would be nice to have her here. Hello to Mariah and Gabrielle, I love u both and miss you terribly.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-26
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Front Royal Va.
Miles today: 13.4

Crazy night. Lots of folks here. A lot of weekend hikers. One day I'm going to learn how to get a good night's sleep in this tent. You'd think that after 946 miles I would have figured out something. Oh well, being off our feet is the main thing. We were on the trail by 7:30 and started to climb. What am I thinking... The climb started with .2 miles straight uphill out of the shelter area before we got to the trail. Anyway...today's journey had more ups than the other days since getting back on at Loft Mtn campground. We took a break at the last Skyline drive crossing where we met a guy who was biking the park. Nice guy he gave us some water and even offered Gatorade! He was biking with a group and their support van was parked there. We thanked him and after about 25 Mins we hit the trail for the last 6.2 or so to highway 522. I prayed for a ride into town as we were coming down the mountain. Once we were there we didn't see anyone so we thought about calling a cab. We decided to put our packs on and hitchhike into town...guess God was busy...as soon as we hit the other side of the road we walked about 20 feet and a truck pulled over and gave us a ride into town! Sometimes you've got to have the faith to take that first step and trust God to be the loving Father you know Him to be. Will I ever learn? In town now staying at the quality inn. Showered...clothes washed...and resting up for tomorrow. The next 4 days are big for us...15.9.¢¦18.3.¢¦19.1..and 18.5 taking us through Harper's Ferry and to Dahlgren campground. Almost forgot...I saw 6 pt buck today from about 8 feet away. Got a great picture...still has velvet on the horns...cool. Pod out for now.
Date: 2011-06-27
From: Front Royal Va.

To: U.S. Highway 50
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: clear sky

Crazy day today. Got started early out of Front Royal. We had breakfast at the hotel and hitched a ride back to the trail. Our plan was to go to Dick's Dome shelter for the night. The hills weren't too bad there's always the 1000 footer that seems to follow any town or stop. We took our time and moved pretty well over the trerrain. When we got to the shelter we stopped and rested and talked with a dad and his family that were out for a short hike and he mentioned a store at highway 50 which was another 5 miles or so. Johnny and I talked about it and decided that after a short rest we thought we could handle the extra miles. The miles were mostly downhill after a short 400 footer up and we reached the road about 8:30. I had prayed for a place to stay since there was really nothing on our trail guide. Once we got to the highway there wa no store and nothing around the road. Johnny asked me what my gut was telling me and I said that I thought that I would have to ask someone to camp in their yard tonight. So here we go up to the house on the hill. I knocked on the door and a nice gentleman came out. I told him who we were and what our situation was and asked if we could camp in his yard. He said sure and brought out some yard chairs and cold cokes to drink. We talked for a while and then set up for the night. Clarence Johnson is the man's name and he was great. Thanks Mr. Johnson! In the tent now and listening to the traffic on the highway. You never know out here. You just can't make this stuff up. Tomorrow is the Roller Coster day and having only 13mi to do instead of 18 will be a good thing. Hi to my girls...love you all.Pod out!
Date: 2011-06-28
From: U.S. Highway 50

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 13.5

Wow...not sure where to start. The day started with a little rain about 5 am. But it stopped by 6:45 and Mr. Clarence came out to offer us coffee and cold drinks. Thanks again Mr. Clarence. We left and hit the trail around 7:30 and got to Rod Hallow Shelter about 8:45. We stopped in and had an early lunch and rest before the roller coaster. Now about the roller coaster...I don't even know where to start. Let me start by saying today must have been the perfect storm.It was about 91degrees with about 97% humidity and the hills were straight up and straight down with huge rocks and roots the entire way. Today was...to the best of my recollection...the toughest day physically I've ever experienced. It took us 7 hours to hike the 9.9 mikes into the hostel. Think about that for a minute. Constantly going up and down with all the things I've mentioned and oh by the way...the bugs were terrible...with a small child on your back. Crazy man...Crazy. I actually stopped 4 times and took off everything I had on and wrung it out. Soaking wet will not describe what I was all day today. We finally made it to the hostel and now have had a shower, eaten, washed clothes, and rehydrated. Feeling better but my feet, knees, hips, and shoulders are feeling it. We'll see what I feel like tomorrow. We've got 19.1 scheduled into Harper's Ferry. Then maybe a zero there if we need it to heal up. Hi to my girls...miss you greatly. "Tripper" I miss u but am glad you weren't here for this. See u soon.Pod out.
Date: 2011-06-29
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harper's Ferry West Va.
Miles today: 19.1

What a difference a day makes. The weather today was great. Mid 80s, low humidity, and a nice breeze that blew most of the day. I talked with a thru hiker today who said yesterday was the absolute worst so far as the weather conditions were concerned. I know I felt it. The miles today...19.1... Were not too bad as far as elevation but very rocky for the most part. My feet feel a little like sausages. We left the hostel about 7:45 am and wound up at the comfort inn in Harper's Ferry around 7 PM. I'm tired and sore. Johhny and I both took showers and have had a huge supper of half a snickers bar and 4 crackers. Too tired to do anything else. We'll eat big for breakfast. We did reach a couple of mile stones today: (1) we got out of Va .and (2) we passed the 1000 mile mark. Pretty cool I guess.Pod out.