morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-08-25
From: Port Clinton PA

To: Boiling Springs PA
Miles today: 0.0

8/20/09 ThursdayThis morning I slept late. Maybe because I was going to bed so late. MY were hurting I decided to do a mile or two in my crocs before I put my shoes on . LB caught up to me. It was a awesome surprise. I invited him to stay at my house when we get to Port Clinton. All day it was a Ridge wich was kinda starting to get boring. That night I and LB staid at the Eckville shelter. It was an awesome shelter. It was behind the caretaker¢s house along a road. We didn¢t order pizza because we wanted to get rid of our food. I ate extra that night and even got to take a shower, a cold shower.8/21/09 FridayThis morning we woke at early start. That day started interesting. LB almost stepped on a rattlesnake. I wore my crocs the whole way to Port Clinton because my feet hurt so much. The last 2 hours on the Ridge were the longest 2 hours on the trail ever. When we got to Port Clinton ti started to rain real heavy. We stopped at the Ye Old Backpacker to use the phone to call home. At home there was a lovely meal waiting for a few friends and me. That night my youth group and I hiked 3 miles in to Eagle nest shelter. We camped there and had a good time roasting marshmallows on the fire.8/22/09 SaturdayToday my youth and I group headed north into Port Clinton. We hiked till 3:00. I could not believe how much more I was in shape. We picked up and brought Professor home with us. Tonight I will be sleeping in a nice bed.8/23-8/25/09Sunday was awesome, being able to meet every one at church. And to also eat a good fellowship meal. Sunday night was volley ball ate my place, no one recognized me. Now that was funny. On Monday I Slack packed a 27 miler. Homeschool and his mom picked me up in Swartara Gap.People were wondering what they could send me as for food. Some things I enjoy on the trail is chewy bars also Snickers which I love but too expensive for me to buy. Ramen, which I am sort of getting tired of. Oatmeal packets which am still looking for a alternative for breakfast because I am tired of oatmeal. Mac n¢ Cheese, I normally buy the boxes and one box per day, I avoid the small microwavable packets because there too small and create unnecessary trash. Powdered potatoes which I love. Trail mix is good but its too expensive for me to buy but I really love the stuff. Anything powdered and can be made with water. I am open to ideas because my normal food does get boring. Peanut butter, the Reese¢s brand is my favorite and provide the most calories. I set up another mail drop, so anything if you would like would be awesome. Wednesday I will start hiking with my cousin Daniel. I try hard to update my journal often, but don¢t get worried if it¢s not update often because that just means I am getting more miles in.
Date: 2009-09-02
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Waynesboro VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

9/1/09 TuesdayThis morning we slept extremely late. Got moving around 9:00. We hike straight to pine grove furnance without stopping. When we got to the General store at the Pine Grove furnance it was close. So we couldn't do the half Gallon Challang. At the Hostel there I updated my trial journal then we contiuned to Tom's Run Lean-to. The Lean-to is the official Midway point for the 2009 hikers. the lean-to is at mile marker 1,089.8. We had a campfire tonight to celebrate. Tomorrow we are going to find a place to eat icecream at. Its amazing that I was able to go this far. I thank God for the protection he provided for me so far and I pray that he will keep me safe for the rest of the trail.9/2/09 WednesdayToday had much exitement. Me and Sissyphus decided that we were going to have a half gallon challange at Henide's Market along Rt. 30. We left Sissyphus cell phone number and announcment for little Dipper, Bacon and Curse. We got to Rt. 30 around 3:00 and were able to get a hitch into Walmart. I got a fleece blaket there so I could stay warm and a watch so I could have a alarm clock to wake me up. After Walmart we started to try to get a hitch back. We tried for 1 hour and 45 min. After getting a little angry with myself, we decided that Sissyphus and his dog will end up walking, I kept trying for a hitch. We also tried a taxi but they wouldn't take the dog. After we split, I waited for a hitch for 15 minutes then started walking, I started to pray that the Lord will give me a hand in this since there will be no way that I would be able to walk 5 miles to trail head and 3 mile to the shelter before midnight. It was about 5:30, I came to a house with a Cleaning Van out front with a guy there wrapping some hoses. He said he would be able to give me a ride in 20 minutes. I waited there for a little then another guy came from down the street and offered me a ride for me and sissyphus and his dog. He dropped us off at Henicle's market, We bought our half gallon of ice cream and took it to the trail head and had our efficail half gallon challenge. We pase for some pictures. All the other guys had done it while we were at Walmart trying to get a hitch. I will be able to sleep much warmer to night. Thank God for today which taught me somethings.9/3/09 ThursdayToday is the first 24.7 miler for tin man. We finally got a somewhat early start, since the sun rises later and the day is shorter its hard to get big miles. We pass a bunch of shelters and ate our lunch at the Pen-Mar Park. I sent a spot out at the Mason-Dixon Line and posed for some pictures, at the Pen-Mar park. I bought and drank 2 cokes to celebrate my border crossing of finishing my 8th state on the AT. Tonight I and tin man are at the Esign Cowall shelter. I stayed up late trying to find another mail Drop Spot in Virgina which is getting hard to do since there is no NoBos to tell me about the good towns. I also figured out where my brother Dwight could hike with me in the Shanadoahs. I am finally finished with Eziakel in my Bible Reading.
Date: 2009-09-03
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Waynesbora VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

9/4/09 fridayThis morning Tin man start out before me and the other guys. I met a group of hikers that were packing up and they left me have some of there food. I also passed one of the Washington monuments. Later that say I learned from the other hikers that Tin man thought I was in front of him. I was able to catch up before he reached the shelter. The Terian was way too Awesome. I was going about 3.5 mile an hour on the last few miles. The Shelter we are staying at is alsome exept I walked .4 miles to the bottom of the mountian for water. Tin man also burnt his Mac n' cheese to the bottom of my pan wich took a good while to ge clean. I am in Danial 9 in my Bible reading.9/5/09 saturdayThis morning I woke up before my watch alarm clock went off. Me and Tin man deceded to skip Breakfast and eat in Harpers Ferry before the Post Office closes. We hike about 5 miles into Harpers ferry to the ATC Head Quarters. I ran to the Post Office, hoping it wouldn't not of closed early for the Labor day week end. After I found out what time the PO closes, me and Tin man ate breakfast at Country Cafe. I had 3 french toest, two sausage patties, 3 eggs and 3 bacon strips with toast. After that we went and picked up our mail drop pakages at the PO. What a Surprise, 6 pacages. 5 for me, one for Tin man. Thank you greatly for those that sent me a pakage. I bounce some ahead of me to another Post Office for a nother resupply. My parents sent me a string to replace my broken string on my fiddle. While at the ATC Head Quarters I got my picture taken for the AT Trail book. I looked in the 2000 year book and found a picture of my brother Roy (whistler) and the PA Dutchmen. I also read the trail entry thay put in. In Harpers ferry I stopped at a outfitter to by a spoon since mine broke last night and I also bought a 4 liter platiphus since I was getting tired of making more then 2 trips to the spring. After we left Harpers ferry and crossed into the bridge into West Virgina we ate at a pizza place along the trakil at Rt. 9 to celebrate the border crossing. We night hiked into the David Lesser shelter. And I can't wait for a nice warm shower tomorrow.9/6/09 sundayThis morning we head for the bears Den Hostel. We started part of the Roller Coaster which was not as hard and big of a deal as the NoBos had made it to be. When We got to the Bears Den Hostel which was .2 miles off the trail Tin man caught a Racer Snake. It had a neat white under belly. At the Hostel we took showers and drank some sodas. At supper time we had pizza. I was able to get my cloths washed. Two weeks of the same dirty cloths get things smelling pretty ripe. After supper I met the family that runs the Hostel and was able to jam with them on the fiddle. I am finished with the Book of Dainel in my Bible reading.
Date: 2009-09-15
From: Waynesboro VA

To: Glasgow VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

9/11/09 fridayThis morning was cold and windy, got a late start because I didn't want to get out of bed. We stopped at Skyland raustraunt for breakfast and at Big Meadows Wayside for a late lunch. Tin man has a little of the diahrria. We seened about a dozen deer today and most of them were extremely tame. I caught a snake today that had a orenge band around its neck and a ornge under belly. Kind of wonder what kind it is. Got to the Bearfence Mt. Shelter around 7:30, Very tired, didn't Play my fiddle tonight.9/12/09 saturdayToday nothing exiting happen. We went over Hightop Mt. then I called my parents in Swift run Gap to get my brother Roys mailing adress. Tonight I am at the Pinefield Hut. Right now I finished writing a puzzle letter to my brother Roy. I figured that Filicity and Jaden would love to put a puzzle together. Right now LB, Gooch, and Bacon are at the Shelter with me. I am starting Obadiah in my Bible Reading and I played my fiddle tonight.9/13/09 sunday13 miler today. Manely so we would have time to do luandry and take a shower at one of the campgrounds. Gooch and Bacon showed up last night around 12:00. today they helped us indentify a pin snake that we caught and took pictures of a few days ago. So far I seen 6 different kinds of snakes on the trial. Rattle snakes, Copper heads, Racer snakes, Ringneck snake and pine snake and of course the garter snake which we see every day. We also ate at our last Wayside where I sent a letter. I had 3 big pancakes. Tin man had thought of dropping out but I tried My hardest to encourege him. only 872 miles from Springer. We are staying at Blackrock Hut tonight, which is in the middle of a dead forest. We also had a amazing view on Blackrock summit. I finished the OLD TESTEMENT tonight I exited to start the New Testement!9/14/09 mondayThis morning I woke up at 6:00. It was still dark. I had went to bed early last night so I couldn't stay in bed this morning. I started reading the New testement this morning. We started out at 8:00 and didn't stop till 12:00. We were going pretty fast because we did 13 miles in 4 hours. After 1:00 we continued to hike then we met two north bounders that said that some one was waiting for us at the road. We moved twice as fast then when we got to Rock fish Gap we found Tin mans Dad there What a Surprise! He took me, tinman and Curse to the outfitter where I replace my Liki pole tips and talk to the manager in the bike shop about Biking the US. After that tin mans Dad took us out to A&W were we ate a meal then to my pleasant Surprise he took us for secands at Mac Donalds. After that he dropped us off at ymca were they let us tent. Thankyou Marvin. It was Alsome. That night I updated a little of my trail journal and expect to due the rest tomottow. The ymac has a indoor gym, showeres and everthing for free. Around 7:00 a Trail Angel, Waffel Queen, took us to the movies. She also ask me if I could play at a Nursing home tomorrow. So with a alsome town and a great place to stay and a gig to do tomorrow, I think we will be doing a zero tomorrow.
Date: 2009-10-05
From: Damascus VA

To: Damascus VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

10/5/09 MondayWe woke up this morning around 2:30 to rain. I didn't have my tent cover on so I had to quick put it on. We had a nice Rigde walk today. I met a man at one of the Road crossings. He gave me water and 2 Hershy bars. He also took my trash which was really nice since I forgot to unload it in Bastien. When I came to the last road crossing were I could refill with water, 300 feet down the road. I found a abandon house so I decided to stay there since it was getting late. It had a nice fire place which I lit.10/6/09 TuesdayI woke up early and continued to the top of chestnut Knob. I found No$ up there and another South Bounder who Flip Flopped and started that day to head south. His Name is Startreck. From the Chestnut Knob shelter there was an alsome view. I walked through alot of fields today. I stopped at the Knot Maul Branch Shelter with No$ to eat lunch. Had to light a fire to cook my lunch since I was out of stove fuel for a couple of days. Can't wait to get fuel in Damascus, cooking over a fire is getting boring. Tonight I am tenting in Crawfish Vally. I would of went further but it started to rain and didn't look like it would stop, so I figured that I better stop and start a fire for cooking before everything gets to wet to use. I am in Luke 22 in my Bible.10/7/09 WednesdayThis mornin' everything was soaked. Memories of the rain in Maine is the last thing I need. I didn't bother starting a fire and so I just ate my food dry. I started hiking up Gullion Mountain where I notice the leave color changes bringing on the sign of Fall. It was a Ridge walk for some miles than I started going through pastures. At interstate 81 I stopped at the Barn restaurant and ate a plate of spaghetti and french fries and fried mushrooms then a chocolate fudge cake with ice cream for dessert. The meal was big and only cost $7. After that I stopped at a Historical Museum were I looked at a old school house and a farm. I talked to a man in the visitor center that talked about the early settlers a little. Tonight I was going to stay at the Partnership Shelter but than I met a man there that took me to his house where I got a warm shower and a good meal. I was also able to update my journal and do some grocery shopping. I was also able to buy stove fuel! I am going to sleep good tonight.
Date: 2009-10-06
From: Damascus VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

10/8/09 ThursdayThis morning I woke up and finished my trail journals. I also created a face book. John dropped me off at the trail head about 1:15. I checked the visitor center out and bought a post card. The walk today was nice. I went through some Meadows. Tonight I am staying at the Trimpi Shelter with 3 other hikers. can't wait to see same wild ponys in the next two days.10/9/09 FridayThis morning went slow. I got started around 9:00. The trail was very gratual. The Meadows was awsome. I was able to see a heard of ponys and was able to get very close. The Greystone Highlands were awesome. The leaves are starting to change color and look very pretty. towards the end of the day I meet a Man looking for his son. Some how they missed each other but then met up at the shelter. I am at the Wise Shelter. Tomorrow will be a good day.10/10/09 SaturdayThis morning I was eager to get going since there was nice views to see. But then I was greatly disappointed when it fogged up and started to rain. I got started any way after a extra poptart and snickers I hiked strait to the Thomas Knob Shelter. I was reminded of the terrain in Maine. I went through the fatman Squeeze which was pretty neat. I didn't bother taking Wilburn Ridge trail like I wanted to since there wasn't going to see anything, I met No$ at the Thomas Knob Shelter were I ate a early lunch with a bunch of weekend hikers who shared some honey with me wich tasted very good. I talked with No$ all the way to lost Mtn. Shelter and took a break at Elk Garden. We met several huge groups at the Shelter. There was room for me in the shelter. There's like a sea of tents around the shelter. We met Sea Monster and Disney at the Shelter. We also got a campfire started and talk for a while. I played my fiddle for everyone. Can't wait till tomorrow, Damascus here I come. Good Bye to Virginia very soon.10/11/09 SundayThis morning was the same as any other morning. Fall is starting to look pretty. The AT went on the Virginia Creeper Trail for a .5 mile which was nice. I called 6strings then called my Dad who was at a family reunion. When I got into Damascus I stopped at Fattys and ate a burger then I went to the Place Hostel where I took a Shower. There I met 6strings. Then me and No$ went with 6strings and his parents to a cabin they had rented. The cabin was near Greyson Highlands. They were renting it for $50 a night. The cabin had everything. Fuse ball, pool, pingpong, TV, and Kitchen. We jammed a little then watch a football game and went to bed. looks like a zero tomorrow.10/12/09 MondayThis morning I woke up and had a excellent breakfast then 6strings and his parents took us to Maron where we stopped at Wallmart, library and pizza Hut. We got back to the cabin around 3:00 and played pool then watched TV till supper time. We ate a amazing meal of Mash potatoes, Sugar peas, rolls, and meat loaf. For dessert I had apple tart which was really good. We finished the night sitting around and watching TV.
Date: 2009-10-26
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Fontana Dam NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

10/21/09 WednesdayThis morning I got up early and started out around 8:30 after a quick breakfast. I stopped at the Beaty spot which had a pretty good view. I walked through a lot of burnt forest. The sun started to get really warm. I ate my lunch at the Curley Maple Gap shelter, then contiuned to Erwin. the Nolichukey River was pretty big. I stopped at the Hostel there and called Justin to tell him that he could pick me up. I also called my parents. The whole SoBo Group was at the Hostel. Justin came and picked me up, then took me to the Post Office, then to Krogers to grocery shop. His appartment was really nice and clean. After a shower, they served me with lots of Spaghetti. I had 2 full plates. Then I updated my trail journal and watched a Phillie baseball game. I am going to sleep good tonight.10/22/09 ThursdayAfter a really good breakfast that Justin made, I packed up and got my stuff ready. They took me back to the trail around 10:00. when I got there, I checked out the Hostel that was there and saw that Disney and Sea Monster was still there. I started out walking around 11:00. I ate a little lunch at No Business Knob Shelter, then kept trucking. I stopped at High Rocks to check the Awesome view. I am staying at a nice double story Shelter that actually has a privy. All the Shelters from here to the virgina border do not have privys. On the way up to the shelter I saw 2 black bear cubs, which was pretty cool. I played my fiddler tonight for two Irish guys. I broke my A string. I will have my folks bring me one since I will soon be seeing them when my Dad hikes with me in the start of the Smokeys which will be in 4 or 5 days.10/23/09 FridayToday was Awesome. I left the shelter late. I stopped in Sams Gap and met Nexon's Mom there who brought us chicken which was really good. Rite now its raining at the Hogback Ridge shelter. I finished first Corithians tonight.10/24/09 SaturdayI woke up to clear Sky's, Yesss. Well little did I know it would be raining by miday. After Mac n' Cheese for breakfast I headed up the Mountian named Big Butt. I stopped for lunch at Jerry Cabin Shelter. Little After that a Bear Hunting Dag started following me for a little while. I climb a Ridge in the rain where I was exposed to the weather. Disney and Sea Monster took a Bad Weather side Trail. There were good look outs, but too bab I could not see anything. when I got toe the little Laurel Shelter there were five people there. I started in 2 Corithians tonight. Tomorrow Hot Springs.10/25/09 SundayThe morning Sun woke me up around 7:15. After several packs of oatmeal I headed to Hot Springs. I went nonstop till Lovers Leap where I got a Awesome view of Hot Springs. the Trail crossed over French Broad River on the road. Hot springs is a nice little town with a Dollar Store and a Libary. i am staying at Elmer Hostel were I got to sleep in a real bed. There was some other regulars there. That night I played apples to Apples then played Elmers fiddle. After a lovely shower I went to bed.
Date: 2009-06-14
From: lewis mountain cabins

To: skyland
Miles today: 922.2

hi all... i'm starting my trail journal midway through my hike b/c of a "speed bump" i encountered on friday, 6.12. i figure this is a good way to keep peeps informed.my brother TR, sister-in-law jen, niece laura, and nephews scott and matthew met me ~3 miles south of skyland on friday. jen dropped them off and drove (with my pack!) back to skyland and the rest of us hoofed it north. about 1 mile south of skyland i tripped on a loose tree root, landed on a rock on my left hand and broke my 3rd and 4th metacarpals. with the help of some very focused yoga breathing and a sling i made out of my shirt, i hiked the last mile into skyland. i didn't even take the service road entrance b/c i didn't want to have to go back and do that later; getting to the actual resort seemed like a cleaner break - hahaha. we went to urgent care in luray, va (~18 miles from skyland) and i got x-rays and one of those velcro, super-stiff, temporary splint thingies. i'm currently at TR and jen's house in fredericksburg. my hand is immobilized and i'll go to the orthopedist to get a cast tomorrow (monday). so, yes, i'm typing this one-handed. i can also set up and break down my stove one-handed, and pack/unpack my backpack one-handed. i'm going to try my tent later this afternoon. i fully intend on continuing my hike once the swelling is over. the shoelaces and hipbelt might be tricky, so i'd better start practicing those.and my daily miles for today are actually my cumulative miles...i had to get it current somehow. i hiked 16ish on friday. i'll update tomorrow after i get back from the orthopedist.
Date: 2009-06-16
From: fredericksburg

To: fredericksburg
Miles today: 0.0

i have a sweet red cast on my left hand. it's a little heavy (do i have to add it to my from-the-skin-out pack weight??). big fish has gallantly offered to hike with me for a while while i get used to doing everything with a cast on. i have to get one more x-ray on thursday morning to make sure all the bones are still where they're supposed to be. after the x-ray, i'll meet big fish in harper's ferry on thursday afternoon, stop by the ATC to pick up my mail drops, and we'll be back on the trail. hallelujah!!!so, yes, this means i will leapfrog from skyland to harper's ferry, about 91 miles. after my rendevous with a little mountain up there in maine (and a bunch of lobster rolls), i'll come back and finish up this section, probably in early october.i only have to wear the cast for 4 weeks; it will be off before i know it. i have added a couple of sharpies to my pack so peeps can sign it. see you out there!!