morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-03-11
From: Newfound Gap (Gatlinburg TN)

To: Pecks Corner Shelter
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: light rain

We got up early today thinking we'd get an early start on the trail. We went to the road at 7 am but we couldn't get a ride back to the trail. At 8 am we went back to the hotel to try to get a shuttle. After following up on a few leads that went no where we found a shuttle from Smoky Mountain Outfitters for $35 for two. The driver was friendly and came right away. We started hiking at 9:25 am in light rain. The whole day was different levels of wet. We had lunch while it poured at Icewater Spring Shelter. There were a couple kids there in jeans. I felt bad about their wet hike out coming up. After Icewater Spring Shelter the trail turned into a huge ice block. I had to hug trees to stay on my feet. There were neat ridge walks with steep drops on each side however, we could hardly see through the thick fog. We couldn't even see Charlie's Bunion. We arrived at the turn to Pecks Corner Shelter at 4:25. Home sweet home. Tonight we are joined by two English men. Their names are Tom and George (Walley). A real nice guy named Wes is here too (Jon Weston). It has been a fun evening sharing trail stories. It has been in the 40s today. I think it will be cold tonight. Nite all. Rocky
Date: 2009-03-12
From: Pecks Corner Shelter

To: Cosby Knob Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Happy Meeting Day for Swamp Fox and I, 3/12/05. He remembered first thing in the morning. I would have remembered if I had a clue what date it was. It is so hard to keep track of the day of the week. Today was overcast all day with only a few sprinkles at lunch time. We left the shelter at 8:55 and were back on the AT at 9:05. We had four good climbs today. The highest was Mt Chapman (6417). We had lunch at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter. Just before Snake Den Ridge Trail we saw chunks of metal every where from and old plane crash. We got into Cosby Knob Shelter just before 5:30. There was a sweet brown bunny beside the trail to greet us. Wes, Tom, and Walley are here too. It is cold probably below 40, brrr. Night all. Rocky
Date: 2009-03-14
From: Standing Bear Hostel 

To: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: moderate rain

It rained during the night. It was quite chilly in our cute little cabin over the creek. As a result we didn't rush to get up and moving. After a leisurely breakfast we left the hostel just before 10 am. It was a dreary overcast morning in the high 40's and was lightly raining at the time. It wasn't worth putting on rain jackets as we would be wetter from the sweat. We began the 2800 foot climb in 4.7 miles of Snowbird Mtn. Rocky had a difficult time with the endless climb and Swamp Fox left knee was acting up again. As we approached the bald summit the wind whipped up and chilled us. There was a large white tower structure to the left of the trail. We didn't stop to look due to the misery of the day. The rain and wind were increasing. We continued down into the cover of the woods. It was a long down hill to the Groundhog Creek Shelter. We arrived before 3 pm. The shelter is small, old, and run down. But it is home for tonight. It is a cold and wet 50 degrees. We set up our tent in the shelter as we often did in January. That should help keep us warm tonight.Today as we hiked we considered getting off the trail. Swamp Fox's left knee is becoming a problem and we have some family matters that need our attention. It isn't easy to think about leaving the trail, after all our planning, the support we have received, and the obstacles we have over come to get this far. If we get off the trail we will leave the south and do sections in the north Swamp Fox has never done. We have two graduations and Swamp Fox's Dad's 99 th birthday also to attend. The final decision will be made in Hot Springs.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Walnut Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

We listened to the rain all night on the shelter roof. I struggled to get going. It is very hard to motivate when it's raining. We started hiking at 9:30. The rain slowed down to a drizzle before long. I stopped to change clothes because I was drenched with sweat. I could have rung out my clothes. Then it started raining again once I had changed into dry clothes. I felt like I couldn't win. We had lunch at Roaring Fork Shelter. We made the decision to go on to Walnut Mountain Shelter. The first four miles out of Roaring Fork where wonderful. We averaged 2.2 miles an hour going into Lemon Gap. There was beer beside the road for hikers. Swamp Fox was happy with his treat. Thanks to whom ever left the treat. We went over Max Patch in the rain and fog. We could barely see the trail markers. I know it's beautiful but we really didn't see anything today. We are here at Walnut Mountain Shelter with Easy Going. I feel pretty accomplished hiking over 13 miles on such a wet day. We finished hiking at 5:30. We will check with Swamp Fox's Dad when we get to Hot Springs to see if he needs us. If he doesn't we will continue North. Swamp Fox's knees are better today. Nite all. Rocky
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Walnut Mountain Shelter

To: Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Another rainy night. As a result we didn't move too quickly this morning. It was not cold overnight. The temperature has been around 50 degrees for day, since the Smokys. Easy Going left around 9 am. He is a nice, soft-spoken young man from Syracuse NY. (see his TJ under "Joe"). We enjoyed his company in the shelter. It is 13.1 miles to Hot Springs, so our objective was to get out of the miserable weather today and stay at Elmer's in Hot Springs. The rain abated and at around 9:30 am, we started north on the Trail. We had a long climb up Bluff Mountain, followed by a long descent to Garenflo Gap. It took us about 3 1/2 hours to do the 6.5 miles, which is good time for us. We are getting our trail legs and Rocky is having an easier time with the climbs. After that the day dragged on. The sun made a brief appearance and then disappeared. Rocky was having a difficult afternoon and was feeling sad about family issues. So when we got to Deer Park Mountian shelter at about 3 pm, she was of a mind to stay there, particularly since the rain began again. After some gentle urging by Swamp Fox, she agreed to proceed the remaining 3.2 (mostly downhill) miles into Hot Springs. However, it was now raining heavily and it was not a pleasant walk down into town. On the way down we passed a group and young boys, with their adult leader. They were going uphill, and didn't look too happy. Rocky felt very sorry for one young, tiny, young fellow who looked miserable and said "Another hour uphill". A day like this either builds character or destroys any love a young person can have for the outdoors. We finally rounded a bend in the descent and saw Hot Springs below us. However, it seemed to take forever for us to descend into town. We arrived at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn at about 5 pm, and the staff was very welcoming. Easy Going, Rail, Pound Hound, and husband Garage Man were already here. O.M.River, who we know from TJ, was also here along with some others. Elmer's is like a museum. Our room looks like out of a Dickens novel. This is an old, historical home, with antique furniture. Elmer's has a music room, for those so talented. He has a library that would make a left-wing college professor proud. It is a trail institution. Elmer's serves gourmet vegetarian meals, but we got in too late to sign up for dinner. We won't be able to eat breakfast here because of Rocky's wheat allegy. After showering and putting on what clothes we had that we not too dirty, we went across the street to the Smoky Mountain Dinner for dinner. We enjoyed chatting with some of the local people who hang there. We have a variety of aches and pains and will sleep well in our four-poster bed tonight. We made phone calls home and decided there was no reason not to press onward.Tomorrow is a Zero Day.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Hot Springs NC

To: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Zero Day in Hot Springs! The weather has turned for the better and it is a very warm day, over 70 degrees. Hope this holds up for a few days as we make our way to Erwin TN.Swamp Fox went to the local laundramat, first thing this morning, to wash our stuff, as Rocky had no clothes to wear out of Elmer's hostel. Double Healer came to Elmer's later this morning and delivered the drop box we left with him when we returned to the trail on March 2nd. We took him to breakfast at the Smoky Mountains Diner. We all enjoyed a big breakfast. After breakfast we dried out our wet gear from the trail. We inventoried our remaining food, as we needed to buy groceries for our six days to Erwin TN. We didn't have to buy too much as we also made good use of food other hikers left in the hostel hiker box. We are packed up as much as we can, so we can leave early tomorrow. Tonight we are looking forward to Elmer's gourmet vegetarian dinner. We wonder what the "Question of the Day" will be at dinner. That is an Elmer's tradition. Elmer's staff will pose a philosophical question for all the hikers to respond to. Otherwise it has been a day to relax.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Hot Springs, NC

To: Spring Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: scattered clouds

We got up around 6:30 and went to the Smoky Mountain Diner for breakfast. It was so yummy and the service was fast with coffee refills. I really enjoyed this restaurant. We began hiking at 8 am. It was a long up hill slog for most of the day. We had lunch with Mulliegh formerly Rail and Daks at 1 by Tanyard Gap. I was really dragging after lunch. We arrived at Spring Mountain Shelter at 4:30 pm. We have had a great evening visiting with Mulliegh, Daks, and Scott.By the way, last night's question of the day at Elmer's was "If you were to drown, what substance would like to drown in?" Swamp Fox's answer was Coors Lite beer, Rocky's answer was a sweet wine. Elmer's comes up with some strange questions.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Spring Mountain Shelter

To: Allen Gap
Miles today: 3.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last evening we got two messages indicating that my 98 year old dad was in the hospital in Philadelphia. I was asked to verify whether he had a Living Will. There wasn't much I could do on top of a mountain in NC, so it made for an unsettled night's sleep. Fortunately, we would be at a phone today, March 19th.We left the shelter at 8:50 am, along with Daks, who hiked out with us. We enjoyed Daks's company last night, and he is already a good friend, despite the fact that we only have known him for less than a day. With Rocky in the lead we reached Allen Gap at about 11 am. Daks and I brought up the rear, as we both are nursing sore knees. Downhills are the worst. Daks continued to Hemlock Hollow hostel, where he will be picked up by a freind. We walked to the mearby home of Hercules and Fal. Hercules and Fal are past thru hikers who provide trail magic for hikers passing through. Rocky and I both remember their kindness and hospitality in 2005 when we passed through this area in 2005, three days apart. Rocky also remembered a beautiful Appalachian Trail themed quilt that Fal made up after her thru hike. Rocky is an avid quilter and wanted to photograph the quilt this time. Rocky has plans to make her own AT quilt when this adventure is over. Mulleigh (formerly Rail) was at their home when we got there. I asked to use their phone and eventually after a number of calls, got to talk to my dad. He minimizead the problem that put him in the hospital and didn't want to ask us to come help him when he gets home from the hospital. He may be 98, but he is much younger physically and mentally, but is also quite independent and stubborn. I got Rocky to talk with him, as she is not only a nurse, but quite perceptive when talking to him. Based on her conversation with him, she said "We have to get off the Trail and go to him". So it looks like our thru hike is on hold.We enjoyed a wonderful meal at the home of Hercules and Fal. They were quite sympathetic to our problem and helpful. We enjoyed their company for most of the afternoon. They also graciously offered to drive us to the bus station in Asheville to begin the trip to Philadelphia. On the way to Asheville we stop for Chinese, and enjoyed another meal with our Trail Angels. We are so appreciative for the help and hospitality, Hercules and Fal. Thank you so much. It is said that the Trail gives you what you need, and that was certainly true today.At 9:30 pm, we boarded the bus, and will be going to Philadelphia, by way of Charlotte NC, Richmond VA, and Washington DC. It will be a 17 hour bus ride.Somehow, we will get back to the Trail this year. We don't know where, when, and how. We will keep everyone posted.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-03-20
From: on board a Greyhound Bus

To: Philadelphia PA
Miles today: 0.0

It was a long uncomfortable bus ride to Philadelphia. We managed to sleep a little on the bus. We had a bag of Gorp for food. We arrived at the Philadelphia bus terminal at about 2:30 pm. Then we had to navigate the SEPTA public transit system to get to Dad's home in northeast Philadephia. When we arrived at 4 pm, Dad was in good spirits and didn't seem too much worse for the hospital experience. Rocky found that there was no information given to Dad for his post-hospital care. She got on the phone and straightened out his prescription schedule and arranged for a visiting nurse to visit tomorrow. Thanks, Rocky for your persistence and knowledge.We don't know at this time how long we will be in Philadelphia. We will go back to New Hampshire when we leave Dad. Right now our Appalachian Trail adventure is up in the air. It has taken us 2 1/2 months to hike 286 miles on the Trail so far. It has been quite a convoluted experience.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Philadelphia PA

To: home in NH
Miles today: 0.0

Back home in NH. Got in about 6 pm. Neither of us had homecoming delights. We are back home about 5 or 6 months too early. However, there was no choice but to get off the Trail when we heard about Dad's medical issues. He seems to be fine now, for a 98 year old. But he really did need our help. Rocky was wonderful in wading through the medical mumbo jumbo and getting him the medical appointments and medications he needed. She has the patience and the knowledge to deal with the medical establishment. There is still a little snow on the ground around our house. It was about 52 degrees in the house when we got in. There was enough wood in the house to start a fire in the stove. Tomorrow we can deal with all the issues of cleaning up and storing our gear. Our thru hike dream is over after 286 miles. Along the way we ended up with unscheduled stops and side trips to Orlando Fl and Mississippi. We met some pretty wonderful people and made some new friends for life. We are thankful for the people who signed our guest book and offered their support and encouragement. We hope we can continue to correspond. We will be continuing our journal, as we expect to do some additional Trail sections this year. We just don't know when or where yet. I hope I can get in the 413 miles of Trail that I have never done. That way I can be a 2000 Miler just like Rocky. I haven't done the 52 miles from Rte 325 in Pennsylvania to Port Clinton PA; and the 361 miles from Great Barrington MA to Gorham NH. I hope I can fit them in this year, along with the other things we have to do.We will keep in touch. We wish the best of luck and success to the other hikers we met along the way. You were all part of some great memories. See you on the Trail.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-04-18
From: home in NH

To: home in NH
Miles today: 0.0

We have finally entered all the photos from our aborted Appalachian Trail hike. Hope that you will find them interesting and entertaining. Our AT adventure did not go anywhere near as planned. By this time, we should have been working our way north in Virginia and enjoying the coming of spring. Instead we are back home in New Hampshire watching winter grudgingly giving way to spring. We are happy to say that Swamp Fox's dad is home from his brief hospital stay not too much worse for the experience. However, at 98 years of age he will need our help with his medical care. So we will be travelling to Philadelphia fairly often. Perhaps we may be able to work in some Trail sections in the process. It is our intention to get back on the Trail this year. We want to do some sections that Swamp Fox has never done: in PA and in New England. We will keep up our journal as things develop. We have appreciated the interest that our readers have shown in our adventure and mis-adventures. We are appreciative of the good wishes many of you have expressed for Swamp Fox's dad. We have made many new friends, both on the Trail and on Trail Journals, as a byproduct of our time on the Trail.To those who we met on the Trail this year, we wish you the best of luck. We hope the weather is as cooperative as possible and that you will be safe. We know you will love your experience on the Trail. We are a bit envious to say the least. Happy hiking
Date: 2009-05-04
From: home in NH

To: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: moderate rain

Today we drove the 500 miles from our home in NH to the Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, PA. The Doyle is one of our favorite places on the Appalachian Trail. Tomorrow Swamp Fox will start a three day section hike from PA Route 325 to the 501 Shelter, a distance of about 28 miles. Rocky will deliver him to the trailhead at Route 325 and she will spend a second night in the Doyle. She will meet Swamp Fox the next night at the William Penn Shelter.We have enjoyed renewing acquaintances with Pat and Vickie Kelly, the hiker friendly owners of the Doyle Hotel. The Doyle has great food, as prepared by Pat, the chef. The rooms are rather basic and sparse, as the Hotel is over a hundred years old, and has seen better days. We have our favorite room again, #16, a corner room overlooking the main street of run-down, seen-better-days, Duncannon. This room has a rounded corner turret, with curved windows (largely non-operable). Our room faces Cove Mountain to the south where the Appalachian Trail descends into Duncannon. Our room looks like it has been spruced up a bit since we were last here in October 2007. Sort of like Home Again.While we were eating dinner, four hikers came in from a 25+ mile day. We were surprised that it was Walley and Pac man, two English boys, and Chert and Grizzly Adams. We last saw them at Standing Bear Hostel on March 13. They had come 900 miles in 7 12 weeks!It is rainy in Duncannon tonight. Tomorrow is supposed to be dryer. Swamp Fox will be carrying barely 21 pounds in a Kelty 3100 cubic inch pack. This is much lighter than our norm for long distance hiking, as he has no tent and just two days food. He has had two months of easy living since we had to get off the Trail in North Carolina at Allen Gap. Lets see what tomorrow brings.
Date: 2009-05-05
From: Duncannon, PA (Doyle Hotel)

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Rocky drove me to the trailhead at PA Route 325, where we had ended a section hike in March 2007. We said a quick goodbye and at 9 am I started the gradual climb up Sharp Mountain. This was the first time since April 28, 2005 that I have not hiked with Rocky. It felt odd after 2700 miles of walking six feet behind her to be walking alone. Ordinarily, she would pick out the path through the rocks, while she listened intently to every word I say (yeah, right!)It was an overcast, damp, day at about 53 degrees all day. However, it was inspiring to see the bright yellow-greens of the vegetation of early spring.   One of the things we realized we have missed when we had to abandon our thru hike attempt on March 19 is the gradual coming of spring as we work our way north through Tennessee and Virginia.This section of Trail is beautiful maintained and well marked. The Susquehanna Appalachian Trail Club (SATC) deserves our thanks and compliments. It even looks like the SATC removes rocks from parts of the Trail to make it easier on our feet. After a long, gradual climb, I reached the junction with the Horseshoe Trail (HT) at 10:45 am. This brought back memories of my first multi-day hikes which were on the HT when I was 17 and 18 years old. I did about 70 miles on the HT, but never did reach its junction with the AT. Maybe someday.Shortly afterwards I met a Sobo, Tourist, who was hiking a long section. Tourist did the AT last year. Later I met two other Sobos. Andy is a 20-something thru hiking to Springer, then flipping to Katahdin. I met Matt, another Sobo section hiker, at the site of the old Yellow Springs village site. I suggested to all three that they stay at the Doyle in Duncannon. The Kelly¢s have worked so hard to make the Doyle the hiker-friendly place that it is, and we like to see them get all the business they can get. From then on the trail was rather boring: a ridge walk with gradual ups and downs. I reached Rausch Gap Shelter at 3 pm. Ski-man and Catch Up, a brother and sister from NH, of all places, were already there. Later, a couple came in: Itchey and One Shoe. Around 5 pm, Jolly Ranger came in, with his very pleasant dog, Harley. Jolly Ranger is a nice young man who was hiking in the Smokies when we passed through back in March. His dog, Harley, has a friendly disposition, but soon confirmed why I believe that dogs have no place in shelters. Harley walked through the shelter stepping on gear that other hikers had already spread out for the night. With muddy feet no less. Later, Harley rubbed up against me, apparently to get petted. Unfortunately I have no interest in petting a dog that has been running through the woods all day, picking up who-knows-what.But it was a pleasant company in the shelter for the night, and we finished the camp chores before the rain started up.Swamp Fox
Date: 2009-05-07
From: 501 Shelter

To: Philadelphia, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Once again, it rained overnight and stopped by morning. The rain hitting the metal roof of the shelter made a loud, roaring sound, but we still slept through the noise. One by one we bid our six shelter mates good bye as they left the shelter. It does not look like a pleasant day ahead, but we are still a little envious of our fellow hikers as they continue their hikes. Most of our shelter mates are planning a long 24 mile day into Port Clinton. The distance we do not envy as there are a lot of rocks between here and Port Clinton.We left the shelter at about 9 am and drove to Philadelphia. We will be accompanying Swamp Fox¢s 98 year old dad to his doctor¢s appointments tomorrow. He seems to be doing quite well, since his short hospital stay back in March. We really appreciate the good wishes and concern expressed by our Journal readers and fellow hikers. It is great to be part of a community where we all care about each other. Swamp Fox now has only the 24 miles into Port Clinton left to finish PA. Earlier hikes with the Boy Scouts don¢t count, as they were pre-2005. Then its another 361 miles from MA Route 23 to Gorham, NH, and Swamp Fox will be a 2000 Miler, just like Rocky. Don¢t know when we will be back on the Trail next. Stay tuned.   We have appreciated your interest in our adventure, even if it hasn¢t turned out as planned.
Date: 2009-06-01
From: home in NH

To: home in NH
Miles today: 0.0

We got back from Orlando FL two days ago. We travelled about 3300 miles over 13 days. Along the way we visit our fellow 2005 AT hiker, Double Healer and his wife, Susan, in Franklin NC. We also attended a graduation at the Navy base at Virginia Beach, where Rocky's daughter graduated from the Navy's "A" school.We have also posted pictures of our recent two days of hiking in Central PA. It looks like our next hike on the PA Appalachian Trail will not be until early July.