morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-07-22
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter

To: Byron Memorial Footbridge / WV-MD border
Miles today: 9.3

Day 95 - The morning seemed to come quick, guess it was because the 3 of us wanted to get into Harpers Ferry for different reasons. "Padre" leaves out early so he can get things in motion to be picked up and see his family. "Restless Legs" isn't too far behind him. I take my time knowing Dad won't be there until the afternoon and it's only 8+ miles so time is on my side. I make a warm breakfast then put things in the pack without to much concern (light load).Today is all about going downhill to level out by the Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers. The 3 miles to cross over WV 9 go fast, then 2 miles to pass under a power line & on to Chestnut Hill Road which means the outskirt of town. A mile of woods walking to the path that leads one up the steps to walk the Shenandoah River Bridge as cars/trucks whiz by. Back onto the wooded trail going uphill to reach the cut off for the AT office. Had to sit on the stone steps to catch my breath. A couple had watched my slow progress coming up the path and told me it would be easier from this point on. They went to the office and because I had hours to wait I decided to continue on and follow the trail into historic Harpers Ferry to find an appropriate stopping point. Passed by some historical buildings, churches, view points and ended @ the footbridge of the WV-MD border.Came time to head to the AT office and realized I had a pretty good uphill trek to do because the houses and shops were built into the side of the hill. So by the time I get there I was really hot & thirsty. Went in to buy a Coke and found out I had one waiting for me - the couple had bought me one. Thanks folks! Got me another one about 5 minutes later. After using the restroom I get my picture taken for the 2010 book - I'm thru-hiker #734.While waiting for Dad (hour+ behind) I had decided to go home and take the time to make the right decision for me on how to proceed with the 2nd half of this journey. Many issues to take care of: logistics & supplies, financial obligations, health problems from the trail, etc. After talking to Dad (who agreed to ride another 8 hours) I drove to Ohio, dropping off "Restless Legs" at his pickup point around 1:30am and spent the night/morning at the folks house.
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Harpers Ferry, WV.

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Transition Period - Made the decision to go home and take the time to decide what avenue to persue for the second half of this journey. Many factors played a part in this decision: current temps & heat index, worn out boots, late arrival date @ Harpers Ferry, developing back of heel issues on both feet, body weight and the fact that transportation would be available to get home.
Date: 2010-07-27
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Update: Had a Dr.s' appointment this morning to get relief from the trail maladies I picked up. Recieved a antibiotic shot & prescription cream for all the bites / rashes. The back of the heels are improving and not so sore to the touch that I can wear gym shoes. Good news is that I didn't get frostbite on my right big toe (limited feeling/sensation) but cause is from over use and might return to normal when things are over.Been getting the financial obligations put in place for the other half of the journey. Hard to be home and see all the things that need to be done. Still working on getting energy & strength back and gaining weight. Hard to increase pounds when things just want to flow right through the body. :P Will now be looking at the maps (thanks Dad) to determine where to get back & then the when, how & what gear, etc. Just wanted to say that I've been surprised by the numerous comments I've read and heard about this adventure. I do appreciate the interest and concern shown. Thank you - CW
Date: 2010-08-03
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Update #2: The shot and the cream the Docter gave me has pretty well taken care of the rashes and bites. Yea!I went to the Outfitter on Saturday and bought my 2nd pair of boots, a couple of tent stakes, and 1 banana pudding & 5 chocolate pudding packages. On Sunday afternoon I went to Mitchell Memorial Forest to do the bike trail to break in the boots but I protected my left heel as that's the one still tender to the touch. This trail is a 4 mile nature trail that is mostly level with some small inclines and switchbacks.Felt awkward getting started to see if the "trail legs" were still there. It was the knees and feet that took a bit to fall into a rhythm. It was hot and humid but found myself moving right along, remembering the time I was first there last October. Even got to say "Hello" to the deer family of three that I always startled when I come around a certain bend. Decided to do the return hike for a total of 8 miles. When done and the boots off I was achy and sore but glad I did it.The heel was bothering me during the night but I decided I needed to know if I could be able to hike more than 1 day. I tried a different way of supporting/protecting the heel and drove up to Germantown for the better nature trail @ Twin Creek yesterday. Took the Orange trail (6 miles) and felt I was back on the AT with all the black bugs saying hey to me. This trail has more open areas and uphills/downhills (thus get to sweat more) & the water sources were pretty dried up (not that I would use them) but was glad for the water fountain at the half way point.I have been researching avenues to go back to the trail but I've made a promise that I would listen to my body and not do anything stupid where my health is concerned. I still don't feel as if my energy level is back to normal and the issue with the foot (although better) still troublesome. It's been over a week since I've been off the trail. I DO WANT TO RETURN but as each day goes by the probability of completing this adventure as a Thru-hike diminishes for hiking in the snow to finish is something I've never done nor want to.I've had a great time and look forward to the rest of the trail. I've learned some answers dealing with some of the questions for this Quest. I'm still at awe over the fact that this journal has a small following thus these updates. Thank you for the encouragement and comments to do what is right for me. Stay tuned.
Date: 2010-09-08
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Update #3 - Taking another step forward.It's hard to believe I've been off the trail for 7 weeks. Time flew by as I dealt with many different issues - but I'm glad to report that things have finally come together for me. Tomorrow morning I will begin to hike North from the point I left off @ Harpers Ferry, WV.I know the probability of completing this thru-hike is very unlikely. The heel isn't 100% (but close enough ) that I want to continue hiking until I feel the time has come to stop - on my terms. Time will tell when that will be. Let the quest continue .....For those who like to leave a message or words of advise go to Guest Book (found to left) and click on Sign.
Date: 2010-09-09
From: Byron Memorial Footbridge / WV-MD border

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 96 - Oh what a beautiful morning. The was shining, a breeze blowing and butterflies abundant - in my stomach.    I was nervous about not being able to locate the white blaze since I wasn't starting the trail in the woods. After walking across the footbridge over the Potomac River into Maryland I find myself walking a gravel towpath next to the old C & O Canal. I knew I would be exiting to head into the woods but not sure when. Came upon a sign with a "You are here" arrow. I saw the symbol for North and began to have a freakout moment as I saw Harpers Ferry was north of where I was now standing. I knew I went the right direction but yet ... it took me awhile to figure out it was based on the spot where the sign was. Duh. Onward I go and the first official stop @ 11:00am was to take a side trail to Weverton Cliffs for a great view of the river.Stopped at Edward Garvey shelter for lunch and pack relief. Signed the trail register claiming I was back and heading north. Saw about 20 people all going Sobo (Southbound) by noon with 2 of them being thru-hikers. No creature activity (dogs excluded) except for the skinny snail slowly moving up the trail. Oh wait, that's me! :oAfter lunch I hiked to Gathland State Park (MD572) and found myself reading about a Civil War battle that occurred on the grounds. Continued another 5 miles to Rocky Run shelter descending 750' on a boulder strewn path - with the last 2 1/2 miles taking forever. Once at the shelter I promptly went and soaked my feet in the cold spring - felt heavenly. Unfortunately that's when I discovered the heel had a blister and the skin rubbed off. Will be doing first aid in the morning before heading out. Was joined at the shelter by a young couple and enjoyed their company.
Date: 2010-09-10
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 97 - On the trail by 9:00am after putting on blister patch. Somewhat sore but not as bad as I thought I would be. The collar bone where the back pack straps weight is carried is tender - just needs to harden up again. Until then I'll just "winch" and bear it.Crossed over I-70 @ 1:17pm and began to hike to a shelter to retape heel and have lunch. Began a uphill climb of 440' for the next 3 miles and then quickly down 250' in 2/10ths to the campsite. Was a good day history wise but tiring body wise. Oh, met a Southbounder by the name of "Lone Star" who thinks a flop is still doable - need to know if heel can handle it.
Date: 2010-09-11
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Day 98 - A bit cool when I got up and headed for the bear bag and use the privy. A couple of hikers already had a fire going. Made breakfast of oatmeal knowing the trail would be the same as getting to camp - downhill and filled with rocks. Was surprised that I got packed up and on the trail around 9:30am. After a few miles I found a sit-down rock (large enough to sit on and have the pack keep it's self upright so I don't have to heave/ho to put it back on). Checked up & down the trail before heading into the woods for a potty break. Found a big tree and saw a small green apple sitting on a bare patch next to it. Looked around and couldn't find any apple trees near by. Cleaned it up and thanked the "Trail Angel" who dropped it. After lunch the trail became a field of midsized boulders and pretty compact. I would need my sonar working overtime here. Trail sonar is scoping out the area ahead of you as you're hiking to know the best spot to place your foot - preferrably flat and solid. The past couple of days I've zig/zagged across the trail because of heel issues. Guess it was wishfull thinking on my part today because I wasn't that successful. Ouch! :'(Finally made it to cross over the road to Smithsburg, MD which meant that tonights goal was less than 5 miles. A welcome sight was a running (no - not hiking ) creek a mile before the shelter. Topped off on water and changed into a clean shirt so I could rinse out the hiker smell somewhat on todays shirt. So uphill I go 270' with tonights & tomorrow's water supply. Such fun at the end of the day.Saw around 13 guys and "Mother Goose" going the other way today. It was through one of the guys I learned of how to get to the new shelter. Met a young lady who helped build it and was staying the night with her brother and dog, Miles. Enjoyed talking and answering thru-hiker questions. Said goodnight and went to the tent to deal with the heel and knee. Around 2:00am a heavy rain fell - guess it was the beginning of the predicted rain for Sunday.
Date: 2010-09-12
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: haze

Day 99 - Rained on and off during the early morning hours so I knew it was going to be a late start. Collected all my stuff and moved over to the shelter to dry things off and have breakfast. Began the day with a nice incline of 270' to High Rock followed by the long 3 miles of downhill of 544' over those never-ending rocks to Pen Mar County Park near Waynesboro, PA.The AT passes through the park and a good place to get water, recharge batteries, sit and air out the feet /socks while listening to the live music. Spent over an hour and half there talking to several people asking about my hike and was provided goodies from Jim. Thanks, they were a nice addition to supper.After leaving the park it was up/down up/down up to the shelter. Was slow going as the heel is still a bit troublesome which is leading the knee sending a message it isn't happy. Couldn't wait to call it a day. For the first time on the trail I took 4 "Vitamin I" pills to try and calm things down and get some sleep.
Date: 2010-09-13
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Old Forge Road+
Miles today: 2.6

Day 100 - Didn't sleep very well last night as I had an overactive imagination presenting all kinds of scenarios. Got up around 6:30am and gingerly made my way to the privy and the tree next to it where I had hung my bear bag. Ate poptarts and SoftBatch chocolate chip cookies while laying things out to be packed. Looked over the trail guide and knew getting to Boiling Springs (next food package) was 3~4 days away. The next shelter was about 2 1/2 miles and a hostel was 8 1/2 miles. Getting to the hostel (found on PA233) would mean an uphill hike of 572' and then downhill of 392'. Made the plan to go to Antietam shelter and see how I felt.Finally all packed up and ready to move out. Played mental ping pong about whether or not to take the last Ibuprofen I had. I only brought 8 pills this time since I never took any for the 1,000+ miles I already hiked. Knew things weren't good as I made my way to the trail. The trail was pretty level starting out but I had to rely on my poles to move forward. Then the trail began going downhill and I found myself going at a snails pace as the knee kept letting me know how much "fun" this was. I found myself telling me to suck it up as there was no other options. I knew it was time to....   I made it a goal of no crying and to set the land speed record for the slowest MPH hike on the AT!Finally made it to the shelter when a Southbounder showed up and I was able to acquire the desired "Vitamin I" pills I needed. As we were talking, two unleashed large dogs bounded into the shelter area. He told me he had been biten by a dog in the past. This led to a situation when the owner showed up but both parties went their own way - opposite directions. I knew if I called it a day that it would be a long and difficult 6+ miles tomorrow. Since it was around noon I decided to push on to the next shelter about a mile further.As I made my way north the dog owner and her friend were heading down the trail towards me. They asked me how it was going and I told them not good. After talking a while Jessie (my Trail Angel) offered to drive me the 10 miles to the Caledonia State Park where I could get picked up to go home. She waited while I got a tent site and drove me to it. Thank goodness for it was a ways from the office - thanks Jessie.Charged up the cell phone battery as I set up camp and collected firewood. After touching base with the homefront for the journey home I was going to console myself by making a fire, eating chicken noodle soup followed by chocolate pudding. Hopefully sleep and peace will come easy tonight.
Date: 2009-12-29
To: Goin' South
Miles today: 0.0

After some wavering between either hiking Southbound or hiking North towards home I have decided to hike towards Georgia for several reasons. Because I am not graduating from high school until May 29th I would be forced to rush and take long days with many miles in order to make it up to Katahdin before it closes around October 15th. Going Southbound would give me much more time and I would not have to worry about making a deadline at the end. Going South will also get me away from all of the crowds that I would have to fight through along the way if I were going Northbound. There will be plenty of people starting at the same time as me starting from Katahdin, but not nearly like if I was starting from Springer. Going Southbound is also known to be a bigger challenge overall because I am going to be starting out with Maine and New Hampshire, arguably the toughest states to hike through. While people starting in Geogia can get used to hiking everyday with too much of a problem, Southbounders will not be able to get their "trail legs" before hitting the hard stuff. I really wish I could hike towards home with all the advantages of hiking South but I guess thats just how it goes.
Date: 2009-12-29
To: History and Facts on the Appalachian Trail 
Miles today: 0.0

This is copied from my other journal but I thought it still might help those who don't know too much about the trail itself.Benton MacKaye is credited with coming up with the idea of a continuously marked trail along the crest of the Appalachian Mountains in 1921. On August, 14, 1937 the trail was completed when the Civilian Conservation Corps connected the ridge between Spaulding and Sugarloaf Mountains in Maine. Myron Haliburton Avery was the first person to hike the trail from end to end, but not in a single thru-hike. Although MacKaye was given most of the credit for the AT Avery was the one who pushed the idea forward and made the dream a reality. Avery is credited for setting the Trail's northern terminus at Mt. Katahdin in his native state of Maine. The Appalachian Trail is the nation's longest marked footpath, at approximately 2,175 miles. The AT crosses six national parks, goes into eight national forests, and runs through 14 different states.The Appalachian Trail is maintained by 30 trail clubs and multiple partnerships. There are 165,000 blazes along the length of the Trail. It takes approximately 5 million footsteps to walk the entire length of the Trail.
Date: 2010-03-22
To: Hiking Partners!
Miles today: 0.0

Less than 1 month to go! Things are finally kicking into gear and I'm spending a lot of time planning every little detail going into the hike. I've been doing some winter day hikes in the snow so I'm staying in shape and I'm not really concerned about being physically in trouble when I start. I am a little worried about my feet because in the past that was the only big thing holding me back from making up some time and covering a lot of miles. Because of the timing of my hike I shouldn't have to worry about finding some people to hike with along the way. The good thing is that I definately won't be alone for at least the beginning of the hike starting up at Katahdin. My father is planning on hiking with me for about a week or two before sending me on my way. Best of all is that my girlfriend Tay will be joining me for the start of the hike, and we will plan it by ear to see how far she wants to go. I'll be sharing a tent with Tay, but when she goes home I will use my hammock and I wont have to stay near shelters or find a dry, flat spot for a tent. This will probably mean that I will be alone for most nights, but I will make up ground for not having to be limited by campsites. I don't think I'll have any trouble finding hiking partners along the way despite this as long as our pace match relatively close.As the days quickly roll by I will keep planning and preparing for my 5-month long hike that is swiftly approaching. There isn't much I can do about going on a weekend hike to try things out yet because of the snow, but as soon as the snow fades I will be making sure everything works out right with equipment and stuff along with my dad and Tay. Everything is going as planned so far and hopefully I wont have to kill myself trying to rush at the last minute before the hike.
Date: 2010-03-23
To: Journals, Blogs, 'n Stuff
Miles today: 0.0

I'm fairly certain that I will primarily be using this journal while I am hiking on the trail but I will also keep all of you posted on my Blog and I also have made a group on Facebook called Quickstep's Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike 2010. I will make most of the entries before the hike, but once I'm out on the trail I will probably write down most of the info and send it back home where Tay can type it up for me on here.
Date: 2010-06-21
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite, ME

To: Mt. Katahdin, ME
Miles today: 5.2
Weather: few clouds

Today is the day it all begins! Everyone was meeting at my Mom's house in Minot, ME the day before (this included my Dad, Mom, Step-dad, little brother, Tay, and her Mom). We drove up in two cars, got to our hotel in Millinocket, ME, went out to dinner at the American Loggers new restaurant, slept good that night, ready to wake up bright and early to start the day. We picked up my friend, Josh on our way to Katahdin, we arrived at Katahdin stream campsite around 9:30am. We put everything in our day packs, food, water, extra clothes, etc and tied up our boots, took some starting photos and off we went around 9:45ish. My Mom, Dad, Josh, Tay, and her Mom all hiking up for the start of my 4 month journey. It was a beautiful day to hike, I couldn't have asked for better weather to hike Katahdin. My Mom had some troubles with the rocks and high heights and couldn't make it all the way up...she stopped and waited for us about 2 miles from the summit. We made it to the top and boy was it windy and buggy, but the views were killer! 360 degrees of beautiful, breath taking views. It was awesome. My Dad took a picture of me standing on top of the sign. We stayed up there about and hour or so, talking with other hikers, a couple southbounders and some northbounders that had just finished and just some day hikers as well. I was excited to start! I took my first steps as we headed down...Tay and I took off in front of the rest of the group so that we could get down and set up camp before dark. We got down around 6:00pm. My step-dad and little brother were waiting for us at the bottom. We were exausted and just relaxed for a bit before going over to the campsite. The rest of our crew made it down around 7:00 or so and we all headed over to the site, where we got everything together and cooked dinner. After a bit we said our goodbyes...it was rough but fun at the same time. Knowing I have been waiting for this moment for the past two years and finally it's here!! After everyone left it was just Tay and I. We cleaned everything up and headed off to bed in our tent. My journey has just begun!!!!
Date: 2010-06-22
From: Katahdin Stream Campsite, ME

To: Rainbow Lake, ME
Miles today: 19.0

Today was my first official day of hiking...it was rough to say the least starting out...my knee had been bothering me on my Katahdin hike and continued throughout the day...at one point I could barely walk and needed to sit down for a while...it started to get better as the day went on...hopefully tomorrow the pain will decrease more. Tay and I had only planned on hiking to Hurd Brooke Lean-to but ended up getting there around 2:00pm and decided to continue on. We hiked about another 5 miles or so before camping along side Rainbow Lake. Our tent site was right on the lake but it was slanted downhill but at least it was mossy and comfy. We sent up camp probably sometime around 6:00pm, but we were hurrying because it was about to rain...we cooked up our mountain house meals and ate by the lake and then, since it hadn't started raining yet I went down to the edge of the lake and took a bath...it was very refreshing and I felt very clean afterwards When the sun went down so did we and we slept pretty well considering the slanted tent!