morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-11-10
From: Devil's Racecourse Shelter

To: Deer Lick Shelter
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was a winter walk through the forest. It was cold. The first day out of Harpers Ferry got up to the 70s. The second day was in the low 60s. Yesterday was in the high 40s, low 50s. Today I started at 40 and it went down to 37. Tonight at 6:30 it is 34. I think it will be cold tonight. Actually I was expecting it to get cold about now so I am not suprised but I wouldn't mind if there were a few warm days before I am done.It rained just a little bit in the early morning hours so I did not rush to get packed up. I knew today would be a short day anyway.The trail was pretty nice all day except for the descent from High Rock. That was full of big rocks. Without the white blazes it would be difficult to call it a trail.I left Maryland today and am now in Pennsylvania. Penmar Park was all close down for the winter under steely gray skies.I did meet one day hiker and then I ran int a whole bunch of Outward Bound hikers from a Baltimore High School. It was fun to talk with them and they gave me Oreo cookies. Yum!I am snuggled in my bag and wearing everything except raingear tonight and, so far, I am warm. In fact the only thing I have trouble keeping warm are my hands but even they are warm now. When I get to Gettysburg I need to mend the holes in my gloves again as the right hand ia turning into fingerless gloves.But now I am warm and ready for sleep.
Date: 2008-11-11
From: Deer Lick Shelter

To: Gettysburg Hospital
Miles today: 2.0

Well, my hike is ending a little sooner than planned.It was cold last night, down to 31. But I was warm. I did put on my rain pants as an added layer and I actually got too hot and had to take off the down hood and uzip the jacket.I went to sleep and then I woke up at 1:30 AM with severe abdominal pain. I thought at first it was just a precursor to some stomach upset and possible diahrea. But there was no diahrea. I slept off and on for a few more hours but kept waking in pain.Finally I got up in spite of the cold and the pain and collected my things and started slowly walking to the road. I was so bloated that the pants that were too big for me the day before were at least 4 inches from closure. It was a very long 2 miles. But I was very glad it was only 2 miles.I focused on reaching the road. The second car to pass by stopped. Am I getting good a hitch-hiking or what? It might have been due to pain lines etched across my face. The lady who stopped told me she could tell I was in pain. Thank you for stopping.She took me to the Bible Church in South Mountain where she was a pre-school teacher. I used their phone to call the Rev John Spangler from Gettysburg Seminary where I had been planning to stay for the next 2 nights.He played ambulance driver and got me to Gettysburg Hospital. I have been ex-rayed, CAT scannd, and had my heart and my blood and my urine checked. It appears I have an intestinal blockage. I am admitted to the hospital, have lots of painkillers and anti-biotic in me and an NG tube. The hiker is tethered to the bed by lots of tubes.I will see what tomorrow will bring.
Date: 2008-11-12
From: Gettysburg Hospital

To: Gettysburg Hospital
Miles today: 0.0

I had my last pain medication at 7:30 AM. I have been painfree all the rest of the day so I would say I am 100% better. As the day went on I had various x-rays and tests and the intestinal blockage seems to be resolving itself. No one is saying words like possible surgery anymore for which I am very grateful.I had a delightful visit with Troy Carr, a seminary student who is a chaplain assistant here. She is AME, not Lutheran, even though she is going to a Lutheran Seminary. And she is solving a problem for me by picking up my last food drop box from Boiling Springs.So my hike for this year is over but I will soon be out of the hospital. I cannot say thank you enough for the people who have helped me through this health episode, especially Rev John Spangler fro Gettysburg Seminary.I also was touched by the folks at Holly Springs B&B who, when I cancelled my reservation there, were immdiately concerned and wanted first to be sure I had support and a way to get to my daughter in New York.I have over the course of my 67 years stayed in a number of hospitals from Washington to Colorado, and various Military hospitals too. Without faulting any of the others I have nothing but praise for the staff here at Gettysburg Hospital. They have been extremely caring and efficient too.Even though I am off the trail I will maintain this journal until I reach my daughter in New York and, of course, put on th first picture of my grandson when he arrives.I will be glad to progress enough to get this NG tube out of my nose. Hopefully tomorrow. I am now well enough to be bored, which is a whole lot better than being in excruciating pain. As my son says, It is better to take boredom over pain. I agree. Life is good and getting better.
Date: 2008-11-29
To: Thanksgiving
Miles today: 0.0

I have so very much for which to be thankful this year. I am thankful I am still able to hike and do long distance hikes even with advancing age and injuries. I am thankful I was able to get to a hospital when it was needed. I am thankful for all the trail angels who have helped me on nunmerous hikes.But even more than those thanksgivings I am thankful for my family, both those in Washington and those in New York. And the crowning joy for which to be thankful in this year is the joy of a new birth, my newest grandson, Nathan Andrew, born November 24, 8 lbs, 6 oz, 21&1/2 inches long. He and mommy are home from the hospital now and doing wonderfully. I was able to be with the other two boys, William, 3 years old and Matthew, 1 year 6 months old, while mommy and daddy were at the hospital. And now I have the joy of a couple more weeks with them all. You can hardly beat that for an ending to a hike. You can hardly beat that even if you are not hiking.So, I am including pictures of my family here in New York as my last trail pictures. There will probably also be one last picture added in another week or so as I have the great good fortune to both preach and officiate at my grandson's baptism on Dec 7. The Medicare Pastor will rejoice to add the baptism picture, provided we can find someone to take the pictures.So, this brings the hiking for the year to a close. Ah, but there are always next year's hikes to begin planning and dreaming about. In the spring I hope to complete the Southern California sections of the PCT and a bit more either in northern California or in Oregon. And in the late summer/early fall next year I will be again on the AT, perhaps starting at Katahdin and working down, maybe also picking up a bit in Pennsylvania. We will see how that all works out.So, for now, thank you to all who have read this journal and all whom I have encountered on my hikes in 2008. And thanks be to God for all the blessings and love in my life.
Date: 2018-10-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Hello to my trailjournal peeps. On September 8, 2017 I completed long distance hiking's Triple Crown (Appalachian Trail, pacific Crest Trail and Continental Divide Trail) as a long section hiker and aging adult at 76. The winter of 2017-2018 I wrote a book, Old Lady on the Trail. It is available on Amazon in Kindle or paperback. i hope you enjoy the read. I also now have a website: maryedavison.com
Date: 2008-03-03
To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

My old buddy Wicomico Walker probably will not be starting with me this year. We hiked some together last year. He has been a great hiking pardner, and I look forward to hiking with him again. This year Chet Nicholson(Ice Falcon 99) will walk from Springer to Fontana with me. He will be good company.
Date: 2008-03-17
To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Everything is good. Should be on the trail in two weeks. My son, Michael, is going to be my transcriber. Last year he hiked with me from Springer to Neel's Gap.My daughter, Karen did my journal entries last year, but she recently had her second baby. She is going to have her hands full for awhile. I'm looking forward to the 29th and Springer Mt.Mississippi
Date: 2008-03-26
To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

It looks like I will be starting without Ice Falcon. Some things have come up that will prevent him from starting with me. My buddy Ultra Bill will shuttle me to Springer. Bill has done this several times over the years, and I really appreciate it. So I'm still set to start on the 29th.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-03-28
To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Bill picked me at 5:30 this morning, and we are on our way to Georgia. Its about a nine hour drive to Dahlongea. We will stay the night at the Hiker Hostel there. I'm looking forward to being back in the mountains. However, its hard to leave the family behind. Being home sick on the trail has been a real problem for me. I know this is a common problem for long distance hikers. Anyway the plan is to eat breakfast at the hostel tomorrow and then head for Springer. Should start hiking between 9 and 10 Sat. morning. Might see the Ice Falcon between Springer and Neel's Gap. He has a new plan that should put him slightly behind me. Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-03-29
From: Springer Mt.

To: Gooch Mt. Sht.
Miles today: 14.9

Day 1: Let¢s Go HikingBill & I arrived at the Hiker Hostel around 4:00. The trip was uneventful. We got up early and started for Springer. The weather was cloudy with temps in the high 50's. I have to do the mile climb up Springer then hike down to officially start my hike. I decided not to carry my pack, since I would be back down. Halfway up I heard thunder. Soon the lighting began. Well you know what happened next. Bill and I didn¢t have our rain gear so we got very wet. It was a cold rain. Good way to start my hike. You see I upset the trail gods because I left my pack behind. I will know better next time. After getting to the top of Springer we hiked back to the car, and I got my pack. I was getting ready to hike when a taxi came to a skidding halt in the Springer Mt. parking lot. Chet, The Ice Falcon, hops out with his pack and a big smile. Chet was planning to ride with Bill & I to Springer, but something came up at the last minute. He didn¢t think he would make it. Now its time to go hiking!Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-03-30
From: Gooch Mt. Sht.

To: Neels Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day Two: More of the SameIt was colder today with rain, wind, and mist. We had to pack up wet this morning. This is never good because it adds weight to your pack, and its just not comfortable. It was a grind it out kind of day. At times we could not see more than 20ft. We trudged on until we reached Neel's Gap. We are staying in the Hostel for the night. Its a warm place and we are able to dry our gear and ourselves. All's well that ends well. Hoping for a better tomorrow.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-03-31
From: Neels Gap

To: Low Gap
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 3I slept well at the Hostel last night and started walking out of the gap at 8:00. It was another wet, cool hiking day. Considering the weather it was not a bad day. We got to Low Gap early. It was dry and seemed like a good place to stop. The plan is to stay in the shelter tonight. Ice Falcon seems to be holding up ok. Hope to have a good day tomorrow.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-01
From: Low Gap

To: Tray Mt.
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: light rain

Day 4Today started gray and foggy. Hiking by 7:15. It's pitch black out here until about 7:00. Today was a hard day hiking. We went over four major mountains with a lot of elevation gain. It was a hard 15mi day.Something really unusual happen today. This orange sphere appeared in the southwest sky. Ice Falcon said it could the sun. We haven¢t seen it in a while. Welcome Sun! We are in the Tray Mt. shelter tonight. The plan is to hike to Dick's Creek Gap and then get a ride into Hiawassee, Ga. to resupply. We might just get a bite to eat while there. Hope I sleep better tonight. It seems like I was awake more than a sleep last night. Time to shut it down for the night.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-02
From: Tray Mt.

To: Dick's Creek Gap
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

Day 5We actually saw a sunrise this morning, but it was a mix of sun and fog most of the day. We are going to Haiwassee today so we had a bit of a spring in our step. Will resupply and stay the night. A hot shower is first on the agenda then food. Ice Falcon is a lawyer. We met another one today. He is a big Flordia Gator fan. The hike today was good. One good climb and the rest normal stuff. There was a lot of trail magic in the gap. The Ramen Noodles were handing out drinks, sandwiches, and snacks. I hiked with them some in 04. it was great to see them again. We got into Hiawassee about 1:00. I have washed clothes and resupplied, and now it¢s time to settle in for the night. Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-03
From: Dick's Creek Gap

To: Muskrat Creek Shelter
Miles today: 12.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 6Goodbye GA. - Hello NC. Crossed into NC. today. Several big climbs. In fact I spent most of the day climbing. Walked in cold rain and mist all day. I couldn¢t see more than 20ft. at times. It was truly a miserable day. I got to the shelter early, but I was to cold and wet to go on. When I got to the shelter Ice Falcon was already there. He had called his wife on his cell ph., and there appears to be some work related problems at home. He said he needed to be home early and was going to push on. So he left. Hope he makes it ok. The trail is unpredictable, and this is just another example.Well I'm going to crawl in the bag and try to stay warm. Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-04
From: Muskrat Creek Shelter

To: Rock Gap
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: light rain

Day 7I know this sounds like a broken record but yep its another rainy, foggy, morning. I must revise my last journal entry. Ice Falcon was able to work things out over the phone. So he was waiting for me in the gap. We continued our hike together. Ice Falcon is hiking strong. He is one of the strongest hikers of any age that I have seen on the trail. So we still plan on hiking to Fontana Dam together. Today¢s hike was gray, wet, and cold. We did not stop much today. Stopping meant body temp. dropping. Tonight and tomorrow this area is suppose to have strong storms pass through. So we decided to duck into Franklin, NC. to warm up and dry everything out. The plan is to do a 14 mile slack pack tomorrow. That¢s hiking without a full pack. I really should not complain about the weather. This area is in a drought and needs lots of rain. Everything is good, and life goes on. Hoping for a good day hiking tomorrow.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-05
From: Rock Gap

To: Wayah Bald
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: light rain

Day 9We walked in the clouds all day. Slacked packed today so we made good time. I could do this all the way to Maine. Still carry my pack just less weight. There could have been a lot of vistas today, but it just wasn¢t gong to happen. Back to full packs tomorrow. We have a long hike into the NOC. We need a break in the weather tomorrow. But regardless we will be hiking.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-06
From: Wayah Bald

To: Wesser
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 9It was a beautiful morning to go hiking. Saw a sunrise on Wayah Bald that took your breath away. We were above the clouds at 5,340 ft., when the sun started coming up through the clouds. It was a good trail for most of the day. We had about a 6 mi steep down that seemed to never end. Going down hill is usually a good thing, but this was to much of a good thing. It was very hard on the feet and knees. Finally we got down off the mountain. The trail goes right through the Nantahala Outdoor Ctr. So Ice Falcon and I are staying in the bunkhouse there. Plan to be up early tomorrow heading north toward the Smokies. Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-07
From: Wesser

To: Stecoah Gap
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Spent a lot of time yesterday going down. Today was a climbing day, and I had a five mile climb to start with. It was a crisp, cool morning with a promise of sunshine. It was a good hiking day. The Smoky mountain range came into clear view today. The plan is to hike tomorrow and take Wednesday. off. This will be my first off day. So I will start my climb into the Smokies on Thursday. Ice Falcon Will leave on Wednesday for home. He has been a great hiking partner, and I hate to see him go. Something about having to go back to work. WOW! We plan to have a good day hiking tomorrow.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-08
From: Stecoah Gap

To: NC 28 (Fontana Dam)
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

It was another crisp sunny morning in the mountains. Had a long pull out of Stecoah Gap. Mountain flowers are starting to bloom. I saw trillium and lots of pretty little yellow and blue flowers. Several springs were pouring water out of the mountain side. It¢s a good time to be hiking in the mountains. This nice weather is about to change. Strong storms are supposed to roll through this area in the next couple of days. I will be entering The Smoky Mountains in the morning. The weather in the Smokies is very unpredictable at best. Because of the weather it can be a very tough place to hike.I lost my hiking buddy. The Ice Falcon left today. He has to go back to work. We have hiked together for the last 11 days, and it has been great hiking with him. It¢s going to be a big climbing day tomorrow. Looking forward to a good day.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-09
From: NC 28 (Fontana Dam)

To: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 14.9
Weather: overcast clouds

I didn¢t take the day off. Instead I entered The Great Smoky Mt. National Park. It was another sunny morning with mild temps. Climbed most of the day. The trail was not real steep. A gentle, but constant climb. Got to Mollies Ridge Shelter and decided to push on to Russell Field. I got there about 2:45 and decided I had enough for the day. It is a very old shelter, but it is in a beautiful setting. So I had time to relax some before setting up camp. Big weather changes on the way.Storms Friday & Saturday and very cold air behind the storms. Could have snow at higher elevations. Hope I'm out of the park before that happens. If I want to get out of the park by Sunday I need to have a good day tomorrow.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-11
From: Double Springs Gap Shelter

To: Icewater Springs Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Weather: broken clouds

Started hiking at first light. The day was a mix of sun and clouds. Temps remain pleasant. I wanted to get to the next shelter before the storms. Clingman's dome was in the clouds when I passed mid-morning. Stayed in the 6,000+ range all day. I got to the shelter early but didn¢t want to move on. The forecasted storms never happened. This is a cold shelter with a lot of wind. Time to get in the sleeping bag and get warm.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-12
From: Icewater Springs

To: Cosby Knob
Miles today: 20.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Out again at first light. Very cold packing everything up. Had to be very quite everyone else in shelter still asleep. Thunder with light rain early. Day turned very nice. Lots of great views, and the trail was in great shape. This is the best section in the Smokies to hike. It was a long day. Hiked about 10 hrs. I will be glad to hike out of the park tomorrow. Plan to stay at Standing Bear Hostel overnight.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-13
From: Cosby Knob

To: Green Corner Road
Miles today: 10.4

It was very cold for my last night in the Smokies. Temps. were in the high 20s this morning. Finally got everything back in the pack, and was on the trail by 7:10. The hike out was on good trail and mostly down. I saw a lot of redbud and dogwood trees. I also noticed trees beginning to leaf out at the lower elevations. At higher elevations the rhododendrons leaves were drooping because of the cold. I usually heat up some when I hike. That was not the case today. I was very happy to see Standing Bear Hostel. Great place! Wood burning heater in bunkroom, camp store, scrub board, dryer, internet, and kitchen. Curtis does a good job with this rustic hostel. Good ending to a bone chilling cold day.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-16
From: Hot Springs

To: Log Cabin Rd.
Miles today: 16.3

Started hiking out of Hot Springs at 7:00. Weather was clear and cold. When hiking out of a town you most always have a big climb. Today was no exception. Actually a good part of the day was spent going up. It was not very steep climbs so it didn¢t feel that bad. I still felt pretty tired at the end of the day. Great trail magic today. John & Jody Nelson invited hikers into their home for a full course meal. Their home is located very close to the AT. This was quite unusual and was greatly appreciated. Tonight I'm staying at the Hemlock Hollow Hostel. Its very hiker friendly and carries some hiker supplies. I hiked most of the day with NOCAR. Nice guy! He lives in NC. and plans to take a few days off soon. Probably won't see him again for awhile. Tomorrow should be another good hiking day.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-17
From: Log Cabin Rd.

To: Devil Fork Gap
Miles today: 18.9

Started hiking at 7:30. Plenty of elevation gain early, but tapered of in afternoon. Noticed red maples leafing out all through the forest. Hiked alone all day and did not see many hikers on the trail. I think there is a big group not far in front. My overnight stay at Hemlock Hollow was a good one. They try very hard to please. Its the kind of place I would like to re-visit when I'm not hiking. Should be a lot of elevation gain tomorrow. Sat. I should be in Erwin, Tn. I have a few aches, but when you hike 8 to 10 hrs. a day that¢s to be expected. I have my tarp set up tonight. Its kind of nice to be out in the middle of the forest as the sun starts going down. Well big day tomorrow so I'm going to get ready to crawl into the sleeping bag.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule
Date: 2008-04-18
From: Devil Fork Gap

To: Whistling Gap
Miles today: 19.4

Hiked over 10 hrs. today and probably 8 were spent climbing. BIG climbing day. I thought the trail was brutal today. Great trail magic at Sam's Gap. John, who hiked a big portion of the AT in 03 was there with his father. They had apples, bananas, drinks, and other goodies for hikers coming down from the mountain. Thanks John it was much appreciated. Weather wise it was a nice day. Maybe even a little to warm. I ran out of water which hardly ever happens to me. I was just beginning to feel dehydrated when I found a cool mountain spring. Sweet cold mountain water. It just doesn¢t get any better. Yesterday I saw what I thought was a bobcat, but I think it was a cat. Today I saw a pack of what looked to be wild dogs. They didn¢t bother me, but I felt a little uneasy. I walked about 3 miles past the shelter and set up my tarp. A tarp is not closed in like a tent. It has an open front and no floor. Cool breeze coming in the front with owls hooting and coyotes howling in the distance. It was a very peaceful setting. A good ending to a very tough day.Happy TrailsMississippi Mule