morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-05-24
From: Buena Vista, Va

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 54.0
Weather: light rain

Leebob & SkunkApe took their longest break off the trail to go to Trail Days in Damascus, VA May 18-20. Their break lasted 4 long days and Leebob had a mini family reunion. Pam (aka spousal unit), Lee's Sister Katie Thomas, bro-in-law Gealon and nephews Ben & Sam came up Friday. Pam's brother John Robinson & his wife Alicia made the drive up for a Saturday visit. Niece Brandi Harp and her hubby Daniel also came up Sunday. Leebob's old hiking buddy, John Bilbrey and his wife Anita and daughter Brokke and her friends came Saturday also. The hiker parade with all participants being soaked with water in balloons, super soakers, hose and any other method possible was the highlight of the weekend. Leebob had a rapt audience and kept everyone entertained with his hiking stories. SkunkApe kept him on his toes by filling in more details with "Leebob stories". SkunkApe let us know that Leebob is also referred to as "LEEBOBBLE" for his tendency to fall down when encountering even the smallest obstacle in his path. Some hikers behind them often refer to a rock or other item moved obviously out of place as having been "LEEBOBed". SkunkApe also made all HIS wonderful pictures available so we have many treats to see!! (I will post some individually and others will be uploaded to a site and the link will have to be posted so you can feast your eyes!!)Hiking on the trail resumed on Monday with the following results:Monday to the Seely Whitworth Shelter mile 815Tuesday to the Harpers Creek Shelter at mile 829Wednesday to the Paul C Wolfe Shelter at mile 851- a 22 mile day!!Thursday to a hotel in Waynesboro for showers, laundry and resupplyLeebob says he got his first blisters on both heels courtesy of his new boots. He did report their first bear sighting. A 160 lbs mother black bear & her two cubs were in a tree and could be heard making huffing sounds. She was giving a lesson to her cubs to avoid humans and made a quick & hasty retreat from the tree into the woods with her cubs. The bears ran away so fast no one could get a photo. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-05-27
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Posting a link to some of SkunkApe's beautiful photos via Picasa. Not sure if this will work if it does I will add more later, so please let me know if you can see them. (posted by spousal unit Pam)You can copy and paste this web address into your computer's browser to see the pictures. They are on a photo sharing site called Picasa and should be able to be viewed by anyone who uses this link. https://picasaweb.google.com/106646753697526248928/ATPictures?authkey=Gv1sRgCNromOyG6L7ekAE
Date: 2012-05-28
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: Bear Fence Hut
Miles today: 54.0

Got a call early Memorial day from Leebob. Blisters worse on both heels now (dang those new boots and probably wrong sized too). Ordered a replacement pair of his Oboz Yellowstone 2 boots from REI and shipping to Harpers Ferry, care of the ATC office (his previous worn out at 800 mile pair he threw out). Also shipped some Leukotape he had here with his absentee recall WI election ballot and ordered another roll of leukotape to ship separately. (hope this solution he concocted works).Monday they were at Bear Fence Hut at mile 910 and hiking onto Luray, VA for usual town chores of showers, resupply and laundry. They did a 20 mile day Sunday and a 14 mile day Saturday and had stopped at Pinefield Hut in the Shenandoah National park. (posted by spousal unit and supply chief Pam)
Date: 2012-06-01
From: Bear Fence Hut

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 53.0
Weather: light rain

Leebob & SkunkApe on their way to Harpers Ferry, VA hoping to reach it by Monday sometime (about 40ish miles away). They made stops at many shelters called "huts" in the Shenandoah's: Black rock Hut, Pinefield Hut, Big Meadows Lodge, Byrds Nest #3, Gravel springs Hut and finally Port Royal. They did a 17 mile day Friday in the rain. They slack packed a few days from this as home base and got back on the trail with full packs on Saturday. Leebob says they have seen lots of bears with cubs and many deer in the Shenandoah's but that is has been more smooth hiking with less elevation changes which is a good break from earlier ups & downs in the trail. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-02
From: Front Royal, VA

To: Bears Den Hostel
Miles today: 33.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Leebob & SkunkApe made it to Bears Den hostel today which is run by the ATC (Appalachian Trail Conference). For only $27.50 a hiker gets laundry, a 12 inch tombstone pizza, Ben & Jerry's ice cream , a soda and a bunk. The hostel is shaped like and referred to as the "stone castle". They plan to hike as close to Harpers Ferry as they can except for about 4 miles tomorrow then hike in on Monday. Leebob should be able to get the pair of boots that are the same size and model as his first magic no blisters pair and his wonderful "leukotape" for any blisters he still has (and his WI absentee recall election ballet too). WOW now at mile 996.9 so close to the big psychological 1000 mile mark and the first half mark of Harpers Ferry. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-03
From: Bears Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry, VA
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

WOOHOO!!!! Leebob & SkunkApe made it to Harpers Ferry VA one day ahead of schedule late today after a 20 mile day. Tomorrow a zero day with laundry, resupply, Leebob picking up his packages of boots (the favorite previously blister free type), leukotape, and his WI recall ballot.He says they have a great big room at Harpers Ferry with a soaking tub with jets that he will make good use of tomorrow. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-06
From: Harpers Ferry, VA

To: Pogo campsite, MD
Miles today: 27.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Leebob did hike all of WV (ok it's only about 4-5 miles of AT hiking) and is now in Maryland. But it was a big hiking day 23 miles. The new boots are working out MUCH better and are a great improvement. Leebob & Skunkape have had somewhat of a disagreement and are not sure they will continue hiking together. Each person has to do his own hike and go at his own pace, sometimes that's very tough when you hike with another person. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-08
From: Pogo campsite, MD

To: Birch Run shelter
Miles today: 43.0
Weather: few clouds

Leebob hiked 22 miles on Thursday and was in Antietam, PA mile #1063. Friday he did a 23 mile day and ended at Birch Run shelter mile #1086. He plans on making about 10 more miles & make a stop at Iron Masters Hostel. In doing so he will pass the actual physical half way point in miles or "Midpoint" at mile # 1089.3 His air mattress which has been patched finally gave out. Cell service has been sporadic. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-09
From: Birch Run shelter

To: Iron Masters Hostel
Miles today: 10.0

Leebob made his 10 or so miles today and is at Iron Masters Hostel near Fayetteville, PA. Cell service is still very touch & go, mostly go. Leebob is now closer to Katahdin, ME (the END of the AT) than to Springer Mtn. GA which is where he started his hike. He passed the MIDPOINT. Leebob said "it's all downhill from here" I said, "well not really!!!" The photo is from a postcard Leebob sent me of his "trimmer self" posed at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters in Harpers Ferry, VA. (not sure what the white blob on the picture is something that got on it in transit I fear and not him holding a bag of laundry!) posted by spousal unit Pam thanks to Ray Hoffield who edited the picture of Lee and got rid of the white blob on it
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Iron Masters Hostel

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 20.0

Leebob did a 20 mile day and is now in Boiling Springs, PA. It must be boiling because it was 95 degrees there today he says his "feet are on fire! He is staying at the Allenberry Resort & playhouse. He says it's a really nice hotel that charges $150 a night for a room, but for thru hikers it's only $40. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-12
To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 24.0
Weather: moderate rain

Leebob hiked into Duncannon, PA late Monday and is taking a zero day today on Tuesday. Storms and rain were predicted there today so it worked out well. His cellphone died on him today and an attempt to reset it failed so they are sending him a replacement. Luckily he is meeting a friend, Ray Hoffield in PA who is helping transport him and do some slack packing. So there is a place to send his replacement phone too and he is planning on meeting Ray on Friday so he will only be "out of touch" for a couple days hopefully. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Duncannon,VA

To: Ray Hoffelds abode, Fleetwood, PA
Miles today: 0.0

How can Leebob's hiking adventure get more exciting??? WELL, he got sick Tuesday night and still tried to hike some Wednesday which he said was a "mistake". A wonderful "trail angel" gave him a ride to a hotel in Harrisburg. Leebob must have picked up a "bug" somewhere as he was miserably sick all day. Another wonderful "angel" hiking friend Ray Hoffield drove to Harrisburg, rescued Leebob & took him to the hospital for care. Several saline IV's and hours later, Ray gave him shelter, food and great care at his home. Leebob slept most of Friday and is on the mend. The replacement cellphone also arrived and is now working. The plan was to try out some slack packing on Saturday with angel Ray's transport & homebase lodging help.Once again so thankful for the amazing & gracious people who act as real live "trail angels" on the AT. People you may not even know or just meet once along the trail are so willing to help anyway they can any hiker they meet. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-17
From: Ray Hoffelds abode, Fleetwood, PA

To: Ray Hoffelds abode, Fleetwood, PA
Miles today: 17.0

Leebob did 17 miles slack-packing Saturday and feels much better. Slack packing is where someone drives you to a point and you hike with a small daypack instead of your whole regular pack and then they pick you up at another endpoint for the day. It helps you cover more miles, faster with the help of friends transporting you. Ray and Adrienne have graciously agreed to help Leebob do slack packing in PA and given their home as shelter. They have gone way above & beyond and helped him recover from his illness. Their help & kindness is greatly appreciated. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-18
To: Ray Hoffelds abode, Fleetwood, PA
Miles today: 55.0

Leebob has been slack packing with the help of friend Ray. Saturday he went from PA325 to Swatara Gap at mile 1176.2 Sunday he went from that gap to the game commission road at 1197.4. Monday he continued on to Hamburg PA at mile 1212. Leebob says it will be hard to get back on the trail and not be "slacking". Adrienne Ray's wife is an awesome cook and she has really been feeding him well. And the amenities of a soft bed, hot shower and clean laundry every day and carrying only a day pack are hard to beat. This was posted by Leebob's friend Wade Myers and as Lee would say: "it's a hoot!" A wilderness area asked hikers to fill out comment cards. These are actual comments left by hikers: * Trail needs to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill. * Too many bugs and leaches and spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests. * Please pave the trails so they can be plowed of snow during the winter. * Chairlifts need to be in some places so that we can get to wonderful views without having to hike to them. * The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please eradicate these annoying animals. * A small deer came into my camp and stole my jar of pickles. Is there a way I can get reimbursed? Please call XXX-XXX-XXXX. * Reflectors need to be placed on trees every 50 feet so people can hike at night with flashlights. * Escalators would help on steep uphill sections. * Need more signs to keep area pristine. * A McDonalds would be nice at the trailhead. * The places where trails do not exist are not well marked. * I brought lots of sandwich makings, but forgot bread. If you have extra bread, leave it in the yellow tent at V Lake. * Too many rocks in the mountains.(posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-22
From: Ray Hoffelds abode Fleetwood, PA

To: Ray Hoffelds abode Fleetwood, PA
Miles today: 60.0

Leebob has continued slack packing with Ray & Adrienne Hoffeld's help and hospitality. It's been very HOT in PA so Leebob has been starting very early at 530 am 'ish so he can finish early before the heat really peaks. There are lots of boulders and rock fields in PA which makes the hiking very hard, taxing and dangerous if you happen to fall.Leebob has hiked:Tuesday to Eckville Shelter at mile 1226 (from mile 1212)Wednesday to Lehigh Gap at mile 1241Thursday to LIttle Gap at mile 1256Friday he proposed to make Wind Gap at mile 1272Saturday he plans to make it to Delaware gap mile 1287if all goes as planned Saturday he will be at the New Jersey border and bid farewell to his generous benefactors and friends the Hoffelds (yes they have my profuse apologies I have been misspelling their names) Leebob will have to hike once again with a full pack and sleep in shelters or camp until he gets to another town. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-06-23
From: Wind Gap, PA

To: Delaware Water Gap NJ state line
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: few clouds

Well, here is a rarity! Actual input from Leebob...some tremendous thanks need to go out to Ray Hoffeld and Adrienne Kinney, the husband/wife dynamic duo who provided a wonderful slack packing experience from PA325 all the way through to the Delaware Water Gap. In the mornings Ray would drop me off at the day's starting point and pick me up at day's end. I would then shower while Ray washed my sweaty hiking duds. Then Adrienne would prepare a wonderful meal (after working all day). This happened for 8 days and enabled me to sleep in a real bed, eat real food, and wear clean clothes. Of course Ray also took me to the ER before all of this. Both Ray and Adrienne performed countless other acts of random kindnesses for which I'm very grateful and thankful. My thanks again...you're good people!The hiking today was uneventful but the weather was great with a nice breeze and mild temperatures. I can't believe another state is complete. Looking forward to Jersey...now that I'm in much better shape I wonder if my impressions will change? Well, time to destench, do some laundry, and get ready to tackle another state.
Date: 2012-06-24
From: Delaware Water Gap NJ state line

To: Mochian Outdoor Center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: broken clouds

Leebob hiked about 11 miles today. Better condition in NJ so far less rocks and not as hot. Leebob said he's ready to get this thru-hike done. I replied "Get 'er done" which he didn't think was too funny.Leebob joke: "If I had to haul ass, I'd have to make 2 trips".I quoted that back to him (but see his picture !) but I changed it and said "yeah just get this hike done, haul ass, cause now it won't take you 2 trips!!" which he did think was funny. (posted by spousal unit Pam)
Date: 2012-02-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok so I went and bought a new stove. JetBoil SOL nice stove works way better than the old jet boil stove. Kind of $$ but time will tell if its worth it. Still working on meals, the dehydrator is working overtime. I have put together 50 meals so far still have a ways to go. Going to pull out some of the gear tomorrow and just go over all of it to make sure I have everthing I will need.
Date: 2012-02-16
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still working on food prep and mail drop locations. I guess I'm about halfway done with the food prep 70 meals done woho!! Can't wait until 26 of March so I can start the great adventure. I think I'm looking foward to all the people I will meet and greet along the trail. Each day will bring a new adventure weather its raining, sunny, or hot each day will be different. Gear prep continues, getting pack ready. Not sure how much weight I will start with my goal is to be in the 25lbs range with water and food. I have a lot of light weight gear will post my total once I figure out what I'm going to take. Good luck all you 2012 AT hikers.
Date: 2012-02-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Still getting food ready and mail drop info together. When I decided to go on this trip i guess i dident think putting together 6 months of food and deciding where mail drops were going to be would be easy. It has been a lot more work than I thought. But the light at the end of the tunnel is getting lighter, yea! its almost done. Just trying to put the final touches on all of it. The gear list is coming along pack weight is still staying in the 25lbs range.
Date: 2012-02-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Not much to add today, Had to go and get more supplys for the dehydrator ran out of meat. 92 meals down just a few more to go. I am thinking 130 should be enough for the trip. With town food filling in. Its hard to come up with other than dinner meals. Looking at taking Protein bars for lunch to start out. I know they will get old after a wile so still looking for some other stuff. Just a reminder if you are reading this take a minute and sign my guest book and thanks for those who have signed it.
Date: 2012-02-22
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well I added some photos of the food I am taking. someone asked where i was getting recipe for dehydrating. My wife found a good web site to get some info from its www.backpackingchef.com. He has some good stuff on there with a mix of store bought items. I have finished dinners for the trip now I am working on breakfast and snack items for during the day. I have found that if I hike a lot its better to snack during the day this keeps your energy up and you can hike more miles and ya feel better. Everyone has there own way of hiking this just works better for me. I also stop every hour and take a 5min break this also helps me during the day.
Date: 2012-02-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Ok I moved my start date up a week, its now March 19. I guess I'm ready to go so I thought I would move it up a week. I have read some other journals and it seems everyone is startin early. Well I am waiting for a few items I have ordered and I still have few thing to get at the store. Me and the wife are going to Daytona for bike week so I will be leaving right after that. I had set this trip up for awile. I still think that winter is not over yet.
Date: 2012-02-28
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow what a day! Frist thing this morning had doctor appt, just routine checkup and a tetanus shot for the road just in case. Trying to finish up chores around the house. Had to mow the yard wow! we have been having such a warm winter the grass or should I say weeds have been growing like crazy. Loaded my pack for the first time just to see where I was weight wise. 20.8Lbs with everything but water in there, Woo hoo thats where I was shooting for 25lbs or less. Corse that is with only 3 days food but still looks good. Also had to get the Harley ready for the road cleaned it up checked all the oil, just have to check the tire pressure before we go. Put together 1st maildrop and I am working on the next 3. Hope to have 4 total ready before I leave so all the wife needs to do is dop them off at the PO.
Date: 2012-03-06
To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Ok folks been finishing up few things around the house. Went by and paid the lawn guy for mowing the yard wile I will be gone. The wife bought me a case of gatorade 144 pkgs. She will be sending me some in each of my mail drop boxes.We will be heading to Florida on Saturday for bike week and when we get back on the 16 I have to mail my first 2 mail drops. Looks like I my start on Sunday the 18 a day early. Woo hoo its getting closer cant wait. Looks like I will be sending my wife updates via text messages and she will be updating my journal. Then when I am in town with internet acess I will edit my journal. I can't thank her enough for all the help in getting me ready for this trip. Without her help this trip would not happen. Family support is everything. I will try and update one more time before I head to Springer Mtn. Good luck to all those hikers out on the trail. We been having some bad weather here in east Tennessee so I hope they made it through ok.
Date: 2012-03-16
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow what a trip. Down to Daytona Beach for bike week. We are home resting and getting ready for the AT. Just 2 days, I will be heading a day early to the trail on Sunday the 18. Tomorrow I have to make a stop at the P.O. and drop off my frist two mail drops. Then a check of the gear and make sure I have not forgot any gear. The weather is looking good, warm this early in the year, It is is still possible to get some cool weather yet, Summer is not here yet. Well I hope I have everything in place for my wife wile I am away we will see. Looking forward to the hike and adventure that awates me down the road.
Date: 2012-03-17
From: Forest Road 42 within 1 mile from top of Springer

To: Springer Mt.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Last day! Checked gear and making sure I have everything. Tomorrow is the start of a quest. I dont konw what the trail has in store for me but I think I am ready. Looks like we will be leaving the house around 9 and should be at Springer around noon. Guess we will be taking the forest road 42 to within 1 mile of the top of Springer Mtn. My next post will be from the trail.
Date: 2012-03-19
From: Hawk Mt. 7:11 PM

To: Woody Gap 3:56 PM
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: few clouds

Made it to Woody Gap 13.1 Miles. Just got my Tent set up and it started to rain. Talk about luck ! My sleeping bag out now and I am going to try to fix my dinner. Today it been very hot ! Plan on getting to Neal Gap tomorrow doing good so far 13 miles is a long day in the heat.
Date: 2012-03-20
From: Woody Gap 3:56 PM

To: Neals Gap 4:03 PM
Miles today: 10.5

Ok I hiked 10.5 miles today over Blood Mt it is very hot today. The trail crew working on privy at Blood Mt. The hostel full of through hikers. I am staying at Mountain Crossing While at the hostel this is where I will get my shower and cleaned up for the night. Had to buy sunscreen way to hot for March. Tomrrow will be a brand new day and I am hoping it will be little cooler than it been.
Date: 2012-03-21
From: Neals Gap 4:03 PM

To: Poplar Stamp Gap 5:33 PM Aprox time
Miles today: 12.9

Today I hiked 12.9 miles have arrived at Poplar Stamp Gap " Mule" been hiking with me and we will be tent camping tonight. When I was at Neals Gap while at the Hostel they cooked sloppy joes for everyone last night it was awesome may I add. This morning also at Neils Gap we got Blue Berry Pancakes for Brestfest it was yummy . My next stop today for a break was Hogpen Gap and I got Trail Magic from "Ranger" soda's and Cookies which hit the spot. The weather been quite chilly and Cool today . Tonight I will get a good night sleep than head toward Dicks Creek Gap Hiawassee Hostel   I will get cleaned up and a shower. It been good so far while on this Hike. For Neals Gap We seen a couple of bears they were climbing the trees to reach for food packs. Couple of hikers had to hike back to town so they could reload their back packs with food. My food pack was fine. I will pick up my next mail drop when I arrived at Franklin.
Date: 2012-03-22
From: Poplar Stamp Gap 5:33 PM Aprox time

To: Trey Mtn Shelter 4:40 PM Aprox time
Miles today: 14.0

Quick update Hiked 14 miles today . I am at Trey Mtn Shelter with 4 other hikers. It has rained off and on all day . I will be staying in the shelter tonight. For starters at lunch I got lucky again Trail Magic " at Unicoi GAP " Helen, Ga Cheese burgers " Chili " Brownies " Snickers Bars. I did not have to cook it was waiting for me and other hikers that is always greatly appreciated. I am going to try to get dry out now. Get cleaned up and cook some dinner . I am going to rest up for tomorrow I plan to be at the hostel at Dicks Creek Gap which is Hiwassee, GA. Good night from "Lime Green"