morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-06-07
From: Birch Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

"HALF GALLON CHALLENGE" Today was going to be a short day. The hike was mostly downhill. I was going to claim my ice cream as a reward to getting halfway done (the trail). I was also going to wash my dirty clothes as well as myself. When I got to the store I ate a hot dog and some chips. I picked out "moose tracks" to eat. I had no problem eating my ice cream. There were a couple of hikers who didn't finish theirs. Today was a short hike day but that¢s OK. Hiking with a half gallon of ice cream in your tummy may not be a good day. It feels good to be over halfway done now. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-08
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.4

"TRAIL MAGIC IN BOILING SPRINGS" I left the hostel early so I could get a good start today. There were no big climbs today so I made good time. I decided I was going to go to Boiling Springs. I was tired when I arrived at the ATC regional office. I knew there were limited options in town to stay. Jukebox Hero, Double Vision, and I were talking with a nice woman and her children and nieces. She showed us the springs the town is named for. She asked if we needed anything like a shower or a place to camp. I was the only hiker to consider her offer. She told me where her home was if I was interested. The other two hikers were going 8 more miles to a motel. I was tired and sore so this was it for me. They said I should take her up on the offer. I thought about it and decided to walk to her home. It was a long walk down the road with my blistered feet. Mrs. Walker welcomed me and said when Mr. Walker gets home I could get a shower. We were looking for a good spot to put my tent when Mrs. Walker suggested the play house. They have a nice play house for the kids. It¢s like a small wood shed. That was great -- it even had carpet! There was plenty of room for me and my gear. I got a shower when Mr. Walker got home. We had salad, strawberries, and hot dogs for dinner. We cooked the hot dogs over a fire plus they baked cookies and made samores. We talked about the trail and other things into the late night. The Walker family is a great bunch of people. This will be a highlight of this hike for me. I will never forget their hospitality and kindness. The Walkers are Lisa, David, Cameron, Jacob, Kate, Courtney, Zorbaugh, her brothers, and her mother. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING! MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-09
From: Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 14.3
Weather: few clouds

"CUMBERLAND VALLEY" Mr. Walker gave me a ride back to the trail early this morning. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR EVERYTHING YOU DID FOR ME. The hike was mostly through farmland. It was almost all flat and easy hiking. I stopped at the Scott Farm Trail Center to take a break. A trail maintainer gave me a bottle of Gatorade. Trail magic again! Thank you, and thanks for the trail work. I had a 800 ft climb to get to the shelter. Today went well, but my feet have been killing me. The shelter was nice, but the water source was bad. At the shelter was Loudspeaker, One Lucky Man, Veggie Mamma, Flowers in her Hair, and Beep-Beep. The last four is a family with a 3- and a 5-year- old. They are out for 5 weeks. They do very low miles and the youngest rides most of the time. Very nice family. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-10
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

"MEETING FRIENDS AT THE DOYLE"I got up early as usual and headed to town. The miles went fast in the beginning. Later in the day I ran into a lot of rocky trail, which slows me down. I got to town and RXR and Critter were waiting for me on the balcony. The Doyle is a must-stop for hikers. The food is great here too. It was great spending time with RXR and Critter. We were up late in the bar at the Doyle. Vickey and Pat treat the hikers great. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-12
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

"ANOTHER ZERO AT THE DOYLE" I didn't leave early as planned today. I wanted to see Brains and Brawn. They were picking up RXR and Critter. It was great to see them. I spent some time with them in '06 on the trail. They are some great people. I decided to stay one more day and head out in the early morning. It should be good for my blisters to heal also. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-13
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Peters Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: few clouds

"BRING ON THE PA ROCKS" I left the Doyle at 5:30 a.m. so I could get a good start before it gets hot. There was a 1.8 mile road walk before I got to the woods. The trail was pretty good. There were some rocks but not too many. I made good time today. I got to the shelter early. The next shelter was too far away for me. My feet feel better than they have in a long time. At the shelter are Bow Willow, Western, Shenanigans, and five weekend hikers. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-15
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: few clouds

"SNACK BREAK TO THE RESCUE" I left early ¢cause I knew it was going to be a long day. The rocks didn't go anywhere; they were still on the trail. They are big and small. They are loose and embedded in the trail. The PA rocks are all over the place. I don¢t hike on the trail now; I stumble down the trail. It's hard to get any type of pace or rhythm with the rocks in the way. Today was a long and grueling day. When I got to the shelter I was HAPPY! Not only was it home for the night, but you can have pizza delivered there. But: NOT ON MODAY -- IT'S CLOSED!Bow Willow and I joked about somebody bringing food in for us. As I was boiling water somebody entered the shelter with food. SNACK BREAK MADE US DINNER! I met her at Pine Grove while we ate the half gallon of ice cream. She also left a cooler on the trail with drinks and snacks. She had pasta, garlic bread, and brownies. It was great! THANK YOU, SNACK BREAK. AT 07, YOU¢RE THE BEST. MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-16
From: 501 Shelter

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: overcast clouds

"PHYSICAL BEAT DOWN CONTINUES IN PA" I started out early as usual about 6 am. I knew it would be a long 15 mile day time wise that is. I don¢t have big mile days out here like most hikers. I have been trying to be more consistent 15 to 20 mile range .Today had a lot of rocks and swampy trail in a section. My feet were sore right from the start. I'm still having blister problems also. I also roll my ankles a lot ,the left one the most about 8 times as much. I know have developed a problem with my right foot, it¢s as sore as my left now. I have been taking about 1000 mg of Ibuprofen in the morning, then more at lunch and at dinner again. I take about 2000 to 2500 mg a day now. That¢s normal out here, it does help. I believe I'm going to have my feet looked at tomorrow. My left foot has had issues almost from the beginning. When you are out here you think a lot, especially when you are alone. I much prefer hiking with someone.I started off with RXR and Critter although we usually didn't hike directly together. Onestick and I hiked with each other and that was great. I would have given anything to make his leg well. Growler and I just hiked at different speeds; he was a much stronger hiker than me. Well I have a lot to think about good night.   MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-17
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Cross Mtn Road (Shartlesville,PA)
Miles today: 1.9

"TIME TO THINK ON THE ROAD WALK" I didn't sleep well last night, I had a lot on my mind. I made contact with Brains and Brawn last night. Brains said Brawn could pick me up tonight. They would bring me home and get my leg looked at on Thursday. They said whatever I need they would be able to help me. I got up and I was still in a lot of pain so I decided to go to the next road instead of Port Clinton, PA. I could get a motel room in Shartlesville, PA and wait for my friends to pick me up. I left the shelter about 6 am and slowly stumbled down the trail. I was looking for a road that crossed the trail, it ended up being a woods road of grass. I looked at my map and verified my location. This had to be the road so went down it. It ended up being a gated forest road. It went down to a gravel forest road. You can¢t hitchhike if there¢s no traffic so I walked .I got to another gate where cabins started to be on a small road. I ended up having maybe 6 cars pass me up until I reached interstate 78.The 4 mile road walk gave me time to think about the hike so far and my injuries. I stopped at a truck stop and picked up a sub and walked over the overpass and down to the motel. I got showered and made phone calls .I let Brawn know where I was, he said he would be there about 7:30pm.I ate and tried to rest my feet. Brawn picked me up and took me to their home. I met them in 06 when I thru hiked and they stood out as the most caring people I have ever met. Steve and Robin are truly trail angels. He drove at least 2 hours to get me. I'm truly blessed to have trail friends like them. I have learned a lot of things on this trail. I believe I'm a much better human due to hiking this trail.         MUDFLAP
Date: 2009-06-18
To: Petersburg,PA
Miles today: 0.0

"WHATS UP DOC ? "                                       Today I will go to hospital so I can find out what is wrong with my feet.Brains took me to the hospital where it's her second day on the job.There was a very short wait before they called on me.After the doctor checked me out and the x rays were evaluated they had a cause for the foot problems.I have Plantar Fasciatis in both feet and a heal spur on my left foot.Plantar Fasciatis is the inflamation of the tough fascia surrounding the muscles of the soles of the feet.The Dr. said it will probably get worse and it wont get better until I stop hiking.I'm really tired of the constant foot pain it never stops.I have been taking 2000 t0 2500 mg. of Ibuprofen every day.Between the constant discomfort and missing my girlfriend I believe my hike is over this year.I will finish it as a section hike.I will probaly do a little bit every summer.I met alot of hikers and some great trail angels.It was great seeing people I hiked with in 06.I also got to visit new places and new people in the trail towns and alot of old friends from 06.Thank you to all the people who support the hikers.THANK YOU TO ALL THE TRAIL ANGELS WHO HELPED ME ON THE TRAIL AND FROM HOME.THANKS DAD AND MYRA FOR ALL YOUR HELP.THANKS JJ FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT WHEN THINGS WERE BAD.THANKS BRAIN AND BRAWN FOR HELPING ME OUT .
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Springer Mnt.

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

Anxious to start the hike. Will leave Kansas City on the 30 of March. Starting hike on the 1st of April. I feel ready to start. Alot of people think I am nuts for doing this. It is so different from anything I have done before. But the ones who truly know me have faith that I can walk to Damascus.Hopefully this will be the start of a sectional thru hike done over several years. As I still have 5 years till I can retire and have all the time I need to do what ever my heart desires and my spirit can endure.I hope this will help keep family and friends updated as to where I am and how it is all going.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Springer Mnt. GA

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

Plan on starting the first of April. Seems right as everyone I know thinks I am nuts to go hiking. I have always traveled and camped on my Harley. This is all new to me and there has been quite the learning curve. I've been preparing since late January. Lots of gear buying and cooking and dehydrating food. My drop boxes are packed and I have been hiking with full pack everyday. I look forward to meeting new people and seeing new places. Peace and Harmony to all."What you dare to dream, Dare to do"
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Damascus, VA

To: in Helen GA
Miles today: 0.0

Well it is all going so good. The country is awesome and I throughly enjoy every step, person I meet, and weather I have gone through.From my first moments in the parking lot of the .9 route to the top of Springer,and I recieved a hello from Dee, whom I met on the Mill Creek Streamway path back home. Via Magyver who got the message from Dee off her web site. I knew the timing was perfect and everything was right on!Yes it is a challange carring everything on your back, it isn't as easy as camping on the Harley. The water supply has been abundant and delicous to consume! From the rohdendren to the moss on the rocks it is all so alive!the first days were very misty,rainy and this only brought out all the colors of the scenery.Did do some equipment changing at Nells Gap. New sleeping pad and bag. The trail magic was provided by the greatest gals "The hiking Divas". I just really enjoyed meeting them and the help and food we recieved is hard to describe. "Shoe"--the Slowest Hiker on Earth--and "Mud Butt" and all the others my hat is off to you! Thank-you! Thank-you!Staying in Helen tonight with Magyver to wait out the storm.alls well and the journey continues! adventure awaits!
Date: 2009-04-05
From: Neel's Gap

To: north
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

~~~~ entry done by shoe ~~~~~I met N Da Wind this past weekend when the Traildames did trail magic at Mountain Crossings. I met her and we had a blast for the rest of day. She's great and I think she will go far. Took her into town to get some goodies along with Calamity Kate and Jen (no trail name yet) and invited all three over to our big cabin across the way and fed them all our potluck dinner.I am uploading some pictures of her so you can she is still alive
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Rock Gap

To: Staircase Gap
Miles today: 0.0

Happy Easter everyone! Woke up at the Saphire inn where we were bused to the local Baptist Church for a great pancake, bacon,juice an coffee breakfast. The last few days since I posted have been every seasonal weather pattern you could want. First snow all day then sunny next day then a full day of rain. On the 11th it was cloudy and cool. We crossed in to NC on Thursday. The first big climb their was the steepest yet. It seemed as though NC was saying if you want this state you have got to prove it to me! Made good milage over 12 miles each day. Walked thru the wettest place in eastern US. It recieves over 93 inches of rain a year. At times you were walking down a creek! It was beautiful with rhodendrens and mountain laurel. Like being in the Amazon.Crossed over standing Indian mountain. Too bad it was so foggy we couldn't see back to Blood mountain. It would of been neat to look back to where we have been. Over 100 miles so far! Going to go do short hike today and take side hike to go see the biggest popular tree in the east. Then rest of day take it easy doing laundry and getting ready to go tomorrow. On Monday am will go to post and get resupply and bounce box. After regrouping I can get back out on the trail. Just in time for the next rainstorm!Did spend my first night in a shelter on Friday nite. With all the dudes in there it was like a symphony of snoring with some farting thrown in for bass!I think some little pot belly stoves in those shelters would be great, you could warm up cook and enjoy the time spent there.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Staircase Gap

To: Franklin
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Took shuttle to Rock Gap and slack packed down blue blaze trail to the huge popular tree! Then over to Staircase Gap. It is a beautiful day warm and sunny! Went with Constant and we just strolled! Saw first white tail deer. It was such a great hike! When we came off trail there was magic in free, turkey dog, chips, cheese, fruit, water, beer if so inclined and a great little Easter bag of goodies! Wonderful day!Will take shuttle later today to outfitter and out to dinner. Life is Good!
Date: 2009-04-14
From: Franklin

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Well my bounce box finally caught up with me today. It is amazing to think I can hike faster than the post office and send a box! Regrouped and ready to start out in the morning.Went into Franklin today and checked out the shops and mueseums. this is like the saphire capital of the world. With the largest one on display in one of the shops/museums. Had a great day shopping and enjoying a lunch. Met this lady on the street who reminded me Mom. Had a great visit with her and have photo to share with all my sisters. She was an amazing woman just like Mom. Can't wait to share the picture with my sisters! Lots of great stories were told to me by her, just like mom who always enjoyed meeting new people.Several of the hikers I met earlier on the trail have been rolling in to Franklin yesterday and today, It is great fun to meet up again and share hiking stories.Cliff told me his sister may be interested in coming and hiking the smokies with me, I'm really excited and hope she does come join up with me this next weekend at Fontana Dam. I understand there is a big kayak,hiker bash going on there this weekend.Thanks to everyone back home for all the packages sent and support I have been getting. I love you all!!
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Wayah Bald

To: Somewhere on the AT
Miles today: 11.0

Rode in Ron's short bus up to Wayah Bald. The trees were all iced from the nite before. With the sun shining and the ice falling it was an amazing site!Great day hiking stealth camped on side of AT. Next morning only about 1 mile to fire lookout tower. The sky was clear and I could see North to Fontana Lake and the Great Smoky Mountains. The 360 vista was wonderful! Hiked into NOC.Relaxed by the river and meet fellow hikers. Yardsale was there and had the place all figured out as she had been there a day already. Camped in excellant spot by the river and had hot shower and laundry in the morning.
Date: 2009-04-17
From: NOC

To: Fontana Dam
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Did some yellow blazing today. Muscles and I had great time getting to Fontana Dam. Great rides, we even rode in a Mazda RX8 they are having a car rally at Fontana this weekend. We checked out the Dam and walked back and forth over it 3 times. Blue blazed down to the campground by the spillway. Great campfire and hot shower.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Fontana Dam spillway campsite

To: Fontana Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Woke up to another beautiful sunny, warm day. walked and rode to fontana village where lots of hikers were going through thier drop boxes and enjoying the rocking chairs on the front porch of the general store/ PO. Got ride with AWOL to the Marina where we registed for the smokies and the hiked to the shelter. Travis and Contesa were putting on trail magic. It was great! I was full as a tick! They are a great couple who being unable to hike now are enjoying sharing magic with hikers! this is the second time I have encounted them, the last was at staircase gap on Easter morning where they were doing trail magic. AWOL and Travis and Contesa took everyong to the Lodge for the live music and beer. The band was great! After the show they took us back to the Fontana Hilton where we all sat around the campfire and laughed until someone mentioned it was past 12.
Date: 2009-04-20
From: Fontana Lodge

To: somewhere in the Smokies
Miles today: 0.0

Got lucky yesterday and got hooked up with some morel mushrooms. It was a hoot getting the kitchen to give me an egg,crackers and butter. Cooking them up in the 5" skillet was an adventure all it's own. Everyone got to get a taste and the few of us who had them before were really pumped. Off into the smokies today. The weather looks like possible rain, but there are lots of blue holes in the sky! I might be able to post some more pictures here in a bit with the help of Groove.
Date: 2009-04-23
From: somewhere in the Smokies

To: Gatlinburg
Miles today: 5.5
Weather: clear sky

Got to clingman dome in the Smokies this afternoon. Hitched a ride into Gatlingburg PO. picked up mail drops and rode trolley to hotel. Lots of other hikers here at this hotel. Went out for a burger and drinks, rode the space needle up to get a look at this town. Kinda like Branson in MO. It is such a change from the smokies. Well I left Fontana Dam on Monday morning and hiked the eagle creek trail north to the AT. It was so cool lots of creek crossings and just a beautiful trail. Great until we needed to climb out to the valley up to the mountain crest. Wow what a climb! Hiking with Mark,Liz,Clamity,Stone Skiper Graveyard and Jes. One campground at place where creek met up with lake had great Flintstone furniture like a surround couch with easy chair out of the rocks. it circled this get fire pit. The camp ground was number 90 and this place was the bomb! On that Monday the 20 we made it to campsite 96. The next morning we continued to follow the eagle creek trail and the first creek crossing I lost my footing and quickly be came N Da Creek! It was one time I was glad for the quick drying clothes I've been wearing. I think it was like 15 or so creek crossing along that trail. Anywhere from knee deep to thigh deep. I enjoyed the change from straight hiking to creek crossing challenges!   From there on up to the AT and we stayed at a Shelter. It was a beautiful day and clear nite with lots of stars. It is cool the shelters in the smokies have fire places and it makes for cozy sleeping with a big fire built. On the 22 it was another beautiful clear day with great views along the trail. Went like 12 miles to Silers Bald Shelter and Yardsale and Arriba made it there it was another reunion and we had lots of laughs. Don't know if I'll be back on trail tomorrow or take zero yet kinda go see how the rest of the night goes and how well tomorrows trip to the PO goes timewise and all. I guess it is a long ways to Hot Springs which means lots of food and a heavy pack again!
Date: 2009-04-25
To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.4

Left Gatlinburg on shuttle back to Newfound Gap. Great day of hiking, really sunny and nice temp. When I saw the side trail for Charlie's bunion and it read"Parents watch your children" I knew I had to go have a look. It was a huge redish rock that hung out over the ridge. It was climbable and awesome views you could see mountain after mountain covered in trees! Hard to discribe the feeling standing on that rock gives you, but I can tell you it is goood!
Date: 2009-04-27
From: Crosby Knob

To: Green corner road
Miles today: 10.4

Another beautiful day of sunshine and great temps. Really cool stream you follow down to green corner road. At one part there was a log that the water ran through like it was a water trough. Just so beautiful and green and alive!Had great foot soak and enjoyed the ice cold spring water. Went to standing bear hostel. Where lots of fun was had playing horse shoes and going on the nightly beer run. Nice campfire and really unique hostel. Open air showers with stone floors washtub bathroon sink, All in a neat valley with a spring feed creek running through that keep the beer ice cold. So yes a good time was had by all that attended.
Date: 2009-04-29
From: Max Patch Sumit

To: Deer Park Mnt. Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Weather: broken clouds

Started hiking early 7:00 am. Great trail and good weather. Made good miles, till the humidity started to kick in. Then it was lots of stopping at all of the creeks and cooling off my feet. Did the last 3 miles in my camp shoes. Gotta get some good boots! Nice trail magic by the "blessing princess" Wow never knew how some candy bars and peanut butter crackers could taste!
Date: 2009-04-30
From: Deer Park Mnt. Shelter

To: Hot Springs
Miles today: 3.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Into town today, So good to get cleaned up and put on cotton! Went for soak at the mineral springs. Felt wonderful! The mineral water is piped into hot tubs located on the creek. It is both warm and relaxing watching the water flow over the rocks in the creek.