morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2019-03-10
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Not much to report this week. I try to get either a yoga practice or a walk in every day. Finally there is enough light when I get home from work to be able to walk (at least on some days). After today, and the clock change, I expect I'll be walking a lot more.  I think I've reviewed my gear list a bajillion times.... and I really like it. It all seems super reasonable to me. I've got very few ways to reduce it from the current 16.5#. One is change out my pack. I've looked at some of the lighter Ospreys. I've thought about one of the ultralight packs. Without actually trying one, I'm hesitant to buy one. I've decided to visit some gear outlets along the trail and try some other packs as I go. If one really speaks to me, I'll purchase it then and sent the current one home.I've also been contemplating leaving the kindle at home and just using the kindle app on my phone. That would save 6.25oz... which is pretty substantial. I do wonder just how much time I'll have to read on the trail. Many people say they start with the kindle and then send it home. If time is limited, I won't mind doing a small bit of reading on the phone.  I am worried about my phone battery. My phone seems to act up and lose battery life quickly at time. I have to do some more experiments. The other day I thought I put it on airplane mode and took a walk for 1.25hrs ... listening to a podcast the whole way. The phone quit even though I thought I had close to 70% charge. I need to do some serious experimenting to see if its the user or the phone... If I have to change out the phone before I go, I'll do that.I also have to try out my sleeping bag liner. If I left that out I'd save another 5.2 oz. So together with the kindle, that's almost 12oz.... closing in on 1#. That's a lot!!Waiting certainly makes your mind do lots of gymnastics!
Date: 2019-03-17
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My first blog post for All Women All Trails has been posted. It's called Passage to the Precipice and documents how I made the decision to thru hike. I'll be writing regularly for that group so go ahead and subscribe! Make sure to leave a comment so I know you were there.Been thinking through the what to wear as a bra on the trail. This has been somewhat of a chore as I have never been able to find a sports bra that I was comfortable in... or did not give me a uniboob. I just found another company that people rave about called True & Co. I'm going to give them a try and see if I can find something that I can wear with or without a shirt (hot days or swimming...)It's spring break for me this week so I've upped the training regiment. Getting a 5.25 mile walk in daily. Yesterday I also did a couple miles on snow shoes in the afternoon. I'm trying to be very mindful of getting my feet into shape so they are used longer days holding me up.Still waiting on my quilt from Enlightened Equipment. Its been 6-7 weeks since ordering. I'm guessing I'm going to hear from them soon. Can't wait!
Date: 2019-03-18
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Another trek to the ice wall in Bleecker. Wore my full pack as training... about 20 pounds. Did the first mile with microspikes then switched to snow shoes for the remainder of the day. Total of 5 miles. These treks are feeling really good. It feels like an easy day. We did not do much elevation gain.... just a few hundred feet total. I'm sure that will make a huge difference. Right now, I'm just pleased that I have not lingering feet or leg issues. I followed this up with an hour yoga practice aimed at legs and back strength along with balance. Again, feels good and not overly challenging.
Date: 2019-03-23
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

The last 2 days have been soooo exciting. Last night I met up with thru-hikers Tree Trunk and Manula for fantastic dinner conversation. They shared their album, slide show, stories and experience. I was very inspired. When they were getting ready to leave, Tree Trunk pulled out a brand new GraniteGear Blaze 60 that he had gotten as a replacement for one that broke and gave it to me to try! After they left I fiddled around with all the adjustments and went online to see how to fit the pack appropriately. I haven't loaded it up yet but it seems like it might work out fantastically. AND it shaves another 11oz off my base weight! They left me with a box full of books to comb through... VERY inspiring. This definitely feels like pre-trail magic!... and in keeping with the adage: 'the trail provides'.  My base weight is now down to 15.48#. I removed the kindle and decided I'd read on my phone. That helped bring the weight down a bit as well. This weight is without the umbrella (12oz) which I'm still wishy-washy about bringing.Today I had lunch with another AT hiker, Juice. He shared stories of the trail and his experience. He is currently prepping for the PCT. It was fun and exciting to get yet another perspective on long-distance hiking.This week I did a phone/battery pack experiment. I started last Saturday morning  with a full battery on both my iphone and on the Anker 10,000. I kept my phone on airplane mode usually but used it whenever I wanted to (taking it off airplane mode as needed). I only charged with the battery pack. My phone was fully charged every morning except this morning (a whole week later). Today it only made it to 60%. The take-away from this experiment is that I think I have plenty of charging capacity. My next experiment is to see how fast the kindle app drains the battery (being mindful of the screen brightness).Finally, my Enlightened Equipment down quilt (20F) came this week. My gear is pretty much dialed in. It's getting real!AWAT posted my second blog. You can read Flip-Flopping on a Flip-Flop here: https://www.allwomenalltrails.... (If you are reading the blog posts, leave me a comment at AWAT! thanks)
Date: 2019-04-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

It's been a busy couple of weeks at work and last weekend was busy with social engagements. All good but nothing to do with prepping for the hike.  I've been fiddling with my gear list and I'm now at 16# with the umbrella. I still have to add a couple of clothing items. I did purchase a small pouch to put my hip belt so I have easy access to my phone and a few snacks. I rigged up a shoulder holder for a smart water bottle. Tomorrow I'll give the base weight pack along with lunch and water a trial run to see how this new pack rides on the trail.More blog posts have been published!flip flopping on a flip flop: https://www.allwomenalltrails....resupply: to drop or not to drop: https://www.allwomenalltrails....adventure before dementia: https://www.allwomenalltrails....
Date: 2019-04-21
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Took my second hike with the Blaze 60 pack.  Overlook Mtn is a 5-mile in and back.  It¢s all uphill on the way in and all down on the way out.  I loaded the pack with about 18lbs again.  Again, it feels great.  So I¢m definitely starting out with this pack.Yesterday I ordered a 2L Cnoc bladder for pre filtered water.  I also ordered the coupling for the sawyer so I can use a smart water bottle to back flush it.  My plan is to take the Cnoc, a 1L and a 750ml smartwater bottle.  That way I¢ll have enough capacity to fill up before camping at night so I have enough water for evening and morning.I came across a recipe for diy electrolyte powder (4 parts baking soda, 1 part Epsom salts, 1 part Morton¢s Lite Salt - per 1/2 tsp: 372.5 mg sodium 87.5 mg potassium 30 mg magnesium).  I¢ve been trying it out.  1/2tsp in 1 pint water is barely noticeable.  If I put that same amount in peppermint tea with honey it reminds me of Gatorade (which I hate!).  So the lesson is to just drink it plain in water.I did set a date!!  I¢ll leave home on May 15.  We¢ll spend a little time with niece Mandy and hit the trail soon afterwards.  Only 13 more days of school!  It¢s all getting real!
Date: 2019-05-13
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My good friend Sue and I did a shake down hike Sunday and Monday. I wanted to test my gear kit to see if I had everything I needed. We decided to hike the tongue mountain range overlooking lake george. Of course the weather was looking cold and wet. We hoped to avoid hiking in the rain.We met at the trailhead at 11AM on Sunday. Immediately I realized I had left my trekking poles at home. Rats! Well this is what a shakedown is all about!I picked up a single walking stick at the trail register kiosk and made do with that.We hiked up to just shy of the lean to on fifth peak. Knowing there would be no water for the rest of the day and through the next morning, I filled up my 1 liter smartwater bottle and the 2 liter cnoc. Adding 6 # to the pack weight was super obvious!  We took a lunch break at the lookout then got back on the trail. We weren¢t sure where we¢d camp. We still thought it would rain and considered hiking until the rain was over.After a couple of hours and 3 more peaks we found ourselves at the top of French mountain. Stunning views and a perfect camp site. We were 5 miles along and thought that was a good enough distance for the day. That left 8 miles and only 1 peak left.Some notes on gear:- tent was fine for 2 people with packs in the vestibules. No condensation with doors open...even with 1 vestibule closed- my $8.88 Walmart sandals are good camp shoes- I don¢t need a separate cup. I had no problem eating and drinking with just my cook pot.- my cook pot cozy also works as a cozy for ziplock bag cooking- love my purple rain skirt. It was really easy to put on a base layer and/or rain pants under it.- my 20 degree enlightened equipment quilt was toasty warm. I think the temp dipped below 40.  Somehow we got no rain! I told Sue we were facing east so should see the sunrise. She laughed as it was supposed to be cloudy. Well, we did see the sun briefly as it shown under the clouds! The whole thing was stunning.Packed up early to beat the rain. Hiked to mont calm point for a 2nd breakfast. Then along the lakeshore to another point for lunch. We were back in the parking lot by 2:30 with no rain!Fabulous hike. I¢d recommend that loop. Sue and I definitely will do this again.I feel super ready for the AT!
Date: 2019-05-17
From: ATC headquarter, Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: few clouds

I left Jim and Mandy at 11:30am.  It was really hard.  I cried.  It was like jumping into the unknown and leaving the life raft behind.I walked through and by so much history: Storer College, Jefferson Rock, the old C and O canal, and more.  I couldn¢t focus on any of the interpretive signs because I just wanted to get walking.  So I missed a lot.After a couple of miles on the towpath, the trail took a steep climb up to Weverton Cliffs.  Great view of the Potomac from there.The day was hot (mid 80s) and humid. I made sure to fill up with water before I got to the shelter because water was not certain there.  As it turns out, there was water there so I did not have to carry those 4 heavy liters!
Date: 2019-05-18
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Annapolis Rocks
Miles today: 14.1

when I woke up and went to get my food bag (that I had hung in a tree), I discovered the spring.  Supposedly there was not a reliable spring so I had carried 4 liters into camp last night.  Guess I didn¢t really need to do that!I stopped at White Rock cliffs in the morning for a long break.  I talked to a scoutmaster there.  He told me that this was a popular area for scout trips.  Maybe the noise last night was scouts?  I did see multiple scout troops throughout the day.The scoutmaster is the one who told me to go to Annapolis rocks to see the sunset.  I was going to stop at the shelter before that but o guess it is noisy with I70 traffic below.  I was glad I pushed through.  The view from the rocks was spectacular.We got a wicked thunderstorm.  Luckily I had just made dinner and got in my tent to eat it!  After dinner I watched the sunset from the rocks.I did pass the 1/100th done mark (21.9 miles)!
Date: 2019-05-19
From: Annapolis Rocks

To: Raven Rock shelter
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: clear sky

Met some flip floppers today: Josh from CA, and the Ruthardt family (Casey, Matt, Tucker and Tasher).  It was a hot day ( in the 80s).  I hiked over a very rocky section.  Just after that I talked with a father and daughter.  She had hiked the trail in two pieces - one of the last year.  She said PA would not be worse than that.Black rock cliffs were beautiful. Stopped at Antietam Creek and there was a baby pied bilked grebe there.  I think it must have gotten separated from its mom in one of the recent downpours.It started thundering later in the day so Josh and I hustled up to the shelter.  Because of the chance of severe storms I stayed in the shelter.
Date: 2019-05-20
From: Raven Rock shelter

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2

Torrential rain last night.  I was happy to be in the shelter even if I did not sleep much.A couple of professors from a small Christian School arrived relatively late:  Weeble and Noodle.  They are section hikers and were fun to talk to. There were also a few thru hikers there.  I only talked with Aloha.Stopped at high rock cliffs.  It is right next to a road so it can s a frequent stop for folks.  It was covered in graffiti and is used for hang gliding.  Very cool spot.At PenMar Park I charged my phone and battery and cleaned up a bit.  Nice restrooms!Passed the Mason Dixon Line just after the park.  First state done!Met another thru hiker: Sharpshin.  He¢s a bird enthusiast.  So we had fun comparing bird notes.
Date: 2019-05-21
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Fayetteville, Pa
Miles today: 9.6

I earned a trail name this morning:  Lady Dundee.  Sharpshin needed a knife this morning and asked if I had one.  I whipped out my knee knife.  He said ¢what are you? Crocodile Dundee?¢  I guess in the movie he does a similar thing and says ¢now that¢s a knife¢... and so a trail name is born.Met a group of Outward Bound young folks.  I shared with them my experience with outward bound when I was their age.Chimney rocks was gorgeous.Overall easy terrain today.Got a private room for $25 that included access to the kitchen and everything in it.  Did laundry and took a hot shower.  Got a ride to Walmart for a resupply.  Met 2 more flip floppers who just took a zero here: Smooth sailing and Casual.
Date: 2019-05-22
From: Fayetteville, Pa

To: TomÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run Shelter
Miles today: 16.2

Moved along really fast today.  Passed a beautiful shelter at Quarry Gap. The trail was really like the green tunnel through rhododendrons, azaleas and mountain laurel.Other areas were restoration of pine barrens.  First they ¢mow¢ the understory then they do control burns so that the pitch pine forest community will be restored.My right foot started really hurting today.
Date: 2019-05-23
From: TomÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Run Shelter

To: James Frye shelter
Miles today: 10.9

Slept great last night.  On the trail early and to Pine Grove Furnace general store by 9 am.  This is the home of the 1/2 gallon challenge where thru hikers eat a whole 1/2 gallon of ice cream.  It¢s close to the 1/2 way point between GA and ME.  I opted to do 1/2 of a 1/2?gallon challenge?....mint chip.
Date: 2019-05-24
From: James Frye shelter

To: Backpackers Campsite, Boiling Springs, PA
Miles today: 11.6

Lots of interesting terrain today: rocks, woods , and fields. Also climbed through some gigantic rocks.  Took my first fall there.  I scraped my chin and leg.  Banged my elbow. Overall I got lucky.  No major damage.  Smooth sailing and Casual said it looked awful.We then walked through fields of soybeans and barley.In Boiling Springs I mailed a pound of extra clothes home. The woman at the post office was super helpful and found the cheapest way to send it.We had dinner at the tavern (pesto ravioli was delicious!) and the local beer ( an ESB) was perfect!
Date: 2019-05-25
From: Backpackers Campsite, Boiling Springs, PA

To: Darlington shelter 
Miles today: 14.7
Weather: clear sky

The superfeet insoles I bought in Boiling Springs work tremendously.  Originally I was only going 9 miles today but I was there before 10 am!  Soo I kept going.  Lots of farm terrain and it was all flat until the last 2 miles.  There were lots of boardwalks and bridges along the Conodoquinet River and the wet land around it.Lots of multiflora roses blooming everywhere.  It smelled beautiful. Made it to the shelter by 2:30.  Another stunning day on the AT.
Date: 2019-05-26
From: Darlington shelter 

To: Duncannon Assembly of God Hostel
Miles today: 11.3

Beautiful walk through farm fields this morning.  Then climbed up to a rocky ridge. There were tons of day hikers around.  The view from Hawk Rock was super.  I met two section hikers, Llamatron and Hiney Badger. They took my picture up on Hawk Rock.Later, I ran into them at The Doyle in Duncannon.  The Doyle is a legend on the trail.  I had a great black bean burger and a beer.  Yum!  I had heard the rooms were dirty.  Based on the disgusting ladies room, I can only imagine... that¢s why I chose to stay at the AOG hostel.  I found out about this place from the AT grapevine as it is not listed in Guthook or the AWOL Guide.  It was a terrific place to stay...and donation only!
Date: 2019-05-27
From: Duncannon Assembly of God Hostel

To: PeterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

had a terrific sleep at the Hostel. I was up and on the ¢trail¢ by 6:40 am! The walk was down High St then across the Juniata River bridge.  There were an unbelievable number of spider webs that I walked through!  I was covered in them!Then I walked the bridge over the Susquehanna River.  Toward the far side there was a Peregrine Falcon nest and the female yakked up a storm at me. She did not dive bomb me though ( as I had been warned about).Just before noon I ran into my first trail magic. The Fogarty family have a camp right in the AT. Every Memorial Day, they have a big party for family and friends.  They invite thru hikers to Jim them.  I had a sandwich, potato salad, soda, beer, watermelon, and mountains of goodies.  I even took a bag of brownies worth me!When I got to the shelter it was 300 steps down to the spring.  Smooth Sailing had just come up with 2 gallons.  I offered to go down as well.  It was actually 294 steps!  And it was steep!!
Date: 2019-05-28
From: PeterÃÂÃÂ¢ÃÂÃÂÃÂÃÂs Mountain Shelter

To: Rausch Gap Shelter
Miles today: 18.0
Weather: clear sky

Long day.  Lots of rocks and mud. I didn¢t really like going 18 miles but I wanted to get to a shelter because of the threat of severe weather.Listened to music all day to pass the miles.  The trail was not that interesting today.  I did hear an Olive sided Flycatcher though.. so that was the highlight!
Date: 2019-05-29
From: Rausch Gap Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Started by having to wade through the downstream side of a huge Beaver Dam.  I took off my shoes and put on sandals for the task.  That was smart.The rest of the day was a mix of rocks and mud. There were a few soft woodland paths.I got to the shelter just as the skies opened up.  We had a couple of amazing storms while there.The shelter is really interesting.  It has 12 bunks around the perimeter and a common area in the middle under a huge skylight. There were a bunch of Pastors there doing a short section hike.  One of them bought all of us thru hikers pizza...trail magic again!
Date: 2019-05-30
From: 501 Shelter

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

Another marathon to outrun the weather.  I actually hiked 12 miles before noon!Went through literally miles of flooded trail.  I started by trying to avoid putting my feet in the water but eventually I gave in.  Good thing I did. I waded for at least an hour, maybe more. When not in water or mud, I was picking my way through rocks.  My brain was tired at the end of the day from making a million decisions about where to put my feet.I did have one good view before I got to the shelter.At the shelter are Papa John, Muffet and Johnny Walker who I¢ve been hiking with for a few days.  Also Papa Smurf and Hiker Dave who I¢ve seen on and off over the last week.
Date: 2019-05-31
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 9.0

Short day today because I was meeting Jim! First I had to don wet socks and shoes. That was no fun at all but after all that water walking yesterday I think it will be days before my shoes dry!I took my time getting out of camp in the morning because I knew it would be a short hike and I did t have to be to the Port Clinton pavilion until 2pm.About 9am I came to a gas line clearing.  The sun was shining and the ground was dry.  I decided to take off my shoes and dry some things out.  In the hour I was there, my shoe inserts and gaiters totally dried and my socks and shoes dried significantly.  While there I ran into Llamatron and Honey Badger, 2 section hikers I have seen on and off over the last few days.  Nice guys.The trail down to Port Clinton was super steep.  Then it crossed the train tracks and I found myself in a little ¢coal country¢ display with some huge chunks of coal.Got to the pavilion at about 12:30. Jim arrived at 3:30.  I had plenty of time to get everything dry and to wash the muck off my legs.Jim surprised me by bringing the dogs!  Happy day!!
Date: 2019-06-02
From: Port Clinton

To: Campsite at mile 1234.9
Miles today: 15.0

I passed 200 miles today!  Who knew I could actually make it this far?  I started the day at 9am.  The trail took me under a bridge.  There I found a small umbrella. I had just given Jim my umbrella to bring home because I never used it.  And now here was another and the forecast was for rain later in the day.  I decided to bring it along.  Worst case scenario is that I help clean up the trail!My pack was pretty heavy with a full resupply for 5 days.  When I weighed it at Barb¢s house it was 31#. That¢s a lot to carry up out of town!  It was also a lot for my feet.  They started to feel it at about 10 miles.Some great views today from Pulpit Rock and the Pinacle.  I keep hoping to see a rattle snake in the rocks but haven¢t yet.At the end of the day I stopped in Eckville shelter.  It was not supposed to rain so I decided to move on about 0.5 miles and camp by a stream.  There was a family of 6 camped nearby.  The 4 girls are a delight.  It¢d be nice to spend more time with them.Of course it did pour rain later.  I stayed nice and dry in my tent.  I love the sound of rain on the tent.
Date: 2019-06-03
From: Campsite at mile 1234.9

To: Campsite at mile 1250.1
Miles today: 15.2

Lots and lots of rocks today.  Little ones, big ones, pointy ones...  there were a few reprieves with easy walking but, in general, it was a rocky day.I spent most of the day walking and talking with other hikers.  It made the day go quickly.  Walked with Papa John ( retired CPA), Ginger Goat (nurse anesthetist) and Johnny Walker and Muffet ( retired police officers).  Had lots of great conversation!Stopped at the Allentown shelter for a break. Really pretty place.Met Hawk Bait on Bear Rocks.  That was a challenging side trail up to a stupendous view.