morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-02
From: Out West

To: Up
Miles today: 110.0

      Somewhat footsore and blistered, we completed the first 110 mile section of the PCT up to Warner Springs, California, walking into WS Ranch and Hot Springs Resort. Incredibly dry, record drought. Water in occaisional campgrounds, other sources include large caches left at this time of year by Trail Angels who go through incredible efforts to haul jugs of water up to the Trail. Dry is the word, where is the next water is the question. Once in a great while, a stream running, down through big oaks. The music of Appalachian Spring.The Border is engulfed with overlapping layers of police, BP, INS, and military, constant droning of helicopters back and forth.A big military presence in San Diego, lots of jets. A lot of poor folks from down south slippin' in, their trash strewn along the first 20 miles of the Trail.       We left Tues., 4/24 according to plan, at the crack of dawn and walked the 20.6 up to Lake Morena, where we were greeted at the encampment of "Meadow Ed" Faubert, a famed PTC supporter, who treated us to supper and a glass or two of wine. Woodrose had foot troubles, mine were walking well. We set off the next day did 14 miles to Cibbets Flat CG, .8 down from the Trail with water and pit toilets. On from there to Mt. Laguna at 6000 ft. elev. , from where we hitchhiked back to the ADZPCTKO (annual PCT hiker party and get together). We got to meet many of the Nations most famous hikers, including Scott Williamson, Yogi, Brian Robinson, Billygoat, etc.(Scott Williamson has yo-yoed the PCT for the past two years in a row......start at the Mexican border, hike to Canada, turn around and hike back to Mexico in six months.....Brian Robinson the only person to hike the AT, PCT and CDT all in the same year. Extreme hikers. The Kickoff was lots of fun and we were joined by our AT homeboys, Retro and Thirsty Boots, who started a day behind us but whose breath we can feel breathing down our necks.       The Socal desert around Anza Borrego SP has barrel cactus and Ococtillo (real desert) Going back to our hotel room to soak my feet in ice water and salt, heading back out tomorrow. It was actually cloudy and cool, and even rained a smidge as we climbed up through the San Felipe Hills yesterday, 14 miles between water caches. We hiked 24 miles betwixt Scissors Crossing and Barrel Spring, 0530 to1930. We slept like dusty dead dogs. Love and Peace, James and Eva. Muleskinner and Woodrose
Date: 2007-05-26
From: PCT nobo 2007

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Dear Readers. We have arrived at Agua Dulce, mile 454 north of the border, to the wondrous hostel of Jeff and Donna Saufley. Many hikers here (30 plus, minus). Woodrose is hanging tough and her feet are in good shape. I have been wrestling shoe and blister problems that are painfull and difficult. Drove one of the Saufleys' loaner cars down into the LA smog today to Sports Chalet Outfitters....no shoes my size.Logistics are difficult for us. We are doing 20 mile plus days (most days) ,and are still about 2 days behind schedule. Hot, dry, steep. We have hooked up with Retro and hope to hike with him when we leave here, with plans to night hike in the blue moon waxing. Our next town stop Tehachapi. Glad to read in the LA Times that the Bushmasters' War is going so well ! No victory no spoils. Gwhiz.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: ?????

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

From Jeff and Donna Saufley's Hiker Heaven, Trail mile 454. We are forced to quit the PCT due to a knee injury that I have sustained while hiking. We are retreating to Bellingham WA. to pick up Woodrose's car, and hopefully to deliver me to a knee specialist. We hiked just under 700 miles together and Woodrose hiked Mt. Whitney 14,495', in 12 hours, 22 miles and 12000 ft round trip. I must take this opportunity to thank all of the kind and generous folks who provide such wonderful thoughtful assistance to PCT hikers. Without this kindness lots of us would be hardput to make this hike, especially in the desert sections.      When my knee situation gats under control, I hope to be able to add a few details of our last miles. Thanks, Muleskinner for Woodrose.
To: Washington D.C.
Miles today: 0.0

May 17-Day 1   Was settled into the hostel and on the streets by 1 p.m. Checked out the National Art Gallery, then across the street to the National Air & Space Museum. This is worth a return visit.May 18-Day 2   Hostel is okay--clean but problems with the showers.   It is a 15 min. walk to the White House.   Walked around the perimeter, then saw the WWII Memorial, the Viet Nam, Lincoln, Korean, Thomas Jefferson and Franklin Roosevelt memorials.   Topped it off with the Holocaust Museum, which was overwhelming.   All this walking was an attempt to toughen up for the AT!May 19-Day 3   Quiet day with just a visit to the Museum of American History. In the evening, the hostel organized a visit to a bar for a Fillipino happy hour--interesting.May 20-Day 4   Got a chance to try out my rain suit today.   20 minute walk to Union Station to purchase ticket to Harpers Ferry on Monday.   The National Museum of American Indian was not what I expected.   Covered positive influence of all American (not just U.S.) Indians, but no mention of any massacres, ie: Custer's Last Stand. Our Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull, Quebec is more spectacular.May 21-Day 5   Sunny again, so went to the air show at Andrew's Air Force Base. Saw planes used in the Iraq war, U.S. Thunderbirds and Blue Angels.   It was the biggest air show that I have seen.   Later, went to a Major League Soccer game, but it was so loud you couldn't hear a thing.   May 22-Day 6   Went to the Museum of Natural History and saw 2 IMAX films--'Trex" and 'Into the Deep'.   The Toronto ROM is more spectacular. May 23-Day 7   Waiting for commuter train to Harpers Ferry, met lady waiting for her husband "Miles McDuff" who has been on AT since Feb. 28. Getting interesting!
Date: 2005-05-10
To: Motivation
Miles today: 0.0

I only decided to hike the AT last year. Over the past ten years, my backpacking experience has grown, but not necessarily better. As a Scout leader, we would take our youth backpacking to earn their 50 km badge as a requirement for their Chief Scout award. With my sons, we progressed from the trails at Fundy National Park, the west shore of Grand Mannan Island, the Fundy Parkway Trail and finally to the Fundy Footpath. The Fundy Footpath runs from the west boundary of the Fundy National Park to the Big Salmon River Interpretation center 40 km away. The Fundy Footpath is the toughest trail in New Brunswick. This has given me confidence that I can complete the AT.My oldest son is now 22, has a son himself and needs to establish himself in his career. My second son is 15 and finding other interests.   I am hoping they will join me on some sections of the AT.   I certainly don¢t have any illusions that my wife will hike the AT. But she might be talked in providing shuttle service at some future date. Essentially, my family commitments are met for the duration of my hike on the AT.I am a NEW. (A new acronym for the AT community! A NEW is a Nuclear Energy Worker. ) I have worked for the past 25 years at the Point Lepreau Generating Station ¢ PLGS - New Brunswick¢s only nuclear generating station.   Preliminary work has been underway to refurbish the plant in 2008 to run for another 25 years. Many nuclear plants around the world are at the same crossroads..   Environmentally, social-economically refurbishment is the only choice. Politically???? The decision for refurbishment may be made while I am on the AT My objective is to spend 2 months each year for the next 3 years to through hike the AT. This eases me into my next stage of my career ¢ RE_NEW. Refurbished Nuclear Energy Worker. Trailname: Xenon
Date: 2005-05-15
To: Point Lepreau
Miles today: 0.0

I am a NEW.Point Lepreau Generating Station is Atlantic Canada's only nuclear power generating station. At 680 Megawatts capacity, it produces a third of the electrical power for the province of New Brunswick. See the lovely photo of Point Lepreau.I have requested three 2 month leaves of absence over the next 3 years to through hike the AT. This summer one of my objectives is to hike at 680 miles of the AT. One mile for every Megawatt.The plan is to spend a week in Washington DC, acclimatizing to the heat and seeing all the museums, then strike out for Harpers Ferry, for 55 days of backpacking. My target is then the Vermont / New Hampshire border which is slightly over the 680 mile target. I may be accused of being an overachiever!
Date: 2005-05-20
To: Washington DC
Miles today: 0.0

Made it to Washington DC.Done the museums for the past 4 days.Rather anxious to get started on the AT.Leave for Harpers Ferry on Monday.This computer says it will log me off pdq.Thats all for now.XenonFound another computer that gives me more time. (15 minutes)Visiting museums is gruelling. I didn't think I could last seeing exhibit after exhibit for 6 days. But, that was the plan. Make a plan, work the plan.Consequently, I will be on the Amtrak to Harpers Ferry. I met a group from Indiana - a wilderness group - some who have done the AT previously. They say it should be an enjoyable trip. Again, I am getting anxious. I just don't know.Today, Friday, it just poured. So I got to try out my rain suit. It works fine. This weekend, there is an Air show at Andrews Air Force Base, if I can figure out how to get there. Also a moonlight bike tour of the monuments around the National Mall.I still haven't got a few odds and ends for the AT -Like fuel, bic lighter, short gaiters etc. However, I think all will come together. I just don't want to waste time shopping or going to movies when the museums are the reason I am in Washington.
Date: 2005-05-23
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Knoxville
Miles today: 2.0

Arrived in Harpers Ferry after the stores closed, "Snail" took my picture in front of the Harpers Ferry ATC-HQ, then took a quick look around then hiked a couple of miles to hostel in Knoxville. It was rather spooky hiking in the dark along the C&O Canal.
Date: 2005-05-24
From: Knoxville

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 14.1
Weather: light rain

Day 2Hostel in Knoxville provided AYCE breakfast for $5.00--good way to start first full day on trail.   Hoping to reach Dahlgreen Backpack Campground - 15.9 mi. Started out @ 8:45 a.m. in shorts, t-shirt and rainjacket--rained/drizzled all day. Discovered that there's no point in wearing a rain jacket except to stay warm.   @ 5 mi. to the Ed Garvey shelter. Met thru-hiker "Crazy Horse" there. He apparently has thru-hiked the AT four times before. It helps to be a bit crazy to hike the AT.   Got to the Gathland State Park, another 3.7 mi. by 1 p.m. Fatigue and wetness made me stop at the Rocky Run Shelter @ 4:45 p.m., having done 13.1 mi. Another hiker, "CoreDump" had gotten to this shelter @ 2 p.m. It was at least dry.
Date: 2005-05-25
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pogo Memorial campsite
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: light rain

Day 3Oatmeal and cider for breakfast and on my way by 7:50 a.m. At least it wasn't raining. The terrain is a bit easier, or I am getting used to my pack. Just 2 mi. north was the Dahllgreen campsite with showers etc. After being drenched all day yesterday, I decided I didn't need one.   Made it to the Washington Momument State Park by 11:15 a.m., then Pine Knob Shelter by 1 p.m. Met another hiker "Opal" from Baring, Me. He is a Vet. Decided that 8.3 mi. to another shelter was too tough, so stopped at Pogo Memorial campsite @ 3 p.m., after 10.8 mi.
Date: 2005-05-26
From: Pogo Mem. Campsite

To: Devil's Race Course
Miles today: 9.7

Day 4Left Pogo @ 9:30 a.m. and arrived Ensign Colwell shelter @ 11:45. "Rising Star", who I had met at the Harpers Ferry Hostel was taking it easy. Apparently, he thinks nothing of a 20 mi. hike, then finding a spot to read and reflect, write and compose songs. I am finding 10 mi. about my limit at the moment. Left again @ 1 p.m. and arrived Devil's Race Course @ 4:45 p.m.
Date: 2005-05-27
From: Devil's Race Course

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 5On the trail by 8:30 a.m. Arrived in Pen-Mar by 11:30--5 mi. Needed to resupply, but had difficulty finding the grocery store. I wasn't a happy camper! Trail Angel gave me directions and a Mike's Hard Lemonade. Later, a bread truck driver offered me a ride back to the AT. I am now in Pennsylvania. The AT crossed a road and I could not pick up the AT blazes. After @ 1/2 hours of hiking back & forth, apparently across the trail, I was ready to call it a day. Hitched back in to Blue Ridge Summmit and was picked up by my third Trail Angel of the day. Laura is an overseer for the trail. She got me back on track and the trail was now easy to follow. Caught up to "Crazy Horse" and he showed me the way to the Tumbling Run Shelter. "Crazy Horse" has been a good source of information as to what's ahead. {snakes!}
Date: 2005-05-28
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: light rain

Day 6Made it to the Rocky Mtn. Shelters -- 6.6 mi. -- in 3 1/2 hours. After lunch I went down the road to Caledonia State Park. Rain again, but fortunately, my tent was up before it poured. Supper at an Italian place, but I could only eat half my Stromboli. Back at camp, was invited to the fire pit next door. 5 families on their annual Memorial Day weekend camping trip. Late night.
Date: 2005-05-29
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Birch Run shelters
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 7I was on my way by 8 a.m. but was given wrong directions, so it was @ 9 a.m. before I was actually on the trail. Only 1 hour to Quarry's Gap Shelter--impressive. Along the way is a mighty thicket of rhododendrums. Reached Birch Run shelters for a total of 10 mi. @ 2:45 p.m. It is halfway to Pine Grove, so I am now taking it easy. Some hikers who were just leaving gave me some much needed fuel for my stove. Nearby was a group of under 25 tenters who invited me over for BBQ chicken, beer and soda. Also at the shelter was a big popcorn tin full of Trail Magic--snacks for thru-hikers!
Date: 2005-05-30
From: Birch Run shelters

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

Day 8Another easy day. Took only 2 1/2 hours to hike 6.3 mi. between Birch Run and Tom's Run. Trail to Pine Grove not bad. I arrived 1 p.m. and hostel doesn't open until 5 p.m. I initiated the wussy-pint-ice-cream-eating-club--I just couldn't face a half gallon portion! The Iron Mansion hostel is great--owner very helpful and is mailing a parcel home for me.
Date: 2005-05-31
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 9Left the Iron Mansion Hostel @ 07:45. The manager will be mailing home some stuff I don't need to carry.   She was very helpful. All the food in the fridges were available for just a donation. I had my first leaf salad in 2 1/2 weeks it was exquisite.! In the morning, I had 3 boiled eggs and sausages before hitting the trail. My first full breakfast in 2 1/2 weeks! The first 7.2 miles to the Tagg Run shelter was easy. (3 3/4 hr) We wanted to make it to the Alec Kennedy Shelter another 8.3 miles away. That took another 6 hours! The AT winds through a boulder field. Boulders the size of trucks! You had to weave in & out, up & down, for no apparent reason and no apparent gain in territory. If I had a map and knew where the AT went, I would have bushwacked through the woods around that maze. It is good to have found a hiking partner - Sharon - OH62, otherwise I may have given up in frustration. Sharon and I will continue hiking together until Port Clinton, where she must leave to babysit her grandchildren. At Tagg's Run we encountered "Smiling Joe" another thru-hiker who had an entourage of a photographer and journalist. We were also interviewed for the York Regional Paper. At the Alec Kennedy shelter we also met the Jungle Crew - Gorrila in the Mist and Hungry Hippo - two recent coed grads who also started out from Harpers Ferry about 11 days previous.
Date: 2005-06-01
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Carlisle, Pa
Miles today: 11.9

Day 10From the Alec Kennedy, you must cross the Cumberland Valley 18.2 m, before you reach the next campsite. Sharon doesn't have a tent, so we decided to stop @ Carlisle after a trek of 11.9 m. We travelled through a lot of farmers fields and reached Carlisle early. We had also passed through Boiling Springs which is a real tourist spot and fishermans destination and the home of the mid-Atlantic ATC head office. The best feature of Carlisle is it is only 0.3 m off the AT and the Middlesex Diner is only across the road!
Date: 2005-06-02
From: Carlisle, Pa

To: Cove Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 11After nice continental bkft at the Motel 8, we hit the AT @ 07:00. Still walking through farmers fields, we found a cooler left by Trail Angel - Mary Parry of Duncannon. It contained Halloween type treats for thru-hikers. We had left Carlisle with threatening rain, but the sun eventually broke through. We caught up to the "Ole Grey Mare" She is Margaret Gursky ~ 65 years of age. She had also started from Harpers Ferry, several days back. I had seen some of her log entries in the shelters. She plans on hiking 500 miles this summer. She has her sister in a support role, providing shuttle service and picking her up every night. Anyway, today, she missed her pickup location and had to hike on further to Cove Mtn with us. We stopped a runner in the woods to ask directions to the nearest road access. The runner had on a very scimpy speedo and nothing else. The "Ole Grey Mare" had another 3 miles to trek to reconnect with her sister. She may join us later in our hike.At the Cove Mtn Shelter, we found the Jungle Crew again. They had treked the 18 miles across the Cumberland valley the previous day. It had been rather hot! About 18:00, the Pennyslvania Pod rolled in. These 4 thru-hikers had started from Springer on March 28, and are averaging 20 miles a day! They are the Pod because when they reach camp, they set up 4 green hammocks, just like peas in a pod.
Date: 2005-06-03
From: Cove Mtn Shelter

To: Duncannon, Pa
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: light rain

Day 12An easy day. But it is raining!!! Reached Duncannon by 10:00 but the Doyle Hotel doesn't open til 11:00. The Jungle Crew and the Pennslvania Pod are pushing on the the Clarks Ferry Shelter which is another 5 miles. But, it is raining and I deserve a slack day. We need to hunt down the Trail Angel - Mary Parry and thank her. She apparently works in a pub only a few doors down from the Doyle.Total miles done to date is 124.4 miles over 12 days.
Date: 2005-06-04
From: Duncannon

To: Peters Mtn. shelter
Miles today: 11.3

Day 13The rain stopped!   Left the Doyle Hotel @ 7:15 a.m. and crossed the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers to the base of Peters Mtn. by 8 a.m. It was a huge climb (1000') to Clarks Ferry shelter, which we reached by 10 a.m.   After a lunch of soup, cheese and apple, we reached PA 225 @ 1 o'clock. Surprise, surprise, we found "Lisa" --the sister providing trans for "Ole Grey Mare".   About half an hour later, we heard the clacking of trekking poles, and there she was! She'd been dropped off at the base of Peters Mtn @ 9 a.m.   After saying our goodbyes, we finally reached Peters Mtn. shelter @ 4 p.m. Nearby at Table Rock, the locals were having a blast tossing bouldlers over the 1000 ft. cliff. We didn't stay around. Later in the evening, several other hikers from the Doyle showed up.
Date: 2005-06-05
From: Peters Mtn. shelter

To: Rausch Gap shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: few clouds

Day 14What a long day! We left Peters Mtn shelter @ 7:15 a.m. and didn't get to Rausch Gap until 5:30 p.m. The morning was easy--6 mi. to a spring, basically downhill. Then we crossed over from Peters Mtn. to another ridge and seemed to go uphill forever. When we finally made it to Rausch Gap, the "Jungle Crew" were there. The guide book says the shelter will hold 12, but we could barely fit in 7. Two more thru-hikers arrived @ 8 p.m.: "August" and "Spit Fire" and their pomeranian "Lil Bear Bait". They push 30 mi. a day--not my cup of tea!
Date: 2005-06-06
From: Rausch Gap shelter

To: William Penn Shelter
Miles today: 17.5
Weather: haze

Day 15A much easier day planned for today. We left @ 7:30 a.m, crossed over to another ridge and another long, hard climb! After a vertical ascent of 1000 ft we followed this ridge for several miles. This is the hottest day so far. @ 12:30, hot, exhausted, tired & thirsty, we took a half hour nap. The host club have been weedwacking the brush to cut down the poison ivy! I think I got some on my legs and on my butt. Thank heavens for hydrocortisone cream! Shortly after, we heard lots of thunder. Started raining @ 2 p.m. and continued until we reached the William Penn shelter @ 3 p.m. Tomorow promises to be a short day--looking forward to restaurant food.
Date: 2005-06-07
From: William Penn Shelter

To: 501 shelter
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 16After thunder storms all night, the woods were still dripping wet, so put back on wet clothes and headed out @ 7:30 a.m. The trail was flat but soggy. Reached PA 501 @ 10 o'clock. What luck! Another thru-hiker "Tea Biscuit" was just being dropped off by trail angel "Honey Boy" and he offered to take us to Pine Grove for lunch, then return us to the trail head.
Date: 2005-06-08
From: 501 shelter

To: Eagle Nest shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 17Up early and off by 6:30 a.m. to beat the heat. "Jungle Crew" reported seeing some copperheads and rattlers the previous day, but we missed them. "Smiling Joe" showed up and later "Capt. Crunch" and "Col Forbes" @ 6:30 p.m. They'd arrived later last evening at 501 shelter then spent this morning in Pine Grove. They got a ride from Lisa, who'd just dropped "Ole Grey Mare" at 501 shelter. Interesting when we were talking about some poor AT blazes or poor signage--everyone mentioned the problem at Mackie Run, where I had almost quit after being disoriented for several hours.
Date: 2005-06-09
From: Eagle Nest shelter

To: Pocahontus campsite
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Day 18Left @ 7:45 a.m. and made it to Port Clinton by noon. It was stinking hot. Saw my first rattler! "Ole Yeller", "Cubby" and "Boston" appeared. Hitched a ride to Cabela's--it was air conditioned and hard to leave. Traded my 3 1/2 lb., 32F sleeping bag for a 1 lb, 60F slumberjack. Sharon will mail it home for me. It was hard to lose my hiking partner, but I realize that most hikers do hike alone and meet up again at the shelters. Took the Cabela bus back to the trailhead, then climbed in the humidity for an hour before being hit by a thunder storm. Another hour of hiking in the rain and reached the Pocahontus campsite, where "Jungle Crew" were already set up.
Date: 2005-06-10
From: Pocahontus campsite

To: Eckville shelter
Miles today: 11.9
Weather: light rain

Day 19Not a lot of rain overnight. On the trail by 7:30 a.m. and stopped at Windsor Furnace shelter for breakfast @ 9 a.m. Trail today was fairly easy with some boulder jumping. The AT winds up along a rock ledge with snakes. Locals reported seeing a rattler and a black snake up in a tree. While negotiating the rock fields, I don't have time to look up in the trees. After the rock ledge, the trail was a fairly easy logging road to the Eckville. The bonus is that ice cream and sodas are available for a donation. This was the most talkative shelter yet, due to an electric light, which allowed hikers to socialize after dark.