morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-02-05
To: Healing with Acupuncture
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Shortly after my last journal entry I started experiencing heel pain while hiking. Not too bad at first but the tell tale signs of plantar fasciitis were there. I had it over 15 years ago and it took two years to completely heal. Very painful. I talked about this last year in my first couple of journal entries and how a daily yoga practice was the cure for me. My yoga practice became more of a meditation practice with gentle stretches this past year because of my wrist injuries. It wasn't enough to keep my feet from injury, and I should have known better.After going into panic mode about another injury stopping my thru hike attempt for the second year in a row before I even got on the trail I decided I was going to pursue every possible avenue of quick healing. I've always heard great success stories about acupuncture but never tried it because I have a needle phobia and couldn't quite grasp how it could be so effective. The acupuncturist I found said she has had success treating PF so I decided to give it a try.   After my first session three weeks ago, I woke up the next morning puzzled because something felt different. I had no pain in my feet which had become common, but even more amazing was that I had NO pain in my wrists for the first time in over a year. As the day went on I kept waiting for the pain to come as I usually have high levels of pain throughout the day. NOTHING. And my wrists had greater range of motion and strength. Got on my yoga mat as I have every day, and I could put my hands flat on the mat for the first time. I got really brave and tried a downward facing dog and had enough wrist strength to support myself. Did some more yoga poses and then had a really good cry. I could not believe this overnight miraculous cure and was very happy, but confused. I had not even told the acupuncturist about my wrist injuries. Had my second treatment for PF the next day and asked her if she did anything to my wrists. " No, not intentionally" she said, but she explained that what she did to my foot is the same way she would have treated my wrists. I've been going twice a week and today was my sixth treatment. Have not had any wrist pain in three weeks and do 1-2 1/2 hours of yoga per day. Stopped all physical therapy. The PF is about 60% better. I'm also doing reflexology, Chinese herbs, tons of stretching and foot boot at night and rolling my foot on a tennis ball numerous times. Did my best to stay off my feet for three weeks for healing. Hiked 8 miles yesterday and was happy with how I felt.Reflecting on how my backpacking and yoga intertwine and how my backpacking adventures started with PF and never reoccurred until right before my thru hike attempt. Without this PF now I never would have tried acupuncture and I wouldn't have this healing in my wrists...and without my wrist injuries I wouldn't have this even greater appreciation for my strong, healthy body and mind. Life is good. The journey to start my journey has taught me so many valuable lessons, but I can't wait to start this adventure.
Date: 2015-05-13
To: Tomorrow's the day
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I am spending the night at Tea Horse Hostel in Harper's Ferry and heading out in the morning for a flip flop hike to Maine and then back to HF to Springer Mountain in Georgia. My start date was delayed again because of a knee injury that had me hobbling around for a couple months. I had to scoot up and down the stairs in my house for three weeks and my training came to a halt. One cortisone shot later that brought me every side effect imaginable and lots of rest, here I am. My pre-hike journal entries felt like they were all about injuries and setbacks so I have refrained from anymore postings until now. I am not 100%, but I am ready enough and so very excited to be here.My plan was to spend two nights at the Tea Horse and to start hiking on 5-15-15 because I like the way the numbers sound, but after arriving tonight I am so anxious to start hiking I am going to start a day early. I am so very tired from all my preparations and plane, subway and train rides. I can't wait to just follow white blazes. The Tea Horse is very comfortable and clean, and Laurel is a gracious host. Bear Biscuit and I met on the Amtrak and he is starting his flip flop tomorrow as well. We shared a pizza dinner tonight. I could only eat one slice of pizza as it seems I have lost my appetite from all the excitement. I am headed to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in the morning to sign the register and have the obligatory picture taken. I plan to update this journal daily as it will be my personal reflections of this journey. Thank you for reading. I am changing my trail name from Pixie Dust to Lil Mermaid. More on that later.Namaste
Date: 2015-05-14
From: Harper's Ferry

To: Ed Garvey Shelter
Miles today: 7.2
Weather: clear sky

What a perfect first day! Had a delicious waffle breakfast at Tea Horse and talked to other hikers before starting out on the trail. I walked a half mile to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters and signed the register of thru-hikers and had my photo taken. Hung out for a few hours using their phone and computer taking care of business I didn't have time to finish at home. I haven't been able to get any Verizon service in Harper's Ferry. After finishing business I walked around the historic town for a bit before getting a late afternoon start. As luck would have it, I hiked a couple extra miles as I started in the wrong direction at the beautiful C&O bike path. The easiest two miles on the entire Appalachian trail and I manage to go the wrong way. A big group of talkative school kids were in the way of the map I was looking at and it distracted me. No worries though because the views of the Potomac river were amazing and colorful wild flowers were everywhere. I'm not really sure what made me realize I was not on the trail except that I didn't see a single white blaze. The hike was enjoyable and easy walking. I weighed my pack at the ATC and at 34 pounds it was heavier than I wanted. All my new electronics with extra battery packs and chargers really add up. I carried my dog Lucky's ashes with me and my intention was to spread them along the entire trail because he was my backpacking buddy on the AT in Georgia and NC. I found a huge tree by the river and I knew at once that he wanted me to let him go. It was a smart idea because I couldn't have gone through all that emotion again and again. My pack felt so much lighter, and I know it wasn't just from the half pound I had lost. Lucky was always protecting me.I finally made it to the shelter I was aiming for at 7pm. In Maryland you can only camp at designated sites. Diamond and Bear Biscuit whom were also staying at Tea Horse were waiting for me and had been there for 5-6 hours. They had gotten water for me so I wouldn't have to do the half mile climb down the hill. They said they saw three rattlesnakes on the way down. I'm glad I was spared that extra little trek. Diamond had a roaring fire going and hung my food bag. He was still hungry after his meal so I shared the dehydrated cous cous I had made with crushed tomatoes and Rotella and chilis. I must same it was delicious. Diamond is not carrying a stove or pot or cup. I was teasing him because he wasn't even carrying a fork or spoon. Then I realized I had left mine behind as well, but not on purpose like him. It will be messy eating until I can pick another one up.This is the coolest shelter I've ever seen. I am sleeping upstairs all by myself, and it reminds me of a big tree house. I have turned it into my personal yoga studio for my overnight stay. Just perfect. It's getting cold for me, and I'm tired.
Date: 2015-05-15
From: Ed Garvey Shelter

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: clear sky

Another beautiful day on the trail! So lucky with this weather so far. Rain was forecast but never came. Beautiful wildflowers everywhere. My plan was to hike to a backpackers campground with restrooms and showers but I stopped two miles short. Came across another beautiful shelter and thought I might have it to myself, and rain was threatening. The trail got a little rocky, and my knee started acting up a little going downhill. A big group came but they graciously gave up the shelter to myself and another thru-hiker. Had a delicious dehydrated meal I made of roast beef cooked in my crock pot with corn and mashed potaoes. Did yoga and feel great now. Going to bed now at 8:15 and hoping to take a shower in the morning at the campground.
Date: 2015-05-16
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 7.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was another beautiful day! If I keep stopping to take so many photographs I am not going to get very far. The wildflowers are so pretty and colorful and appear endless. The terrain is turning rocky and is tough on my feet. It is so different from hiking in Florida. According to my guide book, this is the easiest part of the trail and nothing like the constant ups and downs I remember in Georgia and North Carolina.I belong to a woman's AT Facebook group and some of us bought matching buffs and gaitors so that we could recognize each other on the trail. It was so very cool when I ran into Nikka Mae wearing the same exact buff. Honestly, I did not think I would see anyone else wearing it, so I am pleasantly surprised. It was nice to feel like I knew someone on the trail when so many hikers seem to know each other.After 1.8 easy miles I made it to Dahlgren Backpacking campground where I thoroughly enjoyed my first shower and was able to handwash my clothes. I was surprised to see how much dirt and grime my body had collected over a few days. After my nice hot shower I cooked up some oatmeal and ate it with a twig and then spread out my tyvec on the lawn for some more yoga. The Little Prince was here as well whom I met on the Amtrak train from DC. He is doing the same flip flop hike as me. Maryland has beautifully maintained trails and parks. I soon came upon Washington Monument State Park and enjoyed another rest under the big trees and even got a plastic fork from a family picknicing. Met Ranger Rick who walked around talking to all the hikers. I planned on visiting the monument which was right off the trail but somehow missed the blue blaze.I made it to Pine Knob shelter minutes before a big thunderstorm came through. What great luck! It got really nasty out. Rock Doctor, Grasshopper and Little Prince are here as well, and we are all dry. It seems as though afternoon thunderstorms are the norm here. Just like Florida.The little pin that holds my reading glasses together fell out, and I can't see without them. Rock Doctor somehow was able to find it and replaced it with his tweezers. I never would have been able to find it! He just retired two weeks ago so he could do this thru-hike. So happy that he is staying at this shelter as well or I wouldn't be able to see too well. He also shared his scrumptious dehydrated brownies he made himself that reminded me of double chocolate biscotti. Yum! Thanks for sharing.We were all in bed by 8:00pm. So cozy in this shelter.
Date: 2015-05-18
From: Raven Rock Shelter 

To: Pen Mar County Park
Miles today: 4.6
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a short day as I had plans to meet my friend Jane (Art Gypsy) who lives a mile off the AT near Caladonia State Park. I was one of the first to the leave the shelter in the morning, and as I was leaving I confirmed with the group of hikers still at the shelter that I was going in the right direction. They said yes even though I was going the wrong way, and after a few steps someone said "No, it's that trail" and pointed in another direction. Everyone got a good laugh at my expense. I need to figure out a better way to remember which way I turn to turn out of the shelters or I'm going to be doing a lot of extra miles.The trail was made of up ankle twisting rocks for a mile or so, and this was my first taste of precariously watching my footing to keep from falling. At the end of this stretch Bear Biscuit caught up with me and we walked together to Pen Mar. I asked if he had seen The Little Prince and he said word was that he bailed at the first road crossing and was going to call it quits. It was disappointing to hear, and I think he really should have sent gear home and taken a day off to regroup. I couldn't imagine quitting so early.Pen Mar Park was beautiful and so well maintained as was all of Maryland. A big thanks to all of the trail maintainers! Grasshopper and Rock Doctor were waiting there as well,, and we hung out until my friend Jane picked me up. She gave Bear Biscuit a ride to Walmart so he could resupply. Grasshopper desperately needed new shoes so he was going to stay at a hostel. Rock Doctor was moving on.Art Gypsy is planning to hike with me until Friday. I met her with my hiking group with the Florida Trail Association. She is a professional wildlife photographer and has thru hiked the AT, PCT and plans to hike the CDT in 2016. I hope to learn whatever I can from her. She took me to resupply at an Amish scratch and dent store in which I found amazing deals on gourmet and organic foods perfect for backpacking. Bought a huge supply and will send a few boxes ahead for later. We found a great little spot to eat and as I was starving I had a pulled pork burrito with cinnamon, rice, beans and veggies that I inhaled, and then for dessert I had two slices of Art Gypsy's pizza. We were the only customers and the owner heard me talking about how hungry I was and how great the burrito was, so when we left he gifted me with another burrito to take with me. What a great surprise.The trail magic continued as I had a long hot shower at Art Gypsy's house. Then she prepared a tasty dinner of teriyaki stir fried oyster mushrooms she harvested herself, coupled with fresh swiss chard from her garden. Indie was there as well, who is starting a job in two days as ridge runner for the Maryland section of the AT. He also maintains a five mile section up to Pine Grove Furnace. Thank you Art Gypsy and Indie!
Date: 2015-05-19
From: Pen Mar County Park

To: Tumbling Run Shelters
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: few clouds

It was great to have a hiking partner today and especially nice to have a female to talk with for a change. Indie dropped Art Gypsy and I off at Pen Mark, and it was another beautiful day of hiking and stopping to take a lot of pictures. We crossed the Mason Dixon line this morning and that was pretty cool. I am learning a lot about the wildflowers, mushrooms and berries in the area. Wintergreen berries are refreshing. They taste like a minty gum. We stopped at Deer Lick shelter for a lunch break. My leftover pulled pork burrito which I had been planning on eating for lunch and dinner barely filled me up. The cinnamon in the pork is amazing. I can't believe how hungry I am all the time. At the rate I'm eating I think I am going to gain weight. Today I met Proud Foot, Pace Walker and Chicago who have been thru hiking since Georgia. They are doing great and are putting in a lot of miles. It is sometimes frustrating to see these hikers who have been hiking 2-3 months going 2 or 3 times as fast as me with such high mileage days. Comparing myself to them will get myself into trouble. My rule was not going to do more than 10 miles a day my first week to prevent injury. Besides, my normal hiking pace is slow. A common saying on the trail is HYOH which means hike your own hike, and that is so important to remember. Grasshopper was breaking at the shelter as well, and he noted in the logbook that The Little Prince had signed in and said he was "doing great." We were so happy and surprised that he was on the trail. There is an amazing communication system on the trail and everyone looks out for each other. At every three sided shelter which are placed approximately every 8-15 miles is a log book for hikers to sign in and leave messages, etc. You always know who is ahead of you and sometimes where they are stopping for the night. Hikers go by trail names so you really don't even know someone's real name. Most times they are given to you by other hikers for something you may have done or said.We stopped for the night at another beautiful shelter and they actually had two separate sections, snoring and non snoring. Someone was really creative and had a lot of time on their hands. Great water source with babbling creek and perfect setting for yoga at the end of the day. Little Prince was there as well and he is a new man. He said he got a ride to a hotel, had a nap and chicken wings and salad and then mailed back 12 pounds of gear. Very encouraging to see the transformation. Also met Sunrise and Sunset who are also flip flopping and Numbers and Brightside who are NOBO from Georgia. Feeling like it's going to be a cold night.
Date: 2015-05-20
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: US 30
Miles today: 9.6

Yes, it was a cold night. Woke up in the morning and it was 48 degrees. Luckily I am hiking with my cold weather gear as I am easily cold. I love my 10 degree Western Mountaineering bag and silk sleeping liner. My 6 oz. down jacket and wool base layer have also come in handy. Most hikers are using summer bags now for lighter pack weight. My body better adjust to colder temperatures before I get to New Hampshire and Maine and then Georgia in November. The days have been very hot and humid but today was 10 degrees cooler which was very nice. We took a side trail to take in the view at Chimney Rocks. It was gorgeous with spectacular rock piles and far reaching views. Since Art Gypsy lives a mile from US 30 we walked to her house from the trail and are spending the night here again. Another hot shower and some tasty Indian food tonight. Indie is friends with Junker who owns a new hostel "Trail of Hope" a half mile down the road, and he invited us over for breakfast in the morning. Perfect!
Date: 2015-05-21
From: US 30

To: Shippensburg Road
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: light rain

Indie dropped us off at Trail of Hope hostel at the perfect time. Flounder Bait had just put out two egg sandwiches for us with monterey jack cheese and cups of hot thai tea. So delicious! Looks like a comfortable and hospitable hostel. Junker also offers shuttles and services for hikers. He is a very friendly sort and told me he was going to slackpack Art Gypsy and myself today so that my body will strengthen without the weight of my pack. This was totally unexpected and I felt kind of funny about it so early on but was told when it is offered to take advantage. We were dropped off 11 miles in the opposite direction so that we were walking south instead of north. To add to today's surprise, he told us he would have dinner ready for us when we finished. What a difference without a pack! Such an easy 11 miles today. This also meant that I would be staying one more night at Art Gypsy's house. Wow! I came across Grasshopper on the trail and he looked quite surprised that I was hiking in the opposite direction. I believe he thought I was lost again.We stopped at Birch Run shelter for lunch and met Mama Spice who was section hiking for 10 days. He asked of my trail name and when I told him he surprised me by saying he had heard of me and the guys who spent the night last night mentioned me. Little Prince had written in the trail journal that he had done a 20 mile day. Wow. It sounds like sending back all that gear and new attitude has really helped him. Flounder Bait cooked a great meal of chicken, four sides and lemon meringue pie. So good. Happy Feet was there, a sweet girl from Germany who was hiking from Georgia until she had such painful shin splits that she bought a bike and is now biking to Maine. Really cool! She noticed that we had the same camera and, and she showed me how to use some functions on it that I had not learned yet. I can now use wifi to transfer my pics to my cell phone. Thank you Happy Feet and the best of luck to you on your adventure. Also met No Rush who is a speedy section hiker from Michigan. The people I have met on the trail in this short amount of time have been amazing and is a big part of what makes this journey so memorable. So many kindred spirits out here.
Date: 2015-05-24
From: Allenberry Resort in Boiling Springs

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

I slept well until 2am when my right knee and wrist started aching. It finally stopped hurting when I got up. Bear Biscuit got an early start, so I had the room to myself to do yoga before breakfast. I hung out in the lobby for hours using their computer and drinking hot tea. Before I knew it they were serving lunch in the room next to me. The hiker buffet was too good to pass up and Grasshopper joined me for a true feast. I had a pulled pork sandwich, shrimp, baked beans, two pasta salads, fruit, key lime pie, chocolate cake and some kind of sticky bun. It was good to spend some time talking to Grasshopper. He has a bad pain with numbness in his heal, so he is planning on staying another night with Elliot. My stomach was feeling very full when I finally got on the trail at 2:30. The abundance of colorful wild flowers is a sight to behold on the trail. They are blossoming more and more every day, and I stop around almost every bend to take pictures. Today has been the easiest day so far and no foot soreness. Yay! I reached the shelter at 9:15 and it was already dark. Don't want to make a habit of this but it was worth it today. All that good food and calories really energized me. Somehow I missed the water source right before the shelter, but Bear Biscuit had a bag of water and snickers bar waiting for me. He had also texted me during the day to warn me know about a turn that was easy to miss. His directions were so helpful. Another beautiful day!
Date: 2015-05-25
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: The Doyle 
Miles today: 11.3
Weather: broken clouds

The first four miles this morning were very easy, and then the trail suddenly turned rocky. The rocks are big and small; some are flat, but most are sharp and pointy. The kind of sharpness that digs and digs into your feet with every step. Even when it looks like the trail is just covered with leaves for a stretch there are rocks buried underneath reaching up to inflict foot pain. I have yet to master my rock hopping skills. I am really hoping I become more comfortable with this soon. The thru-hikers who started in Georgia in February and March are starting to catch up now. They are very fast, and I can't imagine ever hiking 25 miles a day like a lot of them do. Bear Biscuit and I hiked together to Duncannon where our destination was The Doyle which is a 100 year old historic hotel that is rundown and looks like it hasn't been cleaned in years. The place is legendary among hikers, and I am told the restaurant and bar is a must stop. For $25 a hiker can get a private room. Bear Biscuit and I made our way down a very steep and gravelly trail after enjoying a stunning vista at Hawk Rock view. The last mile into town required very careful footing and deep concentration. Spectacular views of the Susquehanna river greeted us, and we had another mile to walk through the tiny town. I hobbled to the porch of The Doyle where Little Prince was sitting with Eliott and No Sew. Little Prince kindly treated us to an ice cold beer which made my Buffalo chicken wings taste even better. Life is good! Also met Silverback and Barry who are NOBO's. The shower was hot and soothing on my tired muscles; clean never felt so good. My clothes got a wash with me and I laid them on the window sill to dry after propping it open with a can of salt. The first gust of wind landed my clothes on the floor and covered them with cobwebs. This is when I got a peek at all the dust. I swear I don't think it's been cleaned in decades. I'm sure this must be part of the appeal, or maybe it's the ripped lounge chair missing a leg. Just to be safe I settled into bed with two bath towels on the sheets. Happy Memorial Day! It was another great day!