morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

My first leg begins northbound from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Over a week it will take me across Maryland and midway through my home state of Pennsylvania. I recently hiked the first portion of this leg, the length of Maryland, with my then-12-year-old daughter in early April. This was her first backpacking trip and she turned out to be a strong hiker by any standard. 45 miles in 72 hours, southbound from Rt 16 a couple miles north of the Mason-Dixon line to the ATC headquarters in Harper¢s Ferry. Maryland is considered one of the easiest sections elevation-wise, one reason we chose it, but this was no cakewalk. Over a long weekend we had snow flurries, a 25 degree night, and an 83 degree day. We encountered miles of continuous rocks, had a nasty fall, forded swollen creeks, and made several steep ascents and descents. But we also encountered both trail magic and a trail angel along the way (they are often conflated but mean different things). I was immensely proud of my daughter's stamina and determination. I could see her confidence growing as we surmounted each challenge.I enjoyed this section, but I will miss my hiking partner. So to make this solo repeat a little more interesting I¢ll be attempting the Four State Challenge. This has you touch four states in one day. You hike from the Virginia border a few miles south of Harper's Ferry up through West Virginia and Maryland to Pennsylvania. It's 45 miles from campsite to campsite. On Sunday I'll train into Harper¢s Ferry and hike south to a campsite just into Virginia to spend the night. I'll break camp before dawn and walk about 16 hours, hopefully reaching a campsite just north of the Mason-Dixon line by dusk. I will burn around 9000 calories (34 Snickers bars). I'll probably sleep like a rock, then get up and start walking again (a much shorter distance). There will be plenty of bailout points if this turns out to be ludicrous. Maryland has a series of excellent shelters which we enjoyed in April. But no offense to the good people of Maryland, I hope not to be using any of them this time.
Date: 2017-05-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Most of my gear was dialed in by March and designed for some colder weather. It will come in handy in NH and Maine and later this fall in the southern mountains, but right now a 15 degree quilt and down puffy jacket seem like overkill. But given the chilly, rainy weather we've had lately in the Mid-Atlantic it's all coming with me. I don't expect to be cooling my heels much in camp but overnights in the 40s are not uncommon in the mountains even in June and July.I did at lot of my training on some very rocky steep hills in Valley Forge National Park (hence my initial trail name). Most of this was in daytime temps in the 40s, 30s, even 20s, sometimes with snow cover. Cold is rarely a problem when you are moving. A light poly t-shirt and running fleece was enough to make me sweat unless the wind was really blowing. My concern now is how I will deal with the heat and humidity. I must remember to stay hydrated. To avoid carrying a ton of water I need to "camel up" at water sources - ie, chug a liter on the spot. The Sawyer squeeze has been really efficient so far at filtering water quickly. And with all this rain I am hoping the notoriously dry summer springs of Pennsylvania will be more reliable.Up next: final gear check, a run to the store for resupply, and a day trip to the Shore with the kids.
Date: 2017-06-02
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Nothing much left to do except wait. Supplies are all purchased and a mail drop with resupply sent to the post office in Duncannon, which I should reach next Friday. Fortunately I'll be busy with the kids and cub scouts tomorrow. The two younger boys are moving up to Wolf and Webelo followed by a camp out. So tonight is my last night in a bed for awhile! Sunday morning I head to the train station for the trip to Harper's Ferry. Very excited to get started!
Date: 2017-06-03
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Had a blast building cardboard race cars with the boys and MC'ing the Cub-anapolis 500 this evening. Followed by them moving up to the next rank in cub scouting. Very proud of them both. Ceremony was interrupted when a hot air balloon landed in a ball field next to us. The scouts all got to help deflate the enormous balloon. Pretty amazing opportunity at just the right time. Now we're camping next to the church pavilion where the ceremony was held. Tomorrow I'll be camping on the Va/WV border.
Date: 2017-06-04
To: Stealth camp Va/WV border
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: fog

Yes, Virginia, there is an AT&T cell signal on your mountaintops!  Stealth camping on a ridge at the Va/WV state line. Tomorrow I leave at first light and head for Pennsylvania. Calling for showers and possible thunderstorms so we'll see how this goes. Ran into a threesome just heading out on the 4 state challenge as I arrived to camp. They will hike through the night and hope to get there by noon. Good luck Ravioli, Shaggy and Happy Jack!Trained into Harper's Ferry earlier this evening. Long layover in DC so I circuited the Capitol. Chatted up the guards who were eyeing my trekking poles (and waving me away from restricted stairs, tunnels, and anything else interesting). After dinner I hiked south across the Shenandoah and watched an egret glide downriver. Ascending Loudon Heights I rounded a switchback and found I had just walked a three-quarter circle around a doe browsing on the ground cover. She and I saw each other at the same time. She tensed and gave me a look like she had just revealed the secrets of Deer Fight Club. Then turned and disappeared in a cloud of whitetail smoke. Time to rest up for a long day tomorrow. Hopefully my next missive is from the Keystone State.
Date: 2017-06-05
From: Stealth camp Va/WV border

To: Raven Rock Shelter
Miles today: 38.4
Weather: clear sky

A little short of PA but I gave it my best. Up at 3:30 and couldn't get back to sleep so decamped at 5. Nice conditions in the morning up Weaverton cliffs. Ran into a box turtle who wanted to investigate my shoes. Rained most of the afternoon making for slippery and slow going. Mile for mile Maryland seems to have more rocks than Pennsylvania. Met a bunch of thru-hikers and section hikers today including some flip-floppers who just started. Gypsy Girl took a fall yesterday and is headed to town for some stitches. She thru-hiked in 2010 AND 2011. She looks to be in her seventies. After climbing Raven Rock cliffs my last reserve of energy was depleted, and with dark coming on and wet rocks ahead I ducked into the shelter for the night. I'm glad I brought the earplugs.
Date: 2017-06-06
From: Raven Rock Shelter

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: broken clouds

Did the last 5 miles to PA this morning. Stayed in Pen Mar park while Toodles and Popeye, from the shelter last night, ordered pizza. Toodles celebrated his three month trailaversary with a "medium" size stromboli bigger than his head. I, on the other hand, was unable to finish a 12" pizza, and made a hiker couple happy with the leftovers.Left everyone behind to head over Rocky Mountain (well named) and get to Quarry Gap shelter at dusk. There's a rhododendran forest surrounding us, a bubbling brook nearby, and moonlight adding a cool glow to the world. One of Toodles old hiking partners, an older gentleman named On-the-Go, is the only other occupant. It's a double shelter so we each get our own room. He's also marking three months on the trail. Toodles, by the way, was named by the last three southbounders from last year. They started at Katahdin last September and met Toodles in Georgia in March. Pretty hardy to hike through the entire winter.Tomorrow I head to Pine Grove Furnace state park, the unofficial halfway point on the trail, and home of the half-gallon challenge, where you consume a half gallon of ice cream as fast as you can. Doubt I'll have the stomach for that yet, but there is also an AT museum, a beach, and, best of all, a shower.
Date: 2017-06-07
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Ironmasters Mansion hostel
Miles today: 17.2

Sitting on the porch of the Ironmasters Mansion hostel in Pine Grove Forge state park where I'll be staying for the night, watching the moon rise. Many Names, Sunrise, B10, and Blackfoot, one of the guys from Raven Rock, are staying as well.  Hawaii was at the store but moved on, making big miles as she only started two months ago. I met her and her friend briefly when I was getting water in Harper's Ferry early in the 4 state challenge attempt. Her friend was having foot problems and he ended up leaving the trail for awhile, and she's been flying since.Didn't think I'd try the half gallon ice cream challenge, but I grew hungry as the afternoon wore on and hey, you only live once. I managed to down it all in 90 minutes, in 55 degree weather with a chill wind that made me contemplate hypothermia a few times. Not my proudest moment, but I did get a commemorative wooden Dixie Cup spoon! Of course I ate dinner an hour later. Must be getting my hiker appetite. Also visited the AT museum and got a halfway mark patch which I don't deserve yet but won't find anywhere else.Trail today was much smoother for the most part. A lot of fog and some showers dampened things but made for comfortable walking. Michaux Forest, which stretches most of South Mountain in PA, is beautiful and relatively remote. No paved road crossing for about ten miles. Lots and lots of some kind of rhodendren which is now in bloom with pinkish-white blossoms. Feet are still complaining, a reminder from my first big day. I have some nice heel blisters despite two pairs of socks and KT tape. All part of the package deal though. Best thing about the hostel is a hot shower and laundry. That and clean sheets make it feel like the Four Seasons.Tomorrow headed for Boiling Springs and the Cumberland Valley. And some kind of rock maze on the way.
Date: 2017-06-08
From: Ironmasters Mansion hostel

To: Days Inn, Rt 11 Carlisle
Miles today: 27.3

Back to another big mile day. Trail was relatively easy, except for a prolonged rock scramble called the maze. Finally left South Mountain, which I've been on the entire hike (and the northern tip of the Blue Ridge range), to begin crossing the Cumberland Valley to Blue Mountain. Left the hostel at 7:30 and arrived in Boiling Springs in the southern part of the Valley at 5 to grab dinner and visit the local outfitter for some better insoles for my shoes called Superfeet. The pads of my foot and heel ache constantly thanks I believe to my lightly padded trail runners. This particular model is very stable and good on rocks but not comfortable. Then decided to walk across half the Cumberland Valley in the evening to avoid the hot sun the next day. Turns out most of the trail goes through a narrow forested corridor rather than open fields. Made it at dusk to a motel on the outskirts of Carlisle, exhausted. Thankfully no car show today so there was room at the inn. There is no camping allowed and no shelters over the entire valley, an 18-mile stretch. Shared a room with On-the-Go whom I met a couple days earlier at Quarry Gap. He has at least 20 years on me but walks a faster pace most of the time. Wanted to hike the trail since he read an early TimeLife book on it in 1976 when only a few dozen people had ever thru-hiked.I passed my 100th mile just before Boiling Springs. The town was full of fishermen - young and old - using the centrally located spring lake and creeks.Spent the evening testing the Superfeet and popping blisters. Hopefully this improves the aches and pains tomorrow. Skipped a chance at second dinner as I wasn't feeling hungry. I'll probably make up for it at breakfast.
Date: 2017-06-09
From: Days Inn, Rt 11 Carlisle

To: The Doyle
Miles today: 17.6

Great weather today, especially under the green canopy. Walked out of the Cumberland Valley leaving behind the highways, farms, and truck stops. Crossing a field we encountered some territorial cows who herded together and walked slowly, then more quickly toward us, getting within 20 feet or so and only not closer because we took the hint and kept on moving.The climb over Blue Mountain led to a nice view south. Then just rolling trail, generally favorable. Stopped at a pipeline clearing with a view to the Susquehanna River for a late lunch. Met CBiscuit and Cousin Eddie who I'd seen in the registers and thought were ahead of me. They are occasional hiking partners and are coincidentally both celebrating birthdays today. Sunrise was also on the trail, from Ironmasters hostel, and Renegade who I met for the first time. At a stream crossing I ran across two other hikers relaxing. Told me they'd gone from Georgia to New York, ran out of money, and turned around and were headed back home to Virginia. So either good story tellers or a little nuts, probably some of each. A six-mile rocky section late in the day wore down the feet, which up til then had been improved over yesterday. Had my first fall on a long and steep rock staircase coming down into Duncannon, but no worse for wear. Trekking poles have saved me from innumerable tumbles and ankle rolls. I can't recommend them highly enough.In town by evening, had a beer and tuna melt at the Doyle, a quirky tavern famous in trail lore, and a beautiful old hotel in a very sad state of repair. Staying the night anyway since everything else is miles out of town. I almost decided not to shower after seeing the bathroom. Thruhiker Sixes, who I met for the first time, was there for dinner and B-10, another from Ironmasters, stayed the night. Also met a flip-flopper who started in Harper's Ferry named Reese (as in the candy) who's been taking a much more sensible and slower approach to starting out than me. Also I used a laundromat for the first time since college. The locals were very patient in answering my newbie questions.Tomorrow I head over the Susquehanna onto Peters Mountain and hope to find a stealth campsite, as the shelters and recognized campsites are few and far between. Sunday I'll be stepping off the trail to spend time at home with the family. Will probably drop off at Swatara Gap.
Date: 2017-06-10
From: The Doyle

To: Stealth camp near PA 325
Miles today: 18.1
Weather: clear sky

It poured in Duncannon for exactly 50 minutes this morning, exactly as the AccuWeather tracker said. Which was fine because I had to wait for the post office to open to retrieve my mail drop with a food resupply. I haven't eaten as much as I thought so to avoid dead weight some Ramen and other stuff went into the hiker box in the post office lobby for someone else to use. I kept the Hershey bar.I walked out of town and over the busy Clark's Ferry Bridge (US 22/322) and climbed Peters Mountain in the rain-freshened air. Later it would get into the 80s but initially great hiking weather.  The terrain is getting rockier, more like what Pennsylvania is known for. My goal tomorrow is Swatara Gap as an easy exit point to get back home, so I split the distance doing 18 miles today.Had lunch at Table Rock with a nice view of Sharp Mountain, where I'll be tomorrow, and a comfortable rock couch. A handful of thru and section hikers were out including thru-hikers B10, Peach, and Burning Man. On-the-Go zeroed in Duncannon to nurse the leg he injured yesterday in a fall. A section hiker who started in Dalton,  Massachusetts and another who started in Vermont passed me southbound and we chatted. Three Mennonite/Amish dayhikers were listening in rapt attention to B10's thruhiker story as I passed them. "I've always wanted to do that" said one while the others nodded.No water for 13 miles along the trail today, longest dry spell yet. Another thing Pennsylvania is known for. The spring I topped off at before crossing the desert was a mere trickle. Iced tea I had brought from town was a nice treat.Tonight I'm stealth camping because the shelters and campsites are too far from my target mileage. My first try camping on virgin ground. The tent is a bit on a slant but so far no rocks in my back. I ate foil-packed smoked salmon for dinner (tastes more like tuna), then worried myself that black bears must love salmon and will smell it from miles away. So up went the bear bag in a tall tree. Pretty sure salmon is not part of the Eastern black bear diet though.Tomorrow to Swatara Gap then back home to be with the family.
Date: 2017-06-18
From: Wind Gap

To: Campsite at 1183.6
Miles today: 5.7
Weather: broken clouds

Back on the trail after a great week at home with the family. We celebrated Father's Day - my sons made me wonderful colorful etched key chains, and my daughter made me a "God's eye" charm to take with me on the hike. It's in my ditty bag and I will think of her everytime I open it. We drove up to Wind Gap, PA and had amazing burgers at Daisy's family restaurant for dinner. Then Sara and the kids dropped me off at the trailhead north of town. I miss them already. The kids will be in and away at camps for several weeks so no doubt the time will pass quickly for them, but I will have plenty of time to think about them all while I'm walking. Starting up again at Wind Gap skips 96 miles of the AT since I left at Swatara Gap last Sunday, which I will hopefully get to later this summer. It's in our backyard so to speak, and I've dayhiked some of it. Wind Gap puts me in better position to get to Hanover NH in three weeks, where I can catch a train home, and leaves another three week section from there to Katahdin.Just a minute up the trail climbing out of Wind Gap I saw my first bear of the hike. It looked like a large cub and seemed to be alone (though I assume Mama Bear was nearby). He didn't notice me and was about 50 yards off ambling downhill. I managed to get a shot of him walking away.Walked 5 or 6 miles along a quiet and occasionally rocky ridge before stopping at an inviting campsite. Took me 40 minutes to set up camp and settle in for the night, including the frustrating task of hanging a bear bag. Hopefully I can improve on that.Time for some shut-eye. Tomorrow I pass through Delaware Water Gap and into New Jersey. Expecting plenty of rain.
Date: 2017-06-19
From: Campsite at 1183.6

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 20.6

I thought I'd wake up to a wet tent and spend the day hiking in pouring rain. But God smiled on me and slowed down the storm. Out of the campsite before 6 this morning - took 50 minutes to break camp, another mark I aim to improve.  Hiked ten miles into the touristy village of Delaware Water Gap, though it was quiet on a Monday morning and the ice cream parlor was closed (boo!)Along the way I saw a few blue-fringed butterflies checking out some flowering bushes, passed through a couple rhododendran tunnels and a fern alley (see photos section), and saw the river and the Jersey side of the Water Gap.Enjoyed a late (second) breakfast at Farmer's market in the village and some cold drinks. If only I could get Snapple powder to flavor my water. The powder I have tastes like, well, sugary powder.New Jersey is a beautiful state - at least once you get past the I-80 bridge and at least this northwestern section of it. Gradual climb up Mt. Kittatinny. Walked around Sunfish Pond, a rare glacial lake at this latitude and a National Natural Landmark. Unfortunately global warming melted all the glaciers here, about ten thousand years ago. On the north side hikers have built numerous rock cairns in fanciful and precarious structures. I find two rocks someone stood on end and give it a lintel, Stonehenge style. The lakeshore path is very rocky and I stumble on a blue-tailed newt or salamander trying to sun itself (the weather is not cooperating). He doesn't mind posing for pictures.The peak of Mt. Kittatinny has 360-degree views of the upper Delaware valley and the New Jersey lakes region. There is a jumble of rocks at the highest point that hikers seem to keep adding to. Ranger is here, headed for Maine. His college-aged son just joined him today at the Gap for a month-long section hike.As I head down to the Mohican Outdoor Center - a hostel run by the Appalachian Mountain Club - the sky finally opens up. In the last mile I am soaked to the bone. But it feels good after the humid day. First task at the hostel (okay, second after the cold ice tea) is a hot shower and dry clothes. The six-person bunkhouse feels clean and has semi-private rooms, a bath, and a kitchenette. There is a large social room in the main building with comfy leather couches, and a sandwich cafe. Nice job AMC! Several other thru-hikers are here but all new to me. Lots of rocks in Jersey today, so Pennsylvania is not unique. Still I made better time than last week. May be thanks to switching back to my comfy Altra Lone Peaks. The feet reasonably good after 20+ miles. Downside is they are slippier on wet rocks and are starting to disintegrate after only a couple hundred miles. Guessing I'll be getting a new pair before New Hampshire. Not unusual, a thruhiker usually goes through 4 or so pairs of shoes.Anyway, I throttled myself at 20 today to ease back into it and avoid reawakening my blisters. Works out that the storm will pass this afternoon and evening. I find myself with more downtime than I planned. Looking forward to a good sleep and better weather tomorrow.
Date: 2017-06-20
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: Mashipacong Shelter
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Back to big days, did over 27 miles (foot miles, not trail miles). Out of Mohican at 5:45 after waking at 4:30.  Nice views from firetowers, watching the mist float off the lake region. Coming up a hillock named Rattlesnake Mountain I heard a rattle that put me on edge. Turned out to be an insect, but I spent the rest of the climb checking every rock for Timber rattlers. Only to arrive at the top to see three little kids playing on the rocks with a dog and mom taking pictures. They live at the bottom of the hill and come up often. Made my fears seem pretty silly.Stopped in Culver's Gap for lunch after 18 miles, the only time I saw a car today. Had to walk past a temporarily closed deli, a steakhouse undergoing renovations, and a gas station for rent that sold nothing but gas til I reached Gyp's Tavern and downed some cold drinks and a burger. Sat on the back deck overlooking a lake with vacation cottages and kayakers. One of the section hiker patrons had a large yellow lab that amused us by continually jumping off the dock after a frisbee, then shaking down on land to wet everyone around him. On the last 9 miles to the shelter I saw an orange newt and later a porcupine. The porcupine let me know I wasn't welcome by turning it's back and raising it's quills like a peacock. It slowly walked away lowering and raising the quills as it perceived or forgot the threat of my video camera. Water is scarce in these parts and the last two sources were respectively pink and orange. I used my sugary ice tea powder to cover the color and taste and held out as long as I could. Thankfully a trail volunteer left water at the next shelter in this desert.I stopped at Mashipacong shelter after learning my original destination three miles further is next to a presumably mosquito-infested bog. Better to walk it tomorrow and get a good rest tonight. Plenty of thru and section hikers here. Bob and his dog Dylan started in Delaware Water Gap. As did Chipmunk and her beau. All headed to Maine. Falls, Hooch and four others from Mohican also here, all started in Georgia. Scout, from Austin, is hiking the New Jersey section. Lucky Penny and Already Stinky passed through to take their chances at the swamp. Looking forward to High Point state park and a pit stop in Unionville tomorrow.