morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2009-05-28
From: Daleville, VA

To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 135.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Walk faster! Ok so I've walked really fast lately. Maybe a little too fast, but it's been kind of fun. After leaving Daleville we walked for a day or two and then found a really cool spot on a river, so we zeroed there! It was sunny and beautiful and I was sucked into a Dan Brown book (Deception Point, GARBAGE, but I couldn't put it down...). Anyway, after that day, O.G. and I started walking real fast ahead of our group. OG is meeting his dad in Harpers Ferry, and I'm meeting my friend in Harrisonburg for three or four days this week! Hence the walking fast, so when I get back on I'll have fewer days to make up to catch back up to my friends.Walking fast is interesting. When I say walking fast, it usually means longer. It's hard to walk much faster than I normally walk when I'm walking quick, which is approximately 2.5-3 miles an hour. I've been doing 20-22 miles each of the past four days, and it takes its toll. We've had some monster climbs over over 3000 feet which were real tough, though the terrain hasn't been too bad other than that. The other day we literally descended 3000 feet over five miles to the Tye River and then immediately walked back up 3000 feet! If only they could connect the peaks with some sort of zip line... or a bridge... gah! But a ridge runner I saw who works for the Appalachian Trail Conservancy said that we just finished the biggest climbs until we reach northern new england. That feels good!I'm about to enter the Shenandoahs today. I'll be walking 50 miles by tomorrow night hopefully and then getting off the trail. The whole park is only 100 miles long. When thru-hiking you realize how small the national parks really are. I've spent weeks and weeks walking in the woods and then I get to an amazing national park and I'm through it in four or five days. And the Shenandoahs are supposed to be ridiculous, besides crossing the highway several times a day, the hiking is supposed to be easy, and there are snack bars every day or two. I'm not sure if that actually bothers me at this point, cause some french fries and a soda would sure be nice...
Date: 2009-06-26
From: Waynesboro, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Wow! I am so sorry that its been almost a month since I last wrote. A lot has happened in this time. Last week we passed the half way mark!!! We all did the half gallon ice cream challenge at Pine Grove Forest State Park. It was Rapunzel's last day, so her dad came to pick me up and brought some vegan soy ice cream or me!Disclosure: I am at the moment off the trail. Just for a short time. I got off last week in Duncannon, PA and came up to my folks house in NY. I had to come back anyway for my brother's high school graduation last night, but I also needed a break. I reached my rain threshold. I don't know what else to say. I am planning on going back to the trail this weekend or possibly early next week. I'll be meeting the group and skipping a section for now. I will be completing my thru hike this year! Just taking a brain break.The thruhike thus far has been incredible. There is no way to describe the feeling of walking over a thousand miles up the east coast. It is impossible to covey the incredible highs and lows of a trip like this. When I talk about the trip with people I am reminded of the immensity amazing a thru hike really is. I am very excited to be in the northeast. I feel at home, and can't wait to get to new england!Ok, don't know what else to say.Happy trails,Sam
Date: 2009-07-12
From: Bear Mountain, NY

To: Kent, CT
Miles today: 605.9

Ok so here's the deal. Tonight I am getting back on the trail! That is, unless I post again tonight explaining that I haven't gotten back on... But that's not going to happen. This past wednesday night my hiking crew crossed the Bear Mountain Bridge (just 15 minutes from home). My mom and I went up to Graymoor Friary and did some trail magic. Tonight my folks and I are driving up to Kent, CT to meet up with the crew. And my plan is to stay and start hiking again!Kent, CT is 318.6 miles from Duncannon, PA, where I got off the trail to take a short break that turned into a three week break. So my thru-hike won't be in order, but I will come back and do that 318.6 miles soon. I realized that if I don't get back on now, I don't think I'll ever go back. I also want to finish with my friends, rather than attempting it another year with all new people.So that is that! I'll see ya on the trail...Samwise
Date: 2009-08-02
From: Kent, CT

To: Hanover, NH / Norwich, VT
Miles today: 281.1
Weather: broken clouds

I'm in Hanover, NH! It's been three weeks since I got back on the trail in Kent, CT. And it feels great! I'm so glad I made that decision. I'm still hiking with the same old crew: Newt, Miss Scarlett, Half Moon, Sunbeam, Squeegie, and Egg for the past few days!It feels great to be in New England. I love Vermont and it just feels great to be here. We stayed in Norwich for a nero and zero yesterday! My body needed it... We're all super excited to be heading into the Whites that we've heard so much about. I hope that it wasn't hyped too much. (and also that the freakin sun comes out for some above-treeline views!!!)I have started a new blog about vegan backpacking. check it out: veganbackpacking.wordpress.comIf you are vegan and have any ideas or anything you'd like to contribute, email backpackingvegan@gmail.comfeeling good...
Date: 2009-09-10
To: Katahdin!!!!!
Miles today: 441.0
Weather: clear sky

Ok so I actually summited on September 2nd. I summited on September 2nd!!!!!!!!It has been almost two weeks, and I'm sorry for not putting an update on here. The last several weeks of the hike were incredible! Maine was my favorite state by far. The views were great, the mountains were awesome, the towns were interesting and the closer we got to Katahdin, the more excited we all got...We hiked hard and zeroed in Monson, which was a lot of fun. Then the 100 mile wilderness we cruised through. It's not much of a wilderness, at least not in the official way.. There are lots of roads, lots of dayhikers, and it's not very isolated. But it was a nice last few days nonetheless. We had one terrible day of rain just for good measure. Of course it was while we were going over Whitecap Mountain, which supposedly had good views of Katahdin. That was a terrible day and a terrible night. I guess it's only fitting that we had to set up camp in the rain and mud one last time before the end...The last day was such an incredible experience. At Katahdin Stream Campground the night before there were lots of people and lots of food provided by Mr. and Mrs. Grady and Check 6 and Old Goat. I didn't sleep a wink. At about 4 we got up and started packing, but didn't get on the trail till 5:45ish. At that point a bunch of folks had already signed in as early as 3:30am!The hike up Katahdin is long and takes a few hours. The first few miles are in the woods, steadily up. Then we hit tree line and there was some good boulder scrambling. Next we hit a ridge and followed that up, some more boulder scrambling, but with incredible views of the surrounding area. That went up to the Table Land. For a mile the trail is on this incredible flat area above tree line. And the whole while we could see the summit and the sign and the other hikers up there. As I got closer the smile on my face grew bigger and bigger...I don't know how to explain the feeling of reaching the summit. I still get goosebumps even thinking about it as I write this. I was ahead of the rest of my friends, Newt, Miss Scarlett, Hellbender, Half Moon and Sunbeam. As I crested and approached the sign, everyone stood back and let me reach the sign. I collapsed on it and hugged it and was on the verge of tears. I couldn't believe the feeling of seeing it after so many months and so much rain and hardship that was now behind me. It was an indescribable feeling.After all of us had our moments and took our photos, we just sat. We sat on that summit for hours. Hours of soaking it in. Reveling in the achievement, in the weight off of our shoulders, trying to understand the reality of walking 2000 miles. For the entire hike I took one day at a time, never looking past tomorrow, the end to far off to fathom. To reach it was mind blowing. I still re-live that moment and wish I could be there again...To all of my trail friends, to everyone I met who helped out, who opened their homes, who left sodas and snacks on the trail, you are all wonderful and I'll miss you! What an incredible journey...Happy Trails...Samwise
Date: 2008-11-14
To: Here we go again
Miles today: 0.0

After about a year and 4 months, recovering from depression, and a heart attack I am ready to start the trail where I left off in July of 2007. Please refer to my 2007 journal for the details of the first 856 miles. The scheduled start date is March 16, 2009. In preparation for the hike in Nov. 2008 I drove to Catawba, Va. and hiked McAfee's knob.
Date: 2009-03-14
From: At Home Getting Ready

To: At Home Getting Ready
Miles today: 0.0

Saturday March 14, 2009 - Checking and rechecking equipment. Mailed packages ahead for later use. Tomorrow I will leave on the bus for Waynesboro Va., where a shuttle person will take me to Jarman Gap. I am not sure how far I will get this time but I am hopeing it will be all the way to Katahdin.
Date: 2009-03-15
From: Leaving for the trail

To: Leaving for the trail
Miles today: 0.0

Sunday March 15, 2009 Got on the bus in Manchester, TN. around 6:15 PM. Arrived Chattanooga with a 30 minute wait for connection to Knoxville. Arrive Knoxville around 11:30 PM. Connection for Charlottesville, Va. left at midnight.
Date: 2009-03-16
From: Jatman Gap

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: mist

Monday march 16, 2009 6:30 AM Called Bill (Trail Angel) to let him know the bus would not be going by way of Waynesboro, Va. and to meet me at the bus station in Charlottesville, Va. Bus arrived Charlottesville, Va. at 8;00 AM. Bill took me to Jatman Gap (The Southern boundary of the Shenandoah National Park) where I began my hike at 8:58AM. Around 4:00PM it started raining and sleet. Arrived Black Rock hut at 5:30PM with hands numb from cold and rain. Managed to cook some ramen and get into the sleeping bag. Day was cold and very foggy all day.
Date: 2009-03-17
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Black Rock Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: mist

Tuesday march 17, 2009 Woke to a very cold and foggy morning. Everything I wore yesterday is wet. Called Bill on cell phone (surprised I even got a signal). He said it is supposed to clear up around noon. Decided to stay at Black Rock hut another day. Weather cleared around noon and I dried everything out. Cooked dinner around 5:00PM.
Date: 2009-03-18
From: Black Rock Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 13.2
Weather: clear sky

Wednesday March 18, 2009 Got up at 6:45AM. Had 2 pkgs. instant grits and 1 instant breakfast before leaving Black Rock Hut for Pinefield Hut at 9:15AM. Fog is clearing, Sun is out and temps in the 50's. 11:30AM took break at Dundo Camp ground. 12:00PM reached Brown's Gap. Lunch at 1:00PM. Reached sign post for Pinefield Hut just as it got dark. Put on my head lamp to read the sign post and went to the shelter about 165 yards east of the trail. Arrived Pinefield Hut 8:00PM. Found a note from Tamborine (Tamborine is a trail Angel I received an email from just before I left saying her and her husband would be at Poccosin Cabin for the week) saying she had dinner for me and waited until 6:50PM and would check back tomorrow. Feet ar very sore, have to cut mileage back for a while.
Date: 2009-03-19
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Pinefield Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Thursday March 19, 2009 Woke about 7:00AM. Found a small blister on the inside of my left big toe. Weather cold and foggy. Decided to stay in the shelter and rest another day. About 10:00AM Tamborine her husband (trail angels) and a South bound hiker named Mike came into the shelter. Tamborine was happy to see that I was alright. We talked for a while and then they took Mike to town for resupply. About 6:05PM Mike came back in from the A.T. A few minutes later Tamborine, her husband and dog Kaly came back with dinner for Mike and me. Thanks again Tamborine dinner was a real welcome treat. Tamborine got her trail name when her mother gave her a tamborine to help keep the bears away. Temperature most of the day was 45 degrees.
Date: 2009-03-20
From: Pinefield Hut

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: broken clouds

Friday March 20, 2009 9:55AM Leaving Pinefield Hut for Hightop Hut. 3:56PM arrived Hightop Hut. Temp. high 30's to low 40's, sunny all day but kind of cool.
Date: 2009-03-21
From: Hightop Hut

To: Elkton, Va.
Miles today: 3.4

Saturday March 21, 2009 Woke about 7:30AM. Temp. 27.3 degrees in the shelter. Temp. outside the shelter on the table is 24.3 degrees. Ice in the water bottles inside the shelter. Leaving Hightop hut at 9:15AM for either Elkton, Va. or Bear Fence Hut. Temp. 26 degress. Arrived at the Country View motel at 12:35PM just outside Elkton, Va. Motel owner took me into Elkton where I had a good lunch (salad, & spaghetti), Daiey Queen Ice cream, and did some shopping at WalMart and Dollar General.
Date: 2009-03-23
From: Elkton, Va.

To: Bear Fence Hut
Miles today: 9.0

Monday March 23, 2009 Motel owner took me to the trail head at Swift Run Gap (US 33). Met two hikers on the trail with trail name of Brother Load, Arrived Bear Fence Hut 12:43PM. Sunny day clear skies but chilly with 5 to 10 mph wind.
Date: 2009-03-24
From: Bear Fence Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 11.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Tueday March 24, 2009 Temp. 19 degrees outside the shelter and 23 degrees inside the shelter. 8:18AM leaving Bear Fence Hut for Rock Spring Hut. Arrived Rock Spring Hut at 4:55PM.
Date: 2009-03-25
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Luray, Va.
Miles today: 0.0

Wednesday Marxh 25, 2009 9:15AM leaving Rock Spring Hut. Started up blue blaze trail t the A.T. and found the wind chill and temp. dangerous (hypothermic conditions). Called Shuttle person iin Luray Va. Shuttle person pcked me up little before 11:00Am at the Rock Spring Cabin parking area, Shuttle person took me to the Cardinal Inn in Luray, Va.
Date: 2009-03-27
From: Luray, Va.

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday March 27, 2009 Around noon shuttle person took me back to Rock Spring Cabin parking area (Splinter Knob). Arrived at trail head at about 1:15PM. Arrived at Rock Spring Hut at 1:30PM. Too shirt a day to hike on so taking a zero day at Rock Spring Hut. Had 6 day hikers and three dogs for company this evening.
Date: 2009-03-28
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Byrd Nest #3
Miles today: 10.9

Saturday March 28, 2009 7:05AM 10 people in the shelter this morning. Ex rugby team who used to play for South Carolina on a reunion 50 mile hike. Left Rock Spring Hut at 7:45AM. Arrived at Byrd Nest #3 Hut at about 5:00PM after geting lost and turned around going South at Pinicle Pinic area. A North bound day hiker got me back on track.
Date: 2009-03-29
From: Byrd Nest #3

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 4.4
Weather: light rain

Sunday March 29, 2009 Mark and Brenden two high scholl physics teacher are here as well as a group of 9 Polish venture boy & girl scouts and Tent Shaker. 10:10AM leaving Byrds Nest #3 Hut. Stopped for lunch at the Panorama (Thornton Gap) at 1:00PM. Two travelers were kind enough to give me a soda and a bottle of gatorade. Arrived at Pass Mountain Hut at 3:00PM. Day started off real foggy but soon cleared. Kind of cool most of the day but very sunny, temps in the 60's. Nice day to hike. Two hkers came into the Pass mountain hut around 1:30PM, Ty Dye & Chief Bo. Later Del Q came in.
Date: 2009-03-30
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Gravel Spring Hut
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Monday March 30, 2009 7:00AM 43.5 degrees in the shelter and 37.8 degrees outside. Winds 20 to 30 mph, very overcast. Weather not looking good. 8:50AM 43.5 sun is out sky is clearing. Leaving in about 5 minutes. Arrived Gravel Spring Hut at 6:15PM. Day was sunny with a cold wind.
Date: 2009-03-31
From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Tom Floyd Wayside shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: clear sky

Tuesday March 31, 2009 Del Q and Tent Shaker in the shelter last night. 10:00AM temperature is 61.3 degrees with sunny skies. Leaving Gravel Spring Hut for Tom Floyd Wayside shelter. Very beautiul day all day. Another milestone was reached today as I left the Shenandoah National Park behind me. When I arrived at Tom Floyd Wayside shelter Del Q had gotten some extra water for me as the water source is way down a hill and not reliable (drip, drip, drip). Left ankle collasped a couple of times today. Need to go into Front Royal tomorrow to rest up a bit.
Date: 2009-04-01
From: Tom Floyd Wayside shelter

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 2.9
Weather: light rain

Wednesday April 1, 2009 9:22AM Temp 42 wind 10 to 20 mph sky overcast. Looks like it might rain. Reached US 522 Hwy at 11:30 and got ride from a really nice lady named Kelly. She dropped me off at Buger King in Front Royal, where I had lunch. Called several motels and found the cheapest one was the skyline motel. Checked in the skyline and paid for a week stay.
Date: 2009-04-03
From: Front Royal

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Friday April 3, 2009 Went to library and started updating the journal. Had lunch at the Soul Mountain Cafe on Main street. The chicken BBQ sandwich was so big I had to eat have of it with a fork before I could pick up the bun. Went accross the street to the Weasle Creek outfitter and talk to the owner for a while before going back to the motel.
Date: 2009-04-09
From: Front Royal

To: Manassas Gap Shelter
Miles today: 10.8
Weather: clear sky

Thursday April 9, 2009 Kyle from the Skyline motel took me to the trail head on US 522. Started the trail at 9:30AM headed forManassas Gap Shelter. Sunny and clear with temps. in the 40's. 12:45PM had lunch at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. Very beautful shelter with a deck and chairs. A few feet away from the shelter is a covered picnic table. 1:30 PM finished lunch and headed back to the trail. Arrive Manassas Gap Shelter at 6:00PM. Another hiker here called the fish. How about that, someone left a baby stroller here.
Date: 2009-04-10
From: Manassas Gap Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Friday April 10, 2009 Leaving Manassas Gap shelter at 6:45AM for Rod Hollow Shelter. Sometime in the AM I sat down for a break and put my glasses on the ground next to me. I got up not thinking and stepped on and broke the right ear piece off and bent the other ear piece. Have to wait until Harpers Ferry to get them fixed. Met a South bound hiker named Mr. Magoo about 2.5 to 3 miles South of the Rod Hollow Shelter Arrived Rod Hollow Shelter at 4:52PM. Dave and Berry came in a few minutes later. Two older gentlemen hikeing South bound.
Date: 2009-04-11
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Saturday April 11, 2009 Woke up to rain and 46 degree temp. Looks like rain all day. Dave Berry and I decided it was a good day to stay in the shelter. A little after lunch time three other hikers came in hiking the roller coaster in practice for a one day hike thru the state of Maryland on the A.T. About 4:30PM Queen Bee and Winter Hawk came in the shelter for the night.
Date: 2009-04-12
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bears Den Hostile
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Sunday April 12, 2009 (Easter Sunday) 6:15AM 33 degrees. Left shelter at 6:50AM for Bears Den Hostile. Arrived at Bears Den Hostile at 5:50PM. Was very pleasantly surprised with an Easter Dinner prepared by the wife of the hostile caretaker. Fresh green beans , Sweet potatoes with peacans, ham and strawberry pie with ice cream for dessert. Luckily Winter Hawk and Queen Bee convinced the cook to hold a plate out for me cause I was slow getting their and almost missed dinner. Thanks to all for a great time and a great dinner at the Bears Den. Sorry folks no bears allowed a the Bears Den Hostile.
Date: 2009-04-13
From: Bears Den Hostile

To: David Lesser Shelter
Miles today: 11.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Monday April 13, 2009 Cindy and Watchman stayed the night at the Bears Den. Left Bears Den Hostile at 8:45AM. Had lunch on the trail about 3 miles from the Blackburn Trail Center from 1:00PM to 2:00PM. I must have left my Swiss Army knife laying on the ground after lunch because later that evening I could not find it. Missed blue blaze trail to Black Burn Trail Center and went on to the David Lesser Shelter. Arrived at David Lesser Shelter at 5:15PM. Day was overcast but some sun in the late afternoon. Temps in the 40's all day. Another milestone today. I crossed the 1,000 mile mark on the A.T.
Date: 2009-04-14
From: David Lesser Shelter

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 9.2
Weather: mist

Tuesday April 14, 2009 Really foggy morning with temp 41.5 degrees at 8:00AM. Left David Lesser Shelter at 8:31AM for Harpers Ferry. Arrived Keys Gap at 10:30AM. Crossed Bridge over the Shenandoah River going to Harpers Ferry at 1:45PM. Missed blue blaze trail to the A.T.C. and went up the main street to the A.T.C. arriveing at 3:00PM. Checked into the Towns Inn for the night.
Date: 2009-04-15
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Wednesday April 15, 2009 Zero day in Harpers Ferry. Took bus to Wal Mart to get my glasses fixed, and do some shopping. Had lunch at the Jumbo buffet (Chinese). Took bus back to A.T.C. and started updateing my journal.
Date: 2009-04-16
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Thurday April 16, 2009 Zero day in Harpers Ferry. Went to A.T.C. and did some journal updates. Went to lunch at the Country Cafe. Stopped by the post office on the way back and took care my mail drops. Went back to the A.T.C. and finished updating my journal. Had to go back to Wal Mart in the evening because my watch stopped cold dead last nigh at 7:05PM
Date: 2009-04-17
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: clear sky

Friday April 17, 2009 Crossing the Potomac river at Harpers Ferry into Maryland at 7:50AM. Lunch at Ed Garvey Shelter at 11:45AM. Arrived at Crampton Gap Shelter at 3:45PM and decided to go on to Running Rock Shelter. Arrived Running Rock Shelter 7:05PM. Spent the night in the old shelter because there was a lot of people at the new one.
Date: 2009-04-18
From: Running Rock Shelter

To: Pogo Camp Ground
Miles today: 10.7

Saturday April 18, 2009 Leaving Running Rock Shelter at 7:30AM. Sun is coming up with clear skies and 49 degrees. The name for this shelter is very appropriate because the trail in here is very steep down and very rocky with a lot of lose rock. Arrived at Pine Knob Shelter at 1:00PM and had lunch. Day hiker told me about a campground called Pogo that is before the next shelter. Not enough time to get to the next shelter so I will camp at Pogo tonight. While having lunch a group students from a high school in Smyrna, Delaware came in. One of the adult leaders asked me if I would talk with the students and tell them about hiking the trail. It was a real pleasure to relate to them information about the A.T. Arrived at Pogo Campground at 5:00PM
Date: 2009-04-19
From: Pogo Camp Ground

To: Pen Mar Picnic Area
Miles today: 14.6

Sunday April 19,2009 Leaving Pogo Campground at 7:15AM. Lunch on the trail at 12:30. A very nice young lady named Dana Thomas came along and joined me for lunch. She is training for the contest in early May in which the contestants will hike the entire state of Maryland in one day (approx. 43 miles). Hiked on to Ravin Rock Mountain and tried to find the Ravin Rock Shelter. Could not find it and several days later I found out from the A.T.C. that it has not been built yet. Hikers beware. Storm front moving in. Had to continue across and down the mountain to the Pen Mar picnic area. Arrived at 7:30PM. Set up my tent in between the mens and ladies bathrooms. The park is closed until next week. Had enough water to fix dinner (water in the park is turned off). Overcast all day.