morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-29
From: Doc's Knob Shelter

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 8.2
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it to Pearisburg by 10 am this morning. I got a room at a motel and went off to see the doctor. Guess the reason my amoxicillan hasn't been working is because my infection is staph. He gave me a perscription for a heave duty antibiotic. I'm taking the rest of the day off and just resting. I was able to upload some of my pics using the public terminal in the hotel tonight.From My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 6Well, I made it to Pearisburg...mile 622. I got in this morning around 9:30. So far Virginia has been getting slightly easier...but I'm also in better shape so the climbs don't seem as bad. It was a long 7 days from Damascus to here, but it finally came. My toe hasn't really been getting any better with the antibiotics, so I might actually go to the Clinic here in town today. I am about to head up and get my post office stuff and do my laundry, but the motel I'm staying at had a public internet terminal...so I figured I'd do a quick update.I have finally run into the big crowds of hikers that all left in mid-april. Every shelter I get to at night has consistantly been full with other hikers. I kind of miss the smaller crowds.I honestly don't know if I'm going to be able to update very much between now and Harper's Ferry. My next three stops are real small towns that probably won't have internet terminals, so you may not hear from me again until my break around the middle of June. (Or sooner if my toe doesn't get any better).Hope all is well with everyone. I can honestly say that doing this hike has allowed my to clear my head of a lot of things that have been gnawing away at me. I hope that whenever it is that I stop, I will have a clean head, and a positive attitude that I can take to grad school. I certainly needed this time away.take care everyone and I will try to update again. Pics and vids will be posted during my break.-john
Date: 2007-05-30
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: War Spur Shelter
Miles today: 31.7
Weather: few clouds

Another Loooong day. Left Pearisburg with a belly full of dairy queen breakfast. Got a little confused by the lack of correct blazes goign out of town...but I managed. Felt really good today and wanted to do big miles. I had to ford my first river today. gonna get some sleep. signing off....
Date: 2007-05-31
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Pickle Branch Shelter
Miles today: 28.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Made it another long day...but it was worth it. Now I only have 34 miles into Dalveville. Heading out early tomorrow and going to hit a small grocery store. The shelter tonight is the busiest I've ever seen....25+ people. I decided to tent a fair distance away with some other hikers. Hopefully I get ahead of these big crowds soon. Tomorrow afternoon will mark 1 month on the trail.
Date: 2007-06-01
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Lambert's Meadow Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

Made it into lambert's shelter with 10 left to do tomorrow into dalveville. Interesting day today. Had to climb dragon's tooth, and then got to see mcafee knob. Awesome view. I took a bunch of photos. I hit 700 miles today and also 1 month on the trail. Looking forward to Harpers Ferry and my week off. I looked ahead to Montebello and its going to be a long 4 days.
Date: 2007-06-02
From: Lambert's Meadow Shelter

To: Daleville, VA
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: few clouds

Made it into Dalveville today in time to get to the P.O. before it closed at noon. Found a great coffee shop and bought lots of junk food. Had a local trail angel, Del, take me up to Wal Mart where I bought a couple of new memory cards for my camera. He then dropped me off at the Cracker Barrel....mmmmm. Watching the Cleveland Cavs win their playoff game right now. Woo hoo! Perfect day!
Date: 2007-06-03
From: Daleville, VA

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 31.8
Weather: light rain

Big Miles today out of Daleville. It rained all day...and still is. Hit 3 milestones today. Saw the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time, Hit the "half-way through virginia" mark, and have completed 1/3 of the entire A.T. Staying in Bryant Ridge Shelter with yet another huge crowd tonight. Get to see the James River Bridge tomorrow.   signing off.
Date: 2007-06-05
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Hog Camp Gap
Miles today: 26.4
Weather: broken clouds

Today was probably the worst day yet on the trail. 2 annoying 2000ft climbs today all while I had a terrible stomach thing going on. I had to stop so many times for breaks.. It feels so good to be in my tent . It's 10 miles into Montebello tomorrow. going to try and get a room at the Dutch Haus and get a free lunch! till then...
Date: 2007-06-06
From: Hog Camp Gap

To: Dutch Haus in Montebello VA
Miles today: 10.0

Well...good news. I made it through yesterday and made it to Montebello today in time for free lunch. Bad news is...my stomach thing has gotten worse. Not sure what Im going to do. I don't want to miss the upcoming reunion, but I might need another zero day. I hope I feel better soon. -johnFrom My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 7Only have time for a quick update. Made it to Montebello today (mile 809). In a couple days I'll be in Shenendoah. I can't wait for my break in a week in a half. I am in desperate need of a rest.The last few days have been extrememly difficult. Multiple 3000 ft climbs and descents. On top of that, I've had a stomach bug that has made it rather uncomfortable hiking. Looking forward to Shenendoah because it is relatively easy terrain. Also, my friend Pat is coming down to hike with me for a day, so it will be nice to see a familiar face. On friday I will be in Waynesboro and finally done with "central virginia"...thank God. Today is really the last day of rough hiking and I'm doing low mileage so it shouldn't be too bad.-john
Date: 2007-06-07
From: Dutch Haus in Montebello VA

To: Rusty's Hard Time Hollow
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I felt really good today. I did a low mileage day just to make suremy stomach was ok. I ate a hearty breakfast and then went for it. at lunch, just before climbing three ridges, a sierra club guy grilled us brugers. Awesome trail magic. Instead of maupin shelter, I decided to head over to Rusty's Hostel. No words can describe this place. He is certainly an amazing man. -john
Date: 2007-06-08
From: Rusty's Hard Time Hollow

To: Afton Inn
Miles today: 20.8

Made it out of Central Virginia today.   Finally!!! I am certainly starting to get the VA blues. In Afton tonight and I head in to Shenandoah tomorrow. Can't wait. Pat is meeting me at Blackrock hut. I am in need of a brak but I feel so much better than I did a few days ago. I must have had a 48 hour bug of some kind. It's nice to be out of central va....it has given me some much needed drive/motivation. Harpers Ferry in 7.
Date: 2007-06-09
From: Afton Inn

To: Blackrock Hut (w/Pat)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Blackrock Hut and Pat was here waiting and grilling 2 cornish hens! What a great surprise. He brought beer, veggies, and a whole slew of other goodies...most importantly thought he brought himself. We stayed up talking for hours tonight. It was great to see a good friend. I'm very glad he decided to make the long drive to meet up with me. It was good to talk with someone about the "good 'ol times". Tomorrow we'll hike together for a few hours and then I'll see him off. till then...
Date: 2007-06-10
From: Blackrock Hut (w/Pat)

To: Hightop Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: clear sky

Made it to Hightop Hut in very bad shape tonight. I am extremely sick. I actually had the shakes when I laid down tonight. I don't know whats wrong with me. I thought I was over this bug. I'm very worried that I might have caught lyme disease. I pulled several deer ticks off me the last few days.
Date: 2007-06-11
From: Hightop Hut

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 23.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it to Rock Spring Hut tonight. Started off very sick this morning...but gradually started to feel better.      Ate some good food at Lewis Campground. I had planned to do 28 tomorrow...but it will be tough. It will depend on how I feel when I get up.   Gonna get a blackberry shake at elkwallow tomorrow. Harpers Ferry in 4.
Date: 2007-06-12
From: Rock Spring Hut

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 28.4
Weather: few clouds

Well today went perfectly. I started off early and had a great breakfast at skyland. cranked out 22, and got a cheeseburger and blackberry shake at elkwallow. Hit the shelter at 7:55 right as it started to downpour. tomorrow it is supposed to rain all day.
Date: 2007-06-13
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 28.5
Weather: broken clouds

today everything went well, until I decided to push it to Dick's dome shelter. I made my stop in Linden for my PO drops and pushed on. It started raining heavy about 2 miles before the shelter and I got soaked. When I got to the shelter it was jam packed. I had to squeeze into an area about 4ft by 2 ft. The people int he shelter were nice enough to make room though....so I was thankful. nothing worse than setting a tent up in the rain. Bear's den tomorrow. -j
Date: 2007-06-14
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: light rain

Today was pretty damned good.   Left that packed shelter at 6 am and had an awesome breakfast at the "barn door" restaurant. waited out the rain there for a few hours and then started the "roller coaster". what a pain in the ass. even though the climbs were small...it was still annoying. 20 miles tomorrow and I'm home free! Can't wait to surprise the family at the reunion and take my week off. Bear's Den is great. Met a cool hiker "snack break" there. One more day!!!!
Date: 2007-06-15
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: overcast clouds

I made it!!!! Woo!!! Made it to the ATC around 2:00 PM and got my picture taken. I was number 302. Ran into a small snafu with the rental car...but eventually got something worked out. I'm really going to enjoy my break. I drove up to the poconos toinght and am only a few hours from surprising my family tomorrow in Connecticut. I'll be back in a week!!!! till then....-lakewood
Date: 2007-06-16
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Break Day 1: Family Reunion, Riverside CT
Miles today: 0.0

From My Myspace Blog: Appalachian Trail - Update 8 - BREAK TIME!!!!!!WOOOOOO HOOOOO!!!!!!Well, everything worked out perfectly. I made it to Harper's Ferry (Mile 1009) Friday afternoon, celebrated at the AT headquarters, got a rental car and headed up to surprise my family at the annual Fegy reunion. I am actually writing this post from my cousin's house at the reunion. It is so nice to be not hiking today. I'm hoping during these few days off my body will heal all up and be ready to go at 100 percent again. I am looking forward to seeing my friends in the next couple of days too.Everyone keeps asking me what I'm most excited about with regards to the trail...and honestly I think it's that I'm done with Viriginia. I was really starting to lose hope that the state would never end. 550 miles of trail is too many for any one state to own.See you all soon....and I will post all my high-res pics and videos as soon as I get my hands on my mac book.-john
Date: 2007-06-21
From: Break Day 5: Cleveland

To: Break Day 6: Penn State University
Miles today: 0.0

Break Day # 6: Apartment in State College, PAWell, I drove to State College today to check on my new apartment. Everything looks good and I'm ready to get back on the trail tomorrow. I'm going to head out at about 5 am so that I can get the rental car back early and get on the trail asap. My break was nice...but I'm ready to get going again.
Date: 2007-06-22
From: Break Day 6: Penn State University-->Harpers Ferry

To: Pine Knob Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

First Day back from my break. Can't wait for the halfway point in 2 days. Still feels like I'm on the first half. My toe is still acting up dammit. Got a late start today...a little sluggish. It's nice having my ipod for a change too. I'm glad I brought it for the 2nd half.
Date: 2007-06-23
From: Pine Knob Shelter

To: Rocky Mountain Shelters
Miles today: 32.9
Weather: clear sky

I pushed it so that I can have a 23 miler into Pine Grove tomorrow. My toe is flaming up even worse today. It is really starting to get annoying. I thought I had this infection kicked. I've been reapplying the antibiotic cream...and hopefully it helps. Can't wait to get to the half way point tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-24
From: Rocky Mountain Shelters

To: Ironmasters Hostel
Miles today: 22.9

I made it!!! Half-Way!!! My belly is full of a 1/2 gallon of chocolate ice cream and I'm as giddy as a school kid. I'm enjoying an early evening at the pine grove ironmasters hostel. I'm all showered up and listening to some good music on my ipod. Going to officially start the 2nd half of the trail tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-25
From: Ironmasters Hostel

To: Super 8 on US 11
Miles today: 27.4

Made it to US 11 tonight. I went all out. Staying at Super 8. Had a dinner at a very nice restaurant. I went through Boiling Springs today....cool town. Had lunch at a nice little coffee house. Losts of level hiking through pastures today. Toe is still irritated....really getting annoying. Can't wait to get my new shoes in Port Clinton. I have an easy 17 into duncannon tomorrow.
Date: 2007-06-26
From: Super 8 on US 11

To: The Doyle, Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: scattered clouds

Made it into Duncannon today. Nice and easy. Going to shoot for a big day tomorrow, but it's supposed to be hot and rainy....yuck! Hopefully the rocks won't be too bad. Duncannon is nice...got lots of good places to eat. PA is almost half way done already. I'll check in tomorrow. For now, I'm going to enjoy my last bed in in 6 days here at the Doyle.From My Myspace blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 9Well...after a 6 day hiatus, I'm back on the trail! I headed out last Friday from Harper's Ferry and have made it to Duncannon, Pennsylvania (mile 1132.9, 1041.1 to go). Tomorrow I head east across PA to Delaware Water Gap and cross the infamous "rocks". Eastern PA is notorious for destroying shoes as the trail is littered with giant boulders and rocks. It is very tough hiking. Luckily I'm getting some new shoes sent to me about half way into it at Port Clinton.I am officially past the half-way point too. When I made it to mile 1087 at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, I celebrated by participating in the "Half-gallon challenge". It is tradition that any hiker making it half-way, must attempt eating an entire half gallon in one sitting. If you finish, you win a wooden spoon and an honorable membership in the Half-Gallon Club. I am pleased to say that I did in fact finish, although it took me 1 hour and 5 minutes to put it all down.I Probably won't update again until the PA/NJ border, but I may be able to in Port Clinton...we'll see.It is definitly nice to know that Mt. Katahdin is officially closer than Springer. I am going to start counting down the miles instead of counting up.
Date: 2007-06-27
From: The Doyle, Duncannon, PA

To: Swatara Gap Best Western
Miles today: 34.9

Busted butt today, but it felt good. Met a nice army woman from the base near Swatara Gap and she drove me into Lickdale. I treated myself again to a hotel room here at the Best Western. Half-way through PA already. I will be in Port Clinton by Friday and Delaware Water Gap by Monday. Hoping to hook up with Aaron in Ft. Montgomery too. Finally back on schedule now too.
Date: 2007-06-29
From: Eagle's Nest Shelter

To: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter
Miles today: 31.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Well, the rocks did star ttoday....pretty rough. Didn't really take notice until after hawk mtn rd. Stopped in Port Clinton and got my new shoes...hopefully my feet will finally feel better. Had a killer breakfast at Cracker Barrel in Hamburg and some random person picked up the tab. In for the night after a long rocky day. Gonna do a short 17 tomorrow into Slatington.
Date: 2007-06-30
From: Allentown Hiking Club Shelter

To: Fine Lodging, Slatington
Miles today: 17.4

Decided I needed a short day. Spent the morning hiking with DQ (Supposedly short for Don Quixote not Dairy Queen) He's trying to finish the trail by August 7th and started nearly 2 weeks after me. Crazy! I got into Lehigh Gap and decided to stay at the hostel and take it easy. D.Q. decided to push on and tackle the Lehigh Scramble today. I am all but certain that I will not see him again. (good luck to you DQ) I ate a ton so far and have been relaxing. tomorrow I'll tackle the boulder scrambe and head into DWG Monday.
Date: 2007-07-01
From: Fine Lodging, Slatington

To: Kirkridge Shelter
Miles today: 29.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Today was rocky! In all honesty, PA really hasn't been that bad. The last 20 miles have been the only really rough part. Lehigh gap's boulder scramble was fun this morning. I enjoyed it. It was a beautiful day for hiking. At one point along the ridge today...I knew dad was with me.
Date: 2007-07-02
From: Kirkridge Shelter

To: Delaware Water Gap
Miles today: 6.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Well I did an easy 7 into DWG today and decided to nero it. Took a shuttle into Stroudsbourg to do my laundry and am staying in the Pocono Inn. Was going to stay at the hostel, but decided I would splurge and spend the $50 for private room...bathroom...and tv. Ate breakfast at the diner and it was fantastic. Going to relax the rest of the day and head into Jersey tomorrow.Got my Solio solar charger today too. I can finally keep my ipod charged.Katahdin is under 900 now...woohoo!From my Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 10Greetings from Joisey! Well...almost. I am actually on the PA/NJ border in the town of Delaware Water Gap (but techinally still in PA). Mile 1288 I think?...I don't have my book in front of me.anyway...Even though PA was 230 miles, it actually went by fairly quickly. Also, the "horrible, terrible, dreaded rocks" everyone kept warning me about really weren't that bad. Only the last 10-15 miles of PA were really bad.I'm really excited to be hitting NJ tomorrow because I will have 4 states in a row now with less than 100 miles. I should knock all 4 out in less than 2 weeks.Also, I'm supposed to be meeting my buddy Aaron for a day at my next P.O. stop in Fort Montgomery NY.I started a trailjournals journal as well, because apparently thats were all the hikers post their blogs (not here on myspace). www.trailjournals.comThat's pretty much it I guess. Pennsylvania was a very nice state to hike through (except the last 15miles of course). There was even a 1 mile long intense boulder scramble by lehigh gap that required me doing some ol hand over hand rock climbing.....it was actually pretty fun.I broke my distance record again....34.9 now. Before I'm done, I will hit a 40 miler at least once. Finally.....Katahdin is now less than 900 away. I believe its around 896 or something.well, I do miss all my family and friends....I'll be back soon.-john
Date: 2007-07-03
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Brink Road Shelter
Miles today: 24.6
Weather: clear sky

Had a nice easy hike today out of Delaware Water Gap. Stopped at my sign at the NJ border that I saw last December. Took lots of pics. Ate lots of blueberries today. Hiked on and off with "Usual Suspect". NJ is already 1/3 over adn Katahdin's is 870 now. Looking forward to the boardwalk in 30+ miles. Hoping to get to Unionville tomorrow. Going to hike with Aaron in Ft. Montgomery
Date: 2007-07-04
From: Brink Road Shelter

To: Jim Murray's Secret Shelter
Miles today: 24.9

Happy 4th of July! Well...no fireworks here. Its raining pretty bad. Good day though. knocked out another 3rd of NJ and saw "high point". Staying at Jim Murray's secret shelter tonight. Its very nice...the works. Will have to push a little extra tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-05
From: Jim Murray's Secret Shelter

To: Breezy Point Motel, Greenwood Lake NY
Miles today: 25.4

Pussed out today and decided to go into Greenwood Lake and get a motel room. Expensive too. Finished NJ today and the first part of NY has been pretty tough actually. Can't believe I've knocked out another state already. I'll see Aaron in 2 days. The NJ boardwalk was nice today.
Date: 2007-07-06
From: Breezy Point Motel, Greenwood Lake NY

To: William Brien Memorial Shelter
Miles today: 25.1
Weather: few clouds

Under 800 miles to go....woo hoo! Hiked with a cool gropu of folks today. Had some ice cream and and nice hike out of Greenwood Lake. Get to meet aaron tomorrow. I'm pumped. Have to make it to Ft. Montgomery by noon for my P.O. packages. Can't wait for my half-day. NY has been surprisingly tough. Especially the lemon squeezer.
Date: 2007-07-07
From: William Brien Memorial Shelter

To: Econolodge, Ft. Montgomery (w/Aaron)
Miles today: 8.1

Short day into bear mtn today. Met up with Aaron at about 10:30. We got a room at the Econolodge and hung out at West Point all day. We ate lots of food and drank many a beer at an Irish Pub. It was a great to see him. I've been surprisingly sore lately. Don't know why...hope its not lyme. NY is already half done.
Date: 2007-07-08
From: Econolodge, Ft. Montgomery (w/Aaron)

To: RPH Shelter
Miles today: 26.0
Weather: clear sky

27 miles of NY left! I saw Aaron off this morning and headed out on my own. It was definitely tough. made me miss the "real life". THink I lost a filling today too. Doh! Might have to find a local dentist. Gonna shoot for a big day tomorrow. 5 miles till a deli! Was hoping to have Pizza for dinner here at the RPH Shelter, but they don't deliver on Sundays. CT should be tomorrow.
Date: 2007-07-09
From: RPH Shelter

To: Ten-Mile River Lean-To
Miles today: 29.3

Staying in the first Connecticut shelter...by myself too! Kind of weird. first time since Springer Mountain that I'm all alone. Found out that I was roughly 304 at Harpers Ferry. Sporting a lot of DEET today....lots of skeeters and ticks. Going to shoot for Cornwall Bridge tomorrow....but still hit Kent. Stopped at 2 delis today. One for breakfast and one for dinner. I'll certainly miss the delis. Oh well...VT has Ben and Jerry's.
Date: 2007-07-10
From: Ten-Mile River Lean-To

To: Cornwall Bridge, CT
Miles today: 19.8

Well, I'm in Kent for lunch, and going to push on to Cornwall Bridge for my mail drop this afternoon. It is about 98 degrees outside with a heat index well over 100. Horrible hiking conditions. I finished PA, NJ, and NY pretty easily, but I know the tough stuff is coming soon. I hope to be in MA later this week, and VT by next week.-lakewoodFrom My Myspace Blog:Appalachian Trail - Update 11 Well, it has been a long time since I've had access to a computer. I'm writing this from Kent Connecticut. (mile 1452 - 722 left). Since my last update, I have completed Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The hiking through these mid-atlantic states has been pretty average...nothing too exciting to write home about. I should be in MA later this week, and VT by next week.Overall I'm doing ok, but I can honestly say that I am starting to get a little bit tired of hiking. I did pass the 2/3 mile mark this morning so I am on the last leg of the trail, but I still can't help feeling that I want it to be over soon. I should be done in about 1 more month. I know once I'm in the White Mountains of NH and up in Maine I'll feel a lot better.Hope everyone back home is doing great and I'll try to write again from Cornwall Bridge tonight.-john