morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2015-04-16
To: One month report
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It took a while for me to get use to it but I now answer to the name Wharton. Lately I've added the additional title - Son of the Garden State. More grandiose, no? Here on the ATits easy to maintain full anonymity. Everyone is known by another name. This makes relationships very honest. You meet someone one day and say hello and the next time you meet your discussing the details of their personal life.There are many who I meet in the first week or two who I haven't seen for weeks. The cadre of veterans, the young woman, the old guy who slept with his food in his tent may still be out there. One thing I was wrong about is that fires are permitted on the trail. We have sat around the camp fire many nights telling stories of our lives or singing. I have been fortunate to be with Ukalady, Leapfrog and Chameleon when they sing "Waltzing with Bears" a song so whimsical and appropriate. Ukalady, a mid 20 something, learned from her mother many classics of pop and rock. We sing together. I've never had a better voice then when she leads me through "Sweet Baby James". We have been know to draw applause.I hope the physical aches and pains are over barring any mishaps. I can see myself getting more thin despite eating as much as I can. I still eat good foods but added candy, soda chips and ice cream to increase calories. Everyone else is in the same boat though. When we are done we will all look like our paleo ancestors.Tonight I am in a hostel called the Greasy Creek Friendly. It is an indoor bunk, a resupply point, a shower, laundry and a dinner bought meal of bacon cheese burger, sweet potato fries, cherry milkshake and house salad.Tomorrow's weather should be good. I want 14+ miles. I want to catch up with some people.
Date: 2015-04-23
To: Hostel life in a hiker town
Miles today: 465.0

My third zero day from the trail is at a great place called the Woodchuck Hostel. Located on a side street in Damascus, VA it is filled with hikers and hiker fans of all ages. People sleep inside for 20 bucks, less for outdoors and it includes a shower and breakfast. This morning we had blueberry waffles, eggs, cereal, coffee and juice, all you can eat, cooked and served table side by fellow hikers. The weather is perfect today and at least one fellow, Rock Ocean, cancelled his zero to take off again. Me, I'm more self disciplined. I'm am taking every opportunity to eat and rest. I consumed an obscene amount of calories yesterday and at noon today am catching up. I am also waiting for a package from my wife Dianne. I am switching from boots to trail shoes. I paused to consider the wisdom of this but feel in balance it is the right time to switch. Discussion of feet and footwear is huge among hikers. Our feet strike the ground 20,000 to 40,000 times per day with body weight plus pack weight over rough terrain. All our feet hurt sometime. Our toe nails are black or falling off. For me its great today to be in a pair of flip-flops or just walk barefoot in the grass. Well I'm heading out to all-you-can-eat pizza and salad. Got to keep putting fuel in the tank. There's still 80% of this trail left to go. GOD, I'M LOVING THIS !!THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
Date: 2015-04-29
To: 25 %
Miles today: 85.0
Weather: clear sky

Weather is a big deal on the trail. Carrying cold and rain gear is heavy but important. Still I sent my winter rain jacket home along with my tights and mittens from Damascus. Climbing the mountains in the mist and rain took all my remaining clothing to stay warm. Being damp for 2 days was uncomfortable but I managed good progress. Activity keeps you warm and when you can't be active it helps too get into your sleeping bag. I was lying in mine alone in a shelter watching the sky changing one late afternoon just hoping that the setting sun would break through the cloud cover. This is a great time to think.I am now 25 percent through this adventure. Six weeks and about 550 miles. I am just slightly ahead of schedule. I should pick up speed here in Virginia which itself contains 25 percent of the AT. This is important as I hear that in the White mountains of Vermont daily mileage drops again. I sure want to find out.
Date: 2015-05-04
To: Sun, moon, and flora.
Miles today: 106.0
Weather: clear sky

I have begun putting mileage in to the blog but of course I'm not doing 106 miles per day, but between entries. Still the totals aren't exactly right. I'll work on it.Virginia has been less of the repeated up and down the mountains that was characteristic of TN, NC & GA. This is where mileage goes up and I've done two 20+ days in the last week. I expect more. I have also had some shorter days in order to fully enjoy my surroundings. Dismal Falls is a case in point. A setting so beautiful that most of the hikers that find themselves there linger or decide to camp for the night. A special advantage is that a store is about one mile off by road and sells food and beer. Despite this the area remains clean and in good condition to be enjoyed by hiker and locals alike.I have also been setting up camp to see the sunsets and sunrises. My first attempt was in vain as I found my location facing north and south. Next I was positioned better but clouds limited the view. Then last night I was positioned for the full moonrise and sunrise and decided to sleep under the stars to get the full experience.Today is a nearo in the town of Pearisburg, VA. I took my sweet time walking down the mountain enjoying tbe decent from early spring - most trees without leaves - too late spring - full leaves on all trees. I particularly studied the undergrowth. Beautiful flowers, innumerable shades of green and early morning sunlight all accompanied by the song of birds and at least one frog. As I often do I rinsed off my sweat and grime in a flowering mountain steam. It feels great. Still with no real bathing in the last week I was happy to get a hot shower and clean clothes.
Date: 2015-05-15
To: Trail days
Miles today: 125.0

It seems that I haven't been keeping up with the journal over the past week or two, maybe due to not taking a zero day since Damascus. I have been off the trail for resupply and cleaning up a couple of times but not for more than one night. The trail has been great, beautiful, glorious. There has been no significant rain. And I am making good time. Based on my calculation I'm 3 or 4 days ahead of schedule. I want to accumulate a weeks cushion here in Virginia as I'm told things will slow down in the Whites of New Hampshire. I have been holding up so far without a zero day so I push on.Many of my fellow hikers, though, are at or on there way back to Damascus for this weekend's Trail Days. Trail Days is a AT hiking celebration and festival that began yesterday and brings thousands into town for parades, music, food, outfitter displays of gear and general revelry. It is supposed to be great fun and current and past hikers attend from all over. The small town is generally overwhelmed. I, the on the other hand, will continue north. Content to have picked up my mail drop packages here at the KOA of Lynchburg. With all the supplies I could go another week without coming off the trail.I'll save Trail Days for next year
Date: 2015-05-18
To: One hard day
Miles today: 72.0
Weather: broken clouds

It rained a bit that night. So I had to put away a wet tent fly in the morning. That wasn't so bad. But I was faced with the growing realization that I didn't have enough food to make it all the way to Waynesboro 3 days away. So I decided to skip breakfast and my morning snack was light. I could feel the difference. I didn't have the energy. And I knew that I had a big descent and climb head of me. I expected a 20 mile day. Now my feet have been taking a beating on the down hills so I planned to change my lacing. I wanted to pull my heel back in the shoe so my toes wouldn't jam into the front. This required a tighter lacing. This felt fine for a while, but as the down hill got steeper I could feel the squeeze come on. On top of this the rocky path was causing me to stub my toes more than usual. By half way down the mountain my right foot was killing me. Add to this the stress of not having enough food and my mood was low and getting lower. I decided I had to go off trail to pick up a re supply. Once I finally limped down to the road I hitched a ride to a camp store 4 miles away. I was feeling weak when I arrived. I grabbed a Gatorade, bag of chips and a frozen mini cheese and sausage on a muffin thing to microwave and eat right away. I bought ramen noodles, a can of chili, chiff bars and Snickers to add to my supplies. The store keepers husband took me back to the trail and I ate an ice cream for the road. With some food in me I felt somewhat better but I lost time on the trip and my feet were still sore. Back on the trail I had a 3000 foot climb. It took more than 4 hours in the heat and humidity of mid afternoon. Sweat was dropping off my forehead and chin. My back was completely soaked. I was weak and still didn't feel myself. When I reached near the top I had to eat again. I sat down to prepare something but was immediately surrounded by biting flys which are a common problem in these parts. I could hardly stand their buzzing and biting on my arms, legs and face. I had to walk around to eat just to try to get away from some of them. With 6 miles left to the next camp I moved on. The top of the climb finally arrived and the path leveled off. With the additional food in me and enough to make it to Waynesboro I was feeling better. Eventually I arrive at a very nice camping area where familiar hikers, Sam, Angel, DG and Ninja had also set up for the night. I ate again. We all shared how grueling the day had been for each of us as we prepared for sleep. I rubbed my feet and wondered if they would ever feel normal again. I slept in the shelter. There was a little rain in the night. Though no wet tent fly the next morning.
Date: 2015-05-20
To: Waynesboro, VA
Miles today: 5.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I have been on the AT for a little over 9 weeks now. I have planned to average 14 miles per day. This allows for 26 weeks to complete the journey. Six months. Based on my current distance of 858 miles I am 79 miles ahead of schedule or about five and one half days. I feel comfortable taking a zero day to rest, relax and resupply.Waynesboro is one of many towns that is hiker friendly. It sits at the meeting of the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountains. There is a 4 or 5 block downtown with a few streets branching off and changing to neighborhood roads or highway depending which way you go. Ming's Chinese Garden sits like a dragon on one side of town taking up one half block. It is well known by the AT community for its 10 dollar AYCE buffet. I partook last evening with a young hiker DG. Both of us has 6 plates. I had a little indigestion at 3 am but it was worth it.I have been happy with my HOKA tail running shoes. There is now nearly 400 miles on them. Looking them over I figure I have another 100 - 150 to go. So far there has been nothing a little Shoe Goo can't repair. I have seen hikers in tattered shoes, sandals, and have heard claim that someone was hiking barefooted. But I will replaced my footwear when needed.
Date: 2015-05-21
To: One hard night
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

The week past was one of hot days and warm nights. In Waynesboro I was sure I no longer needed any of my warn weather gear so I mailed my vest, hat and sleeping bag home relying instead on a cheep blanket from Family Dollar to keep me warm. Wouldn't you know it the next day was cool and rainy. I hiked the 8 miles into the AT behind a group of young slack packers who were moving at double time. I caught up with them at the first shelter. They were standing around shivering wet and cold with no extra clothing or gear to keep warn. I immediately changed into dry clothes and covered myself with the blanket. They made a phone call to get picked up at an AT / Skyline Drive crossing and were soon gone. I pitched my tent and ate. I wasn't planning on going anywhere and getting wet again. Over the next hours other thru hikers arrived and set up.The night arrived to find me shivering in my tent under the insubstantial blanket. The night was long. I was up twenty minutes of every hour rubbing my arms and lags trying to get warmer and more comfortable. I tired my bandana over my head. I had visions of my warm and faithful sleeping bag, vest and hat sitting in the mailing box. I wanted a do over. I wanted them back.The next day I went back into Waynesboro and bought a summer sleeping bag and a rain jacket. They work great.BTW - that nights temperature went as low as 41 degrees. Burrrrr
Date: 2015-05-30
To: Bear's Den
Miles today: 134.0
Weather: few clouds

The Shenandoah mountains are beautiful. Entering during the Memorial Day weekend the park is at peak readiness with trails trimmed and stores and restaurants well stocked. The weather has been hot but good. My new gear is light and functions well. I did lose my pant leg bottoms when I neglected to take them off the stump where I zipped them off. Another hiker trekked into view and we struck up a conversation. However, I fully enjoyed the eight and one half days it took to walk end to end.There was one particular area of slightly rolling hills that after a gentle night rain stood out for its early morning sun fall. The undergrowth gleaned while fragile damselflys almost magically sampled the surrounding flowers. The path went on for some time with the light and shadow contacting with each other on the under story. Nature sublime.Today I am enjoying a zero day at a hostel called Bear's Den after completing the Roller Coaster. The Roller Coaster is a 15 mile section of trail going up and down, up and down. Up and down again, and again. Just one big hill after the next. I hit this on a hot and humid 2 day stretch. It took a lot out of me. Anyway, the Bear's Den is run by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy out of a 1930's castle style home built my a DC couple as an opera getaway - if you can imagine that. I am resting and eating. Weighing myself recently I realize I've lost 25 pounds. I still feel healthy and strong but I don't want to lose any more. Currently I'm sitting in front of a big cheese burger and plate of onion rings. What - 600 - 800 calories? I hope more.1000 miles !!!
Date: 2015-06-04
To: Waynesboro, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Like any new endeavor I am learning every day how better to hike and prosper on the trail. I have to stay strong and motivated and I must say that I was a little shaken at losing 25 lbs. I don't want to become puny and weak. I have a lot more miles to go over what may be a long hot summer. Today's rain and the zero day is an opportunity to eat, rest and recover. I've also been productive and used it to log in to the local library computer and complete a work required program.Waynesboro is at the Mason-Dixon line, just inside Pennsylvania. My second pair of trail runners were to be delivered at the Burgundy lane B & B. It was the fourth day of rain and instead of heading back to the trail this morning I deceived to zero here. I haven't stayed in many b&b's and I like the one I'm in.
Date: 2015-06-05
To: Not just any day
Miles today: 94.6
Weather: overcast clouds

What would the best day on the trail look like? It started early, but I still had time for coffee and breakfast. The first two miles were a climb, but the grade was steady and the rocks minimal. As I climbed the surrounding flora became more and more filled with blooming mountain laurel. Eventually I could see mountain laurel in every direction. All in amazing full bloom. The trail leveled out with comfortable raises and falls to keep the walk interesting. My speed was quick and steady. I was trying to hike 17 miles in about 6 hours, my fastest pace yet. I had learned that the AT museum at Pine Grove Furnace state park, PA was sponsoring a hiker fest from noon to 4 p.m. I didn't want to miss it. Still I had to eat along the way to keep up my strength. My recent resupply was heavy but provided lots of options. I was trying strawberry cream cheese and peanut butter with crunchy green pepper on pita for the first time. Yum. The PA shelters are some of the nicest with benches, tables, bear boxes and other niceties. Back on the trail the mountain laurel just didn't stop. The small white to pink flowers were everywhere. Generally their scent is very slight. Even with my nose in the flowers themselves there is only a hint. At mile marker 1094.6 I hit it. The half way point. Equal distance from Georgia to Maine. Keeping up the speed I arrived at the hiker fest at 1 o'clock feeling good. I accepted the half gallon challenge as is customary and consumed one half gallon of chocolate chip mint ice cream. Free park camping allowed me to set up in the park. I enjoyed the festivities, ate my full of picnic food, checked out the museum and got a good night's sleep. What a day! I love this hike!
Date: 2015-06-19
To: The challenge of Rocksylvania
Miles today: 195.4
Weather: overcast clouds

While North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia are known for their mountains Pennsylvania is known for its rocks. They start with jagged bowling ball size obstacles on the trail that you can step around and quickly becomes larger, more numerous and more pointed. Eventually they are ankle twisting, foot jabbing and toe slamming tormentors that fill 50 - 80 percent of your day. Stumbles and falls are inevitable. To make matters worst, the rocks are home to more snakes, including rattle snakes. It is not uncommon to is them on the trail. You also experienced more shoe damage in Pennsylvania and the ground is like sleeping on, well, rock. The greatest technical challenge us climbing out of Lehigh Gap. For the northbound hiker it is the steepest ascent in PA. All earth and vegetation are replaced by stone. Trekking poles are put away and the hiker must bare hand climb until there is enough change of angle to long step or leap from boulder to boulder. Once at the top you have fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. But woe be it for the hiker who arrives in the rain or in the heat of the noon day sun. This climb is best taken in the morning.
Date: 2015-06-27
To: Bullet Point News
Miles today: 110.0
Weather: moderate rain

So much has happened I am blogging bullet points style today -- Met with Dianne at DWG for spousal reunion. Di wouldn't stay at the Bates model but we found accommodations near a nice diner and enjoyed each other's company.- liver and onions- Father's day with BIL Jimmy Dolan and family. Guinness blond and cigars after French toast.- Proud Garden Starter upon seeing the beauty of our oldest and best hardwood forests- First nj bear sighted- Witness to marriage proposal at AT fire tower- Saw el Venado run by (Scott Jurek, ultra marathoner attempting to break AT speed record)- Second nj bear sighting. Big. BIG!!!.- Loud local beer camp at shelter set up right next to my tent. !!!- Big. BIG!!! rattlesnake- Rocky, hilly repeats over past 3 days. Still making good time- escape from rain to Stony Point interfaith center for nero- walked labyrinth barefoot in rain- Visit with daughter Caitlin and Connor(Hay!!! I just hit the "next suggested word" after Caitlin and Conner came up. What does that mean???)
Date: 2015-07-12
To: 10 down - 4 to go
Miles today: 70.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Independence day with cousins Tim and Julie was great. I was taken along to a small gathering of friends at a lake side community where the hosts prepared good food and served local craft beer. The community had their own fireworks display with each resident trying to out do the other. The neighbors blasted 60's rock and roll for the show that I'm sure could be heard across the lake. Our older crowd enjoyed the musical reminisces but still broke up around 10 pm. I was up way past hiker midnight. The past week on the trail saw the end of Connecticut with its highest peak at the northern boarder. The terrain has been great for hiking and the woods calm and serene. Temperatures are warn to hot. In fact I removed quite a bit of clothing at one point to cool down and take advantage of being in a more natural state while on a deserted trail.Today I'm in Dalton, MA for a nearo and zero. The trail over the past week has been increasing in elevation and becoming more muddy. Attempts to step around the mud and blackish water have proven futile so I must accept having wet feet. Mud, I've heard, will continue into Vermont. My trail runners are reaching the end of their serviceable life but I'm trying to keep them going for another week or more. I'd hate to take new ones through this ooze on their first day. Again I've come to realize how important eating enough is. After a lethargic morning a second lunch of Coke, ice cream, raspberries and a hard boiled egg really picked up my energy and I was able to make good time despite the terrain.The community center in Dalton is open to hikers and I had a shower and sauna yesterday. I spent the rest of the day with chores and the night eating. I'm going too do the same thing today.I've gone through ten states, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Four remain. The end will soon be in sight.
Date: 2015-07-23
To: Vermont smells like Christmas
Miles today: 85.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Before exiting Massachusetts I took a nights stay at Boscom lodge at the top of Mt. Greylock the states highest peak. A rain storm was coming and the prospect of watching a storm from the safety of windows high on a mountain was exciting. Greylock is the location where Henry David Thoreau was inspired to begin his experiment at Walden Pond. In fact, there had just been a Thoreau Society meeting in thre area and a Thoreau scholar was also staying at Boscom. The storm never developed but we had a very interesting conversation. On the trail the mud continued from Massachusetts into Vermont. At some point you must decide if you will continue to try and avoid the muddy water and ooze or just hike on through. Realizing that my worn and torn shoes would have to be replaced one more time I chose the latter. It was quite liberating.Each state has it's own character. Vermont smells like Christmas. Fur trees dominate in many areas. The mountains get bigger and come more often. Fortunately, I am able to use the days that I have built up to rest more often and enjoy Vermont hospitality. I have had a day off in both Bennington and Manchester. Bennington has a great brew pub and restaurant and I took in a local production of Cabaret. The Green Mountain hostel in Manchester was a great place for hikers and provided all the comforts of home. The town itself was filled with shopping outlets for tourists.Back on the AT the beauty of the woods was amazing. The mud lessened. Great scenic views and interesting rock formations were common. My trekking has been seldom more then 16 miles per day. I'm still feeling good about the whole adventure, but occasionally I start thinking about returning to home and work. I miss my wife. Later today on Killington mountain I'll reach the point where I have less than 500 miles to go.Likely the most amazing meet up on the trail occurred yesterday. To physical therapist the name Stanley Paris is legion. He has been a leader in the profession for 40 years. Past president, orthopedic section founder, founder of university of St. Augustine in Florida, educator and adventure. This year he is assisting his wife Catherine to complete the AT. I met Catherine on the trail and she introduced us. What a happy yet surreal experience. It lasted only long enough for me to say hello and to have our picture taken. The next day, however, I found Stanley alone in the RV at a road crossing. He invited me in for coffee and we chatted for quite a while. Gossip anyone?