morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2011-05-21
From: Pass Mountain

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: scattered clouds

As the skies cleared over Maryland, I hit the road to get back to my hike. Saturday was a banner day with beautiful blue skies, low humidity, and not a hint of the overcast, dank weather that had enveloped the SNP the previous week. I practically glided up the trail with new found energy. Up and over the first peak where a group of families were reading from the scriptures. I had almost forgot, the world was going to end that night at 6 pm so I had better get to the shelter and ready myself for Jesus. I arrived at Gravel Springs Hut and was alone. Could it happen again? No the exact opposite. I was joined by Wes and his dog section hiking, Will another section hiker, Ducky and her boyfriend, thru hikers and last to arrive were Shmuck, Darly, and Grandpa. At least I thought that was the last, until a group of around 7 came in and had hiked in from the nearest road, 2 cases of beer, firewood, smores, and a bottle of whiskey. They came out of DC to participate in the Rapture from the park. Soon Darly pulled out his guitar (yes he is thru hiking to Maine with it) and a harmonica appeared and it was a regular hoe down. I settled into my tent around ten (way late for hikers) and fell asleep to the sound of laughter and harmonica.
Date: 2011-05-22
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Another fantastic day in the park. Made it to the shelter by 3 and set up my tent. Tomorrow I will get a ride back to my car and figure out the rest of my hike. Tired today, but the weather is so great and most of the miles today were downhill.   Tom Floyd is the last shelter in the SNP.   I have some miles to make up in the central section and hope to finish those Mon. and Tues.   We all seemed to survive the end of the world just fine.
Date: 2011-05-23
From: Tom Floyd Shelter

To: White Oak Canyon
Miles today: 12.0

One of the section hikers dropped me off at my car around 8. I had breakfast at the Elkwallow Wayside.   Egg sandwich and meat with a find cup of coffee. Weather looks good again.   White oak canyon is not part of the AT. It is a trail that heads east towards Old Rag Mountain down through a spectacular canyon with a now raging stream (from all the rain) and a series of gorgeous waterfalls.   About a mile into my walk I noticed some movement to my left, and a fairly good sized bear was sprinting away from me (30 yards or so) and up a tree. I grabbed my camera but the bear had slithered back down and ran away. The trail was all down hill from Skyline drive and dropped about 2000 vertical feet, which means the whole 2nd half of the hike would be uphill, and rather steep.   The waterfalls were truly inspiring, and I had the canyon to myself. Back up the trail and started heading to the Big Meadow campground.   I stopped along the way and hiked a quick 2 miles to the peak of Hawksbill Mtn where I had lunch and watched a couple of hawks soar through the valley.
Date: 2011-05-24
From: Louis Campground

To: View Entry
Miles today: 10.0

After a very stormy night in my tent with lightning flashing and thunder crackling all around the campground, I headed back to the section I missed last week due to the rain.   I hope to finish the SNP section of the AT today.   I have to say the Appalachian Trail is a poor example of what is available to hike in the SNP.   You get better views from Skyline Drive, the trail itself is often boring, and you end up hiking along the skyline drive for most of the park. The deer are fun. No fear at all. I also saw a turkey who didn't seem to be afraid of me at all. If he knew how hungry I was, he might have thought differently.
Date: 2011-05-25
From: Shenandoah Nat'l Park 

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

This will be my final journal entry. I am home now. Overall a great trip, although the hike ended up being modified in so many ways due to un-forseen events. I did end up hiking the 100 miles of the Shenandoah National Park, and a couple of side hikes thrown in for fun. I did enjoy my hike in the White Oak Canyon more than any other day on the AT. Other things I learned:Thru hikers are an amazing bunch of people.   Both in their generosity and mental attitude.   There is no such thing as "waterproof" after 3 days of heavy rain. The woods are a very noisy place when you are alone at night.   Thunder is louder from the inside of a tent than the inside of a house.The last mile of the day is always up a steep hill.Weathermen are idiots.I am lucky to have a family and job that allowed me to do this hike.
Date: 2011-01-20
To: Getting Ready for the Last Leg
Miles today: 0.0

In just a few short months I will be back out on the AT, this time completing my southbound hike where I left off in 2010. I have just a few weeks section to go- from Delaware Water Gap, PA to Harper's Ferry, WV. The decision was made to leave this part until now as with the lateness of the seasonal and personal commitments in November. But it will also get me ready to embark on my big hike this summer, thru hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT)in July. For this section, though, I well start likely in April and go to the beginning of May. Stay tuned for updates as the time approaches when I finish the trail southbound!
Date: 2011-02-24
To: Need to Plan Soon
Miles today: 0.0

I realize that soon I will be back out on the trail, and not just some small section but to actually finish a southbound hike of the AT. It's exciting for sure. Today I just got in a shipment of some gear to replace worn out stuff from 4,000 miles (like on my pocket rocket). I like backcountry.com for gear, and they were running a 20% off special on most items. So I was able to get the ultralight Snowpeak stove cheap, a new Snowpeak 1400 cooking pot for 2 (for my hubby and I to use with the first week of my hike in PA and then on the JMT this summer) and a new pack cover (the one my hubby made was a tad too big and at times on my SOBO last year, I felt like I was wearing a skirt). More to come as the time draws nigh.
Date: 2011-03-18
To: Wondering What the Future Holds
Miles today: 0.0

Okay, I am still set to finish the AT SOBO this year, BUT it really depends on a job. You see, I'm a writer and I just found out from my agent that a publisher is interested in a proposal I sent in on the lifesaving stations in the Outer Banks of NC. BUT they really want a full manuscript completed as soon as possible. Now to try and take out three weeks this spring to finish the trail while this is hanging over my head may be tough to do. I still plan to at least venture out for a week to cover DWG to Port Clinton. But finishing all the way to Harper's Ferry might have to be put on hold until the fall. I'll know better after April 4th when the publishing committee convenes and they give me their ultimatum. SO stay tuned. Meanwhile I think of all those out there enjoying fine March weather for a NOBO hike and wishing I was out there with them. Happy trails.
Date: 2011-04-04
To: I'm Going
Miles today: 0.0

Well, all things work together for good...somehow! My proposal died today at the publishing committee, and that was the major thing holding me back from finishing the hike. SO I will leave as scheduled with hubby on April 18th from DWG south to Harper's Ferry to finish my SOBO. But now I need to plan some stuff and prepare a few maildrops and meds I will need.
Date: 2011-04-11
To: Prepping
Miles today: 0.0

Prepping today for the three week long jaunt to finish my SOBO. I plan to start with my new Catalyst pack I had originally picked up for the JMT - but decided might as well see how it goes for this trip. Hubby will hike with me for the first week, then I will see him on subsequent weekends in Boiling Springs and 2 days shy of Harper's Ferry Where we will celebrate my finish of the AT SOBO to be a two time AT 2,000 miler, both directions. Feel excitement for that. But now have to first finish the hike...
Date: 2011-04-18
From: Delaware Water Gap

To: Wind Gap
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Stayed last night in PA with Ernie from the hiker forum White Blaze who had volunteeered to shuttle us and invited us to stay in the mother-in-law apt he had. Up early and I was dropped off at DWG to hike for half a day while my hubby met me at Kirkridge Shelter to hike the rest of the day to Wind Gap. Nice views of the river and good hiking day with temps in the 50s and no rain. Was invited back to share dinner with Ernie, his wife Terry and twin sons and spending another night in the apt. Plan to slack again tomorrow as it is projected to rain all day. So very thankful for these kind trail angels helping us in PA and letting us stay in this apt. Wow
Date: 2011-04-19
From: Wind Gap

To: Little Gap
Miles today: 15.4

Dropped off by Ernie in the AM to begin the hike. Some sprinkles then a steadier rain s th day progerssed. Did doge roocky areas but overall the trail wasn't too bad. But the day proved quite chilly and with the rain, I was feeling cold. But very glad that at the end of the day we could stay one more night at the little apartment. Made good time even though hubby was complaining of back pain. Arrived back for showers and took Ernie and his wife out to dinner as a thank you for everything they have done. Tomorrow we are out with backpacks.
Date: 2011-04-20
From: Little Gap

To: Bake Oven Knob Shelter
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Foggy with a light mist when we arrived at the AT to leave the car. First time out with my new Catalyst backpack and did pretty good with it. No views to be had today down over the rocks at Lehigh Gap which we took very carefully. Descent not too terrible despite all the dire warnings from all the hikers we saw going northbound. Crossed the river and headed up the mtn to the next shelter where we had lunch. By mid afternoon skies gave way to some sun and no t-storms that were predicted. Arrived at Bake Oven Knob to a pleasant evening.
Date: 2011-04-21
From: Bake Oven Knob Shelter

To: Dan's Spring
Miles today: 13.8

Clear but a cold and windy day. Nice views from Bake Oven Knob and the Knife Edge. The rocks of PA continue to be a challenge. Hoping for some lunch at a trailside restaurant, but closed. Disappointed at that one. Hiked on though hubby is battling bad hip pain and blisters. Still made good time to the place where we wanted to camp. Ran out of cooking fuel tonight with dinner, guess it will be sandwiches tomorrow night for dinner. Cold night. Saw a thru hiker northbound Trail Blazer who had begun in Jan.
Date: 2011-04-22
From: Dan's Spring

To: Windsor Furnace Gap
Miles today: 13.9

Day cold and cloudy. Hubby continues to have pain and no energy, so he got off at Hawk mtn rd to call Ernie to come and help him pick up the car at Little Gap. I hiked on, nice views from the Pinnacle and Prospect Rock. Made good time to Windsor Furnace and headed down the parking lot where Steve picked me up. With rain coming in, we headed to a motel for the night. Had a great dinner out. Will finish up the section of trail to Port Clinton tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-23
From: Windsor Furnace Gap

To: Port Clinton
Miles today: 6.1
Weather: overcast clouds

Yummy munchkins this Am then put on raingear for a quick slackpack into town. Started hike and rain disappeared. Even saw some views from the ridge. Headed down to town where hubby was waiting with a specail treat from the candy store - chocolate covered bacon! Went over to Cabelas to find some socks and then to a nice new buffet place near the new Walmart. Nice place for hikers now with these new resupply options. Did laundry in the afternoon and chilled for the night at the motel.
Date: 2011-04-24
From: Port Clinton

To: Eagle Nest Shelter
Miles today: 8.6
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Easter / Resurrection Day! Had a wonderful PA Dutch breakfast complete with eggs, sausage, homemade applesauce tapioca pudding, pancakes, sugar cookies, and shoofly pie at the Haag Hotel. Now THAT was a breakfast. Nice, warm day to hike. Debated where to stop, raining slightly when I arrived at the shelter, so decided to stay. Here with Gadget who plans to do the trail in 100 days. Then a huge t-storm rolled in and glad I didn't go farther and camp. I was hanging my food bag before it rained harder and in came Chicago Bull (!) who I had hiked with last fall in Vermont and MA. had a great reunion.
Date: 2011-04-25
From: Eagle Nest Shelter

To: 501 Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: light rain

Rainy and drippy - up early as gadget decided 4:45 was more his style to wake up. So out early. Little rain in the AM then it cleared but trail was still a mess with swamps from the overnight downpours. Made good time though as I was out of water for the last 3 miles - having neglected to fill up at the last stream. Big mile day planned tomorrow.
Date: 2011-04-26
From: 501 Shelter

To: Sand Spring Trail Campsite
Miles today: 20.3

No I was never going to do this kind of mileage on this trip, let alone a 20 plus. I was set to do the 1`7.8 to Rausch Gap, but as I was heading up the trail, I ran into hikers PB&J. Come to find out, they had met me way back in 2007 when I was hiking the Priest in prep for my northbound hike. Talk about wild. And then they told me about a disturbed loner hanging out on the trail and likely going to the next shelter; high on drugs ans swinging an ax demanding money. So I pushed on past the shelter and hiked 20 miles to find a campsite. Though the site was fairly flooded I did find some high ground to pitch my tent and a good thing as a t-storm blew through during the night.
Date: 2011-04-27
From: Sand Spring Trail Campsite

To: Peters Mtn Shelter
Miles today: 15.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Got an early start even though my tent is pretty wet. Right calf is bothering me which is what I feared having to do such high miles, but it couldn't be helped. So wrapped it and taking it easy. At a road crossing I dried out my tent and a day hiker approached me and offed me a tasty apple. Nice! Continued on, slow going but still made pretty good time. Very windy at the shelter, put up my tent then promptly took it down when I saw storm clouds gathering. Steep walk down to ice cold spring water. Heavy T-storms from 4 Am to 6 AM.
Date: 2011-04-28
From: Peters Mtn Shelter

To: Duncannon
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: broken clouds

Trail a mess after the rains with streams and waterfalls that I'm sure PA never has. Off the mtn saw views of a very flooded Susquehanna River. Across the bridge a campground was completed flooded. Water very high nearly to the bridges. Staying at the Doyle and saw pictures of my and my son from our 2007 NOBO hike. In a little over a week I will finish my SOBO hike.
Date: 2011-04-29
From: Duncannon

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: broken clouds

Up early to catch a great breakfast at Goodies then headed out for a leisurely hiking day. Nice views off Hawk Rock of Duncannon. Passed several NOBO sectioners and 1 thru hiker. Arrived early at the shelter and soon joined by three other men sectioning. Decided to tent. Intermittent sprinkles. PA really needs to dry out - its been extremely wet and soggy and from all reports the hike through the Cumberland region should be interesting.
Date: 2011-04-30
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Campsite 1 mile south of Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 19.2

Geared up for a high mile day through the farmlands of PA. Fairly swamps of water and mid from all the rain. At one point had to wade through water from farmland in my crocs - no telling what was in that stuff, ugh. Still made good time to Boiling Springs and stopped at the restaurant there for a hot chicken parmesan sub. Passed a wedding happening trailside by the gazebo. Outside town had to again walk through swampy farmland and shoes soaked by the time I hit the woods. Camping did not look promising at the shelter area or at the creek, so got my water and camped on top of the hill. Little did I realize i had set up shop at an old charcoal hearth site dating back to the Rev war days, or so a day hiker pointed out to me. Interesting history.
Date: 2011-05-01
From: Campsite 1 mile south of Kennedy Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Left under cloudy skies and arrived at the green mtn store at 10 AM for my second breakfast of a ham and egg sandwich along with ice cream to celebrate. While I am not at the halfway point but rather near completion, I did not have the chance to ever celebrate going half the AT SOBO, so thought a nice ice cream cone would make up for it. Hiked on and it began to rain and picked up steadily for most of the afternoon. Arrived early at Pine Grove and since hostel doesn't open until 5 PM, got a hamburger and hot cocoa at the store and talked to the lady behind the counter, Barb, and another guy, Scott, who likes to hang out at the store and share stories. When the hostel opened, checked in and had a spaghetti dinner. Hostel looks nice after all the work put into it. 3 other thru hikers arrived, Youngin, and Space Cowboy are the ones I recall. I was alone in the women's bunkroom and had a good night's sleep.
Date: 2011-05-02
From: Pine Grove Furnace

To: Quarry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 17.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Enjoyed a waffle sausage on OJ breakfast at the hostel before hiking out. Overcast at first then the sun came out to make it a rather warm, humid day. Shelters in this section are very nice, courtesy of the hard workers of the PATC. Met the "Innkeeper" of Quarry Gap who was watering his flower pots when I arrived. The place is really nice with flowers, polished and shining shelter, huge food box, even a plastic frog.
Date: 2011-05-03
From: Quarry Gap Shelter

To: Deer Lick Spring Shelter
Miles today: 15.8

Not much sleep last night as a newbie hiker decided 11PM was more his style for going to bed. Up early anyway and on the trail by 6:45 AM. Sun out and quite warm again. Took several breaks as feeling worn out by the hot day and lack of sleep. At the park I stopped for water and made some calls then hiked on to see a couple on the trail with at least 15 different dogs. All at once they came charging me, the whole pack of them, and then I felt a bite on my leg. Received several bleeding puncture wounds from the teeth and immediate bruising. The owner offered help, but not wishing to get attacked again as none of the dogs were leashed or under control, I quickly hiked away from it all, but still very upset to have been bitten. Here I had come over 4,000 miles of trail and on the last 50 miles left to go SOBO I get bit by a dog. Arrived at a very unimpressive swampy and muddy shelter for the night.
Date: 2011-05-04
From: Deer Lick Spring Shelter

To: Pogo Campsite
Miles today: 19.8
Weather: broken clouds

The rain began at 7 PM the night before and lasted all night and into the AM needless to say i did not want to get out of my sleeping bag, but I finally did knowing I had a big mile day today. walked in rain for about 2 hrs until it stopped. Ran into 2 hikers at the state line who took my picture as I crossed into my final state of my SOBO hike - Maryland! Saw a nice view at Pen Mar park then entered into Maryland. Very impressive and new shelter at Rocky Run where I took a break, then set up camp at the very hilly and unimpressive Pogo campsite. Talked to the ridgerunner there for a while. Much cooler day and windy.
Date: 2011-05-05
From: Pogo Campsite

To: Gathland State Park
Miles today: 16.0

Wow what A Gorgeous day to walk through Maryland. Saw a wonderful view from Annapolis Rock, viewed the interesting Washington Monument built in 1828, visited some Civil War sites from the battles on South Mountain and hiked until I met up with Steve at Gathland State Park. Got a room so i could wash up (after days of mud and swamp, good to be cleaned) and had a great buffet dinner. Only 10 miles left to go to Harper's Ferry!! Hard to believe this journey from Maine to GA is almost done.
Date: 2011-05-06
From: Gathland State Park

To: Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: clear sky

FINISH Day! And a beautiful clear sunny warm day to do it, too. Easy hiking south, views from Weverton Cliffs and the hubby met my at the C&O towpath where we walked the last few miles into Harper's Ferry. Took pictures, had a few visitors congratulate me on my finish, headed to the ATC center where they celebrated with sparkling bubbly and took more pictures. They said I was the first to finish the trail in HF this year. SO excited to be a 4,000 miler of the trail both north and south!
Date: 2011-02-28
To: The Last Few Weeks Home
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the last day of February and I now have 12 days till I start my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail. The last month has been a blast to say the least. I'm now back from Maine, and enjoyed every day of the two weeks I spent there while visiting everyone before I start my hike. My friend Steven Cappello drove back with me and will be starting with me on March 12th. He will hike until he does not want to hike anymore. I went to Savannah to see my brother Steve with Laura and Steven. Saturday, Laura and I drove to Atlanta for the AMA Supercross races. I had one of the funnest weekends I have had in a while. It was great to see everyone, go out with everyone, and have a good time before leaving in two weeks. From now on, all my focus will be towards the trail.I told myself back in December that I will not let me self get overwhelmed with the trail. I will live my life day to day until my start date arrives. With that said, the AT is always on my mind, no matter where I am or what I'm doing.I'll be hiking around Sams Gap and Max Patch as they are two points on the AT that are close to me. Steven and I will do as many day hikes as possible until the 12th.I have nothing but positive energy around me from everyone who supports me in this journey of a lifetime. The days are counting down, and I can't believe I'll be setting foot on the AT this month to start my thru hike.Until next time,-Chris
Date: 2011-03-02
To: Ten Days Left
Miles today: 0.0

I now have ten days until I leave. I have been focusing on making sure I want to take everything I currently have, getting my pack weight right, and testing all my gear. Steven and I hiked Max Patch to Lemon Gap today. It's just a little ways outside Hot Springs. It was great to be on the trail and we had perfect weather. We met a very nice couple from the Oconee Hiking Club who were both very interested in our thru hike. Last night I booked our room at the Lodge within the Amicalola Falls State Park for Friday night the 11th. We will head to the park early on Friday, spend some time checking the park out, and showing my mom where I hiked in October when I did the Approach Trail. I decided to do it again because I think it is a great way to start off a thru hike and doesn't take that long to hike. After being on the trail today, I can't wait to start. I spent an hour or so sitting on top of the bald checking out the mountains and trying to realize I'll be starting in a little over a week. I'm sure the next week will fly by and I'll be in Georgia before I know it. Until next time,-Chris