morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2013-06-14
From: Elkton, VA

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Started out early, and hiked pretty fast to get to The Big Meadows! Maybe too fast as my knees and Achilles' tendon is really swollen and painful. Kind of down emotionally last few days. Not sure why? Maybe hiking solo last several days without my buds has played on my mind a little. I usually don't mind hiking solo, but I do enjoy the company and sharing the experience. I think the weather, lousy, has had an effect too. This is why they say, never quit on a bad day, or days! I'm sitting here and the sun has finally come out! Better already. I do know that I have to stop doing 20 plus days. My body just can't take it. I hate to admit it, but I'm just not as young as I use to be! Ha! I guess I've been trying to catch up to some trail friends, and have over done it. It's amazing how weather has such an effect on my moods though. We all have been through such trying weather this year! It only makes us stronger. I read in a shelter journal today that I'm only 1-3 days behind some folks I really enjoy and have been pushing it. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to have to keep my miles to 15 or so, until these knees and Achilles' tendon settle down. I should be in Harpers Ferry around the 22nd, even backing down the daily miles. I'm happy with that, but I do want to catch Green Blaze and Jabber Wocki! They are fun and its nice to share the good, bad, and painful, with friends. We will see!!!Talked to Awesome Wife who really picked up my spirits! She is the BEST! Wanted to say congrats to Rocket on almost completing his thru-hike! I really enjoyed all our time together and wish him all the luck. A good man, who helped me several times early on my hike! Thank you Rocket and God Speed!As far as my journal, I'm trying to be as honest as I can be. The good with the not so good. I do appreciate everyone who has been following, and praying for me. You don't know how much it has helped. Thank you. I'm sorry I can't respond to every e-mail, mainly do to wifi limitations! But know, I appreciate all of them. I hope to respond to everyone when I finally get through this epic adventure! Please continue to pray for my health and my Mom!
Date: 2013-06-15
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Birds Nest Hut
Miles today: 14.4

My 3 month trail anniversary! Can't believe I've been at this for 3 months! It's been an adventure. Hard but exciting! Felt much better today both physically and emotionally. The weather was really nice and the trail was rather forgiving today! Great views from rock and boulder fields. Saw several deer today. They are so tame in the Shennys. They will literally walk a few feet from you. No fear! I was excited to hike to the Skyland Restaurant for lunch. When I got there Beerdra was already eating and so I sat with her. The restaurant was packed with tourist and so was the trail today. Many folks out day hiking. Can be a little frustrating as they really slow the thru- hikers on a mission down! Some are very courteous and will say, "thru-hiker" coming through, clear the trail! We always appreciate that! Many want to talk about the experience and I'm happy to share except when it happens too often and really slows me down. It's funny to watch there reaction when they ask, where you heading? And how far have you gone? Or where did you start? Maine, 20 plus miles, Springer Mtn Ga! Ha! They give the craziest responses and facial expressions! We're definitely an oddity to them, and then the real questions start.
Date: 2013-06-16
From: Birds Nest Hut

To: Mathews Arm Campground
Miles today: 30.4
Weather: overcast clouds

No i didn't hike 30 miles. Another mileage correction. Not sure why it keeps getting off track! Good tent site for a change. The Shennys have been fun but tenting has been a little difficult. Very few stealth sites. I think the park service likes it that way to protect vegetation. I'm ok with that, but look more and more forward to leaving VA. Don't get me wrong, I've loved VA, but after almost 550 miles it will be good to mark off another state completed! Also, I'm excited to be getting close to my childhood home state, WV! Almost Heaven!!! After eating lunch at the Elkwallow Wayside, I decided to hike the Skyline Drive road for a few miles and see if I could get some views. It was nice hiking on a road for a change. Yes, I didn't White Blaze, but I didn't save any miles either. I just needed a change. Several folks have done this also, which gave me the idea. And yes, the views were nice. I then decided instead of hiking to my original destination for the day, Gravel Springs Hut, I would shorten my day by a couple of miles, and go to Mathews Arm Campground. It is primitive, but does have flush toilets, and no showers. The hike down to it was kind of long, but I just wanted a break from the shelter crowds for the night. My plan is to hike to the Front Royal Hostel tomorrow, about 13 miles for a shower, resupply, and a bed! I've tried to slow down and do a few less miles to see if that helps with the Achilles' tendon problem. I hope so because I'm tired of hiking in pain. Also, it looks like I will get into Harpers Ferry on schedule, Friday or Saturday. I'm looking forward to reaching the halfway point and visiting my brother Donnie for a few days. I may have him slack me a couple of days just to stay on schedule, or just say the heck with it, and just rest and enjoy!! Ha!
Date: 2013-06-17
From: Mathews Arm Campground

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Left camp early and headed to Front Royal. Saw a coyote and her two pups this morning. Man it is hot! No spring, just winter to summer! Oh well, sounds about right for this hiking season. Finally decided I needed to get this Achilles' tendon checked out. I've hiked from Georgia to almost Harpers Ferry with swelling and pain without relief. Each step has been painful and I'm sure this has affected my moods. Anyways, got an appointment with a Podiatrist/Surgeon for Wednesday in Fredericks, MD. Thank goodness my brother lives in Harpers Ferry and can get me there. Slows me down some, but if he can help, I'm all for it. I hope he agrees to inject cortisone and doesn't just say Motrin and rest! I already live on Motrin!!! And rest for an extended period is not an option! I'm trying to get to Katahdin this year! Ha!Did something normal today and went and saw Superman with Nema and Chicago. Nice break! Well head to brothers tomorrow. Looking forward to visiting with his family! 50/50 Out
Date: 2013-06-18
From: Front Royal

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Harpers FerryWell bad news! Have to leave my thru-hike for now. Saw Podiatrist/Surgeon today and he treated my right Achilles' tendon with a cortisone injection and also another tendon in right foot! Additionally, prescribed meds. Diagnosed as extreme tendinitis and diabetic neuropathy in both feet! Can't believe all the pain I was having in both feet from the very start was this and could have been treated. Would of saved a lot of pain. Anyways, the Surgeon put me in a cast and said I had to rest it for 3 weeks. The risk of tearing or rupturing the Achilles ultimately has taken me off the trail for now!Very disappointed and really need some time to process all of this before further comments or a decision on what to do. There is a possibility if I heal quicker than expected I could get back on trAil in 3 weeks. This may require a flip-flop. Or if it doesn't progress as well, there is next year. I just don't know and am very sad right now.Thank you all who have followed me and prayed for me throughout! I really appreciate it. Maybe there is a bigger reason for all this happening now! The Surgeon said, "I don't know how you made it this far" with all the foot problems and pain. I do, the Lords grace and all your prayers. I will be back and finish my dream!!! I will write further comments and updates after I get over the disappointment. I'm strong in spirit and will be alright! Thank you Awesome Wife for all the encouragement and support! See you soon!!God Bless! 50/50
Date: 2013-06-19
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Daughters House in VA
Miles today: 38.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well Im finally ready to update my journal. Unfortunately I've had to leave the trail due to injuries. My Achilles tendon along with diabetic neuropathy to both feet became too painful to continue this year. After seeing a podiatrist/surgeon, i was strongly advised to get treatment and take an extended rest. The Achilles was treated with injections and prednisone. The neuropathy with meds. After much initial sadness, I've decided my long term health was more important than attempting to complete my thru- hike. This was a very tough decision. My heart said go, my head said no! But ultimately, I wanted to continue to be healthy enough to enjoy all my activities, to play with my Grandson, without fear of permanent damage.So I made it to Harpers Ferry! The emotional halfway point. I'm proud of making it this far but feel my hike is incomplete. I have talked several times to my Awesome Wife, whom none of this would have been possible without her complete, loving support. We have discussed future options, such as, starting from Harpers Ferry next May and continuing North. I know this isn't technically considered a thru-hike, especially by purist but this hike has become so much more than labels to me! My dream for all these years has been to hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Yes, I wanted to do it as a thru-hike, but, I know that is not possible this year. So I will have to make a decision on this later. What now? Well I heal, decompress from the trail, and go home. I'm excited to get home and back to my Awesome Wife! Back to the beach where I live. Back to my pre-hike life. But, not going back the same. The trail has been an unbelievable experience, and I have met some unbelievable people! My perspective has changed in certain areas, and has been reinforced in others. I'm amazed by all the prayers that were answered, the huge blessings I was given. More on this later. I do know that my confidence, and confidence in the good of people has been renewed! I had so much help during this whole experience from total strangers! Trail Angels, Trail Magic, and fellow hikers! It was amazing to me how quickly fellow hikers became quick friends. Sharing the hike, the pain and struggles, along with all the great beauty, food, and experiences. It is very hard to put in words. I will be updating my journal further and sharing some of the things I learned, the people I've met, and the prayers answered. I will also try to put in words how my faith has matured, and how I am in Awe of how good The Lord is! I am Blessed! I tried, not always successfully, to shine HIS light! Im rooting for all the thru-hikers and pray for there safety and success! Im with you in spirit! Anyways, until later, God Bless! 50/50
Date: 2013-09-04
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I wanted to let all my trail friends know that my Mom went to be with the Lord last Thursday. I want to thank everybody who offered prayers and encouragement and let you know how much that meant to my Mom and my family. The good news is I was able to spend some valuable and peaceful time with her over the last couple of months. She was a special lady and will be missed dearly, but, I know Heaven is a happier place!As for me, I am slowly healing from my Achilles tendon injury, and have even started walking and riding my bike again. I have an appointment to see a specialist to determine if I may need some surgery to fix this problem. If so, the sooner the better, so I can heal and rehab, and get ready for next year!! I may be out, but I'm not done! Ha!I keep a close watch on TJ's, and continue to pray and root on my fellow 2013 thru-hikers! Stay strong, safe, and God Bless!!50/50
Date: 2014-01-31
From: Home

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Well the decision has been made. I will re-start the trail just before Harper's Ferry where I had to get off due to injury and ultimately the passing of my Mom. I'm looking at a start date of June 1. My body has healed up to the point I feel comfortable with my decision. Technically, when I complete the trail (NOBO), it won't be classified as a true thru-hike, but my lifetime goal was to hike the whole trail. So I guess I'm aiming to be a 2000 miler!A lot has happened since I got off the trail. I jumped back into work with Awesome Wife. Were both realtors and work as a team. My Mom passed away but I was blessed to be able to spend some good time with her at the end. When I had to make the decision to leave the trail due to injury, I kept praying and asking why? Now I know why everything happened as it did. To heal physically, and emotionally, and to spend time with my Mom. Once I realized all of this, my disappointment at not being able to continue abated, and I found peace.So why re-start in June? Well, my daughter is going to give us a grand-daughter in May and I wouldn't miss that for anything! Her family lives in Virginia so logistically it really worked out well. They only live about 3 hours from Harper's Ferry so after she delivers I will be ready to start. Awesome Wife, my best friend of 35 years, is so supportive of my dream and really has been awesome in encouraging and supporting this effort! I knew she would support me if I wanted to try this crazy hike again. Just the other day, I asked in all seriousness, what she thought? She told me I needed to finish and she would totally support my efforts!! I even asked, if I got to Kathadin and wanted to flip back to Harper's Ferry (SOBO) to Springer, to complete a thru-hike what would she think? Again, she said, do it! I feel so blessed to have an Awesome Wife! Thus the name, for those wondering!So having said all that, my preparation continues. I do feel so much more experienced and more knowledgeable of what to expect. I'm sure I will continue to learn though. I do know I will be starting with a lot less pack weight! I will smell the roses more, listen to my body, slow down when needed. I can't thank enough the 2013ers I hiked and made friends with. I learned so much! I was so proud of the 2013ers who were able to summit Kathadin and those that weren't. I feel I made some life-long friends and enjoy staying in touch with so many. I'll never forget the weather in March we endured and the time spent!I look forward to meeting the 2014's, and wish everybody good luck. Remember, HYOH! See you on the trail!50/50
Date: 2014-03-03
To: Planning Re-Start
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Well the decision has been made. I will re-start the trail just before Harper's Ferry where I had to get off due to injury and ultimately the passing of my Mom. I'm looking at a start date of June 1. My body has healed up to the point I feel comfortable with my decision. Technically, when I complete the trail (NOBO), it won't be classified as a true thru-hike, but my lifetime goal was to hike the whole trail. So I guess I'm aiming to be a 2000 miler!A lot has happened since I got off the trail. I jumped back into work with Awesome Wife. Were both realtors and work as a team. My Mom passed away but I was blessed to be able to spend some good time with her at the end. When I had to make the decision to leave the trail due to injury, I kept praying and asking why? Now I know why everything happened as it did. To heal physically, and emotionally, and to spend time with my Mom. Once I realized all of this, my disappointment at not being able to continue abated, and I found peace.So why re-start in June? Well, my daughter is going to give us a grand-daughter in May and I wouldn't miss that for anything! Her family lives in Virginia so logistically it really worked out well. They only live about 3 hours from Harper's Ferry so after she delivers I will be ready to start. Awesome Wife, my best friend of 35 years, is so supportive of my dream and really has been awesome in encouraging and supporting this effort! I knew she would support me if I wanted to try this crazy hike again. Just the other day, I asked in all seriousness, what she thought? She told me I needed to finish and she would totally support my efforts!! I even asked, if I got to Kathadin and wanted to flip back to Harper's Ferry (SOBO) to Springer, to complete a thru-hike what would she think? Again, she said, do it! I feel so blessed to have an Awesome Wife! Thus the name, for those wondering!So having said all that, my preparation continues. I do feel so much more experienced and more knowledgeable of what to expect. I'm sure I will continue to learn though. I do know I will be starting with a lot less pack weight! I will smell the roses more, listen to my body, slow down when needed. I can't thank enough the 2013ers I hiked and made friends with. I learned so much! I was so proud of the 2013ers who were able to summit Kathadin and those that weren't. I feel I made some life-long friends and enjoy staying in touch with so many. I'll never forget the weather in March we endured and the time spent!I look forward to meeting the 2014's, and wish everybody good luck. Remember, HYOH! See you on the trail!50/50
Date: 2013-01-19
To: prep #3
Miles today: 0.0

I started my physical prepareration for my hike in the spring by doing a lot of walking and mountain biking. I was attending a technical school until June so any backpacking I did was on weekends or during extended breaks. I did a lot of one and two nighters on the Quehanna Trail in Pennsylvania's Moshannon State Forest. My wife and I did a lot of day hikes also. December first I ramped it up a little. I started doing my walks with ten pound ankle weights and riding a stationary bike for and hour or more. Also I'm doing a lot of excercises just to maintain muscle tone. Once the snow came I could do some cross country skiing. I raise beagles for hunting and field trialing. When we got dumped on with snow, I really noticed the difference in my leg strength when we were hunting in deep snow. We hunted snowshoe hares in the Alleghany National Forest and the snow was up over my thighs and I plowed through it preety good. So, I think the training is paying off.Within the next day or so I will laying out everything I'm taking, minus food and water. Then I'll get an idea about what kind of weight I'm carrying.
Date: 2013-01-30
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night I laid out every thing I'll be taking until after Mt. Rogers in VA. There were a few things that I thought I needed that were crossed off my list. Gloria helped me get rid of some things that I did not need. It's good to have an objective view.   My Kelty Red Cloud pack weighs 6 lbs, so my total weight will be 32 lbs. minus food and water. I'v never been one to obsess over pack weight. I'm very comfortable with this pack. It fits me well and has a ton of pockets to seperate my stuff. Several times I've carried over 50 lbs. with it. I've had it a long time and I hope it makes the trek. We loaded the pack with everything to see how it felt. I'll probably re-pack it several times and move stuff around to see what fits best, but I know when I'm on the trail, everything will find it's right place in the pack.Is every one starting to get a knot in your gut yet? I am!
Date: 2013-01-31
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

One of the biggest problems I'm going to have is maintaining my weight. I know it's normal to loose 20 or more pounds on the trip, but the way I lose weight it may be a problem. On a 6 day hike in the summer, I may loose 8 to 10 pounds. My wife knows this and is reminding me daily that I have to eat and eat and eat. She feels that I should be eating between 4000 to 5000 calories each day. Tonight we set out what she considered a barely acceptable days worth of food. It totaled around 3750 calories. Right now I look at it and think I will never be able to eat it all. But after a few weeks I'm sure my appitite will grow.
Date: 2013-02-28
To: Springer Mtn.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light rain

Last night we left Brockway and drove down to Cranbery Township, just north of Pittsburgh. We spent the night at my daughters house. It's now about 5 AM and we are geting ready to leave and drive to Georgia. We have reservations at a motel in Dahlonega. We'll get up early on 3-1 and get to Springer via 42. Gloria and Angie are going to hike up to the plaque with me, take some pictures, then hike back down to 42. That's where I'll say my goodbyes and start walking. That's when my head will start to clear out and the knot will leave my stomach.
Date: 2013-03-01
From: Springer Mtn.

To: Gooch Mt
Miles today: 15.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Got a late start on 3-1. I'd tell you why but it's a family secrete. I made the 15.8 miles to rhe Gooch Mt. shelter by 5:30 PM. The shelter was full of hikers and there were a lot of tents set up. I set up my tent and cooked my dinner. When I woke, around 6 AM, it was around 25 degrees with about an inch of snow. My first lesson on how to tear down and pack up FAST. I ate and left Gooch Mt. about 8AM. This was some very tough hiking. Big Cedar Mt. was tough, but it was worth the view. The hike up to 4,461 foot Blood Mt.was hard, but not as hard as the hike down. The trail was very rocky and covered with ice. I turtled (fell and landed on my pack) 3 times. I wish I had a video of me trying to get up. I made into Neel Gap and went to the Mountain Hikers Hostel. Luckily there were 2 bunks left. A good deal. For $16.00 you get a bunk with a pillow and a shower with the towel provided. For a donation to the "Pirate", he runs the place, you got a dinner and breakfast.I left Neel Gap about 7:45 and my water was froze within 15 minutes. The first 3 days were very cold, snowy and windy. I been making some big miles so far, I hope I can maintain the pace.I pulled into Hiawassee, GA to resupply. I'm staying at a Day's Inn that caters to hikers. I'll wash some clothes and go to the store and the Day's Inn will shuttle me back onto the trail in the morning. I'm only carrying enough food for 3 or 4 days to get me to Franklin, NC. I'll resupply there.Happy Trails from Punkin Pie some where on the AT.
Date: 2013-03-06
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

We are going to take the shuttle out to Dick's Creek Gap about 9 AM. It's snowing and the wind is blowing hard. We will probably spend the night at Muskrat Creek shelter. It's about 12 miles to there. But since we won't be on the trail until about 10 it will be a short day for us. I have been hiking with Sandman 69 and Guillaume for the last couple of days and we get along well. I hope I can keep up with them. The weather is supposed to get a lot better starting tommorow. 50's and 60's. That will be a welcome change. I hope to be over 80 miles by the end of the day.I'm having some trouble uploading pictures, so please bear with me.Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT
Date: 2013-03-15
To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's 6:30 AM on Friday 3/15 and some of us hikers are in the lobby waiting for the shuttle to start running to take us back to the trailhead about 2 miles away. It's tough when it dosen't get light until about 7:30, but that will be changing soon. I feel rested and I'm ready to head into the Smokies. Smoky Mountain National Park now requires a Backcountry Campers Permit. The cost is $20.00. I filled mine out last night and I'll drop it in the box when I enter the park. The park entrance is only about 2 miles up the trail from the trailhead. I won't be taking another zero day until Hot Springs, NC. About 107 miles from here. Taking the trail one piece at a time.Happy TrailsPunkin PieSomewhere on the AT