morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2010-06-14
From: Dicks Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Muddy survived the "roller coaster" series of non-stop ups and downs over 13 miles of his 18 mile trek today. It whiped him out but all is well now after some Tombstone Pizza and Ben and Jerry's ice cream. Tomorrow he has the Devil's Racecourse which sounds pretty intimidating but promises to be more of a steady course that will take him past the 1000 mile mark and into West Virginia!!
Date: 2010-06-15
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Blackburn AT Center
Miles today: 11.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I continued on the roller coaster which actually has been the rougher part of this section so far. It was cooler with light rain today.   I went down to the Blackburn Center with the intention of resting and spending the night. Then I took a warm shower, and they have a big screened wrap around porch. And, Brian gave me a root beer and agreed that I should stay, and why heading to Harper's Ferry in the morning would be a piece of cake. I was happy to relax with the best of both worlds-- fresh air, and a swing.   Other hikers didn't show up until dinnertime, about 6 o'clock, so I had a long afternoon to myself. Brian made spagetti for us tonight. This is a good place to finish up VA. Today I have walked 1,000 miles, tomorrow I will walk to Harper's Ferry and start a few days off the trail. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-06-16
From: Blackburn AT Center

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: light rain

I started at 5AM into a nice morning on the ridge. Rocky but easy trail. As I got closer to Harper Ferry and I went over the long bridge into town, It dawned on me that I had walked all the way here. I followed the blue blazed path to the ATC HQ. I signed in, had My picture taken, and was assigned my number. I am the 354 thru-hiker to reach the center. When I planned this hike, I remember thinking to myself, I'll never get there. It's not that I didn't think I could do it, but that it just seemed so improbable to walk and walk until you've walked 1,000 miles. But I did it. I'm in Harpers Ferry.
Date: 2010-06-24
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

From Silverback:"Yo Muddy, congratulations on bagging Virginia. However, you are starting to get on my nerves the way you are moving with such speed and enjoyment - at such an age I might add. As Cotton put it in a recent email to me: "Muddy is making us look like panty wastes".""Oh, Silverback thinks the much longer 2010 AT trail is easier than the much shorter 1992 AT Trail. I'm not sure if the trail is easier? Could it be the 2010 hikers are better prepared and ready to take advantage of the surroundings available along the much longer 2010 AT? More on the June 25, entry.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-06-25
From: Home

To: Home
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

This is continued from the June 24, 2010 entry. Silverback wrote, "I'm sure the reason you're doing so well is because the trail is so easy as compared to when the Three Stools hiked it in '92. For example, do you remember the photo of you and other hikers in a lavish restaurant in Catawba, Virginia feasting on gourmet food at a lavish table? Well here's a photo of the only place we found to eat in Catawba - Doritos on a concrete slab by the country store. Note also the sticks we used before hi-tech Leki, spring action hiking poles came around. I rest my case."IS THE TRAIL EASIER IN 2010?Am I getting my stuff ready to go back to Harpers Ferry on the much easier 2010 AT? I hope so.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-06-27
From: Home

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: broken clouds

When I started my hike on March 21, 2010, Cotton Patch entrusted me with his pilgrims cross. The first two Sundays on my trek were Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday and I kept thinking about the cross.This is Cotton Patche's story of this cross that I have in my pack.  Hello Muddy - You told me in Pearisburg you would like more info on the cross I left with you on Springer. I received the cross at the monastery in Conyers when I made a Cursillo week-end in 1981. Son David "Longlegs" Goode took the cross from Mt. Katahdin to Springer in 1989 at age 19. I took the cross from Springer to Katahdin in 1992. Fr. Bill Hoffman carried the cross from Springer to Katahdin in 1993. Friend Ray "Grumpy" Stuermer carried it from Springer to Katahdin in 1995. Fr. Bob Cushing (Savannah Diocese) took the cross to Hiroshima and Nagasaki Japan in 2005 for the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the bombings. Fr. Marty Kopchik took the cross to Spain in 2006 for his hike on Camino de Santiago de Compostela - the 1000 year old trail walked by St. Francis of Assissi. And the cross has been on many other adventures, including the John Muir Trail in CA."  Happy TrailsCotton Patch And now the pilgrim's cross once again is making the trek with Muddy.
Date: 2010-06-28
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Washington Monument State Park, MD
Miles today: 18.7

I'm back on the trail again.Yesterday was a bad day. I first had to say goodbye to Dottie after a too short stay at home. Then I was delayed by mechanical problems at Delta which required them to move us to another plane in Atlanta. Then after I got to Harpers Ferry I saw that now over 700 Thru-hikers have made the trek to Harpers Ferry. Now over 300 hikers have passed me since I left the trail.I know I have to hike my own hike. But I have the feeling I am being left behind. The feeling did not go away today and I made almost 19 miles on my first day back. I'll work through it.This morning I left Harpers Ferry early and entered into Maryland. Maryland is my sixth state (GA, NC, TN, VA, WV and MD). I am now only 20+ miles from the Mason and Dixon Line. I will be in Pennsylvania day after tomorrow.I snooped through the trail books at the ATC and found Seabear in the 1985 and 1992 book. Billy The Kid, Cotton Patch and Silverback were in the 1992 book. I plan to show Dottie my picture and name in the 2010 book next year.Well I have some hikers to catch.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-06-29
From: Washington Monument State Park, MD

To: MD 17, Wolfville Rd
Miles today: 12.6

Maryland gave me quite a surprise today. The high today was in the 70's and the humidity was low. A slight breeze was blowing as I started going north. The trail was easy and my spirits are high. I calculated that I can average 10+ miles per day and finish by the end of September. I will reach the Pen Mar County Park tomorrow and the Mason and Dixon line. Today was a perfect day to go for a walk and the next few days should be the sameHappy Trails
Date: 2010-06-30
From: MD 17, Wolfville Rd

To: Old Forge Road
Miles today: 17.8

I made it to the Pen Mark County Park this after noon. The weather today was still great for walking. I sat at the observation pavilion with a few other hikers and looked into the area that is the Mason and Dixon Line. I then walked across the railroad tracks and found the wooden post that marked the line. I am now in Pennsylvania which is the seventh state I have hiked. I could not decide if I should stop in Waynesboro, PA. It was still early so I kept walking. I stopped at the Old Forge Park and called a shuttle to a hikers motel. I have heard of the rocks in PA but have not reached them yet. One southbound hiker said the trail was nice except every so often I would cross through what looked like rock explosions. I don't know what that means. I guess I will find out soon.   Back to my walkingHappy Trails
Date: 2010-07-02
From: Old Forge Road

To: Fayettville, PA
Miles today: 11.1

Pennsylvania is easy hiking so far. The humidity is low and the trail is flat. I hiked to US 30 today and the start of the Caledonia State Park. It was kind of strange today as I passed five shelters and three were within 3 miles of each other. Tomorrow the heat and humidity will return. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-03
From: Fayettville, PA

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: clear sky

Today I discovered the rocks of Pennsylvania. Also the weather became full summer as the humidity and the tempretures reached the 90's. I made good time today as I wanted to cross the actual half way point of the AT. Just past the Toms Run Shelter I crossed the 1089+ miles of the AT.I am at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park and the place on the trail where the Half Gallon Challenge started. I think you must eat a half gallon of ice cream in 30 minutes. I plan to try.Anyone for Ice Cream? Happy Independance day tomorrow.
Date: 2010-07-04
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Boling Springs, PA
Miles today: 19.2

Happy Fourth of July!For the past three days, just east of the AT, there has been a re-enactment of the Battle of Gettysburg. I think this battle was the turning point of the war between the states. I walked along today trying to remember what I learned in history. Did General Lee lead an attack Union Army to take the fighting from Virginia? Or was Lee trying to keep the Union Army from entering Virginia? I'll have to read up on this when I get home.My family is at the compound in South Georgia eating chicken and dumplins while I am feasting on my Lipton Rice dish in the rocks of Pennsylvania. Today was hot but I enjoyed hiking today. The humidity was down and I was under the trees most of today. I just had a good 4th of July.I missed my 6th Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta and the brunch at Chris's house. I will make it next year.Enjoy the fireworks and Happy Trails.
Date: 2010-07-05
From: Boling Springs, PA

To: Duncannon, PA
Miles today: 22.0
Weather: few clouds

I felt the heat today. It has not rained or been cloudy since Harpers Ferry. With the heat I'm sure when rain does come it will be through storms. I am making good time in PA. I was glad to reach the Doyle today and see other hikers. I have seen very few thru-hikers in the last week.I have had 3G coverage all through PA. The first part of the AT skirts I81. I enjoy using my iPhone. It's late and I am going for pizza in Duncannon. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-06
From: Duncannon, PA

To: Yellow Spring Village Site
Miles today: 23.7

Today I hiked my longest hike of the AT. I left Duncannon this morning at 6AM. I wanted to beat the heat. I was motivated by news of hikers I met early on the trail in Georgia. Whippersnapper is pushing to make Baxter State Park at the end of August as he has a job lined up for September. Most of the other thru-hikers I was traveling with are in New York. I enjoyed my night at The Doyle. This is a 150 year old hotel that caters to hikers. My room had a single bed and a fan. I stopped at the Doyle after I finished my pizza and I talked to a group of thru-hikers. They were eating steak. I wish I had stopped there first. I did have beer with them before I turned in. Back to the rocks and the heat tomorrow.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-07
From: Yellow Spring Village Site

To: Lickdale, PA
Miles today: 20.7

I started early again this morning to beat the heat but I didn't. The low last night was 79. About 10:30 I started feeling the heat and the rocks. The humidity was near 90. I had to cool down so I stopped at Lickdale. I want to finish PA by the weekend. I have my tent set up in the campground. There is no escaping the heat. I'm going to find a cool spot.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-08
From: Lickdale, PA

To: PA 83
Miles today: 20.7

Today stunk! The trail was awful, the weather was scalding and the water was scarce. I had a hard time today as all the planets aligned to make me miserable. Seabear said of his two thru-hikes, "I liked everything but the walking". Today I could not say that. Pennsylvania has three kinds of rocks on the trail. The first are the pointed rocks that are burried in the trail. These are pointed so they catch the toes of north bound hikers. The second types are the round rocks that are aligned to turn the ankles of north bounders. The third types are the huge bolders that require climbing. These are where the rattle snakes like to hide and ambush north bounders. The trail crews in PA must have a busy month after the north bound hikers pass. They have to turn all the rocks to make south bound hikers miserable. This area needs rain as water sources are dry. The hot streak is making alot of hikers sick. After PA the rocks continue for 20 miles into NJ. Tomorrow should be better as I hope to make Hamburg and a giant Cabellas store. Sorry, I have griped enough today to last me to Maine. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-09
From: PA 83

To: Eagles Nest Shelter
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Not a good day in PA!I'm not complaining today but today took up where yesterday left off. Heat, humidity and rocks zapped me again and I stopped at 10 miles. I have heard that a cold front might be here tonight. Cooler weather and rain is needed.It's raining now. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-10
From: Eagles Nest Shelter

To: Frankfurt, PA
Miles today: 10.3

It rained and was cool as I walked today. It was nice as I reached Hamburg where Cabellas is located. It is larger than a Bass Pro Shop but I was disappointed on how little back packing stuff they sell.McDonalds is next door with sweet tea and Crackers Barrel is down the road. I am all set.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-11
From: Frankfurt, PA

To: Allentown Shelter
Miles today: 11.0

Happy Birthday KevinGreat weather has broke out in PA. Still making my way through the rocks. I was happy to see other hikers in the shelter tonight. My iPhone is still working 3G. I only need to average 10+ miles per day and I will be finished by Emilys birthday. My Stats:Total Number of Days                    112Total Number of Hiking Days.      91Average Miles per Day.                 11.56Average Miles per Hiking Day        14.2               Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-12
From: Allentown Shelter

To:  PA 873
Miles today: 13.0

The rocks continue to be a hazard in PA. My hike was quick today. Water has become a problem in PA as many of the spots are dry. For the past few days I felt I was in the movie 'Ground Hog Day'. Each day the trail was like the day before. In three days I'll enter NJ. The time is going by fast. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-15
From: Delaware Water Gap,PA

To: Mohican Outdoor Center
Miles today: 10.5
Weather: light rain

I'm now in New Jersey I left Deleware Gap early after eating breakfast at the Diner. I crossed the Delaware River and entered the Worthington State Forest. I had walked less than a mile when I saw a bear on the trail. The blue berries were ready along the trail.After walking six mles I came to Sunfish Pond. It is a glacier lake and one of the natural wonders of NJ. The rocks on the trail were awful. The trail climbed up to a ridge that looked weird. All the vegetation was dead and brown. I guess the heat and drought caused it. The view from the ridge was great. I only did ten miles today but I had a really rough time. I was exhausted after the first mile. I recovered somewhat after setting up my tent and eating a deli sandwich at the Mohican Outdoor Center lodge. Thie MOC is run by the Appalachain Mountain Club. The AMC also runs the hut system in New Hampshire. I am sitting in the lodge relaxing now. My phone hardly works here but the lodge has WIFI. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-16
From: Mohican Outdoor Center

To: US 206
Miles today: 12.6

I'm still Thru-hiking. I thought I was going to become a Thru-whiner. My left knee was killing me today and as I walked I knew if I went to a doctor my hike would end. Well I went to a Medical Clinic and the doctor said I was OK. He could not find anything wrong. He said something about "take it easier at my age."I am in a Econo Lodge somewhere near Branchville, NJ. I will zero tomorrow and wait to hear how Emily does in her swim meet. I will go slower on Sunday. I am happy to still be walking and I think I have finished the rocks. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-18
From: US 206

To: NJ 23 
Miles today: 13.2

Congratulations to Emily and the Chateau Elan Swim Team I can't wait to see you swim at Swim Atlanta this fall.Today I continued my thru-hike without whining. Dottie has had to listen to me whine for the past two weeks. I complained about the heat, the rocks, my knee and everything else. Today the weather was still hot and humid. My knee was still a little sore. But my attitude is better as I realized I will finish my hike in about eight weeks and I will not remember all the little things that make me whine.I am staying in Port Jarvis, NY. The trail follows the NJ/NY border like it did in NC/TN. I only have one or two days to hike in NJ and I will enter the lake country of NY. I will even hike near West Point. This will be the lowest point on the AT.The Hudson River is at sea level. I'm getting excited again. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-20
From: NJ 94

To: NY 17A
Miles today: 15.0

New York!After three hours hiking today I crossed the NY/NJ border and I was then hiking in New York. A misty rain fell as I hiked and this made the hike nice. I was upbeat as I entered Geeenwood Lake, NY. This town is a small older village on the lake. I am at Antons motel/marina that is hiker friendly. Tomorrow is going to be a stormy day again. I'll have to start early again. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-21
From: NY 17A

To: Arden Valley Road
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I have been hiking the AT four months today.Today was alot of ups and downs. I started early and tried to move fast to miss the storms that are forecast. It was clear all day and has not rained yet. About mid day at Mombasha I could see New York City. The trail goes in a half circle through New York with the City off to the right. This was the first time I was able to see it. There seems to be more water now. I passed a waterfall, a couple of lakes, and a few streams. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-22
From: Arden Valley Road

To: Highland Falls, NY
Miles today: 15.4

I found out today I have lost my climbing legs. The climbs today were not high. Bear Mountain was not 1500 feet and the Hudson River is at sea level. As I came down from Bear Mountain I came into Ft Montgomery and the Hudson River Valley. I stopped at the Bear Mountain Bridge that crosses the Hudson River. A tug was pushing a group of eight barges under it that looked like they were full of sand.The view up the valley was beautiful. I will be staying tonight in Highland Falls which is the home of West Point. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-23
From: Highland Falls, NY

To: Hortontown Rd
Miles today: 18.2

I crossed the Hudson River today in a light rain. I walked to NY9 and I had a hotdog at the Appalachain Store. It continued to rain as I passed the trail to the Graymoor Monistary. I started to stop for the day and get out of the rain but I enjoyed the cool wet weather. I continued walking. I almost stopped again at a state park. I kept walking until I reached the Hortontown Road. Tonight I am safe and warm out of the rain. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-24
From: Hortontown Rd

To: Wingdale, NY
Miles today: 15.1

It stormed early this morning. When I started hiking the humidity was high and the trail was easy. I passed a shelter built by the Telephone Pioneers. I also passed the AMTRAC station. I could go visit Judy, Kevin and the grandkids in NYC but I have alot more walking to do.I made it to the motel in Wingdale. There are two other hikers staying here. A daughter is hiking with her dad who is about my age. Wingdale BBQ is calling so Happy Trails.
Date: 2010-07-26
From: kent,CT

To: West Cornwall RD
Miles today: 16.2

New England WeatherIt rained yesterday as a front went through. Today the high was in the mid 80s and the humidity is low. For the next week the highs will be in the 70s. WOW!I made it to the Hitching Post today and the package Dottie sent me. I had a note from Dottie, Mitchell and Emily. That was great. I'm going to the Deli. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-27
From: West Cornwall RD

To: Salisbury, CT
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: clear sky

The ups and downs are back. If you divide the trail into thirds, the first section is ups and downs, the middle is flat and the last is ups and downs. I was told that 30% of the difficulty is in the first 2/3rds of the trail and 70% of the difficulty is in the last 3rd. I'm in the last 3rd now.I slacked today about 15+ miles. The weather is still nice. I am making good time and I should finish my hike in September or in about 7 weeks.Today I ran into a group of thru-hikers that are using two cars and slack packing the whole trail. Why didn't I think of that? They also told me they met another hiker with my trail name. I don't think they are right as I have not seen anyone in the registers with it. But who Knows; I know a mudcat and a muddy foot are ahead of me in MA.I'm still walking in CT so Happy Trails.
Date: 2010-07-28
From: Salisbury, CT

To: MA41
Miles today: 17.2

Massachusetts and 1500 MilesToday I crossed into MA and stopped at South Egremont, MA. I have completed 10 states (GA,NC,TN,VA,WV,MD,PA,NJ,NY,CT) and I have the New England States to finish (MA,VT,NH,ME).I was excited when I completed 1500 miles. This was one of my milestones. I am back in the mountains again and the trail is back up to 3000 feet. Seabear told me to tag the sign at Katahdin and start walking back home. This is kind of what I plan to do but it will be at 30,000 feet on Delta. Emily starts her winter swimming in August so I have to get back home.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-07-29
From: MA41

To:  Benedict Pond
Miles today: 17.1

Today I decided to go for a walk. Everything seemed perfect today. I am camping tonight at Benedict Pond. I have started seeing south bound thru hikers. I saw seven today. I kept thinking about how far they have to go; 1500+ miles. The walking is more like a job instead of an adventure like it was in my early hike. Everyday I think of the final climb. I never thought of this like I do now. I am looking forward to seeing Billy The Kid 92 when I reach NH. Although I am not looking forward to the ups and downs of NH. Happy Trails from MA.
Date: 2010-07-31
From: US20

To: MA8
Miles today: 14.4

Today was a great day in MA. I walked over the Cobbles and I could see the Hoosic Valley and Mt Greylock. I have enjoyed MA as there is a town at every road. Tomorrow I will climb Mt Greylock which is the highest point on the AT in MA. I continue to see southbound thru-hikers. It is neat because they tell me what is ahead on the trail. They say Mt Greylock is not real bad. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-08-01
From: MA8

To: MA2
Miles today: 18.2

I pushed hard today to get to the northern border of Massachusetts. I am in North Adams. Tomorrow I will enter Vermont and will have just three states left to finish. The hills/mountains get rougher as I go north.I told Emily that I calculate I will finish my hike on September 25, 2010; thats 55 days. I am staying at a HoJo tonight with a fresh market and a few restraunts across the road. This will be one of my last motel stays. I have to make good time to make this schedule. I am walking my way home to Dottie now.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-08-02
From: MA2

To: VT9
Miles today: 17.4

VermontI am now in Vermont. The trail entered a Forrest growth that looked like a long green tunnel. The trail was covered by black mud. When I started this morning the sky was overcast and thunderstorms were forecast. The rain did not develop. Dottie told me about the heat at home. I am glad the weather is nice here. I guess I will have to worry about the cold next. Right now, I'm cool in VT.Happy Trails
Date: 2010-08-03
From: VT9

To: Story Spring Shelter
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It rained until noon. I got out of the rain and had lunch at the Goddard Shelter. Billy The Kid 92 says this is his favorite section of the trail. After lunch I continued on to the Story Spring Shelter. I am spending the night. It is still cloudy and rain is forecast. But I am dry. Happy Trails
Date: 2010-08-05
From: VT11

To: LP Shelter
Miles today: 14.7

The thunder storms were all around. The clouds were dark but I stayed dry. A day hiker from Vermont said local hikers called the state Vermud. He also said they call the Long Trail the long river. I have not found the mud or the trail unpleasant. After rocks and heat I can't complain. I'm happy. Happy Trails