morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2003-04-17
From: U.S. 11 & 15, Pa 274

To: Donnellytown, PA
Miles today: 13.0

I slack-packed (hiked with most of the contents of my backpack removed) from Pennsylvania road 274 to Donnellytown. This section is within minutes of Patch's house, and because it is my first day out, we decided slack-packing this might be a smart idea. It turned out to be a wise move. By the end of the day, my feet knew they had been rock-hopping. Patch hiked the first mile with me up to Hawk Rock, where we had an awesome view of the farmland in the valley below. It was a stiff climb up the trail strewn with rocks. On the trail, Pennsylvania is known for its rocky terrain, and I got a good taste of it right off the bat. It can be real ankle-twisting, especially if you have not built skills for rock-hopping. I just took it slow over the rocks, and picked a modest pace on the straight stretches. Still, I couldn't help thinking to myself that someone must have hauled rocks onto the trail during the night. It IS glorious though, and I can't even begin to describe how good it is to have my feet back on the trail. The shrubs have some new growth, but the trees here have not leafed out yet. Overall, the trail is in great shape and not too wet. I have to continually remind myself that I am in Pennsylvania. Life is good! Patch picked me up where the trail crosses a road at the end of the section, and I got a hot meal, shower and soft bed - the last I will see of these creature comforts for a while. Tomorrow, he will drop me off where he picked me up and I will resume my hike south from there. The Appalachian Trail WORD OF THE DAY: Appalachian Trail- The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is a continuous, marked footpath extending along the crest of the Appalachian Mountain range for approximately 2,160 miles from Katahidin, a granite monolith in the central Maine wilderness, south to Springer Mountain in Georgia. The trail traverses 14 states, primarily on public land. Also called the "A.T." and the "Trail."
Date: 2003-04-18
From: PA 944

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Hiked 16 miles under rainy skies through farmland and dairy pastures. The trail actually has steps that go over the pasture fence where the cows graze. Most cows will run off when they see you coming, others will just stand there and stare at you. Amazing! I took a few photos of them and then just let them be. I also passed by an old forgotten cemetery today. I read some of the headstones (at least the ones that were still standing). They dated back to 1806. WOW! Most of the miles I did today were flat and virtually rock-free. That's a REAL PLUS! The trail took me over the Pennsylvania Turnpike and an Interstate. After awhile, I began to not even notice the rain. For rain protection I have a hooded, water repellant light jacket, and it proved its weight in gold today.Hiking to Alec Kennedy Shelter took all day. I arrived wet, exhausted and STARVED. I knew I had just enough daylight to get to the shelter so held off on dinner until I arrived. Five hikers were already at Alec Kennedy for the night. In the dark, scarfing down reconstituted freeze-dried spaghetti out of my cookpot, I met Windchime(southbound through Pensylvania)Josi, Dave, Bogey and Slim, all from Pennsylvania out on a weekend AT hike. They were very friendly, great company (the first hikers I've seen on the AT so far), and boy can they carry a tune! Overall, the trail was in great shape, just soggy. I'm happy to be here.the AT Word of the Day: Bounce Box - a box containing seldom-used items such as repair kits, batteries, extra glasses or excess quantities of stuff such as shampoo or soap, that you "bounce" ahead by sending it to yourself from one town to the next, so the items don't have to be carried as excess weight in a backpack.
Date: 2003-04-19
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Pole Steeple
Miles today: 13.0

My backpack felt heavy when I put it on this morning (never a good sign). My feet are holding up well - Day and blister free! So far, so good with my knees. I am really being careful to take it slow and easy during this honeymoon "break-in" period while getting my "hiking legs". A knee injury pulled me off the PCT in 2001, and I do not want to repeat that injury.This southern Pennsylvania section, though it is rockier than all get out, is relatively well graded and a great place to get back into top hiking condition before I hit some of the steeper grades.Yesterday's rain left the rocks slippery and the thick carpet of last autumn's leaves are very wet. I don't dare take my eyes off the trail for fear of stumbling on a seen or unseen rock. Today I encountered my third swithcback. That's three switchbacks in three days! The AT pretty much tackles the hills by taking them head on - that's straight up and straight down. Not at all like the PCT, which is very gradual, with lots of switchbacks because it is also an equestrian trail as well.Well, I was humbled in a big way this afternoon. The rocks turned into boulders and just as I found myself beginning to complain, 10 senior citizens passed me going northbound. Naturally they were out on a day hike, but just the same, the sheer fact they were negotiating the boulders convinced me, out here I have NOTHING to complain about. I can't possibly tell you what they did for me. If I ever get down, they will be my inspiration to keep going.Slim told me of a country store that would be a quarter-mile off trail as we crossed PA 34 in Gardeners, PA. Sure enough, when I reached the store, Bogey, Slim, Josi and DAve were eating their lunch at a picnic table beside the store. I ordered a deli sandwich, bought a V8 citrus juice and headed for the washroom-which is exactly what I did. Washed up, changed from long sleeves and pants to short sleeves and shorts. Something I could never have conceived of during yesterday's rain and cold temps. It's supposed to be in the low 60's today.It was a sweet two miles hiking to PA 34. Some of the nicest trail yet, The miles leading out of there, up the hill to Pole Steeple, were just as nice. I pitched my tent just north of Pole Steeple. It was the first opportunity I'd had to use my new tent on the AT. I didn't carry one on the PCT - just slept out under the stars each night. I was only caught in rain once on the PCT, in Yosemite, when a torrential downpour occurred over the Fourth of July. Another hiker and I dashed for and slept in some bear boxes in the campground. What a hoot! Today, I stopped with just over two hours of daylight left and I was glad for it. This left me time to write in my journal and massage my tired feet and legs.the AT Word of the day: bog - wet, spongy ground. (Plenty of that out here in the lower elevations).
Date: 2003-04-20
From: Pole Steeple

To: Birch Run Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Weather: overcast clouds

Easter Sunday - I had to coax my legs to move this morning, and my shoulders are a little tender from the backpack straps. Oh, the honeymoon has begun! I felt as though I didn't sleep a wink last night, I know I did because I dreamt. First thing, the trail took a subtle incline, then a gentle decline. Alas, the trail IS somewhat forgiving. The morning was very peaceful. Robins were singing in the barren tree branches, otherwise it was quiet. These were sweet moments. As I walked, the leaves made a rustling sound under my feet. I hung my wet socks from Friday's rains on the daisy chain outside my backpack hoping they might dry in the sun today. YES, it is sunny...and warm. Condensation formed inside my tent during the night. In the future I think I will sleep with the door unzipped for ventilation. The AT passes through Pine Grove Furnace State Park. I made a point of pouring out my chemically treated stream water (I'm using chlorine drops to purify H2O this year) and tank up on water from a drinking fountain. YUM! I couldn't pass by the Pine Grove store without stopping for some orange juice. Amazing what things you miss when you are backpacking. It's evident I haven't gotten my hiking legs yet. The hills kick my butt and I usually have to take a few "breathers" to get my heart to slow down and catch my breath. I imagine I'll be working on my strength, stamina and endurance the first two or three weeks. It will probably take that long to take on these grades without a break. They sure know how to grow hills here in Pennsylvania. My feet are tender but my spirits are high. The shelters at Birch Run were full so I pitched my tent between them. Tent door unzipped. the AT Word of the day: Crick - "Southern" for creek. Or, the pain/stiffness you feel when you get up in the morning>
Date: 2003-04-22
From: Tumbling Run Shelters

To: Cascade, Maryland
Miles today: 8.0

Half a day to town. Yippee!! Today I'll also leave Pennsylvania as I make my way to Crescent, MD to resupply. Met a man from Toronto, Canada first thing this morning, training for another mountain marathon. Apparently, he comes to the AT every year to "get his mountain legs" for the race. He was in his 60's. The people I meet out here never cease to amaze me. Hiking Pennsylvania has felt more like autumn hiking than spring. Autumn leaves are on the trail, the trees are completely bare of leaves and the morning temperatures are cool. Today I encountered my steepest climb to date. I'm sure I would have needed a respirator to do it three days ago - guess I'm making some headway as far as building my endurance, though it looks like I'm going to have to work to get out of Pennsylvania. Crossed over the Maryland stateline just before entering Cascade, MD. It is a little township of 1,000 people and a very cute place 1.6 miles off trail. I got directions to town from a home heating oil truck driver (never want to walk more "off trail" miles than you have to), and as I was making my way toward the post office was given a ride from a 35 year old woman who says she picks up hikers all the time and takes them to the market, laundromat and post office. She even lets them sleep on her front porch. She gave me lift to pick up my resupply box of food and maps for Maryland then took me to the market so I could get a cold beverage and some chips. Then she took me back to the post office so I could go through my box and restock my backpack. As I was doing this, patrons of the post office kept giving me well wishes. One them offered to take me to the laundromat. There my stinky socks and sweaty clothes got fluffed and buffed. I then was able to bathe, wash my hair and shave. Oh, the simple pleasures of H2O! I was also able to repair the seam of my silk sleeping bag liner and then call home to check in. Life is good!!The AT Word of the day: False summit - a high point that appears to be the summit until you see that you are not yet done climbing. Why is that last 200 foot climb twice as hard as the 1,200 feet that preceded it?
Date: 2003-04-23
From: Cascade, Maryland

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 9.5
Weather: clear sky

This is one of those mornings you wish you could put Chap Stick all over your face; ah heck, all over your body. It's a chilly morning with a cold wind. Back home, it would be one of those days you'd throw a log on the fire, pour yourself something warm to drink and spend the day with a good book. Me? Well I'm bundled up and heading back to the AT after resupplying in Cascade, MD. I surprised myself on the first uphill of the day. It was no problem at all - much better than barely breathing, like a few days ago. Not bad on NO sleep. Yep, that's right. I waited for the post office to open to send my bounce-box forward to Waynesboro, VA. Mid-day I hiked .3 miles off trail to the Devil's Racecourse Shelter to take a short nap. I knew going down that it would be a stiff hike back up to the trail, but it was worth it for some shut-eye. Devil's Racecourse is BY FAR the shabbiest shelter to date. I read in the AT handbook that it is to be rebuilt this summer. I can see why. The sun came out after 1pm and it felt glorious. There is still a cold wind in the air but the sun is great. My thermometer is reading 68 degrees. I hiked without seeing another soul until I arrived at the Ensign Cowall Shelter. Four hikers, all northbound, were there. This evening I met my first thru-hiker who started the AT in Georgia. His trailname is "Tadpole", his Yorkshire terrier "Twinkle Toes" has walked every bit of the 1,039 miles to this place on the AT. She is an amazing dog and we bonded immediately. One thing I love about hiking a long trail is you never know what will happen next. Never could I have imagined when I began the day that a dog would be asleep in my lap this evening. The other hikers were: "Happy To Be Here" from Santa Fe, NM; and Wilma and Ray Gilbert from Orlando, FL.Today's Appalachian Trail WORD OF THE DAY: Seasonal Spring- An unreliable water source that is dependent on snowmelt and spring rains.
Date: 2003-04-24
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Crampton Gap Shelter
Miles today: 20.7
Weather: broken clouds

Left the shelter this morning wearing nearly every piece of clothing in my backpack. It is very cold this morning and there is a stiff wind. I've found if I hop from rock to rock over the rocky areas I move much more smoothly, quickly and SAFELY. There isn't as much chance to roll my foot this way AND it is fun! Besides, it makes the time through the rocks pass quickly because I have to be alert, hopping from rock to rock. NOTE: This works only in very rocky areas. Once the rocks thin it is best to dodge them again. Overall, the trail is in good shape today; some rocky areas, but I've found a way to make those fun now. Tadpole told us last night that the warm days have brought out the ticks, and we should begin checking for them daily. The trail passes through several areas of historical relevance. Today I hiked to the Maryland Washington Monument and passed a wonderful stone church called "Dalgren Chapel". Much of today's trail was easy to traverse and I got a HOT SHOWER TO BOOT.! I hit the Backpackers Campground and shower facility at 4pm. What a God send! My first shower on trail and boy did it feel good. The trees here in Maryland are leafing out and Spring is everywhere - sunshine, wild flowers and butterflies. I even got a sunburn on my forearms today. Good mileage day - 20 miles into Crampton Gap Shelter where I met Shep from Pennsylvania. He is a sheep herder (honest!!) - thus his trail name.Today's Appalachian Trail WORD OF THE DAY: Privy- An outdoor toilet adjacent to shelters on the Appalachian Trail.
Date: 2003-04-25
From: Crampton Gap Shelter

To: Harper's Ferry, WV
Miles today: 10.5

Got an opportunity to practice my rock hopping skills on the short 10-mile trek to Harper's Ferry, WV. Stopped at Gathland State Park first thing this morning to fill water bottles, purchase orange juice from a vending machine and study the data book and maps. I realized then that Linden, VA is STILL 57 miles and today is Friday a.m. There is no way I will make it there to pick up my resupply box by Saturday at noon, so it's time for "plan b". I'll hike into Harper's Ferry, go to the AT Headquarters to sign the register and have my "Hikers Photo" taken, then take the remainder of the day off to rest up. My feet need a break. They are pretty beat up from the rocks. Besides, I can eat a restaurant meal and purchase an extra days trail food to get me into Linden on Monday. My agility is improving, as is my balance. Today in changing from long pants into shorts alongside the trail, I pulled my foot out of my shoe and balanced on top of a rock while I pulled my leg from the pants and pulled on my shorts. Mid-day I met Woody, Chris and Regie heading north. They asked me if I had been to "The Cliffs"? This an outcrop of rock overlooking the valley where the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers merge. Harper's Fery is located on the point of land formed by the convergence of the two rivers. They convinced me it was worth the view, and so, against the hiker instinct to never bactrack the trail you just hiked, I followed them to the lookout. It WAS magnificent and worth the uphill climb. After taking pictures I hiked down the hill, crossed the Potomac and followed a gravel road to the AT office. I stopped in at The Outfitters at Harper's Ferry and met Laura, the owner. We liked each other immediately. I changed out some gear - replaced my tent with a tarp, purchased a stuff-sack to protect my thermo rest sleeping pad from stickers when it is carried on the outside of my pack, a no-see-um mosquito net for the tarp and a rain cover for my backpack. The day wore on and I ended up being invited to stay the night on the upper porch of the Outfitters. A heavy rainstorm during the night lasted most the night.Today's Appalachian Trail WORD OF THE DAY: Shelter- Usually a three-sided structure that affords protection from weather; sometimes called a "lean to" or "hut".
Date: 2003-02-14
To: New Beginnings
Miles today: 0.0

Welcome friends, family and followers!After reading many past, current, and future AT thur-hikers journals I have finally decided to start a jounal of my own! Yesterday I recieved an unexpected gift from my dad, a digital camera. Now that I have a chance to share a part of my self to all who are interested, I feel like my journey can officially begin.My name is Brian Pound, and I am a healthy? 24 year old kid from Arlington, TX. After graduating college in May of '01 from the University of North Texas I moved away to the great state of New Hampshire. Before then I never knew much about the Appalachian Mountains much less that a trail existed from Georgia to Maine. Once I got the chance to do some hiking in New Hampshire on these Mountains I knew right away that I wanted to experience them in their entirity. This brings me to now and I am going to find out what its all about come late March! I am thrilled to be able to able to share this my fello people and I hope that you can join me, if only thru these journals.Feel free to sign my guestbook, I would love to hear from you.Peace,BP
Date: 2003-02-15
To: Good Reading
Miles today: 0.0

Because I have over a month untill my departure I have been searching for things to do and read to keep my motivation level peaked for the hike. Although training and gear shopping and journal reading helps, it gets a bit tiresome for me. So, I went to the local book store and picked up copy of      A Walk Thru America, by Peter Jenkins. This is an excellent book about a young mans (at the time young) jouney into the heart of some of Americas hidden treasures. This book has been very inspirational/motivating and would strongly recommend it to anyone. Check it out!Happy hiking,BP
Date: 2003-02-17
To: Gearin' it
Miles today: 0.0

Today I am trying to get a grip on all this gear that I have and try and decided what should go and what should stay. I am the type of person to spend a half hour deciding with type of shampoo to get at the store, so choosing gear will take awhile.Right now it is my cookware that I cant seem to figure out. I have been trying to make my own stove for awhile now, but cant seem to get them to boil my water quick enough, sometimes not at all. I have a two litter pot at the moment but I'm thinking I should move to a one litter?Most of my other gear is together so now it is time to take a test hike.Untill then,BP
Date: 2003-02-21
To: Jumping out of my seat
Miles today: 0.0

34 Dazs to Go!March 27th just feels right. I keep fidleing with the date, trying to move it one day sooner, two days latter, a week soon, a week latter, but keep coming back to the 27th. Technically I could leave tomorrow, I am jobless, but that little voice tells me to be patient and wait till the 27th. I will listen to my instencts and wait. In the next month I plan on spending as much time with my sister and baby TJ as possible, friends and family, help my sis find a God for sacken job, play with my dog Boe (picture soon to follow), work part-time for a friends dad washing windows (picture to follow!), read trailjournals.com.....alot, and eat eat eat!I cant believe I am so anchious to get started because I have no idea what is in store for me or why I am doing this. All I know is that I get goose bumbs everytime I think about the trail. Waiting is the hardest part of day.Thanks for the visit,BP
Date: 2003-02-22
To: Jabba-the-hut?
Miles today: 0.0

Finally I'm getting fat! I'm up to about 185 now and look to gain 5 more pounds in one month (fat or muscle, whatever). I think that drinking beer is probably the best way for me to gain weight but I am trying to save all the money I can and beer gets expensive. So, I have been going to AYCE's and eating much food at the parents house!! Throw in some weight training and fitness and I say I'm about ready to go go go.Hears to your health. No, to OUR health.BP
Date: 2003-02-28
To: Destiny awaties
Miles today: 0.0

Today is the begining of what should have been taking place along time ago...get in shape time. I know, Iknow...I'm a procrastinator. Now that there is 28 days untill deparure this is when I do my best work. Kind of like writing that 10 page college essay the night before it is due, sometime on moring of! I just didn't want to peak to soon, that is why I have been putting training off so long, right? From now on the only place you will find me is working, in the gym, running around the neighborhood, or sleeping in my bed, or at Cici's! I had to put this on paper to remind myself to get it going.I AM very excited about my ever so close adventure and I want to make sure I am doing all I can to assure that I will be successful.Got to go to the bar, I mean to the gym.BP
Date: 2003-03-17
To: tendaystoblow
Miles today: 0.0

Yeeeeee Hah! Come tommorow departure date will be less than 10 dazs away and I am a ready. Got 3 mail drops ready to be shipped and allmost all my gear accumilated. Got my finances built up enough, my muscles worked out nice and fine, and my spirt soars. Hold on tight and join my for the ride!God, bless this crazy universe.Brain
Date: 2003-03-27
To: final morning
Miles today: 0.0

Last night i could not get to sleep at all because of the neg. thoughts i was having. And to top it off when i did get to sleep i had a crazy dream about rats climbing all over me. So needless to say i only got 30 min. of sleep. This morning my mom made me my fav. breakfast. Then it was off to the airport for my early flight. My family including my nephew, TJ, came to see me off. I made it through security and away i go. See ya on the trail.BP
Date: 2003-03-27
From: Amalocola Falls State Park

To: Springer Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 9.0
Weather: clear sky

And the trip begins! Arrived ATL safely and on-time and ready so excited to get on the trail. Sassy and Kodiak, my first angels, took me from the airport to the trail. They are starting on April 1st and I wish them the best. Sign the guest book, weighed my pack (37 lbs.) and started to look for a ride up to Springer because I wasn't all that enthustic about the approach trail. After about a half hour of unsuccessful begging (0 for 1 on hitching) Mary, her friend, and I decide to hit the apporach. Now that I did it I am happy that the approach is part of my journey. I couldn't have had a better day to begin my trip, I am so grateful to be here.\Sunshine daydreams!Peace and health
Date: 2003-03-28
From: Springer Mountain Shelter

To: Gooch Mtn. Shelter
Miles today: 14.5
Weather: overcast clouds

"Walk me out, in the morning dew today".Last night was terribly windy and my tent needs a few more stakes to keep from flapping all around, sleep a few hours. Finally got rolling about 9:30. Started out in the clouds and it stayed that way much of the day (keep temps in the upper 60's) Got to Hawk Mtn. Shelter at about 12:30 and after an hour of debating decided to push on to Gooch Mtn. Shelter. I left behind Mary, her friend, Quebec, and Data and might never see them again. It is crazy how people come and go but the ones you meet on the trail will never be forgot. 14.5 Miles today and feeling every bit of it. Hope to get better sleep tonight.Peace and health,Brian Pound