morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2012-06-01
From: No Named Tentsite

To: The Meadows
Miles today: 8.0

Man!!  Never going to get out of SNP!!  Hiked until noon and major bad weather coming through.  Decided to stay at The Meadows Campground.  First band of weather ended early but there are tornado watches and severe T-Storm warnings for around 6.  Soooo.... Guess I will have to eat real food again, Darn!!  I may actually gain weight through this park!!  So, plan is to do 20 miles tomorrow and work on gett'n out of the park soon.  Wildlife is abundant but the views on foot are not.     Ok, that's about it for the day. I have to eat my hamburger now.  See ya. Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-02
From: The Meadows

To: skyland Lodge
Miles today: 17.0

We had to catch a ride this morning from The Meadows Campground to Lewis Campground.  This took all of a couple minutes. Steady asked a retired Florida Deputy from Siminole County and he was more than happy to help us out.  The plan was to hike without packs from Lewis to The Meadows.  Get there for lunch and Catch a ride from the lodge down 1 mile to the camp store, eat and go back to the lodge and put on iur packs.  A very sweet lady by the name Martha overheard our conversation and offered to give us a ride to and back from the store.  We enjoyed talking with her.  She has actually worked there and visits occasionally. We stuck to the plan and finished a 17 mile day at Skyland Lodge.  After eating a quick sandwhich, I decided to try and talk the manager into giving us a great deal on a room. I really pulled out all the stops.  I told her I had shipped my sleeping bag home, (which I did, didn't expect it to drop into the low forties) then asked if she knew about National Trail Day, (which it is) ; the first attempt failed but when I went back for a second attempt she offered a deal we could not refuse.  I will not say what it was just out of courtesy but it was pretty sweet!  Man I am glad I didn't have to sleep in the mountain tonight.  I would have been very cold to say the least.   While there we did make sure to eat in their restaurant for dinner.   Well that's about it for the day.  Planning on 19 plus tomorrow.  Cool day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-03
From: skyland Lodge

To: Little Hogback Overlook tent site
Miles today: 22.4

Started out the door this morning just before 7.  Actually got back on the trail at 7 am.  Plan was to hike about 18 miles then tent.  Today was my longest day yet. 22.4 miles.  Hiked exactly 12 hours.   Had lunch at the Byrd's  Nest #3 Hut. The shelters are called huts in the park.  They are also pretty nice, some with firepits inside.   After lunch we hiked to the Elk Wallow Wayside.  The grill was broken so here is what I ate.  4 reeses cups, bag of fritos, pack of peanut butter crackers, a huge chocolate chip spunkmeyer muffin, a 16 oz coke and two beers!! After filling the gut with junk, I hiked another 4.1 miles... Just before reaching the tentsite, I saw another bear. Pretty neat.  I have seen six so far.  The food bag is hanging from a tree limb tonight. I have a feeling it may be visited.    Well, very tired feet and body.  Time to go to sleep.  Hopefully I have enough to keep me warm tonight.  A long day on the A.T !!  Oh!  I get out of Shenandoah National Park tomorrow!!  Yippie!!Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-04
From: Little Hogback Overlook tent site

To: Front Royal, VA
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Got up at 545 this morning. It was cool and very windy.  Started hiking at 7 sharp.  Plan was to hike 15 miles to Front Royal.  Hiked about 9 and stopped to take a breather.  Took my sock off to allow my feet to cool off and F100 looked over and asked what was wrong with the bottom of my foot.  I have not noticed or felt anything wrong but when I looked I noticed the bottom of my left big toe was deep purple and black.  Had other spots also on the balls of a couple toes and one at the heel.  Probabl hadn't noticed any pain because these are the areas that are pretty numb anyway.  Well, I decided to take the road to Front Royal to get there and maybe see a Doctor.  I started walking and didnt go far when Ed and Joan Hester saw me and offered a ride. There are so many good people out here.  They are the host at Matthews Arm campground.  Thank you Mr and Mrs Hester.  That would have been a long walk!!   I checked into the Super 8 and Dania did some quick internet research.  She found out there is a Foot and Ankle specialist not far from the hotel and was able to get me an afternoon appointment.  While there I will get the heels checked too.     Well, Doc said it looks like deep bruising.  Must have had a rock in my shoe.  He Would like to see me take a few days off but he knows that ain't happening. He said to watch for an infection. As far as the heels, just what I thought, achilles tendonitis.  Stretch and ice down and then he laughed, obviously no ice!!  I will start stretching more.      Now off to Food Lion to re-supply.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-05
From: Front Royal, VA

To: no name tent site
Miles today: 20.2

Woke up this morning and walked to the Big K Mart for a few supplies.  After had some breakfast. Steady got hers at the McDonalds.  F100 and I went the Burger King route.  We got ours to go and then went and sat in McDonalds to eat it.  An older couple was eating and asked if we were thruhiking.  We spoke with them for a bit  F100 saw this as an opportunity to yogi a ride  he asked if it were legal to hitch hike.  The lady answered oh yes they hike all the time around here.  Seeing she may not have heard himm correctly, he phrased the question a little differently.  She replied "Oh yes, her pasture hikes all the time.  F100 gave up at that point.  We saw Philly Steve,  Angel Hair and her husband Ragatoni.  They are very interesting.  They have hiked the Pacific Crest Trail, The Continental Divide and are hiking the Appalachian Trail for the second time.  We asked about how the first hike was and they didn't offer up much. They were not rude in any way they just said they try and stay in the moment, (the here and now)  We would see them a few times today.   After eating we hitched a ride to the trail which was about 3 miles away.  Steady tried for a few minutes with no luck.  She usually catches one pretty quick. I saw a p/up coming which proved to be a good choice. He pulled right over and we jumped in the back.     We stopped at the first shelter about 5 miles in.  Very nice shelter.  Had a porch with wooden furniture and benches. It even had a cold shower rigged up.  We saw Q-Tip and his dog Charlie and Dances with Flies.  Charlie greeted us with his usual bark as he ran to us as if to say hi again.  All three had gotten back on the trail after aqua blazing (conoeing up the Shenandoah River for about 50 miles.     After a quick break we continued north.  Our plan was to hike to a state park and eat supper then find a tent site.  We made it to the park but the tent sites were 1.3 miles east of the A.T.  NO WAY!!!  That is 2.6 more miles north. We ended up hiking about 2 miles further before finding a trailhead parking lot.  There we ran into our new friends from McDonalds earlier.  We also met a great couple from Canada.  The wife is the support person as the husband slackpacks southbound.  SOBO.  She offered everyone a cold sprite.  We gladly accepted and chatted for a few minutes before setting up tents.  The Canadians were in a truck camper.  Very nice set up.  Now it is time for the Swamprat to go to bed.   We did 20.2 miles today.   Oh!  I bought some Dr Scholls arthritis insoles and placed them under my superfeet insoles.  My feet were much better today. Hope this is a trend!!  We will see.   A very good day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-06
From: no name tent site

To: No Name tent site (west Va)
Miles today: 17.2

Terrible night sleep. It was close to a major highway and not on level ground.  I kept sliding down and left all night.    It was a nice evening meeting the couple from Canada.  I remember their trail names now. His is Spot and hers is Starcraft.  They were super. Let us fill all our water bottles with fresh water. That may not sound so big of a deal but it is.  That meant not having to treat the water which for me means not using my steripen. Saves my batteries.     We started hiking around 7 again. Today would be the 13.5 miles of The Roller Coaster. This area is actually called the roller coaster because of all the mindless ups and downs.  Some were very rocky.  After getting through everybody was spent.  Just before getting out of this area there is the Bears Den Hostel.  It is a beautiful, huge stone mansion owned by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and run by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.  Very nice for a hostel.  We stopped by and visited with a few hikers that were staying there tonight.  After taking a 45 minute break we decided to hike on. On the way out there was a copperhead snake on the gravel driveway.  He was mean!!  Using my treckking pole I got him into the woods but he struck it several times.  He actually left venum on it after the strikes!!  That would leave a mark!!  We hiked about 3.5 more miles. About half way we heard a noise to our right which sounded just like a loud cry of a baby. Now I know some will doubt that what we heard was a big cat ( puma, mountain lion ) but if that isn't what it was then there is a baby in these woods!!  I wish I could have seen whatever it was. Ok, critique away!! I'm waiting!!!  Well, That's about it from the tent.  Going to sleep now.  Tough but good day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-07
From: No Name tent site (west Va)

To: Harpers Ferry WV
Miles today: 17.0
Weather: few clouds

I began hiking around 7 again this morning.  Today was a milestone to say the least.  We hike into Harpers Ferry and register as a northbound thruhiker.  The A.T.Conservancy will take our picture and assign us a number. I was the 386th hiker to come through.  The hike into Harpers Ferry was very rocky.  Looks like it will be this way for a while.  PA is known for its rocks and we will be there in less than a week.  The actual half way point is just inside PA at mile 1090.    After getting our picture taken we hiked a half mile to High Street.  We found Hannah's Bar B Q.  There we ate and had a couple drinks to celebrate.  After eating we hitched a ride to the hotel in Charles Town.  The hotel was a very scary place.  We decided to call another hotel located just outside Harpers Ferry.  We called a cab and 20 minutes later were dropped off at the comfort Inn.  Turned out to be a great choice.     Tomorrow, F100 and Steady's daughter and husband will drive in for a visit.  We will take a day and visit the historical Harpers Ferry.     Very good day today on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-10
From: Harpers Ferry WV

To: Rocky Run Shelter
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: clear sky

June 10, 2012Well, the rest period is over. Two zero days sure helped my legs.  While in Harpers Ferry area we visited historic Charlestown, WV.  This is where the abolitionist John Brown was tried and also hung only four blocks from the courthouse.  We visited both sites.  We being F100, Steady, their daughter and son in law.  We also went to this historic cemetary where many decendants of George Washington are buried.  There were also many graves of people that had fought during the civil war.  While walking through the cemetary there was a young Raven that apparently attempted his first flight out the nest.  He was on the ground. I picked him up and he tried to fly but just floated to the ground. Guess you can say I was help'n him with his flying lessons for the day.  Momma raven was not happy. She was doing some fussin in the tree above me so I decided to leave the young guy alone and move on.  I ended up with some great pictures. Looks like this big bird is landing on my hand.  Just call me the bird whisperer!!    I enjoyed meeting F100 and Steady's family.  They dropped us off at the outfitters in Harpers Ferry where we made some last minute purchases and we said our good byes.  Then it was northbound again.  The trail was litteraly flat as it followed the river for 3.5 miles.  We ended up hiking 15.4 miles today. The last 3 were terrible on the legs. It felt good to stop and set up camp.  A pretty good day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-11
From: Rocky Run Shelter

To: Ensign Cowall Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: clear sky

Started hiking at 7 am.  We started slow this morning. There was a backpacking campground only 1.8 miles north that had showers and water for our drink bottles.  We were all pretty much out of water at this point.  It felt good to shower but as hot as it was today, that sure didn't last long.  We hiked a little farther and came to George Washington Monument.  The monument was built in  1827.  After stopping there for a brief visit we continued north.  We met a man and his son yesterday. Their trail names or Shadow and Spider.  The young man is 10 or 12 yrs old and they are section hiking from Harpers Ferry to Duncannon, PA.  They are camping in the same areas as we are.  Today we hiked to the road just .2 miles from Ensign Cowall Shelter.  There is a pizza joint just 1.5 miles west of th A.T. In Smithsburg, MD.  We gave them a call and told them we had 5 hungry hikers that wanted pizza but we needed a ride. They came and got us. Now 5 hikers are one thing but we had to get 5 backpacks inside a jeep cherokee as well.  And the back cargo door did not open!! Yes, we managed.   After eating pizza, he brought us back to the trail and we hiked to the shelter and set up camp.  It is going to rain tonight with a 90% chance tomorrow. Guess I will be getting wet.  Well that's about it.  Going to bed now.  Good day on the A.T.   Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-12
From: Ensign Cowall Shelter

To: Tent site near Pen Mar State Pk
Miles today: 10.5

It rained very little last night, however, by daylight it was official.  I would be hiking in the rain all day today.  It called for 90% rain today, well that was accurate.   I packed Up and told F100 and Steady I would catch up.  I started hiking at 730.  The next sheelter was about 5 miles.  By the time I made it there I was totally drenched and it really began to rain heavily.  We decided to stay put until the rain let up.  Four hours later we started hiking again.  We hiked over some steap downhill rocks which slowed our progress a little but made it to Pen Mar state park around 4.  Steady & F100 had a Big Agnas air mattress spring a leak and they called the company a few days ago. The company shipped a new model to them without hesitation.  ( take note Pentax, thats the way a reputable co. does business!!).  The mattress was shipped to a B & B about 3 miles from the park.  They called the place and the owner brought the package to us, then for ten dollars shuttled 5 of us into town and dropped us off at the Golden Coral. We ate the buffet and lots of it!  The owner of the B&B then brought us back to the park.  By now it was 730.  We hiked another mile to a tent site near a creek and got set up just before dark.  Now it has begun to storm. Heavy rain and some lightning.  Now I am going to sleep.  Kind of a short day but a productive one so that makes a good day on the A.T.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-13
From: Tent site near Pen Mar State Pk

To: Caledonia State Park
Miles today: 17.6
Weather: broken clouds

We had a few severe storms roll through just after dark. It rained heavily for several hours.  That meant packing wet tent and rain fly this morning.  We hiked for a couple hours and stopped at tumbling run shelters for a quick break.  Met a section hiker that started at Harpers Ferry and was trying to hike to connecticut.  He started 10 days ago and was not very motivated.  Hope he continues.     We hiked until 11:00 when we came to a local small baseball field.  The sun was bright and humidity low so we spread all our gear out and let it dry while we ate lunch.     The next 7 miles were exhausting. It seemed like forever to get to Caledonia State Park.  After there we ate hamburger and fries and even got in the pool for about half an hour before needing to run to walmart for re-supply.  We talked the snack bar cook into taking us.  He was reluctant until we told him we would buy him some beer.  He then gladly drove us and brought us back.  Finally had a few minutes to chill by a fire before going to bed.  We hiked 17.6 miles today with our new friends, Shodow and his son Spider.  His son is 13 and did not complain at all. Actually I hurt at the end of the day much more than he.  It was a good day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-14
From: Caledonia State Park

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 19.7
Weather: overcast clouds

HALF GALLON CHALLENGE TODAY!!!! Gpot up this morning at around 530.  Took me a shower since we were at a campground.  No soap but eah, better than no showed at all.     While packing we tried to be quiet sinc the family 10 feet away was still asleep but I am sure they heard every move we made.  When we left I bet they wanted to celebrate.  Sorry guys, we got at least 18 miles to do.    Once we started to hike it was all uphill but not that high then it leveled off for most of the day.  We were going to stop 3 miles shy of  Pinegrove Furnace State Park but later decided to go all the way to the park.   We finally officially crossed the midway point.  There was a fancy sign that had 1090.5 miles north to Katahdin and 1090.5 miles south to Springer.  We met another thruhiker, his name was Aqua Blaze and he was sitting at the base of the sign resting. Everybody took pictures and off to the park we went.  You see, there is a half gallon challenge which hikers participate.  The really competitive ones will try to eat a half gallon of ice cream faster than there fellow hikers.  Everybody that knows me also knows that I am not the least bit competitive.  When we got to the park, F100 got chocolate, Spider got chocolate chip mint and I got chocolate.  Now Spider is only 13; would I try and beat him?  You darn right!!  When Steady said go and the clock started, game on!!  I finished mine in amazing speed.  9 minutes! Half gallon of Hersheys Chocolate in 9 minuted.  F100 in 29 minutes and Spider, well he did amazing today hiking.  19.7 miles with full pack.  No complaints!!!  Good job Spider; but I did beat ya in the ice cream challenge!!!  Better luck next time. Nobody beats Swamprat in an icecream challenge!!  Nobody!!  After eating the icecream I ate hamburger, fries and two cokes.     Well, had a shower tonight in the campground, going to sleep now.  Great day on the A.T.Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-15
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Last night we met a man that was camping next to us.  He said he was there to meet his son who is also thruhiking the trail.  He seemed excited to hear how we were doing and even brought us a couple of cold beers while we chatted.    This morning we left the campground and started hiking.  The plan was to do 15.7 miles ending up at Alec Kennedy Shelter.    Today I am not motivated at all.  I need to set a short term goal for myself.  Till this point I have had milestones to look forward to such as getting out of Ga, entering the Smokey Mountains, hitting Va, sitting on McAfee Knob, The Shenandoahs, The halfway point, the Half Gallon Challenge ( oh, by the way, did I say, in 9 minutes!).  Now I am hiking north with Katahdin in mind.  I need a short term goal  So,  getting through PA is a good challenge.  Many hikers drop out at the half way mark for many reasons.  Some are tired (me), some are okay with making it 1090 miles (me), Many have injuries at this point (me, rolled the bad ankle twice the past 24 hrs), let's add homesick to the equation ( me ).  Now you can begin to understand why this is an exit area.  Yes, people have come so far to stop but there are still over 1000 miles to go and the only way to get there is by walking.  I can surely understand why people drop out.  If they came this far and are satisfied with that it is still a major accomplishment.  Congrats to them far making it this far.  I know how tough it was.  If your reading this thinking that I am trying to justify my exit, well think again.  I love a good challenge.  As long as I have the support that I have I will sumit Katahdin in early or mid September. I was reminded of the title of Drew Breese's book, "Finish Strong". I am accomplishing something that few people get to experience.  I am fortunate to have the chance so I will capitalize on the opportunity and I will see it through.  Yep, I had a bad day but there will be others.  There are many more good days than bad.     We hiked through some rock mazes toward the end of the day. It was very tiring. Westuck with the original plan and stopped at the Alec Kennedy Shelter. It felt good to stop at 530 pm.  Gave me time to tend to  a blister on each heel.  My first blister for the hike.  I will try and fix this issue.  It is new shoes but I think the outfitter may have fitted me a half size to big.  We will see.    Time to get some sleep.  The A.T. Was good but it wasnt a great day. Blisters didnt help the motivation.  It will be much better tomorrow.  Swamprat
Date: 2012-06-16
From: Alec Kennedy Shelter

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

For those of you that read yesterday's journal I will say I am feeling better today.  When I write about this journey, I feel I should write about the emotions that I go through out here.  There are many more highs than lows, there are many more great days than bad.  If your reading this you also may like to do the same one day.  If you know what to expect you are more likely to succeed on your adventure.  I say go for it because it is an experience of a lifetime.  Today we hiked through miles of PA farmland. At times we were totally surrounded by wheat and/or corn fields.  Someday, I may have passed through here at 55 mph and seen the farms but I would not have met the Amish mother and her 3 young girls carrying a cooler full of sodas to the shade tree by the trail to offer cold drinks to hikers.  I would not have gotten to carry the cooler for them and talked with them and make them smile.  Only because I chose to take this journey is that memory now with me forever.  As I hiked passed there cows I watched one that kept bullying another and chasing it away from the feeder.  From a car I would have only seen the cows.  I am thankful to be out here and to see all that is out here.  I will be here for the next half.     We hiked 18.5 miles today to the next shelter. I now have another new blister on the bottom of my right middle tow.  I will be going back to my Merrell Moabs.  Never a blister until these new shoes!!  Tomorrow we hike about 12 miles to Duncannon and say so long to our two new friends Shadow and his son Spider.  They hiked over 100 miles this week.  Amazing determination by both of them but to see the 13 yr old hike all day everyday with no more complaining than the adults did was awesome.  I know he had a trip to tell about when school lets back in.  Congratulations to you both for seeing your section hike through to the end.    As for Me,  time for sleep.  I hear the last 6 miles into Duncannon are pretty brutal.  Sorry feet, but hang in there, we have a long way to go.  One of my best days on the A.T.Swamprat