morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2014-05-21
From: Campsite after Keys Gap

To: Teahorse Hostel, Harper's Ferry
Miles today: 5.6
Weather: broken clouds

Even though I packed up and left by 8, several hikers anxious to get to Harper's Ferry passed me: Bean Dip and Mama Bean, Survivor Man, Top-O, The Priest, Gandalf, The Machine, and Pint Size. I got to the ATC office about 11:30 and got my picture taken and registered as a thru-hiker. I am flip-flopper #24. Many of the people I had met on the first part of the hike were already in the picture book. I left my pack there, changed to a non-stinky shirt, and walked the half mile to the old town in search of the outfitter and food. My feet seem to have grown, and my toes are hitting the ends of my boots. The outfitter did not have anything that would work, but I did get stove fuel. Had a good chat with the woman working there, who convinced me that I could probably do better with trail shoes. I love my Salomons, but they seem small too. So I ordered some from REI to be shipped to the motel in Fayetteville. Hope they work!I went into the Coach House Grill for lunch, and a group (Bean Dip, Mama Bean, Survivor Man, The Machine, and Pint Size, her partner, and her partner's sister and husband) invited me to join them. The latter three are not hiking, though I learned later from The Machine that Pint Size's partner is supporting her hike with a camper. I had a good burger and a local Snake Dog IPA and then went up the street to Scoops for ice cream.Harper's Ferry is hilly, and I slowly trekked the half mile back uphill to the ATC office to pick up my pack and the postcards they made of my photo by the sign. Then a half mile the other direction to the Teahorse Hostel, which opened at 3. Got checked in, picked a bunk, and had a shower. The Machine came in and took the bunk across from me. Also there were Survivor Man, Top-O, and Gandalf. I had a nice talk with the owner, who started the place 4 years ago. Then went to The Anvil For dinner, and The Machine and Survivor Man invited me to join them. We all had the special: AYCE shrimp with fries, hush puppies and Maryland clam soup. I had a Snake Dog IPA. Good meal! When we got back, I sat outside and talked with Top-O and Survivor Man, then Gandalf. Top-O has a good friend who lives on the Tyson-Reading Road. He started a SOBO hike on the LT on Aug 28, 2011. It was quite an adventure -- that was the day Tropical Storm Irene wreaked havoc on the Green Mountains. Gandalf is on Trail Journals. He is raising money for a good cause, I think the Multiple Myeloma Foundation. He spoke of how much he is truly enjoying his hike.I had a brief phone chat with Lee, who is headed to her 35th reunion at Smith, and then headed in to bed. Roadrunner, who went home for three weeks to Albuquerque and got to Harper's Ferry on the train, set up in the bunk above me. Slept pretty well.
Date: 2014-05-24
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Falls Creek Campsite
Miles today: 15.4
Weather: broken clouds

Packing up and breakfast took longer than I'd like, and I didn't get going until 8:50. I stopped after 5 miles at Ensign Cowall Shelter, where I saw Slingshot for the last time. He was deciding how far to go before heading back to where he had parked. A very positive guy, who encouraged me to hike my own hike, not to worry about speed, take lots of pictures, and have fun. Today's trail had several rocky sections, especially along the ridge before Wolfsville Rd. and High Rock, before PenMar Park. There was a steep climb up to Raven Rock Shelter before High Rock. On the way down, Napoleon passed me, going at a pretty good pace. He said he had already done 26 miles and might try for another 12. I said I was just going to the campsite at Falls Creek, past PenMar Park. Just after the park, I took a selfie at the sign indicating the Mason-Dixon Line and Maryland-Pennsylvania border.When I reached the large camping area at Falls Creek, Napoleon appeared and said, "You made it!" He was with some other thru-hikers. I found a site and set up my tent. A couple on their first backpacking trip came by, also looking for a tent site. I had passed them going the other way earlier, and they explained that they had gotten started the wrong way after being dropped off and getting ambiguous directions. Fortunately, the person who had driven them got them and took them back to the park, where they started out again. They hope to do the AT and are testing gear, etc. I went over to meet the guys with Napoleon: Senator, H2O, and Shy Bear. All started in GA. As we were talking, a group of five or six came along carrying coolers and camping gear. Only one had a pack, and after they had found a spot, they went back out for another load. It was about half a mile to the road. It turned out to be a section hiker whose wife and friends had come to meet him. After I had eaten my Knorrs Pasta Side and listened to a lot of laughter from their campfire, one of them came to my tent and asked if I would like to join them for some chicken. I knew Napoleon was part of the barbecuing action, so I went over to their fire ring. The other thrus were there as well. The chicken was plentiful but took some time to cook. After enjoying a drumstick and baked beans, I went to bed -- well after hiker midnight.
Date: 2014-05-25
From: Falls Creek Campsite

To: Rite Stop Motel, Fayetteville
Miles today: 17.3

Left at 7:50. The day began with a climb of about 850 feet. Beautiful weather.I stopped for a break at the Deer Lick Shelters, which had a muddy front yard. Three of the guys from last night caught up with me and also stopped. We met Spreadsheet and Magoo, who were on their third day of a SOBO hike from the midpoint. I left first and hiked to Old Forge Park, where I used the privy and filled up with water. Then across a road, where I met Merry. She not only gave me directions, but also took my picture and showed me some pink lady slippers hidden in the woods. She later emailed the pic with a nice note. Stopped for PB&J at the Tumbling Run Shelters that are labeled "snorers" and "non-snorers." They are beautifully maintained. Infinity had signed the book just yesterday. Lots of other familiar names. All four thrus from last night arrived. Though I left ahead of them, they all powered by me on the long climb to Chimney Rocks. I suspect it is the last I will see of them. At Chimney Rocks, I still had 8.3 to go, but I knew I could make it to Fayetteville, so I called the motel to change my reservation from tomorrow. I did leave my pack and take the trail to the rock formations, which were interesting and had a fun view through a slot between two big sections.The trail went, for the most part, along the west side of the rocky ridge, but it took a couple of excursions up onto the large rock formations. On the first, I stopped to take a picture of an oddly shaped tree. The large trunk divided, and the two "arms" were at right angles to it, like someone standing with their arms stretched out and then bent again at the elbows, with the forearms vertical. For those familiar with churchy terms, it looked like a headless priest in the Oran's position -- or like goal posts. I put the camera away and scanned the trail ahead, as I am learning to watch for snakes. This time, I was glad I did. About 15 feet ahead, a timber rattlesnake about 3 feet long emerged from the right and moved slowly across the trail. I stood still and got the camera back out in time to get a couple of pictures. And I waited for it to get about ten feet from the trail before I snuck quietly by. I was super vigilant -- and slower -- the rest of the way, especially on the next two rocky sections.I got to the road a bit before 7:30 and called the motel. The owner picked me up about 15 minutes later. They had my new shoes and the box of food Lee had sent. I got my room, but I also learned that the nearby restaurant closed early on Sundays, and my only option was to have something delivered from an Italian place. I ordered a chicken panini.with fries, a garden salad, lemonade, and a cannoli for dessert. Didn't finish the salad, which was mostly iceberg lettuce, and saved the cannoli for breakfast.Was able to talk with Lee, do laundry, work on the journal, and check email, but I didn't turn out the light until after 1.
Date: 2014-05-28
From: campsite north of Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Little Dogwood Run Campsite
Miles today: 12.9
Weather: light intensity drizzle

No rain last night, but it was humid, and it only got more so as the day went on. My clothes felt glued on, but with the boots, my feet were better, especially after I soaked them in a stream about 9 miles into the hike. Then it was time to climb again to a ridge with two "rock mazes" (AWOL's label). The trail wound around and over large rock formations and boulders. In one spot, I had to pitch my poles up and haul myself and pack over a rock about chest high. I ended up on top on my left knee, which, under all the weight, bent completely. Something in there is not happy with that maneuver, so with that and the humidity, I decided I would not try to get to Boiling Springs, only to have to camp by the railroad tracks.I saw Flossie and Grey Squirrel again but no other thru-hikers. I did meet a guy about two miles from where I planned to stop, who said he was out of water. I only had enough in my Camelback to get me to little Dogwood Run, so I couldn't offer him any. His clothes and gear were all camo, and his pack looked really heavy. I trudged on, up and down two more hills, and found the site next to a stream. I was finishing pitching my tent when the guy in camo arrived, and I told him where the other good tent site was. He said his trail name is Draggin'. He pitched his bivy, and I got water. Later, we talked about our hikes -- he is doing sections by going out and back -- and about places to stay and eat in Carlisle, my goal for tomorrow. I had a short call with Lee, who is having terrible internet problems.
Date: 2014-05-30
From: Allenberry Resort, Boiling Springs

To: Super 8 Motel, Carlisle
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Got up at 6:30, packed up, and went to the main building for the buffet breakfast. Sat with Draggin, who is planning to spend the day and another night and then get a ride to the Harrisburg Amtrak Station to make his way home. His heavy pack experiment is one he won't repeat. I had a full plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, and hash browns, along with coffee and a sizeable helping of the sticky buns. Left and made it to the trail at 9:30. My options were either to stop at Carlisle and get a motel room or continue on another 6.3 miles to the Darlington Shelter. My left knee would be the deciding factor. The trail was the flattest and smoothest I have experienced yet, at least over such a distance. Much was in a narrow corridor of trees between farm fields. The knee, however, kept me from doing much over 2 miles an hour. Should have been able to do at least 2.5.As I was standing on the bridge above the PA Turnpike, I saw my only other backpacker of the day. I had chatted with three women day hikers about my adventure, one of whom took my picture. This man -- trail name, Marty -- said he had started 20 minutes ago. He had originally started in GA, but blew out a knee and had to leave the trail at the NOC. He had surgery and now hopes to hike south to the NOC and finish the rest of the trail next year.I talked with Lee and told her of my plan to stop in Carlisle. I had realized that the box waiting for me in Duncannon is my bounce box that I would need to mail on, and that moving on would get me there Saturday, and I'd need to zero on Sunday. So three shorter days seemed to make more sense, given my knee.Then I had a text from Leigh saying that if I would be in Duncannon Saturday evening, she and Mike could meet me for dinner. They are on their way back from our uncle's memorial service in Buffalo. I checked AWOL, and it would mean about 17 miles, 6 of which he describes as very rocky. I told Leigh about my knee and that I didn't think I could make Duncannon. She offered to pick me up if the knee isn't better tomorrow. I am bummed to think that might be necessary.I did ice the knee this afternoon, but it was even worse when I went across the street for dinner. I am icing it and putting a warm towel on it afterward and hoping like crazy I don't have to get off the trail. And if I do, that it will be a short break.After dinner at the Middlesex Diner across US11, I talked with my dad, who wanted to be sure there are others on the trail and that I would be careful of the knee. He has had both of his replaced. Morning will tell. I'll get up early and get on the trail if I can.
Date: 2014-06-01
From: Reston, VA

To: Reston, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

Leigh took me to the Inova emergency clinic to get my knee checked. X-rays showed no damage to bones or knee joint. The doctor diagnosed a sprain, likely a tear in the ligament. If it does not improve, I should get an MRI, which can show the extent of the damage. The good news is that I can't make it worse by hiking, and she does not think it is a bad tear. So I have an Ace bandage for compression and should take ibuprophen. I should rest for a few days and can then hike to the extent I can tolerate the pain. I plan to get a bus to Harrisburg Thursday morning and get a ride to Carlisle to resume the hike. Between the knee and the PA rocks, my progress may be slow, but better slow than not hiking!I will have the chance to see my mom, try to lighten my pack, enjoy playing after-dinner games with Leigh & Mike, and see Sydney play in her middle school orchestra concert Tuesday night.
Date: 2014-06-03
From: Reston, VA

To: Reston,VA
Miles today: 0.0

Spent most of the day resting the knee. Then the three of us drove to Alexandria and had dinner at Fire Flies, a fun little restaurant near George Washington Middle School, where we would later attend the spring orchestra concert. My burger was good, and we shared a great dessert, a waffle drizzled with Nutella sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream. The concert was quite enjoyable. The director is clearly much loved and respected by the students, and they work hard for him. Sydney, my great niece, plays violin in the concert orchestra and was seated where we couldn't see her. In addition to the student orchestras (separate ones for the younger and beginner students), we were treated to the music of Panlara, three women on steel drums and a guy on regular drums.I was so glad to see the whole Anderson crew and to see Sydney in her school context. Madeline will be going to the middle school next year.
Date: 2014-06-04
From: Reston,VA

To: Reston, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

Another day of rest and then afternoon errands and a visit to my mom. Until this evening, my plan had been to return to Carlisle and my hike tomorrow. But I have to face the fact that putting weight on the left knee is still quite painful. It bends and does all the things it should, and it does not hurt with no weight on it, but that's no help with an AT thru-hike. So I am taking a train to VT tomorrow and hope for an early appointment with the VT Orthopedic Clinic to see what I need to do to get back on the trail. I do not want to give up on this hike.
Date: 2014-06-05
From: Reston, VA

To: Killington, VT
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

I have an appointment for Monday to have my knee checked. I was able to get a disk with the x-rays done Sunday, so the VT clinic won't have to redo them. I am hopeful that this will not be a long break from the trail. Am contemplating whether to start north from VT and then pick up the middle portion before going back for the southern section. It would allow me to start out with some slack packing on the AT/LT, which I have already done with a full pack. We'll see. Meanwhile, today will be spent on the train.Huge thanks to Leigh and Mike for all they did for me over the last week, from picking me up in Duncannon, to feeding me wonderful meals, to driving me around on errands, and, most of all, their great overall support of this adventure.
Date: 2014-06-16
From: Killington, VT

To: Carlisle, PA
Miles today: 0.0

Good news! I am on Amtrak headed from Vermont to Harrisburg, PA, and I plan to get back on the trail tomorrow in Carlisle, where I left it May 30. I saw a doctor at the Vermont Orthopedic Clinic last Monday, and she confirmed the earlier diagnosis. She said to rest the knee another week, and I should be good to go. She was right. The pain had diminished the next day, and by Thursday, I was pain-free. Being home did have one special benefit. I had given the church phone number to Socs when I saw her for the last time in Virginia. I said the church guest house might be available when she got to Killington, and/or Lee might be able to drive her for resupply, etc. She called Saturday, and I told her I was home, that she and anyone with her could stay at the house, and I would pick them up. I got Socs and Ginko at Route 4 on Monday morning on my way to the doctor, left them in downtown Rutland to shop while I got my knee looked at, then took them to Church of Our Saviour (via Ben & Jerry's, of course). Socs mentioned that she thought Doyi was just a day behind them, so I texted him and invited him to come whenever he made it to Killington. He said he was about 25 miles south, would love to see everyone, and that he would push to make it Tuesday. Socs and Ginko decided to zero so they could see him. Turns out Doyi and Ginko had taken a side trip into NYC together.Lee and I took Socs and Ginko to the Long Trail Brewery for dinner Monday. Tuesday, Lee did final prep work for her meeting in Chicago (Wednesday to Saturday), and we three went off to do what hikers do -- eat and shop for food. We had lunch at The White Cottage in Woodstock, where they have great burgers, shakes and ice cream, then got supplies for a casserole (made by Ginko), a giant salad (made by Socs), and dessert (more Ben & Jerry's). I picked up Doyi about 5:30, and we all, including Lee (AKA Faceplant) had a wonderful evening. I took the hikers to the trail Wednesday morning, after a stop at Base Camp Outfitters, and sent them on their way to NH. I wished I could have gone with them, but they are all much faster than I, and I need to get Pennsylvania over with. It only gets worse as the summer goes on. Many thanks to Lee for being there for a gimpy spouse and to all who have sent good wishes. I am going back to rocks, heat, and bugs (I hope no snakes), but I will head north as fast -- and as carefully --- as my feet and knees will allow.
Date: 2014-06-24
From: Campsite by Pocahontas Spring

To: Eckville Shelter
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: broken clouds

Much nicer trail in terms of surroundings. Did not feel so closed in the green tunnel.Pulpit RockThe PinnacleWorst of rocks ended shortly after that. Last 5+ miles allowed for quick time.Had my usual sluggish mid-day. Then sped up and got to the shelter at 4:50.Gone WalkingHog DriverNice tent site.Took shower and washed socks and underwear.Mex-B, had hiked with Socs and BlazeText from Doyi in MaineTold him about Mex-B and Socs wrote back.More people, including Swash Buckler, who took zero yesterdayStorms tomorrow. Will do 13.4 and end up this side of the Knife Edge
Date: 2014-06-25
From: Eckville Shelter

To: New Tripoli Campsite
Miles today: 13.4

I was on the trail at 7:15. The day began with some downhill and then a climb of about 1000 feet   miles to Dan's Pulpit. Jesse James passed me part way into the climb. He is from the Ithaca area. When I said I probably wouldn't see him again but was glad to meet him, he said I might, because he will be off the trail this weekend to go to a wedding. We both lamented the wicked humidity. I was sweating all over, and there was no drying breeze.The rocks began about a mile into the hike and were unrelenting until just before the Allentown Shelter at 6.4 miles. I met a SOBO couple at Dan's Pulpit, who had started in NY, and today had walked from the Allentown Shelter. I asked about the Knife Edge. The woman said it was dangerous, and the man said he would not want to do it in the rain. She said this was the worst day they had had in terms of rocks, which I found encouraging, though it also meant today Would continue to be tough.qThe rocks and the heat really slowed me down. Sometimes the rocks were a jumble of large boulders, sometimes medium sized and filling the trail, sometimes smaller but also filling the trail, and sometimes they actually had soil between their pointy tops. In all but the last case, I could rarely be sure of choosing to step on one that wouldn't move. The flatter ones clanked like the sound of stacking plates. The small ones would roll unexpectedly beneath my foot. Not easy on the feet and ankles. I had a couple of near falls. Once, I stepped on a small rock that tipped, and I found myself dancing wildly to stay upright, ultimately facing back the way I had come. Thank goodness, the trail eased up after the Allentown Shelter, and I could pick up my pace. I wasn't sure when the predicted rain would start. To be safe, I stopped at one of the few springs, "cameled up" and got enough for the night in case I had to stop.A bit past the spring, it did start to sprinkle, so I put on the pack cover. Not long after that, Shroomer caught up to me, and we introduced ourselves. He slowed down, I sped up, and we had a wonderful conversation for nearly three miles. When he finishes the AT, he will have a "triple crown" (AT, PCT, and CDT). He said the AT is more difficult. From the San Francisco area, this is his first hike in the East, and he is enjoying the forest. He is an Episcopalian and politically progressive -- describes himself as an old hippie. He is 61 and loves seeing older people on the trail -- said he has thought about writing a book on geezers on the trail. I gave him contact info so he can get in touch with Lee when he gets to VT. We talked about the Long Trail, and he may go do the rest of it after he finishes the AT and before his wife comes East. I stopped for a break,and he headed on to Bake Oven Knob Shelter.
Date: 2014-06-28
From: Campsite at Delp's Trail

To: Campsite before Wolf Rocks
Miles today: 16.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Packed up by 7:25Went down Delp's Trail .4 to the piped spring for water. Got nearly 4 liters, which I hoped would last until Sunday morning, when I get to the spring at Wolf Rocks. Heavy, and I carried half of it all day.Frustrating rocky trail. Some boulder jumbles, but mostly just enough rocks in the trail to prevent a steady, even pace. My poor feet and ankles have rolled their way through PA, and they are more than ready for it to end.Saw no other thru hikers. One section hiker with a dog headed south to Lehigh Gap. I suggested he take the Winter Trail. Another section hiker, Fly, told me another thru was ahead of me headed for the Kirkridge Shelter -- guy in a yellow shirt. I am guessing Swashbuckler.Struggled to keep up a decent pace, but it still took 12 hours, including breaks, to do,the 16.4 miles. Got here at. 8:30.Talked with Sharon Hausman once I got a signal, and we arranged to meet on the NJ side of the Delaware Water Gap tomorrow afternoon. Hooray! I'll be out of PA. The people have been lovely. Much of the trail in the northern part not lovely. Yes, there are some very pretty spots, but I had to focus on the few feet ahead of my feet.