morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-01-11
To: Pearisburg In May!
Miles today: 0.0

Here it is, warm and sunny in Florida, hard to believe that it is winter in the north. I guess it is a good thing that it is winter up there, it gives me time to prepare, physically and mentally for the rest of the trail.I have been going over my photos of the hike last year. Photos are worth their weight in gold, they capture a moment in time that will never repeat. As I pour over them time and again, it brings back so many joys, so many memories of special moments, encounters with new friends and experiences that can often be a once in a lifetime event.If anyone has good ideas on getting from Greensboro, NC to Pearisburg, VA, I would appreciate hearing about it. I will be in California for my son's commencement and then will fly into Greensboro (Skybus airlines, only $125 coast-to-coast, can't beat that) and then on to Pearisburg. There is a Greyhound Bus that can get me to Wytheville, VA on the same day as I land, I may just stay there for the night and then the next day hitch the 50 miles up to Pearisburg. There are shuttles for hire around there, but it would be way more costly than it would be worth, unless there were other hikers going the same way, the same day. Anyway, if you know of anything, I'm open to suggestions.See Ya...Dennis
Date: 2008-01-12
To: Oscar Scherer Park
Miles today: 0.0

I forgot to mention it earlier. Tomorrow, 12 January, 2008 is the All Trails Hike at Oscar Scherer State Park here in Florida. There are 12 miles of trail and for ten bucks one gets entry to the park, and rest stop food, and lunch, a hard deal to beat. There is tons of wildlife out there, alligators, armadillos, scrub jays, snakes, wild boar and if you're really lucky, some big cats.For more info, go to our club website at:http://www.geocities.com/atcflorida/index.htmland check it out. Scroll down the page to the event info. It is a marvelous way to spend a day outdoors with a bunch of fellow hikers. I'm using it as a training day for getting back on the A.T. It's a great way to check out some of my new gear.See ya...Dennis
Date: 2008-01-22
To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Recently, when doing an all trails hike in a local state park, (Oscar Scherer) I just had to take a photo of the sign at the pond. Yeah, it's okay to swim here, but do keep your eyes open. The day I was there they had sighted a 4 foot alligator in the pond, but it was okay to swim there, if you were not too small. At least that was the consensus; I didn't bother to find out.It will be nice to be back on trails that have ponds that don't have things in them that want to eat you. Of course I suppose one could argue a black bear could be a problem, but that has never really been an issue on the A.T., the bears, for the most part run away, not so with the gators.Dennis
Date: 2008-01-23
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Starting to get anxious about getting back on the trail! It is only about six more weeks. Wit and WithWit left a few weeks ago, Wit is still making good progress, but WithWit had to get off the trail with knee problems (you can search their journals at this site). WithWit has posted some nice photos. I guess she is going to do Trail Angel/Sister Support along the way, that's dedication!I haven't done much prep yet myself, other than eat and sleep and ride my bike. My concern will once again be weight loss, I lose it too quickly.A friend, Bill Walker (2005, "SkyWalker") has just released his book "SKYWALKER". It is a very worthy read of life on the trail, I highly recommend it. It is a very nice take on what a newbie faces on the trail and Bill has braggin' rights, he finished as opposed to Bill Bryson's "WALK IN THE WOODS". Bryson's is a good read too, if you haven't read it and enjoy non-fiction.Both Amazon and Borders have SKYWALKER, you search them online for it (search "skywalker" and "walker" at the same time and you'll avoid all the Star Wars hits), or you can go to our club site at http://www.geocities.com/atcflorida/index.html and click the link there.Anyway, can't wait to get out there, it is getting hot here in Florida.
Date: 2008-01-24
From: Sarasota, FL

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

Forty years ago, April 11, 1966 I spent my first day in the military. Here I am getting ready to go out and rough it again, some things never change. Maybe on the trail the food can be better at times, but then again, sometimes not. At least the pack these days is lighter.Bad news: the airline I was to fly up to Winston-Salem, NC to get back on the trail, has gone belly-up! I guess it should have been called SkyBust, instead of SkyBus. Now we'll have to find another way to get up there around May 20. Anybody driving up that way from Sarasota, FL that week? Good news: Another fellow, Brendan, that doesn't live far from me, is going up on the same day as I am. He also had tickets on SkyBus. So, there are two of us looking to get up there then. He is planning to do from Pearisburg, VA to Katahdin, as I am, so maybe we will team up if everything falls into place. Often folks plan on walking together and find that their pace is different or some other factor comes into play and it doesn't work out, so we're being realistic about it, but one can hope. He is also an experienced hiker.Anyway, that's the latest, see you down the journal somewhere...Dennis
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Since Skybus Airlines has gone out of business, I have been looking for another way to get to Pearisburg. Rental cars, in the last few weeks have gone from $12-$20 airport-to-airport to $120 for 24 hours. Guess all those folks that were going to fly are now driving.Anyway, Brendan, my new hiking partner found Allegiant Airlines has a flight from St. Petersburg, FL to Roanoke, VA for $64.19, so we jumped at it. I started the on-line booking and whoa, look at the new world of airline pricing:AIRFARE: $64.19 FEDERAL TAXES: $4.81 SEGMENT FEES: $3.50 PFC: $4.50 911 SECURITY: $2.50 CONVENIENCE FEE: $11.50 PREPAID BAGS: $10.00 MISCELLANEOUS: $7.50 TOTAL: $108.50I don't even know what "SEGMENT FEES", "PFC", or CONVENIENCE FEE" means, but I do know that I am paying for it. There is also a fee for the checked bag; that would be my backpack, I just know it won't make the size requirements and if I don't pay it ahead of time, they sock me for $20.00 when I get there. This is approaching TWICE the listed price!!! Disgusting. Anyway, looks like we'll be getting on the trail by May 21, with luck. The first shelter we hit out of Pearisburg is Rice Field Shelter, so that will probably be our first night on the trail. More as things develope!!!
Date: 2008-05-04
From: Here we go again!

To: Pearisburg, VA
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Since Skybus Airlines has gone out of business, I have been looking for another way to get to Pearisburg. Rental cars, in the last few weeks have gone from $12-$20 airport-to-airport to $120 for 24 hours. Guess all those folks that were going to fly are now driving.Anyway, Brendan, my new hiking partner found Allegiant Airlines has a flight from St. Petersburg, FL to Roanoke, VA for $64.19, so we jumped at it. I started the on-line booking and whoa, look at the new world of airline pricing:AIRFARE: $64.19 FEDERAL TAXES: $4.81 SEGMENT FEES: $3.50 PFC: $4.50 911 SECURITY: $2.50 CONVENIENCE FEE: $11.50 PREPAID BAGS: $10.00 MISCELLANEOUS: $7.50 TOTAL: $108.50I don't even know what "SEGMENT FEES", "PFC", or CONVENIENCE FEE" means, but I do know that I am paying for it. "MISCELLANEOUS"; What's that all about? They couldn't figure out how else to ask for more money, so they just put it under "MISCELLANEOUS", why not "TITHE", or how about "EXTORTION", or maybe "PROTECTION MONEY?" There is also a fee for the checked bag; that would be my backpack, I just know it won't make the size requirements and if I don't pay it ahead of time, they sock me for $20.00 when I get there. This is approaching TWICE the listed price!!! Disgusting. Anyway, looks like we'll be getting on the trail by May 21, with luck. The first shelter we hit out of Pearisburg is Rice Field Shelter, so that will probably be our first night on the trail. More as things develop!!!
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Pearisburg, VA

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Leaving in about ten minutes to catch the plane to Roanoke. From that airport we take the SmartBus to Virginia Tech, then Brenda, from the hotel will shuttle us to Pearisburg. Tomorrow we hit the trail!!!Many of you have written in the last few days, I just have not had time to respond, but did read them all and thanks for all the wonderful thoughts and encouragement. See you down the trail!!!Dennis "K1YPP"
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Rice Field Shelter

To:  Pine Swamp Branch Shelter 
Miles today: 12.3
Weather: few clouds

Getting my legs back...feet tired. Bonked at about 4 miles from shelter. I could have eating a whole turkey! Got in and took a nap. Had cold feet during the night. The shelter roof had been hit by a tree during a winter storm so there was no roof. Met lots of thru-hickers.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Pickle Branch

To: Catawba
Miles today: 15.9
Weather: clear sky

Warmer sleeping. Beautiful day with butterflies and light breeze. Jane would have loved the hike today. One of the hikers is leaving the trail today and there was a going away party at the crossroads with burgers and all sorts of goodies. Ate my heart out...I think I lost several pounds already. Planning a day off in Daleville and hope to stay at a HOJOs there. Need to refuel and clean up.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: Catawba

To: Dalesville
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

I'm using a hotel connection and can't upload pictures. Got a nice photo session with a bear yesterday, Pawn Power, my hiking partner (Brendan) was thrilled, it was his first bear. I'm in Daleville (near Roanoke) today for a "zero" day. It is cold and raining, good timing. The trail was rough yesterday, lots of high, rocky ridges. Pawn Power become lost from me shortly after the bear and ended up hiking back to the shelter we stayed at and ended up getting a ride to the hotel. He has already hike most of Virginia anyway, so no big deal for him.I'm feeling great, my right-foot small toe has a blister, but other than that, all is well. The weather has been fantastic, the views wonderful and it is great to be in the northern forests, they're so different from the Florida jungle.Got off the trail yesterday, went right to the first food I found, Wendy's, had a baked potato, chili, fries and a soft drink. Went to the hotel, showered and changed and went to Mexican Rest. and stuffed, it was wonderful to feel so full.The next 100 plus miles have very little in the way of resupply so it might be thin eating, we'll see. Once I get up the Shanendoha area (can't remember how to spell it right now?) I'm told I can go light on carrying food, there are lots of places to eat along the Skyline Drive.Pawn Power has to fly back to Sarasota tomorrow, his Father-in-Law is not doing well. He hopes to come back up and join me in Northern Virginia, no telling how this will turn out at the moment.Anyway, enough for now, limited computer time. Hi to all and see you down the trail.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Wilson Creek

To: Cove Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 13.7
Weather: few clouds

Heard there wasn't any water at this shelter. Found water about 4 miles south of shelter. Had to decide whether to carry 4 lbs of water to the shelter or walk another 6.9 miles to the next shelter. Decide to carry the water...what a difference the additional weight made. Took pictures of the trail blaze on a tree that a bear had swiped to taste the paint. Made quite a few jokes about that at the shelter that night.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: Montebello, VA

To: Harpers Creek Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: broken clouds

Staying at the Dutch Haus B&B tonight. Had a free lunch today here, looking forward to dinner and breakfast tomorrow. Did 16 miles today in 5 hours. Got up at 4:45, intending to be on the trail at 5 AM for the hike to B&B, however a big thunderstorm rolled in at that time, so I waited it out and tried to get on the trail at 5:40, but then a big bear was blocking the exit trail out from the shelter. I waited for him to finish playing in the trail and finally got on the way at 05:55 and hustled to get here by 11:00. It should have been 14 miles, but there was a snafu and had to walk into town, another 1.9 miles.Feeling great, getting on the ham radio as often as possible, usually about every third night. I don't bother to set it up if the shelter is in a valley, or if I am super tired. Will be in Waynesboro, VA in a few days; more food and resupply of hiking goods.Concerning the photo, I suspect the bear just wanted to see if the trail blaze marker paint was edible! Either that or it was a message to hikers to get of his trail.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Zero Day at Harpers Ferry

To: Washington, DC
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at the famous (?) Doyle Hotel in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. I have been here for a few days, waiting for a ride with a fellow named Russ that I met on the trail a few days ago. He has offered to give me a ride to Baltimore, MD, tomorrow and then I will catch the MARC train to D.C. Jane is flying up and we will spend the 4th there and her birthday on the 5th, so it should be a fun time.The tendon on my right leg was swollen and giving me some trouble, but rest and Advil seem to be doing the trick, it seems back to normal at this point. I'm at about the 1150 mile mark now. Later this week I will be able to upload some photos. I met a bunch of folks yesterday at the Hawk Rock, just south of Duncannon and met a few young ladies that tell me that they want to hike the AT when they graduate, what a thrill that would be!I went up there to operate my Amateur Radio in a contest called "Field Day", which is a national contest to get everyone out into the field and operate under emergency conditions (battery power, generators, portable equipment, etc.) so we can be prepared for hurricanes, tornadoes, etc. I had a great time and talked to folks all over the place on Morse Code.Oh, the deer was at one of my camping spots. They like to eat the leaves that people urinate on because of the salt, this one just wouldn't get out of the way when I was taking down my hammock.Anyway, in a few days I should be able to get this journal caught up, and add a bunch of photos, till then, take care.
Date: 2008-07-12
From: Near Port Clinton

To: Next Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

Hi All. Yesterday I found a note at a shelter that said "K1YPP, please call" and gave a phone number. It was signed "Moondog". I figured that someone up ahead had forgotten something at the shelter and called back to someone on a phone, or had a southbound hiker leave the note. So, I called "Moondog" and left a voice mail. At the Pinnacle Overlook I got in touch with Moondog, and as it turns out I was able to see his home from there, it turned out to be Bill Reading, from out ATC club in Sarasota. He and Ronni, his lovely wife, invited me to stay at their home for the evening!!! It was splendid. They have a beautiful place situated in the Pennsylvania mountains and I was able to clean up a bit and we went out to dinner. Talk about "trail magic"! This was so totally unexpected.The rocks of Pennsylvania have become a reality. They are fierce and everywhere. It is really rough on the shoes and feet and I regret getting low sided hiking shoes at Harpers Ferry, rather than hiking boots, but I'm holding up so far. In another few days I should be in NJ and the going should be better.A few nights ago I was not far from the next shelter for the evening, lost in thought, and suddenly I heard a loud rattle right next to my right side. Yep, a Timber Rattle about five feet away. It was in clear view, I don't know how I didn't see it. Anyway I jumped aside and took a few photos. If I can figure out how to load the photos on this system I'll put some new ones up later.Some of the trail names of folks I am running into are interesting, in no particular order: K-Bomb, Enoch, Moccasin, Serene, Motor-giggle-shimmy-butt, Slayer, Uluru, Cous-cous, Youngblood, Cookie Monster, Privy Peeper, White Lightning, and so on. What a bunch of interesting people.Water is becoming difficult to find, and some of the springs are dry, so one has to take care to carry enough water, which means carrying more weight of course.Anyway, enough for now, take care.
Date: 2008-07-17
From: Next Shelter

To: High Point Shelter (NJ)
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

As usual,food is a major topic with hikers. The breakfast shown here was at the 3C's restaurant in Port Clinton, NJ. Yes, I did finish it.At the moment I am staying with Linda and Bob in Dingmans Ferry, PA. They're wonderful, and like my stay with "Moondog" and his wonderful family, they're also members of the Florida ATC. I will zero here for the day.My weight is really getting too low, looks like I'll have to figure out how to get more calories per day, or do fewer miles. Pennsylvania has to be the rock capitol of the world! My feet never bother me on a hike, but they were in pain with constantly stepping on rocks in "Rocksylvania". New Jersey is somewhat better, but still rocky. Everybody is seeing bears here in NJ, but I haven't seen any and I am happy with that. At least the campsites here in NJ have bear boxes (metal structures you can store you food in so the bears can't get it). I haven't seen any rattlesnakes here either, but many of the others have.I figured out why "Motor Butt" has acquired her name: she has to be the fastest hiker on the trail, I'm moving right along at a good pace and she flys by at twice my speed, amazing!The weather has been really good and I am feeling well. I have received a bunch of comments from so many of you in the guest box and as usual will have little time to reply, but want to tell you all that I appreciate the mail and when I finish this hike I will try to catch up on all of them.I added a few new photos today, check out the photos.
Date: 2008-07-19
From: Unionville, NY

To: New York
Miles today: 0.0

Today, I stopped at the village park in Unionville, NY to eat two turkey subs I had just purchased at the grocery deli. When I finished, a guy named "Butch" drives up in a Prius and convinces me that I should come to the Mayor's home, where they will was my laundry, let me shower and give me dinner. Sounded too good to be true, but it is fantastic! This has to be the most hiker friendly place on earth. They're wonderful.The place is packed with hikers tonight, and I hear four more are coming, they're out of beds, so they will be sleeping on the floor.I'm only a quarter mile from NJ, and tomorrow I will be going back into NJ to finish the last 20 miles of it. I will probably stay at the last NJ shelter tomorrow night and then get into NY for good the next morning. NY is about 90 miles of hiking, so should be in CT in about 5-7 days. Only about 800 more miles to go! Take care all.Dennis "K1ypp"
Date: 2008-08-04
From: Salisbury, CT

To: Next Shelter
Miles today: 0.0

I'll be hitting the trail again in the morning at the CT/MA border. I don't know how far I will get tomorrow, depends on when I can get rid of the rental car and get back to the trail. I have about a 2.5 hour drive to Torrington, and the rental folks are supposed to give me a ride back to the trail.The rest has done me well, I believe I've gained some weight and the aches and pains have subsided.I was able to get to an outfitter and get some size 14 boots to replace what was left of my hiking shoes. Now to get out there and finish this job!!
Date: 2008-08-16
From: Manchester Center, VT

To: Rutland, VT
Miles today: 0.0

I'm staying at the Green Mountain House in Manchester Center, VT. This place is fantastic!!! Kitchen, showers, laundry and a bed to sleep in, life is good.Northern Massachusetts and lower Vermont have been a living hell with all the mud here. They have been having record rainfall and the trail is a river of mud and water. From what I understand from the southbound hikers from Maine, it is just as bad, if not worse in NH. Picture yours feet being in cold mud for 10-12 hours a day. The shoes are taking a beating, as well as the body.Speaking of the body, I am down to 165 lbs, from a starting weight of 186, worse than I thought. I weighed myself after two full breakfasts, so who knows?Anyway, there are nine of us here thus far, so I don't want to hog the computer, if there is time later I will add more. Thanks for all the emails, I just won't have computer time to answer them. As for phone service, it is non-existant for days, so I rarely get my calls through.See ya.
Date: 2008-08-24
From: Hanover, NH

To: White Mountains
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at the Dartmouth Outing Club, at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, New Hampshire. Having a wonderful day of rest. This computer is a Mac and I am not used to using it, so won't enter much today since for some reason this keyboard is hard to use.The last few days in Vermont were tough, it was constant climbing and decending, but at least the weather has improved, the mud was really fierce for the last few weeks!!! It is wonderful to be back in my adopted home state, NH. I did some re-supply today and picked up a few items for the colder weather I will now be facing in the White Mountains. So far the hammock has been warm enough for sleeping, but I know that will change. There are reports that there has already been some snow on the tops of the higher peaks.I was just out on the "Quad" in front of the college and put a wire up in a tree and got on the ham radio and talked to a fellow in Greenville, PA, KE3V, so that means that I have made contacts from the trail in each state I have been in. Oh, the Appalachian Trail goes right across the campus here.I have been doing much better with my weigh, I don't think I have lost any more, but then I have been eating like a horse for weeks now. With the upcoming climbs I'm certain to use up more calories than I have been.For some reason this computer won't let me log into my Yahoo email, so if any of you have mailed me, I can't read them. However, in a minute I will take a look at the guest book on this site and see if there have been any messages from the readers. Thanks again for all of the support, you folks are wonderful.That's all for now, this keyboard is killing my fingers!!!
Date: 2008-08-27
From: White Mountains

To: Mooselauke Mountain
Miles today: 0.0

I'm at the hiker hostel in Glencliff, NH tonight. There are a ton of folks here. Will try to get back on the Internet later, if I can get computer time. Tomorrow we summit Mt. Mooselauke, our first official, over 4000', White Mountain. The weather is improving, but getting much colder, even for this region.So far I have been able to sleep in the hammock comfortably, hammocks tend to be cold. I bought a sleeping bag liner in Hanover, NH and Jane sent me my fleece pullover, so all is good.I sent the QRP ham radio ahead for when I get to eastern Maine, I wanted to make room for more food and cold weather gear. I will try to get my two meter radio back from my cousin in Hampton Falls, NH, but I have to send her the information so she can mail it to a location up ahead. Hopefully I can do that tonight.Dennis, K1YPP
Date: 2008-09-12
From: Mooselauke Mountain

To: Rangely, ME
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Just a quick update. I am the Hostel in Andover, Maine. Maine is without a doubt the toughest state on the trail; huge rocks, boulders, climbs, slippery slopes, and cold. However, it is also beautiful, challenging and awesome. Love-hate or what? Just over 250 miles to go, hard to believe. Day before yesterday I did 5.1 miles in 7.5 hours, that is how tough things are here.Anyway, gotta go.Dennis "K1YPP"