morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2017-05-12
From: Elkwallow Wayside... stealth camped

To: Terrapin Station Hostel 
Miles today: 15.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 68: So, the rest of the story... When we, "Scooby" and I were making tracks for Elkwallow Wayside yesterday, "Scooby" mentions how awful it would be if the Wayside closed at 5:00. I tell him that my guide says open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 9:00 am -7:30 pm. We were almost running to get our burger and fries at the last Wayside in the Shenandoah's. We arrived at 5:00 to a sign that read their hours are 9:00 to 5:30... just made it. The rest of the story is that we were cold and very wet with very limited options for camping anywhere close. I figured that as a tax payer, they wouldn't mind if we stealth camped behind the Wayside. Actually, "they" would mind so the story I came up with was as follows... Hello Mr. Park Ranger. Yes, we are aware that camping here is not permitted. But sir, we were so cold and wet that we felt hypothermia coming on and feared for our lives. We knew it would be understood why we camped illegally. Thank you for your understanding. Fortunately, the Park Rangers have enough sense to not go out in the rain.  The plan for today was to get into Front Royal to the Terrapin Station Hostel where my sister has a drop box waiting. "Scooby" agreed that he could use a night inside where it is warm and dry and agreed to hike there with me.   We arrived by 1:30, showered and took care of laundry by 3:00...now what do I do? I know, let's go through my sisters drop box. Susan's mail drop boxes are something I covet and will run down the trail for (no wonder I get shin splints). So this box had chocolate covered walnuts, dill pickles, gourmet trail mix, Pez dispenser (yes, you read correctly), mini bottle of Glenlivet (I love my sister), prepackaged gourmet dinners with recipe included, bacon jerky (touchdown), macadamia nuts (she sent these because they are high in fat) and various other goodies too numerous to mention.   Bear update... as we were starting out this morning "Scooby" stops dead in his tracks and points to a bear... nope, I didn't see it as I was too busy looking down at my feet. So, did "Scooby" actually see a bear? No pictures, no scratch/claw marks on him... hmm, a little suspect. To end today's post, I feel compelled to mention that hiking through the Shenandoah National Park was a true pleasure. The trails are beautifully maintained, the way finding was clear and easy to follow and the Wayside food options were greatly appreciated.  I, like most thru hikers, will miss the Shannies. Whistler
Date: 2017-05-13
From: Terrapin Station Hostel 

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 27.3
Weather: moderate rain

Day 69: Terrapin Station Hostel ended up being a pretty good place. A bunk, shower, laundry, frozen pizza and pop for thirty bucks. Mike (the owner) also provided us with a free shuttle into the town of Front Royal. Nobody actually needed a resupply because everyone had pretty much eaten at the Shenandoah Waysides leaving food bags still full. We did accept Mike's recommendation for dinner though. "Pave-mint" is an old converted gas station now run as a pub with great food and a terrific beer selection, just what I needed after the terrible weather we have encountered these last couple of days. On the way home "Scooby" asked Mike if he could swing by McDonald's for a Big Mac (his second dinner); I got a vanilla cone. Back at the Hostel, we were all warm and dry while it continued to rain all night.  "Scooby" and I were up early with big plans for hiking on toward Harpers Ferry. Our goal was to push on and to put down a big miles day. The challenge was that the trail was in awful condition. To start, it was obvious that we were no longer in Shenandoah National Park where those trails were groomed and in ideal shape for its visitors. And of course the rains contributed to poor and let's just say unfavorable hiking conditions. Mud the consistency of thick pudding and river/mini lakes on the trail requiring us to hop, skip, jump or just wading through made for slow and dangerous hiking. My primary objective was to remain upright although I failed just once with a slip and fall in the slick mud. Attempts at keeping your shoes/feet dry was futile. It actually got to the point that you marched right through the mess. Honestly, what was going to happen? Once you were soaked you can't get any wetter. It was actually freeing and liberating to wade your way through. It was also slow going as well, so we didn't get to our destination until just after 8:00. I was so hungry, but also so focused on getting "there". The good news is that we only have thirty mile to Harpers Ferry and will get there early Monday. "Scooby " had a single room booked for himself at an inn, but was able to call and change it to a double for us to share. Harpers Ferry is home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and although not the exact halfway point, it tends to be the psychological halfway point. They will take your picture and give you your new number as a thru- hiker. I was number 394 when I left Georgia and am anxious to know where I fall now. The ATC is also where my dear trail angel /Mother-In-Law has a drop box waiting for me. A milestone was reached today... 27.3 was my biggest day ("Scooby's too"). Life is good in the trail....Whistler
Date: 2017-05-14
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: David Lesser Memorial Shelter 
Miles today: 21.1
Weather: clear sky

Day 70: "Scooby" and I agreed that we would get a bit of a later start today since we got in so late last night. So instead of 6:30, we started our hiking at 7:30. Today's hike would primarily consist of a fourteen mile section called "The Rollercoaster". It gets this name because of the constant and repetitive ascents and descents, most of which are extremely steep. This was a very challenging section with virtually no views worth mentioning, but it was made so much more palatable with the 1,000 mile mark at the peak of one of these mountains.  Another milestone today was met by our completing Virginia which makes up 544 miles of the AT.  I now have the fourth of fourteen states left safely behind me.  One highlight of the day was when we got to mile number 1,002 and hiked a short .1 miles to the Bears Den Hostel. This property is owned and operated by the ATC and is really beautiful. We did stop in for a couple of sodas and chatted with a couple thru-hikers that were staying there. If we had timed it right I know we would have stayed. But, we had more miles to go for our daily goal.  When we did arrive at the shelter tonight we were the only ones there. I'm taking my chances that no one else shows (you know how I am about the snoring in the shelters) and am set up in this beautiful shelter. It has a front porch, porch swing and is very clean. We will wake up in the morning and start hiking the nine miles into Harpers Ferry. I am really looking forward to this additional milestone and especially as it will be a short day of hiking as well.  Whistler
Date: 2017-05-15
From: David Lesser Memorial Shelter 

To: Harpers Ferry
Miles today: 9.4
Weather: broken clouds

Day 71:So I ended up with the shelter to myself and got an amazing night of sleep. We were up at 5:15 and on the trail at 6:30 for our 9.4 mile hike into the historic town and home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters, Harpers Ferry. What a picturesque little town. We are staying at Town's Inn directly in the center of town and within walking distance (every place is within walking distance for a thru-hiker) of all local attractions (that's code for restaurants).  We arrived at about 10:00 AM and made our first stop the Appalachian Trail Conservancy headquarters. The ATC will take your picture and give you your number that indicates your place in this years "class" of thru-hikers. My starting number at Amicalola Falls on March 5th was number 394 and my number today was 216. A side note here is that the folks at the ATC were remarkable. They are so welcoming and friendly and really have a passion for what they do.  While at the ATC, I also picked up a mail drop package that my mother-in-law had waiting for me. There is really nothing better than receiving a package from family and friends... thank you Mom!!! We checked into our room and went for lunch, the post office, laundry and resupply for incidentals (that's code for beer). Oh, by the way, Papa John's delivers... My only concern is that our Inn is very close to the Harpers Ferry train station... a VERY active train station. I don't have a copy of the schedule but five have passed in to last two hours. Will they run all night? We'll see...Whistler
Date: 2017-05-16
From: Harpers Ferry

To: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 
Miles today: 17.7
Weather: broken clouds

Day 72: Backing up to yesterday and the heavy train traffic of trains running through Harpers Ferry... They seemed to run all day and night and in both directions but honestly, no big deal as they didn't really disturb my sleeping (I guess they aren't as loud as someone snoring). I have to admit that I had no idea that there was so much train activity in the US. All along the trail and throughout the small towns I have been through I've seen and heard more trains than I had ever expected. It really is almost comforting and nostalgic to see and to hear them coming and going.  "Scooby" and I decided that we would have an early breakfast at the Town's Inn cafe at 7:00 and do the short stint of the AT that circles Harpers Ferry. So, let me try to explain. When we arrived yesterday our main objective was to get to the ATC. We got off the trail at the southern end. The trail could be picked up on the northern end through the town, but would have meant that we "skipped" some of the trail. Even though it is the same distance, we are both committed to not skipping a single "white blaze". This a purest approach to hiking the trail, but the approach we both agree on.  After the short hike, we went back to the Inn and ordered sandwiches from the coffee/ice cream/bakery/sandwich shop across the street from our Inn. Connie prepared two of the biggest sandwiches I had ever seen. These were placed into our packs and off we went. The trail was very kind to us with limited ascents, but there were a few good miles of foot bruising rocks that can slow you down. We stopped at Ed Garvey Shelter to eat those sandwiches at about 1:00 and I felt as though I had been put into a food coma. Thank you Connie!!!   The rest of today's hike took us past/through Gathland State Park and the beautiful views of White Rock Cliff. Both of these sites were worthy and timely for a hike break and snack. One thing about Maryland is that you must camp at a designated camp site. This can be at one of their shelters or state run campgrounds. In other words, no stealth camping which is fine because they do provide really nice facilities for campers and backpackers. Our final destination for the evening was Dahlgren Backpack Campground. This is a Maryland state run campground complete with great tent sites, picnic tables, fire rings, bathrooms with hot showers (a shower two days in a row?). All this for no fee... thank you Maryland... wish we were staying in your state longer, but unfortunately only 41 miles of the AT runs through this state. Rich in civil war history and home to the original Washington Monument (which we will see tomorrow), Maryland is definitely going to have me revisit in the future.  Milestone for the day... West Virginia, state number five is safely behind me. Whistler
Date: 2017-05-17
From: Dahlgren Backpack Campground 

To: Falls Creek
Miles today: 24.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 73:Trail angel Vickie made contact with me this morning via my trail journal guestbook. As a section hiker and self proclaimed trail angel, she graciously offered to meet me and "Scooby" with sub sandwiches and other goodies. Coordinating our meeting was pretty easy because she provides trail magic often and knows where the trail crosses local roads. Vickie brought us Italian subs from her favorite deli, soda, beer, fresh fruit and brownies that she baked this morning. Thank you Vickie for this amazing gift of trail magic and your generosity. One of today's highlights was the Washington Monument we stopped at this morning. This stone tower dedicated to the father of our country was built by the villagers/towns people of Boonesboro in 1827. A large group followed the Stars and Stripes up the mountain on July fourth and started building this impressive monument as part of their independence celebration. Seems a bit more productive than shooting off fireworks and definitely more patriotic than the fighting that takes place between political parties today... It has been restored to its original design and was certified a Maryland and National Monument in 1972.   About today's hike... whew!!! It was a tough one for certain. The rocks were stacked on top of rocks, big rocks, little rock's and very pointy rocks. From what I've read, this is just training for what's to come in Pennsylvania. To top it all off, the heat was oppressive. It remained in the mid eighties all day. It seemed impossible to re-hydrate enough.  Another highlight today was the completion of another state. Maryland has been put safely behind and Pennsylvania miles start getting chipped away at starting tomorrow. Whistler
Date: 2017-05-18
From: Falls Creek

To: Stealth camp
Miles today: 23.3
Weather: clear sky

Day 74: Prior to starting my thru-hike, I asked my daughter-in-laws if I could have something that belongs to my grandchildren to take with me. My thoughts were to have something that could photobomb the sights along the way. Sarah provided me with a laminated copy of my favorite picture of my grandson Brantley. Lauren gave me Princess Poppy, which is a shared toy troll/doll belonging to my granddaughters, Blakely and Katy Ellis. It's been fun and helpful in making my journey a little bit inclusive of my grandchildren for sure. Cross from one state to another, photobomb time. A national monument, photobomb... Anyway, the photo at the left is another example.  We literally stepped over the Maryland/Pennsylvania border last night and pitched our tents. It's a psycological head game to be able to go "check" to another state down. Now all we have to do is hike the 229 miles that make there way through the Keystone state. Well, 6:30 this morning was a good time to start. We actually targeted twelve miles by noon, but achieved thirteen miles by noon (such overachievers). We stopped for lunch at the the Rocky Mountain Shelters (yes, plural as there have been twin shelters at each Pennsylvania shelter locations. Snoring and no snoring?). While there I was looking at my guide and noticed that there was a restaurant just over three miles away. "Scooby" and I had just finished lunch so it would soon be time for "second" lunch. Visions of cold soda, burgers and ice cream messed with our sensibilities. Timbers Restaurant was a short half mile walk along state road 30 and well worth our time and effort. The owner (Wanda) made us feel so welcome. Our Pepsi glasses never went dry. Our food portions were huge and the cost was VERY reasonable. Hiker hint: do not miss this place... charging station, ice cream, great food and even better prices.  Tomorrow we will arrive at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Pine Grove had at one time been the actual halfway mark for the trail, but over time the trail has to be moved so the halfway point did as well. Anyway, an old time tradition that exists still is to get a half gallon of ice cream from the general store and consume it in a single sitting. Half way, half gallon... "Scooby" has made this challenge one of his goals for his thru-hike. If you complete the challenge you get a commemorative wooden spoon (a tiny wooden spoon... wow! Right?). I'm still on the fence. I'll let you know which side of that fence I fall on/over tomorrow. Whistler
Date: 2017-05-19
From: Stealth camp

To: James Fry Shelter 
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 75: When in Rome...As I mentioned yesterday, I was pretty sure I wouldn't be taking on the half gallon ice cream challenge. All I can say is that the heat and the miles hiked helped sway my decision making abilities. It was almost too easy...  Our hike into Pine Grove Furnace State Park started at 6:45 this morning. "Scooby " likes for me to take the lead and I find it keeps me moving knowing he's on my tail. We hit fourteen miles by noon today... now that's the power of ice cream. When we arrived there was no question as to whether or not I would participate in this tradition. The only decision was what flavor? I went with Neapolitan and it went down fast. I finished in about twenty minutes and actually beat "Scooby". Because ice cream now comes in one and a half quart containers, you are also required to finish a pint container... no problem!!! Oh, and I got my tiny wooden spoon to prove it.   A bit about Pine Grove Furnace State Park...It is difficult to believe that this now beautiful state park was home to an iron furnace that dumped byproducts/waste into the waters and environment with no consideration to the damage it caused. Built in the late 18th century using the methods used four hundred years earlier this furnace produced iron for our mechanical/industrial age. Hey... that's progress!!!   In addition to the remaining furnace structure there is now a clean pond for swimming, museum and picnic areas. This park is also home to the Appalachian Trail Museum, a must do for hikers of all ages.  I loved a quote of Benton MacKaye (forester, planner and conservationist who's idea created the AT) that I've seen before and once again today..."The ultimate purpose of the Appalachian Trail? To walk, to see and to see what you see". Benton MacKaye 1879-1975Whistler
Date: 2017-05-20
From: James Fry Shelter 

To: Darlington Shelter 
Miles today: 26.3
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 76: This weekend is the weekend that Damascus, Virginia holds its annual Trail Days Festival. This three day event draws hikers off the trail and a huge number of alumni there as well. It's been great fun hearing everyone's plans regarding how they were going to get there. Some of those familiar faces have not been seen yesterday or today so it's clear that they've gone south. I myself can't see going backwards to a place I had been weeks ago and "Scooby" agreed. We have discussed possibly coming back next year as alumni. We'll see how that goes over with our wives... "Scooby" and I got off at our usual 6:30 starting time with plans for a big miles day. Southern Pennsylvania has been pretty good to us and the weather has really been cooperating. In fact, it never left the fifties today. It was a perfect day for hiking.  One of the hiker pleasures is that the trail will actually go straight through or very close to a small town from time to time. When this occurs, you are compelled and drawn in for a visit. Such an occasion presented itself today. The trail meanders through the streets of the quaint town of Boiling Springs. While walking through we saw small children fishing with grandparents along the shore of the town center lake. We saw beautiful public parks and green spaces, band stand and historic buildings with plaques describing/explaining their significance to this proud community. The only thing missing was Norman Rockwell and his easel. We stopped and asked for a suggestion for lunch and were directed to Cafe 101... my oh my... the food was incredible. While there I chatted a bit with a woman and her young daughter, (the husband/ father showed up a bit later). After lunch I asked the woman if she knew of a drug store where I might pick up a knee brace (a twitch developed in my right knee giving me a little concern). Sure she said, it's a few miles away, "I'll drive you there". I was stunned by her gracious and generous response. Anyway, my new friend, Trail Angel Lou, left her husband and daughter at Cafe 101 and shuttled Whistler to the local Rite Aid. The funny thing was that I could tell her husband was accustomed to his wife offering random gifts of kindness from the expression and kind smile on his face. It was that look of pride and "sure, that's my wife... isn't she awesome"? I know that look because I wear it all the time when I'm around my wife. How blessed are we to be among angels???   So, back to hiking (this is a trail journal after all). While hiking today I ran into a young man I had not seen since Damascus. He happens to go by the trail name "Whistler". How can this be? I'm Whistler!!! Well it's not uncommon to share a trail name. "Scooby has learned that there are currently three "Scooby's" on the trail. Anyway, "Whistler Jr." is a nice young man and I enjoy our bantering as to who is the original/true "Whistler " (it's me by the way).  Whistler (Sr.)
Date: 2017-05-21
From: Darlington Shelter 

To: Clarks Ferry Shelter 
Miles today: 15.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Day 77:  I awoke this morning and realized that I failed to mention a very different experience while hiking. We hiked yesterday for nearly thirteen miles through farm fields. We hiked through wheat that was nearly three feet tall. It was beautifully lush and although not "amber waves of grain", it was a beautiful green and it did wave in the light breezes of the day. There was corn just coming up in rows that went on for as far as we could see. It was a nice break from the seclusion of the shaded forest we've become so accustomed to. The surprising thing was how difficult it was to walk that long on flat ground. I actually couldn't wait to climb another mountain.  Our first destination today was the small river town of Duncannon. We needed to get laundry done, pick up a mail drop, and visit "The Doyle" for one of their famous burgers and a cold beer. The Doyle is part of the lost Americana of yesteryear. It was obviously a beautiful building in its day with lots of architectural features you would expect from a turn of the century hotel. Unfortunately, the town of Duncannon has, like so many other small towns, fallen on tough times. It is extremely depressed and for what ever economy might still exist there, it's not enough to sustain and support such a grand building. It remains a hiker friendly restaurant and "hotel", but hiker season is just a few months a year. Rooms are $25-$35 a night which is a good value, but you're not getting much for that. My hope is that it can somehow survive, but in the meantime I'm pleased to have been able to enjoy this traditional AT stop while on my journey.  We left Duncannon at 2:30 this afternoon with hopes of adding some miles to the ten it took to get to town. The rocks of Pennsylvania revealed themselves today so we stopped after five miles out. We thought it best to start with fresh legs (and feet) tomorrow. We knew it was coming, but we now know why hikers call it "Rocksylvania". These rocks have cutting edges on them. We understand that the worst part of "Rocksylvania" will be northern Pennsylvania... can't wait. Whistler