morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2007-05-16
From: Hightop Hut

To: Big Meadow Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

This morning Mr. Ed stayed at the shelter for breakfast. He prepared hot oatmeal. He left the shelter at 7:00, still the first one to leave. After 1 hour, Youngndum caught him. Another hour later, DRE came along. DRE is 36 years old and from Connecticut. They decided to walk to Lewis Campground for lunch. This was the same store that we stopped by in 1995. They left Lewis at 12:45 headed to Big Meadow for dinner. Sounds like food is on everyone's minds. Within a few miles of Big Meadow, a storm front came in. Mr. Ed experience a moment of vivid memory and coincidence. We were southbound in 1995 at almost the same place on the trail when a storm came in and caused us to shelter in a restroom with about 16 other people. The rain poured and the lightning and thunder crashed. We got to know those people very well. We were in the makeshift shelter for several hours. One of the nice ladies offered us a ride down the road to the next campground since it looked like a very rainy evening. Without even consulting me, my hiking companion told the lady that we could not possibly accept a ride because we were hiking the trail. He thought it would ruin the whole experience if we hitched a ride. I left the restroom with steam coming out of my ears. I read him the riot act for not consulting me on how I felt about accepting a ride in a rain storm. For the next 6 miles, I tore up the trail and Mr. Ed was afraid to catch up with me. Later, we laughed over the incident. We sure made up for our hours in that restroom. I have never walked so fast.Mr. Ed did not shelter in the restroom this time. He just got wet. They made it to the tap room at the lodge at Big Meadows. They had a few beers and ate dinner. The turkey and potatoes were good, but Mr. Ed is still looking for food. Due to the severe storms that are pounding the area, the three hikers are splitting the cost of the $72.00 dollar room. Youngndum is sleeping on the floor because he is the youngest. Mr. Ed walked 20.4 miles today. He is at the 909.9 mile marker. Today has been a great day.
Date: 2007-05-17
From: Big Meadow Lodge

To: Mile Marker 933
Miles today: 23.1

Mr. Ed and his two companions enjoyed the tap room and live entertainment provided there. An elderly man played a mean guitar while a woman sang mountain music. They were very good. Ten o'clock was as late as the hikers could stay awake. Mr. Ed looked forward to a nice bed. However, after all of those nights in his tent, he found that he sleeps better in it. I wonder if he will set up his tent in our yard when he finishes this hike and sleep there for a while. I am sure that he will have many adjustments to make. I bet even noise bothers hikers after being in the woods for six months. All three hikers were on the trail by 7:30. The walk to Skyland was easy except for the rocks. They made the 8.1 miles by 10:30 and ate breakfast there. Mr. Ed remembered that Skyland was the first place we camped in 1995. Mr. Ed fell over some small downed trees while looking for a place to set our tent. I was beyond exhaustion at that stage and could not go any further. If you have ever fallen with a heavily loaded backpack strapped to your back, you know that you fall with much more force and far less balance and control. He could have broken bones, and I would still have laughed. I was so tired that I was silly. I do not know why he didn't get mad at me. Maybe he thought I had lost my mind. He set our tent up in a nice level spot hidden from the trail, and I crashed inside it. The next thing I knew he was sitting there with a cold Coke in his hand. Coke never tasted so good. I could have done a commercial that would have sold millions of cans right then and there. He found other landmarks we visited, and then realized that it had taken us all day to walk as far as he had in 4 hours today. What novices we were! Today's weather was great for hiking. The temperatures were in the 60s, overcast, with a little breeze. Even with clouds, they saw some nice views. Mr. Ed arrived at Pass Mountain Hut at 4:30 and ate dinner. DRE and Youngndum arrived at 5:15. DRE had a new plan for them. His girlfriend called and is driving from Boston to Harpers Ferry by Sunday. DRE needs to make big miles. He wants to make it to Front Royal by tomorrow which is 27.5. miles. The trail is supposed to be easy. Mr. Ed told him that he did not think he could make that much distance on a treadmill. So he did more miles this evening. They can catch him tomorrow. Tonight he is tenting at mile marker 933. He walked 23.1 miles today. He has no complaints except for sore feet. His back is not hurting which is a blessing. Storms may roll in tonight. He may never notice. After all, he is sleeping in his tent. No matter how long he hikes with DRE and Youngndum, he has enjoyed their company immensely. They have provided good conversation, humor, inspiration, and a good pace. What else could a good hiking companion offer?
Date: 2007-05-18
From: Mile Marker 933

To: Front Royal
Miles today: 22.2
Weather: light rain

Last night, Mr. Ed slept great. It was good to be back in his tent again. There was a little rain during the night. He was up at 5:00 and on the trail by 5:20. After 1 hour of hiking, it started raining. Guess we need the rain, but all day? Mr. Ed had to walk in rain all day. It made a very long hike. He climbed several small mountains and descended again. He never looked at his map. He knew he had to do 22.2 miles and didn't want to take his maps out because they would get wet. He made it to Front Royal by 3:30. He is staying at Super 8. DRE and Youngndum caught up at 5:30. Everyone is soaking wet from head to toe. This hotel has no laundry, so Mr. Ed washed some things out in the sink. Now, he has laundry hanging from everywhere in his room. All 3 hikers went to Chinese to eat. Mr. Ed ate beef with mixed vegetables and 2 egg rolls. This week end is trail days at Damascus. Alot of hikers left the trail to go and will try to get a ride back. Mr. Ed may go next year but felt it would be too much hassel getting there and back now. Today makes him 2 months on the trail. He has walked 955.2 miles. Even with rain and cold, it was a good day.
Date: 2007-05-19
From: Front Royal

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: clear sky

Today was a laid back day. Mr. Ed was in no hurry to leave Front Royal. He was up at 6:30. After breakfast at the hotel, he went grocery shopping with DRE and Youngndum. After getting on the trail, they found the hiking easy with no major ups and downs. The elevation ranged from 900 feet to 1900 feet. Mr. Ed said that if anyone wanted to backpack with no major climbs, this would be a good place to try it. From Sky Meadow State Park southbound for 125 miles, the walking is easy. Many hikers start at Harpers Ferry and go south as far as time permits. They made it to Rod Hollow Shelter after walking 23.5 miles. They are at the 978.7 mile marker. Tomorrow they will hit the "roller coaster", a 13.5 mile section with ten ascents and descents. They need to get plenty of rest tonight.
Date: 2007-05-20
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Blackburn Trail Center
Miles today: 17.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Mr. Ed ate breakfast of oatmeal at the shelter. He and DRE(Andrene Galiff) left the shelter first. Youngndum left about 15 minutes behind them. He did not realize how lucky he was to be behind them. After being out for an hour, Mr. Ed and DRE missed the trail and went 1/2 mile off the trail. It was not marked very well in that area. Youngndum got ahead of them at this point. He walked the next 17.8 miles trying to catch up with someone behind him.The whole day went like that for Mr. Ed and DRE. They rode the "roller coaster" with all of its rocks, ups and downs. Their feet hurt. They decided that they would like to have a break and some ice cream. They left the trail to go to Bear's Den Hostel because it was supposed to have Ben & Jerry's ice cream. The hostel was closed. Not ready to give up their pursuit of cold stuff, they looked at their book and saw that a restaurant was another 1/2 mile down the road and only about 0.3 miles off the trail. After walking further than that, they realized that something was wrong. After consulting the book again, they found that the restaurant was off of Rt. 679 instead of directly off Rt. 7. They had gone another mile or so out of their way. They did make it to the restaurant. It turned out to be more of a bar. They ordered cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 Cokes each. That is not exactly what they were looking for, but what can you do when you have walked that far looking for something to eat. They finally made it back to the trail and finally crossed into West Virginia. Here they had the best view of the day at Crescent Rock. It was one of those "see forever" views. Finally, they made it to Blackburn Trail Center at 5:15. Youngndum had arrived at 2:30. It had taken Mr. Ed and DRE 9 hours 15 minutes to walk 17.8 miles not counting off trail mileage. That is not even 2 miles per hour. Mr. Ed has sore feet and knees. He should be ok tomorrow. It will be a big day. They cross into Harpers Ferry. Here they will get pictures taken, register, and become part of AT history. Hopefully, Mr. Ed and DRE can find the white blazes a little better.
Date: 2007-05-21
From: Blackburn Trail Center

To: Harpers Ferry Hostel
Miles today: 14.2
Weather: clear sky

The manager of Blackburn Trail Center promised to make coffee for Mr. Ed and the others. That promise had them up at 5:30 and on the trail by 6:30. The hiking was easy from the Center to Harpers Ferry. They made it by 11:30. This is where the Appalachian Trail Headquarters is located. They had their pictures taken and signed the register. Mr. Ed learned that he was the 89th hiker to pass through in 2007. When he registered at Amicola Falls, he was the 249th hiker to start the trail. Something happened to alot of hikers on their way to Harpers Ferry. Probably some of that bad weather mentioned earlier. The three hikers went into Harpers Ferry to look around. They had lunch at a little cafe. Mr. Ed picked up his mail drop from Brandy. He said she had sent some good looking food. They walked to the Outfitters and spent a little time looking at gear. Finally, they walked to Harpers Ferry Hostel calling it a short day. Last week, Mr. Ed had his biggest mileage in a week. He had hiked 148.4 miles. They say it takes 5,739,500 steps to complete the trail. Also, it takes 21,600,000 heart beats and 1 million calories to walk the 2,175 miles. Mr. Ed is almost 1/2 way there. In two days, he will be in Pennsylvania. He feels strong. The trail is going well. He has a few more blisters, but that is to be expected.
Date: 2007-05-22
From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Pogo Memorial Campsite
Miles today: 24.7
Weather: few clouds

Mr. Ed has always been an early riser. So, today he was up at 6:00 and on the trail by 6:30. Youngndum asked him to wake him up. He did by pinching his nose closed. It is a good thing that he is easy going. Because he is so young, he gets a good bit of teasing. Mr. Ed says that he always has a smile and enjoys the banter back and forth that goes on around him.Mr. Ed goes ahead of DRE and Youngndum. He would have to strain to keep up with the two younger hikers. This way they catch up and have already burned up some energy. Then they walk together at a pace everyone can enjoy. DRE and Youngndum left one hour after Mr. Ed and caught him by noon. It seems that Youngndum has a pretty bad case of poison ivy inconveniently located on his rear. He is always scratching in public and the other two tell him to stop. This sounds like three teen-agers instead of a 19, 36, and 60 year old. They walked 21 miles to a diner called The Dog Patch. They ate the usual hiker's fare. Mr. Ed downed a pizza, a hamburger, fries, and 2 beers. After dinner they walked to Pogo Memorial Campsite. Their total mileage was 24.7 miles. They are at mile marker 1,035.4. DRE was supposed to meet his girlfriend at Harper's Ferry, but she had car trouble in NY. She had to return home instead of coming on down to meet him. So DRE decided to continue on with Mr. Ed and Youngndum. I think they are glad to keep his company. I don't know how long they will travel together, but it seems that they are having lots of fun.A point of interest they passed today was C&O Canal Towpath. This is a 2.8 mile stretch of the historical path from which mules towed barges between the canal on one side and the Potomac River on the other until 1924. It stretches 185 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland,MD. It was rescued from highway development by a protest hike led by Supreme Court Justice Willian O. Douglas. He walked 2,000 miles of the AT. I am glad he preserved the area.
Date: 2007-05-23
From: Pogo Memorial Campsite

To: Tumbling Run Shelter
Miles today: 23.0
Weather: few clouds

As usual, Mr. Ed was up by 6:00 and on the trail by 6:30. DRE and Youngndum caught him by 8:30. They walked 14.5 miles by 12:30 just to order pizza. Rocky's Pizza will deliver to the entrance of Pen Mar County Park. That is a treat to hungry hikers. Mr. Ed ate a large pizza with two large sodas. Today was great hiking weather. It was in the low 70s and breezy. They stayed in the park until 2:00. The next part of the trail was rocky, but easy. They crossed the Mason Dixon Line into Pennsylvania. That makes 6 states Mr. Ed has walked through. The Mason-Dixon Line is a historic survey line that separates Maryland from Pennsylvania. If you ever wondered how the South came to be called "Dixie", it was not from Dixon. Before the Civil War, a Louisiana bank began printing $10 dollar bills. In French, the word for 10 is dix. The bills became so widely distributed in the South that it became known as Dixie. The song "Dixie" was written by a minstrel-show musician from Ohio. It was one of President Lincoln"s favorite tunes. Who would have guessed?Mr. Ed said that the gnats are very hungry right now. He thinks he lost 2 pounds today just to them. They built a fire after they arrived at Tumbling Rock Shelter. Here they experienced trail magic twice. A gentleman working on the privy left a cooler full of cold sodas and apples for hikers. Also, he gave DRE and Youngndum a ride to Walmart where they resupplied. Mr. Ed still had plenty of supplies, so he stayed with the campsite and backpacks. They brought back beer purchased by the same gentleman who gave them a ride. What a guy!The hikers traveled 23 miles and are at the 1,058.4 mile marker.
Date: 2007-05-24
From: Tumbling Run Shelter

To: Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Miles today: 29.5
Weather: few clouds

Mr. Ed was on the trail by 6:30 today. He immediately had a small climb. He made it to Caledonia State Park by 10:30. That made 10 miles in four hours. He left Caledonia by 11:00 with the other hikers. The trail was easy with no ups and downs. They made it to Birch Run Shelter by 3:00. That was another 10 miles. They walked on to Pine Grove Furnace State Park by 6:15. Mr. Ed is now soaking his foot in epsom salts. He has had 3 blisters in the same spot on his third toe on his left foot. He may lose his toenail. Hope the duct tape will see him through. The reason the hikers are keeping such a pace is to try to make it to Boiling Springs before the post office closes tomorrow. Youngndum has shoes coming to him there. He really needs a new pair. His old ones are falling apart.They hope to make it to Duncannon the next day because the place has a really nice hostel. Mr. Ed says he is seeing lots of pink mountain laurel in bloom. He has seen a few deer, rabbits, and squirrels. He hasn't seeen a snake in the past 3 weeks. The hikers traveled 29.5 miles today. They are at mile marker 1,087.9.Right now, telephone service is sketchy, at best. Sometimes, I only hear every third word. I believe I have given an accurate account. If I find any mistakes, I will correct them later.
Date: 2007-05-25
From: Pine Grove Furnace State Park

To: Darlington Shelter
Miles today: 33.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Mr. Ed was up this morning at 4:45 AM. He made coffee and hot oatmeal in the Pine Grove Hostel kitchen. He was hiking by 5:30. By 6:00, he made it to the sign claiming to be the half way point on the AT. Due to the need to reroute the trail each year, this is not the actual half-way point. However, it is very close. Land slides, flooding, tree falls, etc. make it necessary to change the trail a little. Since he was by himself, he took a self-portrait marking the occasion. DRE and Youngndum wanted to leave early this morning with Mr. Ed, but they could not make themselves climb out of bed. They caught up at 12:30 and walked together to Boiling Springs. By 2:30 that day, the hikers had walked 19.4 miles. Hot and tired, they went to the Country Time Cafe for ice cream. Then they went to Anile's, an Italian restaurant, for lunch. Mr. Ed ordered a grilled chicken salad, fries, a Coke, and a big glass of water. Then he ordered a hogie to go. They found a pond beside the mid-Atlantic regional office of the ATC to rest and stay out of the sun. The temperatures had climbed into the high 80s, low 90s. At 7:00 PM, they left trying to get to Darlington Shelter. Water is scarce between Boiling Springs and Darlington Shelter. The AT winds along hedgerows and farmland through corn fields. It can get very hot in the middle of the day. That is why they decided to walk at night. Sometimes, they had to search for white blazes. They arrived at the shelter at 12:30AM. Everyone was exhausted, so they pitched their tents and fell into them. Mr. Ed found out that DRE runs marathons. DRE and Youngndum think it is funny that a 60 year old man is keeping up with them. I don't know many of them that could walk 33.7 miles in one day. That was their mileage today. Mr. Ed has enjoyed their company so much. What I find funny is that a 19 year old, a 36 year old, and a 60 year old can find enough in common to stay together like they have. They seem bonded by something that extends beyond age and experience. I am just glad that Mr. Ed has not been alone on the trail.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotes
Miles today: 11.0

The hikers were up at 7:30 AM this morning. They only had 11 miles to go to get to Duncannon, so they were in no hurry. They all needed the rest after the 33.7 miles yesterday. Mr. Ed said his feet were complaining badly last night, but they seem able to go again after a night's rest. They were on the trail by 8:00. The trail had lots of rocks. They have rocky trails to look forward to for the next 200 miles. They stopped at the Cove Mountain Shelter for lunch. DRE and Youngndum went ahead today. Mr. Ed said he needed to give his feet a break. Coming down into Duncannon at Hawk Rock, Mr. Ed said the views were beautiful and serene. The lake, trees, rocks, and the town of Duncannon made a nice picture. He saw two black snakes, one very large and one small. He had not seen a snake in the past 3 weeks. The hikers will be spending the night at the Doyle Hotel. This is a must-stay for hikers. The hotel is almost 100 years old. It was one of the original Anheuser-Busch hotels. It is now somewhat run down, but provides a haven for hikers. Mr. Ed had lunch of cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 beers. He checked into his room, took a nice shower, shaved, and took a nap. He soaked his feet in epsom salts again. For dinner, he had a meatball hogie, fries, and 2 beers. Tonight, they had live entertainment. A young woman named Sue Grace sang and played guitar. She played "Country Roads", almost an anthem for anyone from West Virginia. Mr. Ed enjoyed her singing. DRE and Mr. Ed were able to meet all of Youngndum's family. He has an older brother who is 24. He also has a twin brother. Mr. Ed said he wanted to name him Dumberthandum because he is just like his brother. Mr. Ed said he seemed to have just as big a heart as Youngndum. They also met his mother, her fiancee, and their dog. Mr. Ed liked his whole family alot. The brothers are going to hike with them tomorrow. Mr. Ed says he is going to slow down and let the young guys go on. When have I heard that before? The pace probably is too much for him. I have always told him that he has a type A personality. He has always driven himself too hard. Whenever he has had a job that needed done, he would work non-stop to finish it. I think he sees the trail as a job. Since he just retired, I do not think he realizes that a clock does not rule his life anymore. I am glad that he is keeping this journal. He will be able to relive his experiences for the rest of his life.
Date: 2007-05-26
From: Darlington Shelter

To: Doyle Hotel
Miles today: 11.0

The hikers were up at 7:30 AM this morning. They only had 11 miles to go to get to Duncannon, so they were in no hurry. They all needed the rest after the 33.7 miles yesterday. Mr. Ed said his feet were complaining badly last night, but they seem able to go again after a night's rest. They were on the trail by 8:00. The trail had lots of rocks. They have rocky trails to look forward to for the next 200 miles. They stopped at the Cove Mountain Shelter for lunch. DRE and Youngndum went ahead today. Mr. Ed said he needed to give his feet a break. Coming down into Duncannon at Hawk Rock, Mr. Ed said the views were beautiful and serene. The lake, trees, rocks, and the town of Duncannon made a nice picture. He saw two black snakes, one very large and one small. He had not seen a snake in the past 3 weeks. The hikers will be spending the night at the Doyle Hotel. This is a must-stay for hikers. The hotel is almost 100 years old. It was one of the original Anheuser-Busch hotels. It is now somewhat run down, but provides a haven for hikers. Mr. Ed had lunch of cheeseburgers, fries, and 2 beers. He checked into his room, took a nice shower, shaved, and took a nap. He soaked his feet in epsom salts again. For dinner, he had a meatball hogie, fries, and 2 beers. Tonight, they had live entertainment. A young woman named Sue Grace sang and played guitar. She played "Country Roads", almost an anthem for anyone from West Virginia. Mr. Ed enjoyed her singing. DRE and Mr. Ed were able to meet all of Youngndum's family. He has an older brother who is 24. He also has a twin brother. Mr. Ed said he wanted to name him Dumberthandum because he is just like his brother. Mr. Ed said he seemed to have just as big a heart as Youngndum. They also met his mother, her fiancee, and their dog. Mr. Ed liked his whole family alot. The brothers are going to hike with them tomorrow. Mr. Ed says he is going to slow down and let the young guys go on. When have I heard that before? The pace probably is too much for him. I have always told him that he has a type A personality. He has always driven himself too hard. Whenever he has had a job that needed done, he would work non-stop to finish it. I think he sees the trail as a job. Since he just retired, I do not think he realizes that a clock does not rule his life anymore. I am glad that he is keeping this journal. He will be able to relive his experiences for the rest of his life.