morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Niday Shelter

To: Catawba Virginia (VA 624 road)
Miles today: 16.8

Had two big UPs today. Even though the mountains in Virginia are not as high (in 3000-4000 feet altitude) as those in North Carolina or Tennesee ( 5000-6000 ft), they are still very challenging. The last climb, over Dragon's Tooth, was very difficult. For about a mile, I was actually climbing, really climbing, up and down rock. At one point, someone had embedded steel handholds into the rock. It was very difficult with a pack on!I saw D-Man, a section hiker from New Hampshire; he was heading south.When I got to the road in Catawba, I walked about 4/10 of a mile down to a convenience store. Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer were already there. They called a guy, trail name Barnabas, who had left cards in the Niday shelter, offering shuttle and hostel services.   We arranged to stay at his 'Hostel'. He came about 7:20 PM and picked us up. He is a twenty-two year young man who does this as part of a Christian ministry. He took us to Applebees for dinner in Salem, Virginia (near Roanoke) and then to his place.   His hostel is actually the basement of his parent's home! It was a beautifully furnised basement with a comfortable living room with huge flat-screen tv, a full kitchen, a pool table, weight room and computer room. There were no beds, so we slept on the floor.He did our laurndry and each of us took showers.   It was a bit strange, but comfortable.
Date: 2008-05-21
From: Catawba Virginia (VA 624 road)

To: Lamberts Meadow Camping Area
Miles today: 16.6

We left Barnabas house at 8:00 AM. He took us to McDonalds for breakfast, then to the Trailhead, at VA 624, where we had left off. It was a beautiful cool but sunny day. One of the highlights was going to McAfee's Knob, an outcropping of rock on top of a mountain. It was spectacular. I was there at the same time as Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer. We took pictures of all of us on top of the rock. It is probably one of the most photographed places on the AT, second to perhaps only Mount Katahdin.We also passed about 4 shelters today. I stopped at each one and each time, Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer were already there. It was nice to have so many breaks during the day. I usually only take a lunch break, and perhaps a 10 minute break in hte afternoon.I camped out at Lambert's Meadow camping area. It is a beautiful meadow,next to a creek. Bear Pack, Bear Bait and Pacer, and two southbound hikers, Heather (Pokey) and Jay (Sketch) were also camped there. Tree and Moon Pie came by, hiking South, to make up some of the Trail they had missed.Significantly, today, I passed the 700 mile mark on the Trail, the psychological one-third of the AT point (the technical point is a few miles more). One-third of the AT complete!
Date: 2008-05-22
From: Lamberts Meadow Camping Area

To: Daleville, Virginia
Miles today: 9.1
Weather: few clouds

It was cold last night, especially since I swapped out (too early!)my 15 degree back for my current 55 degree bag. I thought that the light bag I had was a 45 degree bag, but it's actually 55 degree bag. Not warm enough for the current May weather in Virginia. Of course, in a month, it will be just right.I left about 8:15 AM. It was a fairly benign hike, mostly along a ridge. The weather, with a clear day and about 70 degrees was great. I got to Daleville about 12:30 PM and checked in at a Howard Johnsons Express (yes, Express; the must be emulating Holiday Inn Express). It is very comfortable. I went to the local Three Little Pigs, for a burger and beer (their burgers were recommended at the motel) and to the Outfitter for more fuel and to check my boots. My left boot is still hurting my little toe. They had a device there called a Rubbing Bar that expands the leather a bit. Hopefully, it will help.I also went to the local Kroger and bought five days worth of food. That's how long I expect to have before getting to another grocery store/supply place.I had dinner with Steafast, HiLo and Dust in the Wind at the local Mexican restaurant. Margarita's are good no matter where you are!I am now solidly in central Virginia, northeast of Roanoke. The next significant destination will be the Shenandoah National Park, in about another 100 miles.
Date: 2008-05-23
From: Daleville, Virginia

To: Wilson Creek Shelter
Miles today: 11.2
Weather: clear sky

Slept in to about 8:00 AM at Howard Johnson's Express. Had great breakfast. Hiked out about 10:00 AM; beautiful day, about 70 degrees.As I hike north out of town, I saw Yorkie, heading south. He is a thruhiker.   He told me that the Trail had turned into a 'job' for him, and that he was tired of it, and was quitting. I can relate to that, as I have the 'Virginia Blues' also. That is where you begin to think of all the alternative things that you could be doing at home. A lot of people get the Virginia Blues and quite a few quit in Virginia. For now, I'll keep going.Got to the shelter about 4:35 PM. Bear Pack, Dust in the Wind, Greenwood, Orange Dust and 5 section hikers are here for the night. Pacer and Bear Bait stayed in Daleville to rest and recover another day.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Wilson Creek Shelter

To: Jennings Creek Camping Area
Miles today: 16.9

Left about 8:15 AM. Nice hike, crossing Blue Ridge parkway several times. Not too hot today, fortunately.Got to camping area about 4:30 PM.   Dust in the Wind and Bear Pack had already set up tents (and had gone swimming in Jennings Creek).This is Memorial Day weekend and some local folks, Mike and Tony and their girlfriends were camping fairly close to us. They invited us over for hot dogs, bratwurst and beer! We, of course, accepted and had a fine cookout and fun time with them. Maniac and Chewbacca came by as well. It was a great party!The interesting part is that, the day before, Dust in the Wind had told us, the day before, that she visualized local folks providing us with bratwurst an beer, and it happened!!
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Jennings Creek Camping Area

To: Thunder Hill Shelter
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: clear sky

I left Jennnings Creek Camping area about 8:20 AM. Since we were at a creek, a low point, had a big climb out.I saw Alpine and Princess Brat heading South, completing their southbound hike that they started last year. I know Alpine from Mountain Crossings, at Neel's Gap. He helped with some of my gear.Got to the shelter about 5:10 PM. I camped out on the hill abovet the shelter.At the shelter were these people: Bear Pack, Maniac, Chewbacca, Van Dyke, Jackeroo and Dust in the Wind.At about a quarter to six, as we were all getting out our food bags for dinner, we had a great surprise. We saw some folks coming up the Trail to the shelter carrying bags. It was a couple, Roger and Bev and their son and daughter in law, members of Natural Bridge Hiking Club. It is their annual tradition to provide a Memorial Day weekend picnic dinner to thru-hikers. They provided us with home-made fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans with bacon and apple cobbler. They even brought soft drinks and beer. It was a feast! Trail Magic certainly happens.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: John's Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 16.3
Weather: clear sky

It is hot today, about 86 degrees.Got to road about 4:00 PM. A local guy, Danny Sorrels, gave me a ride into Glasgow, Virginia and I resupplied food and fuel at Dollar General and local grocery store. He took me back to Trail and I hiked on to shelter.At shelter tonight: Dust in the Wind, Van Dyke, Jackeroo and Chewbacca.
Date: 2008-05-27
From: John's Hollow Shelter

To: Brown Mouintain Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: overcast clouds

It has gotten hot and bugs are bad now.Stopped at Punchbowl Shelter for lunch. Met Vachon there, who is a thruhiker, but is slackpacking southward.Got to shelter about 6:00 PM. Took 'bath' in creek. Cold water, but refreshing.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: Brown Mouintain Shelter

To: Dutch Haus B&B/Road Crossing
Miles today: 18.1

Left about 7:15 AM. A cold gray rainy morning, but pleasant to hike. Met southbound hiker, Bear Chaser (she). She was doing a section, but through hiked a couple of years ago. She was very pleasant and had an interesting philsophy: "Thruhikers who just enjoy the walk, do best'.Got to road crossing about 4:30 PM and walked down to the Fish Hatchery. Lois, from Dutch Haus, picked me up about 5:15 PM.I stayed at Dutch Haus, along with Dust in the Wind, Bearfoot Sage and Forest Gimp. Very relaxing place.   Sat out on screened in porch and checked e-mail and had a glass of pink lemonade. Since I was only guy there, they put me in a private B&B room, rather than bunk room. Lois is an excellent cook and we had a fine dinner there.   Lois and Earl, and their Dad's, are great hosts.
Date: 2008-05-29
From: Dutch Haus B&B/Road Crossing

To: Maupin Shelter
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

Earl from Dutch Haus drove Dust in the Wind and me to the Fish Hatchery. From there, we walked a mile uphill to the road crossing to the AT. Dust in the Wind talked us up the hill, telling a great story about her husband and her getting the 3-Eagles Multi-Use Trail developed near their home.Actually got on the Trail about 8:45 AM. Stopped after about 20 minutes at Spy Rock. Had to climb up the rock, which had a 360 degree view. Spectacular!Long hike today. In late afternoon, I climbed up and over Three Ridges Mountain. Lots of rock and climb, and overgrown and not well marked. I did not get to shelter until about 7:45 PM. I was expecting to see Dust in the Wind and several other people, but NO ONE was there. I was very concerned about Dust in the Wind, as we had agreed that we would both stop there. I was concerned that she had either gotten hurt, or had gone further. I yelled her name, in case she was in area, but no one answered.   After I had been there about 15 minutes, she came walking down the trail. She had arrived early and stealth camped in the woods near the shelter. I was so relieved to see her for two reasons: 1) that she was okay and 2) that someone else was there near the shelter. It is a very strange feeling to be at shelter by yourself. Anyway, she camped in her tent, and I was the only one in the shelter that night.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Maupin Shelter

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Weather: few clouds

Left at 8:20 AM, another late start.Got to shelter about 5:05 AM. Vachon, Barefoot Sage, Forest Gimp, Dust in the Wind and Jackeroo were there. Bones came in late at night.The shelter is next to a creek and the bugs were bad. We in the shelter kept getting bitten by 'No See-Ums'.
Date: 2008-05-31
From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Rock Fish Gap - then Waynesboro
Miles today: 5.0

Easy walk into Rock Fish Gap. Went to Visitor's Center, which maintains a list of local folks, who will give rides into town for thruhikers. 'Scuba', a former thruhiker, gave a ride to the Quality Inn, downtown. I got a room for my myself.I went to lunch with Dust in the Wind, then to pharmacy for band-aids, then Kroger for food supplies.A bunch of us went to Sotto's Italian Restaurant for supper: Bear Bait, Bear Pack, Dust in the Wind, Pacer, Flame Thrower, Phil (Flame Thrower's Dad), Sherlock and Gumbi.   I got a picture of all of us. We had a great time and I realized that that the experience with this group is what makes the thruhike a great adventure.
Date: 2008-06-02
From: Waynesboro

To: Black Rock Hut 
Miles today: 20.0
Weather: clear sky

Got Rockfish Gap and got on Trail about 7:45. Entered Shenandoah National Park. Got to shelter about 6:00 PM. Did not want to stay in shelter next to creek, so camped out in my tent, in very rocky campsite. Left the rainfly off my tent, to be cool, but keep bugs out. Very pleasant night.In Shenandoah National Park, the shelters are called Huts.
Date: 2008-06-03
From: Black Rock Hut 

To: High Top Hut
Miles today: 21.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Long hike today. Got caught in thunderstorm. Got to Hut about 6:30 PM, got last space in Shelter.Trail Maintainer, Cooker-Hiker was there. He had brownies for us. Also at Hut: Bear Pack, Bear Bait, Pacer, Dust in the Wind, and Mark and Mike (2 Section Hikers). It thunderstormed most of the night.
Date: 2008-06-04
From: High Top Hut

To: Big Meadows Lodge
Miles today: 20.4

Got slow start today; very tired. Got to Bearfence Mountain hut about 3:00 PM. Saw Shua there. Thought about stayng but decided to hiker on.I was headed to Big Meadow's Lodge. About 6:30 PM, I got caught in a tremendous thundertorm. It was as dark as night. I was drenched and it flashed lightning all about. I finally got to Big Meadows Wayside. Their electricity was out, but they let me in to have supper. I had a bowl of chili and a turkey sub and a pepsi. Food and dry place: great!Left there and hike about a mile to the Lodge. Got a room for the night. Rustic but comfortable. Also, expensive, at $ 90 for the night. Saw many of my hiker friends there, also.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Big Meadows Lodge

To: Pinnacle Picnic Area
Miles today: 12.3

Short day today as I'm tired from three previous 20+ mile days.I didn't leave the Lodge until 11:45 AM. Pleasant hike today.I got to Picnic Area about 5:00 PM; it was deserted. I hung out there for a couple of hours. I went back down the AT about 1/10 mile and camped out on a hillside. I was the only one there. This is the first time I've camped out completely alone. I thought I would be lonesome and apprehensive, but I was not.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Pinnacle Picnic Area

To: Elkwallow Gap, then Front Royal
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Left about 7:30 AM (should have left at 7:00 AM). Very tired today and my feet hurt a lot.Got to Elkwallow about 2:45 (had arranged to meet Nancy at 3:00 PM). Nancy got there about 5 minutes later!! We hung out with Dust in the Wind and Gumbi and had lunch.Nancy and I left and drove to Front Royal.   The Quality Inn was full, so we stayed at small motel, the Twilight Inn. We went swimming in the pool (refreshing), then went to Jalisco Mexican Restaurant. It is Nancy's birthday today and I am delighted to be with her for it. Happy Birthday, Nancy!
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Elkwallow Gap, then Front Royal

To: Front Royal-Washington, D.C.
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: broken clouds

A great Zero day with Nancy and family.Nancy and I went to local pancake house for a great breakfast. Then, went to Weasel Creek Outfitters to look at boots. Brandon, there was very helpful, but did not have any boots to fit me. He suggested that I get New Balance boots and gave us the name and location of a store. We drove to it, a huge mall in Tyson's Corner, Virginia.   We could hardly believe that we were going to a Mall, during my hike. Anyway, we went there and I got a pair of New Balance boots, 2E width, with the hope that they would be better for my toes.We then drove to the Cassels (Bob and Kathie) for a cookout. Chloe and Teddy, and then Andrew arrived. We had a great time at the Cassels'.   Kathie is an excellent cook and the dinner was delicious.About 9:30 PM, Nancy and I went to a B&B near Chloe and Andrew. The only place to park was on the street, but we could not find a place. We drove around for about 45 minutes looking for a place. Finally, we stopped in front of the B&B and went in. They let us park behind the B&B in a fenced area (for a $15 charge). We were glad to be in. The B&B was old, but moderately comfortable. We walked over to Chloe and Andrew's apartment, about block and a half away. They have a very comfortable and impressively furnished and decortad apartment. Got back to B&B about 11:30 PM.
Date: 2008-06-08
From: Elkwallow Gap

To: Gravel Springs Hut
Miles today: 6.7
Weather: overcast clouds

Nancy and I had breakfast at B&B, went and saw Andrew and Chloe for a while, then she drove me back to Elkwallow Wayside. Very sad to see her drive away.I hung out with hikers about an hour, then hiked on.
Date: 2008-06-09
From: Gravel Springs Hut

To: Chester Gap/Front Royal
Miles today: 13.4
Weather: few clouds

Left at 7:00 AM. It is a very hot day (maybe 100 degrees) today. I passed out out Shenandoah National Park this morning. I am glad to be out of the Shenandoahs. Got to road crossing about 2:00 and saw Retread. We decided to hitch in to Front Royal, about 5 miles away. Got ride from Pop Top, who was there to pick up Blues Traveler. Checked in at Quality Inn. Very comfortable. Went swimming!Had dinner with Retread and Van Dyke at Old Mill restaurant.
Date: 2008-06-10
From: Chester Gap

To: Dick's Dome Shelter
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: clear sky

Got ride to Trail and got on Trail about 8:45 AM. Very hot today, again about 100 degrees.Started uphill. This is one of the hardest days hiking to date. Hot and going uphill is very difficult.Stopped a lot and drank a lot of water.Hiked to shelter and got there about 6:00 PM. Started to tent, but it was threatening rain, so I stayed in the Shelter.   Reread and Blaze were also there. The shelter, actually dome-shaped, did not have much room. There was room for only about 4 people. Fortunately, only three of us were there.
Date: 2008-06-11
From: Dick's Dome Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

Left about 7:00 AM. Started the section known as 'The Roller Coaster'. It is about a thirteen mile section that goes up and down. The ups and downs are not that large, maybe 500 feet elevation change, but they are steep and rocky.It was a long hike today, and my left foot hurts with every step, almost excrutiating pain. I pretty much talked myself into quitting the Trail. I felt I could not continue walking with such pain.I got to Bear's Den Hostel and reconsidered. AFter a shower, pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream, everything looks better. I do, however, need to resolve my foot pain.
Date: 2008-06-12
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Blackburn ATC Center
Miles today: 7.9
Weather: few clouds

At Ridge Runner (Junker's) recommendation, only hiked about 8 miles to the Blackburn ATC center. It is owned by the ATC. Got there about 1:50 PM and hung out for afternoon with other hikers.The caretakers, Tina and Eric, cooked dinner for us: hot dogs, baked beans, cornbread, chili and soft drinks, with a special 1000 mile brownie cake for us, to celebrate about-to-cross 1000 miles.We all slept on screened in porch, but it wss still buggy.
Date: 2008-06-13
From: Blackburn ATC Center

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 12.0
Weather: haze

Got up very early, had coffee and left at 6:00 AM, my earliest start ever. My foot pain is better, but still there.It was a easy walk into Harper's Ferry. After crossing Shenandoah River, I took side trail to the Appalachian Trail Conference (ATC) center. There, I got my picture taken for their book, had a cold soft drink and hung out for a while. I went from there to the Town's Inn and checked in with Karen and Bill.I went to the Outfitter and talked to the owner, Laura, about my hiking boots. She did not think the New Balance boots that I had gotten, were appropriate for the Trail. She also felt that I needed to see a doctor about my toe pain. She gave me name of a clinic close by and I called them. They told me to come on over and they would fit me in.   One of the Outfiiter's employees gave a ride to the clinic.The doctor addressed my toe pain immediately. He injected it to block pain (painfull enough) and then incised it to remove any infection. He felt it was mostly trauma from my boots. Anyway, he released me and Bill from the B&B came, with Van Dyke and picked me up. We went to a pharmacy and filled the prescription for an antibiotic. Then, after a couple of stops, went back to the B&B.I had dinner at Secret Six tavern with Retread, then hung out at B&B for a while. My foot feels better already.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

I'm taking a Zero Day in Harper's Ferry to rest my foot/feet.Bill at the B&B cooked blueberry pancakes and fruit salad for us. My foot feels much better.I picked up my new hiking shoes (Montrail Hard Rock low cut shoes) from the Outfitter, and am trying them out today. If all goes well, I'll hike out tomorrow.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Harpers Ferry, WV

To: Dahlgren Camping Area
Miles today: 17.3

Walking Out of Harper's FerryHarper's Ferry is the symbolic and psychological half-way point (although a few miles short of the half-way point), and is a natural quitting place for many thruhikers who have decided to quit. Many of us have those thoughts,and I am no exception.So, at 8:00 AM, I, along with Retread, on a beautiful Spring morning, walked out of Harper's Ferry and across the Potomac River into Maryland. It was both an exciting and nervous moment for me, as it signals my intent to complete the Trail.We walked along the C&O Canal Towpath as part of the AT, for about 4 miles, then started to climb up a mountain in Maryland. In Maryland, there are ups and downs, but not too steep, or too long. The Trail is, for the most part, wide and fairly easy. It is not as closed in as the trail was through the Shenandoahs.We hike some 17 miles and got to the Dahlgren Camping area, a facility set up specifically for backpackers. It had tent pads, with a picnic table on each, real batrooms with showers, and a water spigot.Before we set up, we went to a nearby restaurant, the Old South Mountain Inn. It had been recommended to us (by a doctor in Harper's Ferry). It dates back to 1732 and is a beautiful building and a great restaurant. Retread and I had a fine Father's Day dinner. This was the best meal that I've had on the Trail and here is the menu: Cream of Asparagus soup with crab, real Caesar Salad (with anchovies - best I've ever had), Beek Wellington with baked potato and vegetable medley and for desert - Godiva Chocolate Cake with warm chocolate inside and vanill ice cream. This dinner was superb. Then, we camped out in the Dahlgren area. Freebird and two section hikers were also there. Then I called home to talk to Nancy and got some not-good news. She had gone to the hospital emergency in the middle of last night, with dizziness and low heart beat. They had checked her out and told her to get some additional tests and sent her home. She and I talked about me coming home NOW (I was for it, she was against it). I will, with her advice, hike on for a few more days, and go home if she has further symptoms or needs medical procedures. This is more important than my hike and I'll head home if this gets more serious. Lastly, it is Father's Day and I got messages and talked to my daughters. I'm a lucky man with wonderful daughters!
Date: 2008-06-16
From: Dahlgren Camping Area

To: MD Route 17, Wolfsville Road
Miles today: 13.7

It was a cool night last night and I slept well in my tent. It is cooler this morning.Got on the Trail about 7:30 AM. Nice terrain without too strenous ups and downs. About 4 miles in, someone left some Trail Magic, drinks, chocolate bars, and string cheese. Even beer, but none of us were up for that in the morning. I was there with Freebird and Shoe; Retread had been by a few minutes ago.The hike was uneventful until the afternoon. It clouded up and started raining, with thunder and lightning following a while later. Retread and I met about 1/2 mile before Wolfsville Road. We were planning to hike about another 5 miles, but decided to get off at Wolfsville Road, about 3:30 PM and go to the nearby Free State Hostel, run by Ken Berry, a 2006 thruhiker, and his wife. It is very comfortable and we got showers, laundry, Internet and even ordered pizza and had it delivered from a local place. I'm hear with Retread and Shoe.