morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2006-07-03
From: Loft Mountain Campground - SNP

To: Loft Mountain Campground - SNP
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: broken clouds

Yeah, did that 20! Terrain was good today, gentler ups and downs that we've seen in the rest of VA. Weather held out too; overcast and breezy. Oh, and I saw my first bear!! It was textbook bear sighting. Rounded a corner, found him (or her) on the trail about 20 yds away. I stopped, we looked at one another, then he crashed off into the woods. This was about 1:00pm, on my way to the first shelter stop of the day. Time for a quick lunch, then pressed on to the campground and most importantly, camp store for pop, food, beer. We were under the impression that the store closed at 5:30, so we were in ass haul mode. Hitech and I set the pace for the run to the camp. We knew others would follow, as it turns out, only Porkchop and Jackson made it. Stoker, Pro, and Mash must have decided 13 was enough for the day. On the way to the camp, I ran across my boddy, John Peterson. He's doing a bunch of slackpacking. I found him in his usual breaktime position, sitting on a lot, smoking a Marlboro, Ha! We chatted a bit, then I took off after Hitech, who'd passed me right there. Made it to Loft Mountain Campground at 5:300 and found the store was open until 7:00pm. Cool. Loft Mountain is a new experience for me. It's a pay to stay car camping spot in the park. I've never "car camped" before, and am not sure it by walking here, I can call it "car camping." Ate dinner, chiiled with Hitech, Porkchop and Jackson for a while and hit the sack. I woke up at 2:00 am (it's now 3am) and decided since I wasn't sleeping, to do my journaling under the night sky. I've got a nice picnic table by my tent and a wonderful cool breeze to enjoy. The only distraction is the moths that keep flying into my headlamp. Well, I'm getting sleepy, later.
Date: 2006-07-04
From: High top Hut

To: High top Hut
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: broken clouds

Happy Independence Day! Happy 90th day on the trail! My probationary period is up. I feel like a hiker now. Today's musical selection would be Timbuk 3's "National Holiday.' It's on the same record as 'My Future's So Bright I've Got to Wear Shades.' The whole record is full of excellent socio-political commentary that holds up very well some 20 years after its release.Jackson was waiting outside my tent for me this morning, all smiles and licks. He must've knwon it was a special day, eh? And how do thru hikers celebrate the day? By cracking open and enjoying their last few beers for breakfast. Short day today, 14. Despite my loathing of the current administration and political structure in my America, I am way grateful to live in this great land. I'm blessed to have the freedom and opportunity to walk through protected land, wilderness, forests, and parks. I'm blessed with the freedom to speak my mind, and to come and go freely without obstruction. I'm free to worship or not the deity of my choosing. I'm free to pursue work and pleasure that suits my needs and desires. These basic rights and other that we take for granted are not enjoyed by peoples the world over. I've had the good fortune of walking over and through a fair amount of our America, and have found beauty and peace in nature and the hearts of my fellow citizens. No rants todday, just grateful for what I have.
Date: 2006-07-05
From: Big Meadows Campground - SNP

To: Big Meadows Campground - SNP
Miles today: 20.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Another day pushing for a food and beverage related goal. Big Meadows Taproom! Big Meadows is another pay to stay campground in SNP. It's even got a fancy rustic lodge with a restaurant. Hitech, Porkchop, Jackson, Mash, and I all sheltered together last night. Woke to rain at 4:00am. None of us felt like moving until around 7:00 when the rain finally let up. Got started and made it to the Bearfence Mountain Hut for lunch. It began to rain again, so we extended our break. I left around 3:00 in a light rain, with them right behind. Hitech, Porkchop, Jackson, and I all got to the campground around 6:45, checked in, took showers, and all dined on turkey dinner with all the fixins'. Blackberry cobbler ala mode and coffee for dessert. That's living. Only had one beer in the Taproom, was too full after dinner, and food takes priority over drink anyday out here.We ran into Cat, Stoker, and a couple other hikers who yellow blazed up to the lodge. They enjoyed the Taproom while the three of us ate dinner. Earlier in the day, I'd left a half used fuel cannister at the shelter after lunch. I'm carrying a full one as a spare, and decided to lighten my load. Tonight I learned Cat found the cannister and needed it dearly. It's great to know that things work out. Speaking of things working out, I'm at the aundry around 10:00pm. I thought it would be nice to start tomorrow with dry clothes. Just as they're finishing, it starts to rain again, hard. I didn't bring my rain coat, so I started scrounging. I found a 33 gal. bag in the garbage. It's clean, it's my raincoat. Peace.P.S. The lodge wouldn't allow Jackson, so we're all tenting together. Can't break up the crew.
Date: 2006-07-06
From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Well, that was quite a rainstorm. I think when I get off the trail at my sister's, I'll reseam/seal the tent. Things did dry out a bit by the time I broke camp, 9ish. A special thanks to Amy of SNP for helping me out last night with the laundry soap, shampoo, and body wash. Struck out for Skyland, more real lunch and civilization. Saw Pro from Dover, so Hitech and I ate with him and had a beer. Called sister to confirm my pick up and Terrapin Station Saturday morning. It was a long hike up to Pass MOuntain Hut. The three of us arrived around 9:00pm to find a bunch of hikers and a great time. Tented and got a pretty good night's sleep.
Date: 2006-07-07
From: Terrapin Station

To: Terrapin Station
Miles today: 22.7

Wow, another long day! Made it to Terraoub ariybd 8:00pm, after a stop at Elk Wallow Gap wayside for a burger. Terrapin is a great hostel run by former thru hiker, Mike. He's also a forest ranger. His home is right at the northern end of SNP. Great hostel, great host, great hospitality. SNP was an interesting experience. One called it a 'civilized wilderness.' The park is definitely a throwback to an earlier age when the automibile became king and consumption became the American way. It was weird to walk through the woods to find pockets of civilization, stores, lodges, waysides, picnic areas, etc. The trail was some of the best maintained I've seen. the PATC (Potomac Appalachian Trail Club) definitely can be proud of the work they do in the park. Oh, met ridgerunner Webreaker earlier in the day, and Ranger Jim towards the afternoon. Thanks for the work you do, gentlemen. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-08
From: Columbia, MD

To: Columbia, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Yeah, I know, Columbia's not on the trail. Cari picked us up at Terrapin this morning. Mash came with us, his girlfriend is coming to visit him in DC. We offered to get him up here to avoid a hitch. The three of us went immediately to Ruby Tuesday's and grazed on the salad bar for a couple of hours. Going to spend a couple days resting my body, cleaning my gear, and planning the next few hundred miles. Peace.
Date: 2006-07-09
To: Columbia, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Ahh, Civilization, soft bed, hot showers, refridgeration, stove and dishwasher. My sister Cari is a most gracious host. She's made Mash and I feel right at home. Last night, Mash and I went grocery shopping. We figure that since we have the opportunity to cook fresh food, we should. No ramen, no tuna, even no resturant meals. Mash was happy to have the chance to cook. Cari's a vegetarian, so last night we had a Mediterranian feast. Falafel, hummus, tabouli, tziki sauce, mmmm. Tonight Mash made a ratatouille, sauteed vegetable casserole. Good eats, we sure can't do this kind of cooking on the trail. During the day (sunday) Mash and I drove to Harpers Ferry to visit the outfitters. I needed some gear repaired and wanted to look at new shoes. The funnest part of the day was approaching some of our hiker buds in my car. The double takes they took when they realized it was us in a car were priceless. PEACE (not war)
Date: 2006-07-10
To: Columbia, MD
Miles today: 0.0

Another day of R & R. Cari worked part of the day, Mash relaxed, I did some shopping, got a buzz cut, and put some food drops together. I have a bunch of food here, and bought enough to use it up and make some complete weeks meals. I did a little "work for stay", mowed the grass, fixed a drain, and hung a smoke detector. I reloaded my mp3 player with a bunch of tunes. Another nice relaxing day. All we are saying is give PEACE a chance.
Date: 2006-07-11
To: Harpers Ferry, WV
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: clear sky

Today, our fine host took the day off. We dropped Mash off at Dulles airport so he could meet his girlfriend as she arrived. They're spending a few days in DC together. Cari then took me to Harpers Ferry and even bought me a room at the Historic Hilltop Hotel, thanks Sis! Reconnected with Hitech and the Pro from Dover, they're both staying here tonight. We went out for a nice filling pasta dinner. Carb Up!
Date: 2006-07-12
To: Picnic Pavillion Gathland State Park
Miles today: 10.1

Another magical day on the AT and I've barely begun hiking. Yesterday we visited the ATC Headquarters. I had my picture taken for their thruhiker register, #602. That's probably half the number that started from Springer this year. Today I stopped back at the ATC to check emails and get some water. While I was there I ran into Laura from The Outfitters at Harpers Ferry. We were talking, and I joked that I would come back next summer and work for her. She asked if I was serious, hell yeah. Guess what? I have a job! (yeah, I know, don't count chickens and all that stuff...) My work background and thruhiking experience are definate pluses in a job like this. Laura asked me to contact her when I get done with my hike. How cool is that? It's only about an hours drive to Cari's, instead of thirteen. We wouldn't have lived that close in about twenty years. Made the hike out of HF and met some nice people along the way. I first met Jan and her dog Abbey, a little further up I met brothers Mike and Sean. We all re-met up at the very nice Ed Garvey Memorial Shelter. Sean and Mike made the .8 mile round trip, steep as hell, poision ivy covered trek to the water source. When the returned, they graciously offered me a liter of water. Thanks guys! I spent some time chatting with everyone, contemplating moving on. Well, the sky opened up and began to pour. So I kept hanging around, slowly packing up my stuff. As soon as the rain would slow up and I'd think it was time to go, it poured again. I felt that I should walk more than the five miles I had so far, believe me, it's tough getting started again. During one of the rainy parts, who shows up? My bud Locomotive Joe! He was into eat and press on. The rain finally seemed to clear up around 7:00 pm. Locomotive and I struck out for the next shelter. We almost made it, but stopped short at Gathland State Park. The storm had returned and intensified. Lots of thunder and an awesome lightning show. There's a picnic pavillion at the park, we watched the storm from there. My guidebook said no AT camping in Gathland. We weren't sure if that included the pavillion (well, thats our story and we're sticking to it). We traded mp3 players and talked until around 11:00, then we set up our sleep pads. We broke camp very early too, to ensure no trouble with the Man. It was good to hang out with Locomotive again. PEACE
Date: 2006-07-13
To: Pine Knob Shelter - tent
Miles today: 12.8
Weather: mist

Mommy, why is that thru hiker crying? Well dear, he must be listening to sad songs on that mp3 player. Yep, I'm a sucker for a sad song. Locomotive and I hiked out early and mid morning stopped at the Dahlgren Hikers Camp, where you can take a free hot shower. I took a shower, don't really know why, other than the warm water cascading over me feels good from time to time. About 10 minutes after the shower, I was as sweaty and stinky as I was at the start of the day. Weird, I took my sweat soaked clothes off, showered (no towel) and then slipped my stinky wet clothes back over me. Such is the hikers life. I took a nice long lunch break at the George Washington Monument State Park. Loco took off before I did. I rested, ate a nice hot lunch, journalled, and listened to the above mentioned tunes. Oh, and fielded thruhiker questions from passing civilians. I half expected Hitech to show up, he's attempting the Four-State Challenge. 44 miles, crossing the VA/WVA, WVA/MD, MD/PA lines. Crazy, huh? I was hoping to hike with him a bit and keep him motivated. The other day I was talking to a friend. She teased me about the partying. "I thought you were going out there to purify" she says. Well, I am. Purifying, cleansing, thinking, reflecting on my past life. There's really not much to do out here besides walk, eat, sleep, and if you have enough energy, think. I hear that lots of people get off the trail cause they can't handle all the thoughts in their head. I'm not going to be one of them. I intend to come out of this like the phoenix rising from the ashes, born anew. I don't have the time, space or inclination to share all of my personal thoughts here, but I carry them with me all the time. A few miles past the George Washington Park, I crossed I-70. I took a short break there, quite possibly the loudest place I've been on the AT so far. I watched the cars, speeding and zigzagging past each other. Quite a contrast to life in the woods. So much noise, so much hurry, so much gasoline consumption. Do you really need a huge freaking SUV to run around in? So many of the huge vehicles had only ONE person in them. We definately live in a nation of uber- consumers. It's a relief to find others out here on the trail that share my feelings about resource conservation, sustainable living and energy sources. As I'm sitting there, along comes F-Bomb, the hiker formerly known as Jonah. We walked up to Pine Grove shelter, about a half mile from the interstate. Yes it's still bloody loud up here. As we were sweeping the shelter and getting ready to lay out our sleeping gear, F-Bomb got all quiet and said "Pacer, there's a black snake up in the rafters". Well, I immediately set up my tent. I am not knowingly sleeping with snakes! PEACE
Date: 2006-07-14
To: stealth spot - tent
Miles today: 18.0

"Goddamn right it's a beautiful day, UH-HUH!" How fitting to be singing along to the facetious Mr. E's Beautiful Blues as I finished my hike into Pen-Mar Park. That tune never fails to pick me up. At one point during the day, I had told Hobo Joe that barring injury, this was probably the worst day on the trail. Bugs everywhere, I had a cloud of moths, flies, mosquitos, and gnats surrounding my head all day. Sweltering heat, dripping with sweat, miscalculating my water, just everything was awful. At one point I must've looked like a crazy man, swatting at my head every fifteen feet or so. I had dropped my pack for the third time in a mile or so when Hobo Joe and Teeba found me. Seeing them cheered me up. We walked the half mile to the next shelter, watered up, ate, and visited for a while. Tonight we're all headed for the PA state line! Goodbye MD. I felt much better after resting, eating and hydrating. I flew through the last five miles, even the heinous boulder field. Got to Pen-Mar park around 7:00 pm. The caretaker took my picture in front of their AT marker. Ate some more, watered up, and visited with some Mennonite guys for a bit. Moved on and found a stealth spot just before dark. Most of the day found me an emotional wreck, running into friends and chilling out for a while set me straight. Oh well, I guess if this journey were easier, more people would be out here doing it. IMPEACH BUSH.
Date: 2006-07-15
To: Bill and Amy's 
Miles today: 18.3

Wow, what a day, I don't know where to start. First off, I'm glad to be out of MD. Too much civilization. For the last three nights I've slept close to or basically on roads. I don't sleep so well close to people. I'd rather take my chances with wildlife vs. a drunken local. As I was breaking camp, Hobo Joe told me Teeba wasn't feeling well. Her muscles were sore and she was running a very high fever. We figured getting her back to the Ranger station at Pen-Mar was the best bet, as it was only .2 away. I offered to carry her pack. I got a bit ahead of them going up the hill and found some weekenders getting dropped off. I explained we had a sick girl coming, would it be possible to get a ride to Waynesboro to get to a doctor or hospital? The gentleman dropping the weekenders off, quickly agreed to help. I bid Hobo Joe and Teeba farewell and best wishes, returned to my pack, and started hiking. Oops, somewhere in there Hitech popped up. He had completed the Four-State Challenge, and had set up camp just short of us around 11:30pm. I didn't see him the other day, as he had stayed in HF an extra day. He says, I thought you'd be further up, I said, I been hanging around waiting for you! About two miles into my hike I found a cooler freshly stocked with coke and pepsi. There was a note attached to the cooler from a family the "Rosesniffers" They offer to pick up hikers, put them up for the night, let them shower, launder, and get breakfast. Upon closer inspection, there was a note from Hitech that said he was staying with them that evening. I guess he was beat from 44 miles in one day. The Rosesniffers note said there way a payphone at Caledonia State Park, 16 miles up. That's my intended destination anyway. It's decided, hammer down time! I hauled ass, covering the 18 miles in about 6.5 hours. Everything felt much better today. The last few days found me a very un-motivated hiker. Today I'm back on my GA-ME (georgia to maine). I rolled into Caledonia around 5:30 or so and found the concession stand right away. The nice kid charged me for a single burger, but built me a double. Must be the thru-hiker special. Thanks dude! I called the Rosesniffers and talked to Amy. Hitech was there. They came to Caledonia, picked me up and we went to Gettysburg for dinner and icecream. Before they showed up, I took a shower at the park pool. No charge, thanks dudette! Had a wonderful dinner with Bill, Amy, their two small childern 2yr and 6 weeks!, and Hitech. What a difference a day makes. The Rosesniffers are truly special people, who open their lives and home to strangers. It doesn't feel strange though, it feels like family. Thanks for a genuinely special experience. PEACE
Date: 2006-07-16
To: Bill and Amy's 
Miles today: 0.0

Oh well, another zero. Perhaps my trail name should be Mr. Zero, ha ha. I spent the day along with Hitech at Bill and Amy's. In the morning they went to church, Hitech and I did a few things around their house, cleaned up after breakfast, mowed the lawn, and fixed the garage door. Hey, it's the least we can do. We took their truck to go to the grocery store to resupply. Hitech called and asked if they wanted to do a cookout, yes! Grilled burgers and hot dogs on a lazy sunday afternoon, very nice. I watched the thermometer climb to almost 98 degrees. It wasn't difficult for Bill to convice me to stay for the day. Hitech did go out for a short hike later in the afternoon. Guess who he ran into? Porkchop and Jackson. Reunited and it feels so good....... PC & J stayed with us tonight, along with Arius, fellow thru hiker we met at Antietam shelter. I picked up Hitech after his hike around 9:00. We filled the cooler with pop and ice for the next day. Then we went to Super Walmart (who really needs to shop at 10:30pm Sunday evening? Apparantely a bunch of people). Arius resupplied and I did some grocery shopping for Bill and Amy. I've met so many special, giving, wonderful people along my journey so far. I can't pick favorites, but Bill and Amy definately rank at or near the top of the list. God Bless.
Date: 2006-07-17
To: Birch Run Shelter - tent
Miles today: 9.6
Weather: clear sky

Taking my second break of the day. Bill dropped me off at Caledonia around 9:30 and I took off shortly after. Short day today, planning 15 AT miles or so. It's really hot, but so far there's been good water. Pennsylvania is very beautiful so far. I'm back in forests, complete with rock formations, streams and wildlife. Some of the nicest shelters I've seen so far too. On my way out of the park I met lovely Emily, local rigderunner. We talked abit about the ATC, PATC, and opportunities to join trail crews and give something back. That's something I'm definately looking forward to. I took my first break at Quarry Gap shelter, where I had the good fortune to meet the caretaker, Jim. It is probably the cleanest, nicest shelter on the trail so far. It was a pleasure to thank him personally for the work he does. Then I got to Birch Run, which is equally as awesome. Sky is a picture perfect blue, cloudless, and a soft steady breeze is blowing. It feels unbelievably good to be in the woods again. The first few days out of Harpers were mentally challenging. I physically felt out of sorts. I allowed too much negativity from my old life cloud my mind the last few days. Instead of positively approaching it and dealing with it, I let it drain me. But the cumulative effect of hiking again, along with meeting so many fine trail people along the way helped me find my perspective and focus again. I'm truly grateful to be having this experience. Life is so much simpler and better here. It's such a contrast to the few days I spent in Suburbia, where people deliberately avoid making eye contact with you at the shopping mall. It's much more genuine here. You are who you are. There's no posturing, fascades, or status. This is an extremely diverse of individuals, yet we all go by the moniker "Hiker", There's no rank, no chiefs or presidents. I feel like I belong here with these friends. I've really never been a good friend. I've always been too selfcentered and closed off. I believe that shell has been chipped, cracked and fallen away. What's emerged has always been there, I just kept it buried. For far too long I let my bad self run amok. I really like myself a lot better now. I feel energized. Everythings falling back into place. I'm enjoying my own company again. I'm in a beautiful setting on a gorgeous day. Buddha said it best "Seek peace from within, do not seek it without" Hey, second break has turned into dinner and camping time. This spot is so nice, there's no point in pressing on. I started the day 10 miles ahead of PC & J and Hitech. I'm holding up a bit so we can all cross the halfway point together tomorrow. I could have got there today, but I'd rather celebrate the moment with these friends. I pitched my tent under some evergreens, real close to the stream. Perfect spot. PEACE