morvasaaty/AppalachianTrail-LD-Hikers-Blogs-and-Weather-20-years huggingface dataset:
Date: 2008-05-03
From: Grand Prix Motel

To: Peck's Corner Shelter
Miles today: 11.4
Weather: overcast clouds

Had a great uphill hike. Arrived at the shelter around 8pm at immediately wrote my shelter register entry from info received from Tiger Bomb at Gatlinburg.: "Hail to Dorothy (Tiger Bomb). She melted the wicked witch (Wing Ding). The scarecrow (ridge runners) claimed her broom (sharpie). No more flying monkeys (graffiti) proclimed the tinman (Katahdin Kid) and cowardly lion (Slurpee). The wizard (Dah Wah He) went off in his balloon (backpack) to proclaim the good news to the world. There's no place like home (AT)."
Date: 2008-05-06
From: Groundhog Creek Shelter

To: Big Spring Rock road tent site
Miles today: 19.5

Tented at an old access road with Blazing Star. We looked for a place away from all the bear activity we had been hearing about. Andi was able to through my near line over a 40 foot high branch where my hook shot failed. What an arm! Had a great conversation with her before calling it a day.
Date: 2008-05-07
From: Big Spring Rock road tent site

To: Elmer's Sunnybank Inn Hot Springs NC
Miles today: 8.7
Weather: few clouds

Had a somewhat scary experience with a non-through hiker that looked very suspicious at Deer Park Mountain Shelter area. Was nervous until I found Blazing Star safe at a Hot Springs diner. Enjoyed a massage and jacuzzi at the spa as well as purchased a hiking kilt that I began to wear proudly.Received more trail magic with an anonymous paid breakfast that truned out to be FedEx (former thru-hiker).Met Jodie (Serendipity) and had a great conversation with her while waiting for her boyfriend to come off the trail.
Date: 2008-05-11
From: Flint Mountain Shelter

To: Hogback Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 8.8
Weather: light rain

What a windy night!!! 60 mph winds knocked branches and limbs all over the shelter roof and broke a large tree in half around 2am. Poet offered to hike the 2.5 miles to retrive 'delivery' pizza but we just hunkered down instead and went in to town the next morning. After agreat breakfast and hours at the shelter Hobo Joe and I hitchhiked to Erwin leaving Sunny, Hippie Chick and Poet to hike the 25.
Date: 2008-05-13
From: Sam's Gap

To: Uncle Johnny's Hostel Erwin TN
Miles today: 25.0

Slackpacked from Sam's Gap the 25 to Uncle Johnny's after "CB" dropped me off. Received a standing ovation from Johnny and others when I arrived in 8 1/4 hours.Met a group of students from Dallas that came in for a week section hike. Gave CR (Crown Royal), Shutterbug and Sparkle their trail names.Met up with Archeopterix again at No Business Shelter.
Date: 2008-05-19
From: Uncle Johnny's Hostel Erwin TN

To: Deep Gap
Miles today: 12.1
Weather: scattered clouds

After 5 days of partying at Trail Days in Damascus VA, got back on the trail. Storyteller rejoined me after a 5 week hiatus and brought loads of trail magic including new trekking poles, a summer sleeping bag, t-shirt, hat and lots of cupcakes for all hikers.Great time at Trail Days connecting with almost all hikers I had met to this point. Met Flutterby and Fyrefly hiking out of Erwin. Would hike with them for the next week and become good friends.
Date: 2008-05-20
From: Deep Gap

To: Clyde Smith Shelter
Miles today: 13.1
Weather: light rain

Finally heard from my Dad who had problems with my cell number. Found out that my Aunt Kay passed away the day before. Was a really sad day and then it hailed the size of marbles. Pushed on through with heightened determination and toasted my Aunt's life at the end of the day with shelter friends.
Date: 2008-05-24
From: Kincora Hostel Dennis Cove

To: Watauga Lake Shelter
Miles today: 10.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Day started poorly as I fell for only the second time in 400 miles. Smashed my head on a rock and felt as though I had sprained my neck. Within minutes, fell again hyper-extending my knee. Was about to call it quits for the day and then saw Laurel Falls. What a beautiful place!! A few feet later saw a spectacular grouping of butterflys on a cliff and then a few feet later, a few copperhead snakes. Later that day, stopped for lunch with Slurpee, Camel and Creeper at Watauga Lake park. What a beautiful place that made me reminisce about my young kids and family times at the lake.
Date: 2008-05-25
From: Watauga Lake Shelter

To: Double Springs Shelter
Miles today: 21.2
Weather: clear sky

During the night, we heard Camel calling out from his tent area behind the shelter. He was calling out "Can you see the light?", "Follow the light". We thought he was cracking up or at least talking in his sleep when one of the three women in the shelter said "Where's Mary?". Immediately, Slurpee, Creeper and I jumped out of our sleeping bags and ran into the woods with our headlamps. Within minutes, Creeper found Mary who had been wandering for an hour and a half from 3am 'til 4:30am.Met Dottie and Bandit - two PT gradute students from VCU. Gave Dottie the trail name "Skippy" as she was carrying a 5 pound jar of peanut butter in her backpack. Would hike with them for the next week and through Damascus. Skippy would later offer to do trail magic once we reached her home in Waynesboro.
Date: 2008-05-26
From: Double Springs Shelter

To: The Place Hostel Damascus VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: few clouds

Reached Damascus and had a great time reuniting with Hippie Chick, Poet, Freewill, Mr J, Sunny and others. Had a great time at the barbecue. ALso met Nora the Explorer.Crossed the TN/VA border this day with Slurpee.
Date: 2008-05-28
From: The Place Hostel Damascus VA

To: Feathercamp Branches off rt 58
Miles today: 5.6

Spent a few days with the Stickman, Shalako, Charades gang. Got the 'Canadians' and many others drunk palying my drinking game, 'caps'. Feather is the only one to beat me as she shot underhand. The 'Canadians' proclaim me to be a 'shark'.
Date: 2008-05-30
From: Feathercamp Branches off rt 58

To: Briar Ridge 
Miles today: 21.2

Saw an 8ft long Black Racer snake on the trail. Gave it a wide berth. Spent the night on a slope ontop of Mt Rogers short of Thomas Knob shelter since 4 SoBos told me I was 2 hrs short of the shelter. Found out the next morning that I was only a half hour away. Spent the night having the wind rip up my stakes. First night I have spent by myslef since being on the trail.
Date: 2008-06-01
From: Trimpi Shelter

To: Partnership Shelter
Miles today: 10.6
Weather: light rain

My Birthday! It rained the last mile with severe thunder and lightning. I was soaked upon arrival with my boots filled with water. Grizzly Bear was there delivering a pan of lasagna, salad, garlic bread, cake and icing, milk and beer from Storyteller and was enjoyed by me, Slurpee, Skippy, Bandit, Jefe, Grandpa Joe and Camel. Found out that they got in trouble for the beer as no alcohol is allowed at that particular shelter. Had a great time anyway. Thanks Storylteller!! Slurpee arrived after having been knocked down by a close lightning strike. Several strikes hit the ranger station a few hundred feet away and knocked out their radio.
Date: 2008-06-05
From: Jenkins Shelter

To: Helvey's Mill Shelter
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Went to Bland for lunch with Slurpee and got a 3 scoop banana split from the DQ. Started to find my hiker appetite after losing 40 pounds and 8 inches off my waist. Need to start consuming more calories so I don't fade away. Slurpee stays in Bland for the next few days not feeling well.Caught a hitch out of town with the Cincinnati boys and begin to hike with them and their iPod tunes.
Date: 2008-06-06
From: Helvey's Mill Shelter

To: Trent's Grocery
Miles today: 16.3

Reach the 600 mile mark. Consume a cheese steak sub, bacon/mushroom pizza, 100 ozs of soda, quart of chocolate milk, rack of donuts, and honey bun. Guess I've found my appetite. Meet Chris from Maine - a real 'down-easter'.
Date: 2008-06-07
From: Trent's Grocery

To: Holy Family Hostel Pearisburg VA
Miles today: 23.8
Weather: few clouds

Have a great stay. Shuttled by Geoff to DQ for another watermelon arctic rush and then attend an AC/DC cover band concert with Woof, Geoff, Jefe and others. Meet Carlee (Downtown Venus), a very nice girl sad to part with her friend. We cheer her up and get her going again.Meet Satchel and reunited with Warren (Roadkill) who has been tracking me for weeks throught the shelter registers.Spent Monday the 9th in Blacksburg with Jacob and John. They brought us to the VA Tech memorial for the 32 slain last April. Had a great time in town with them. Great hosts!
Date: 2008-06-12
From: War Spur Shelter

To: Niday Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

Met 3 new thru-hikers that just got back on. Gave Giggles the Warrior her trail name and rename Solstace to Tick Magnet. Equinox is renamed by Giggles to Nenox. Have a great time hiking with this trio and Pete's Draggin for the next several days.
Date: 2008-06-14
From: Pickle Branch Shelter

To: Johns Spring Shelter
Miles today: 13.6
Weather: clear sky

Enjoy a fantastic dinner in Catawba at the Home Place Restaurant. Fried Chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, pinto beans, cole slaw, biscuits, green beans, cherry cobbler, lemonade, iced tead... What a meal!!! Stayed and digested on the veranda and gazebo with Pete's Draggin, Giggles the Warrior, Tick Magnet and Nenox.Stopped at night at Johns Spring Shelter. A very 'anxious' day hiker made Pete and Giggles very nervous. He stayed up 'til three in the a.m. pacing the campground with his flashlight.
Date: 2008-06-15
From: Johns Spring Shelter

To: Comfort Inn Daleville VA
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

Go Celtics! Up 3-1 they lose in LA but going home to Boston for the 17th championship clincher!Had a very cathartic experience today! Climbed McAfee's Knob early in the day and saw a great view but there was a group of @25 already there. Continued on to Tinker's Cliffs and felt a well of emotion. I stood on the cliffs overlooking the town and, with my arms extended proclaimed my name (trail name) loudly for all the valley below to hear. I had been thinking of my situation and kids all morning and felt a need to introduce my new self to the world or, at least reintroduce my old self with new confidence that I had lost. I'm beginning to gain that old confidence and lose that huge chip on my shoulder that I had been carrying. It was even more evident to me in town where I was approached by an older women who just wanted to talk and by a few youngsters @ 3 and 5 who wanted to talk about my hiking in the mountains particularly on Tinker's Cliffs. I felt that if such young kids could feel comfortable approaching me then I musn't be as snarling an angry an old man as I felt I had become.I also had a very strange experience the second day in Daleville. The first night I enjoyed an evening at the Mexican restaurant with Slurpee, Spiller, Charlie, Cary (Borders), and others. Charlie asked me to make a toast being that it was Father's Day and I was the only father in the crowd. Four of us later enjoyed a toast with Patron Tequila (a particular treat). However, the next day, as I crossed the highway to do my laundry, I found myself standing in the very parking lot that my brother and I had parted ways back in October as I left New England to regroup at my mother's place in Florida. That was probably one of the lowest points in a long line of low points over the past five years. I had spent the night in the woods by the Cracker Barrel in the rain. A shiver went up my spine as I stood there recalling the circumstances.Last, I finally have my iPod. I can't fully describe how energized I am by having my music with me. I already listened to a bunch of my favorites and envision some very energetic hikes coming soon. I also have my digital camera now. I promised my dad and sister that I'd take a picture of my new slim self and e-mail it to them. They're in for a shock. I haven't had a '32' waist since I was 20!
Date: 2008-06-18
From: Black Horse Gap

To: Bryant Ridge Shelter
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: few clouds

As I passed through Bobblet's Gap Shelter, and still welled up from the Tinker's Cliffs moment, I wrote an entry in the shelter journal as; "I am Dah Wah He (Heh - not hee - not hay) (Navajo - Bearded one). Hanta Yo! (Lakotah - Clear the way. Here I come.) I've been down too long." ...I can't believe I allowed myself to lose so much of my soul. "I'm back. Katahdin or bust. ('or bust' xxxx'd out) NOTHING will stop me now."   Today I met Alaska with her dog Buddy and Leftfield. Alaska is a very nice young lady and we had some nice conversations. She told me of Apple Orchard Falls. So I took the blue blaze side trail a mile off the AT. It was a great waterfall with a nice resting area. I used it to call my Dad on his 75th birthday on the 6/19.
Date: 2008-06-20
From: ridge below High Cock Knob

To: Punchbowl Shelter
Miles today: 19.9
Weather: broken clouds

Thought I was spending my second night in a row alone until a group of 9 boy scouts showed up just before midnight. Their parents came in just after midnight after parking the cars. I pulled one mother aside and asked if they knew that they were starting on 'naked hiker day'? There was an 'oooops' response. Since they were heading south with most traffic heading north toward them, this could have been quite awkward but they seemed to take it in stride.
Date: 2008-06-21
From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter
Miles today: 25.3
Weather: clear sky

The day started great as I harvested 5 mouthfuls of blueberries on the way up the first mountain. They were delicious! Saw some great views of Pedlar Lake and noted nice tenting spots for future reference. Before reaching Brown Mt Shelter I was about to pass over a footbridge over a great stream when I decided to take a dip. There was a great water cascade over some rocks that I plunged under for a hiker's shower. Since it was naked hiker day, I skinny-dipped. Further on I decided to go into Buena Vista since I knew other hikers were already there resupplying. I needed to recharge my cell phone and iPod. I had a great 4 hr break with Charlie, Goose (sick 5 days in the motel), Thor, and Fire Marshall. Once I left town, I turned on the iPod and zoomed up the 3 mile, 2000-ft climb in under 1 hr. Some southbounders saw me flying up the hill and told me not to stop with the pace I was setting but I stopped a minute to chat. I am amazed at how my legs, cardio and overall stamina have improved since the start in Georgia. Before the end of the day I ran into old frined Bruce who was Fedora then Chops then Fedora again then Bruce. He was in his tent when I happened by but I saw a young man and asked if he was thru-hiking. he said 'no' but his brother in the tent had started in Georgia. I asked the man in the tent for his trail name and he said "Guinea Pig". I replied that I had seen his entries in the shelter journals. Just then he popped out and exclaimed "Dah Wah He!" as though: what's the matter with you don't you know me?. I wish he would pick one name and stick with it!The last half hour of the hike was in the dark. I'm not sure I enjoy doing this yet and may wait for the next full moon to try it again.
Date: 2008-06-22
From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: scattered clouds

Climbed "Spy Rock" and with a cell phone signal, called my sister to wish her a happy birthday.Later entered Priest Shelter for a break adn read hilarious "confessions". Had great personal trail magic as Skippy met me at Tye River at rt 56 and brought me a Canada Dry Ginger Ale along with a delicious orange, apple, pineapple and homemade cherry pie. She also hiked in two hours with me before heading back.While at Maupin field shelter with Satchel and Warren, the 3CGs (3 Canadian Girls) hiked in just before dusk and, seeing me for the first time said, "You're Dah Wah He". I asked how they knew that and laughing, they said they read Satchel's 'confession' that read "I love following Dah Wah He up hill when he's wearing his kilt."
Date: 2008-06-23
From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: scattered clouds

Finally reached Waynesboro for a resupply and more fun with friends. Found Borders, Spiller, Thor, Kurt, Paul and Kyle in the YMCA field after getting an easy hitch into town. OK are you ready for this???   Went with the group to shower and swin in the pool. While in the men's locker I found a doctors scale. I started the trail at 220 pounds. The scale read 169!!! A loss of 51 pounds. Now it's not like I haven't been eating well. As a matter of fact on consecutive days I had a bacon double cheesburger with a watermelon arctic freeze and a three-scoop bana split in Bland VA. Then I had a steak and cheese sub, bacon/mushroom pizza, 100 ounces of soda and quart of chcolate milk at Trent's grocery the next day. The following morning I had a rack of donuts, a honey bun and a bottle of juice. At Catawba I had the 'all you can eat' meal consisting of fried chicken, roast beef, green beans, corn, cole slaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, pinto beans and pitchers of lemonade. I put away two full plate loads and three pitchers of lemonade by myself before having the cherry cobbler desert. Once I reached Waynesboro and saw my diminished stature I went with the group to an all you can eat Chinese buffet where I heaped two large platefuls of main course into my belly and then another full plate of deserts with three refills of cola. The next morning before visiting the 'loo', I eighed myself again and have lost two more pounds!!!   HELP ME I'M MELTING!I haven't been 167 pounds since high school. I'm skinny as a rail but feel strong and healthy.
Date: 2008-06-24
From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: few clouds

More trail magic from Skippy. She came to get me at the YMCA tent field and brought me to a Mexican restaurant. We had a nice meal and then were joined by her mother for more conversation. It was a really nice evening. Thanks Skippy!Spent part of the day with Kick-it and Castaway whom I hadn't seen since Erwin TN. Shared a shuttle to and from a Wal-Mart on the outskirts of town. Great to see them again. We shared congratulations on the Celtics championship.
Date: 2008-06-27
From: Tent site beyond Loft Mt Campground.

To: Massanutten VA (Cousin Karen's)
Miles today: 16.3

A SoBo told me of a tree at Blackrock Gap with juicy wild cherries. I filled a water bottle with the delectable delights. Met up with Geoff again who caught up after a brief stop in Waynesboro. Called my cousin Karen once five of us (Borders, Spiller, Geoff, Mississippi Bear and me) reached Swift Run Gap. She wasn't aware that I was on the trail and when she offered to come get me, I had to inform her that I had four hiker buddies with me. She graciously offered to pick us all up and put us up for the night. We were able to shower and launder our clothes before she treated us to an all you can eat buffet in Harrisonburg. What a feast!! Thank you so much Karen!!!It was great catching up with Karen as we chatted until after 2 a.m..
Date: 2008-06-28
From: Massanutten VA (Cousin Karen's)

To: Rock Spring Hut
Miles today: 20.5
Weather: light rain

SPent a packed night with a mixed group of section hikers, day hikers and thru hikers. Charlie and Tower and Pullup caught up to us. Had a campfire and cooked smores using my 'weeny stick'.Geoff and I had 'Yogi'd' some barbecued chicken, soda and potatoes from day campers and packed out the leftovers. The two of us had earlier stopped at Skyline Restaurant and enjoyed the Blackberry Ice Cream pie on advice from Cousin Karen. Wow! What a delicious treat.
Date: 2008-06-30
From: Range View Cabin

To: Budget Inn Front Royal VA
Miles today: 18.3
Weather: broken clouds

On a whim, called Archeopterix from the trail and discovered that he was an hour out of town on his way back from Jersey after a visit with his family. Since I was an hour off the trail head, he offered to pick me up and bring me into town. Before he arrived, I harvested some balck raspberries on the trail and offered them to him. We found an Italian restaurant where I enjoyed a large veal cutlet and pasta dinner. We then found a Mexican restaurant where we enjoyed some margaritas.
Date: 2008-07-01
From: Budget Inn Front Royal VA

To: Rod Hollow Shelter
Miles today: 23.5
Weather: broken clouds

Pusghed a few extra miles and arrived to find a bunch of old friends around a campfire including Downtown Venus, Flip and Flop, Sargent Peppers, Warren (Roadkill), Satchel, and several others. They new it was me arriving as I did my usual "Oh Lucy, I hoome!" entry. I played my iPod which all enjoyed. Next morning several individuals commented about certain songs they had heard while falling asleep including Michael Buble's 'Home'.Called Cousin Debbie from the trail to wish her a happy birthday.
Date: 2008-07-02
From: Rod Hollow Shelter

To: Bear's Den Hostel
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: clear sky

Hosted by RedWing, Hopeful and baby girl Hikelette. What a great hostel. These people are fantastic hosts Really enjoyed my stay. The 3CGs (Mama Maple, Jam and Lily) as well as Archeopterix showed up. Warren called Courtney (a section hiker I met back near Damascus) who came and took the two of us out to dinner. She also brought Warren homemade tollhouse cookies which he shared.
Date: 2008-07-03
From: Bear's Den Hostel

To: Comfort Inn Harper's Ferry WV
Miles today: 20.5

Enjoyed more fruit along the trail including mulberries. Arrived in Harper's Ferry. Got a call from Downtown Venus before arriving. She was looking to get some friends together and find a decent stay. She contacted me, Kickit and Castaway and we found our way to the Comfort Inn. Next day we were shuttled around by Satchel and her husband and found an authentic homemade Italina restaurant. I had homemade crab-stuffed ravioli. We then spent time in town and at a town picnic I ran into fellow high school alum Steve Paradis. Steve (GSB2) hiked the trail in ?'93? and is now affiliated with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harper's Ferry. He graciously put up five of us hikers for the night at his house and brought us to an ATC 4th of july Party along the Potomac. What a great time.BIG milestone...Passed the 1000 mile mark today!
Date: 2008-07-05
From: Comfort Inn Harper's Ferry WV

To: Dahlgren Camping Area
Miles today: 17.3

Best tenting area on the trail so far. Tent pads and showers. Had a great crew including Borders, Spiller, Bear, the 3CGs, Downtown Venus, Pullup, Paul the Canuck, Bear's friend Chuck Norris and new hiker Jaimie.
Date: 2008-07-07
From: rt 16 PA

To: Quarry Gap 
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Had great trail magic as a picnic provided by the Potomac ATC at Caledonia State Park. Moved on to a tent site near the shelter in the woods with Medium Rare, Borders, Spiller, Bear, Hungry, Rodeo, Voodoo and Last Minute.
Date: 2008-07-09
From: woods beyond Pine Grove Furnace.

To: Alec Kennedy Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: moderate rain

Hiked with the 3CGs today. We stopped at a roadside convenience store and I enjoyed an italian sub. We then ended up hiking in the rain. I stopped at 15 miles for the day as my boots were sloshing. Met Lightfoot and Tailgate. The 3Cgs enjoyed my iPod music as we hiked. I played a CD of 'Beyond the Pale' which are a hometown band from Lawrence MA. They felt the music reminded them of their home in Nova Scotia.
Date: 2008-07-11
From: Cove Mt

To: Doyle Hotel Duncannon PA
Miles today: 4.1
Weather: scattered clouds

AMAZING!!! It was Jam's (3CGs) 21st Birthday. More than 30 thru-hikers packed the bar at the hotel and partied until 4am. It was just an incredible time. Everyone was hopping to live music and going wild. Some that attended:Borders, Spiller, Pullup, Mama Maple, Jam, Lily, Downtown Venus, Castaway, Kick-it, Tailgate, Lightfoot, Giggles the Warrior, Nenox, Last Minute, VooDoo, Mala, Durrday Feet, Geoff, Snack, Snap, Wavepool, Rodeo, Achilles, Charlie, Tower ....When the bar closed at 2m we moved the party up to the hotel balcony where an impromptu acapella and percusiion band revelled for a few more hours. I can't believe the police didn't come to break it up.